“Staff in hand”: selected poems of ‘Attar

Saturday 4th June, 2022
19:00 – 20:30 AEST / 10:00 – 11:30 BST

An exploration of a selection of poems by Farid al-Din ‘Attar translated by Ken Avery from the Farsi (Persian).

Contact: markvtemple@gmail.com

Event Description

“The great 13th century Sufi poet Farid al-Din ‘Attar is renowned as an author of superb short lyrics written in the Persian language. Dealing with themes of love, passion and mysticism, the versions presented in this book – Fifty poems of ‘Attar – are the first sustained offerings of ‘Attar’s lyric poetry in English. Award-winning Iranian-born poet, Ali Alizadeh, and Persian specialist, Kenneth Avery, have collaborated on this project which aims to bring this remarkably vigorous yet subtle poetry to an English reading audience.”

The session will last 90 minutes. Ken Avery will be present to participate in the conversation. Reading materials will be provided.

Booking

Cost: FREE via Zoom

Contact: markvtemple@gmail.com

A pdf of the selected poems translated by Ken Avery will be sent to participants on confirmation of attendance along with a Zoom link to join.

Intimate Dialogues with Reality

Saturday April 22nd, 2023
14:00 – 17:00 BST
October Gallery, London, UK

Reading and contemplation of some of Niffari’s “Spiritual Addresses” in English translation, exploring their relevance to us in the present moment.

 

God's Own Being 246

Colours to the Mast

Weekly on Mondays
19:00–20:00 AEST

A series of online sessions exploring creativity and meaning through Poetry, Writing, Images & Song.

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May 25, 2019 (2–4pm)
The Cornucopia Room, Scottish Borders
and
June 1, 2019 (2.30–4.30pm)
Mulberry House, Edinburgh

A talk by Janet Bowers exploring and embracing death as one of the most essential aspects of our humanity from a psychological and spiritual perspective.

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14th October 2022 – 20th December 2022
20:00–21:15 BST/GMT

An online Beshara course exploring a spiritual life in the contemporary world.

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April 27 – June 15, 2017
Oxford, UK

“Who in the world am I. Ah, that’s the great puzzle” Lewis Carrol. A seven week introductory evening course with weekly meetings.

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September 23 – 27, 2016

A five-day study tour in the North of England led by Katharine Tiernan

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February 17, 2018 (2–5pm)
The October Gallery, London, UK

The next in a series of study afternoons in London on the work of the great spiritual teacher Muhyiddin Ibn ‘Arabi.

Jelaluddin Rumi

One Light: Jelaluddin Rumi

May 4, 2017
The Nomads Tent, Edinburgh, UK

An informal evening dinner followed by the poetry and stories of Jelaluddin Rumi with storytellers Ashley Ramsden and Flora Pethybridge.

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December 14 – 16, 2016

A conference at the University of Glasgow seeking to renew the comparative study of mysticism

Finding happiness and purpose in today’s world

A Blended Learning Course for Young Adults

Part 1: Introductory in-person weekend at Colet House in London
27th – 28th September 2025
(Attendance Face-to-Face or by Zoom)

Followed by.
Part 2: 10 weekly online sessions
6th October – 8th December 2025
Weekly on Mondays, 19:00-20:30pm BST/GMT

This is a course for young people who want make sense of the world and their place in it. It is designed as a voyage of discovery toward a more meaningful life. The course addresses the whole person – body, mind and spirit – by drawing on a rich range of wisdoms and techniques. Building on the successful pilot offered last year, the course invites anyone with curiosity and a desire to lead a more fulfilling life. The course begins with an introductory weekend in London and is then followed by ten weekly online sessions.

Contact: besharacourses4@beshara.org

This course has now been postponed to 2026. Date to be confirmed.

Mystics and Scientists Conference

40th Mystics and Scientists Conference

April 7 – 9, 2017

The continuing quest for unity and integration. How we are reconciling science and spirituality. Organised by The Scientific and Medical Network. Venue: De Vere Horsley Estate, Surrey.

Ibn ‘Arabi Study Retreat: Abraham and Isaac

September 4 – 10, 2017
Chisholme Institute, Scottish Borders, UK

Study of chapters from Part One of the new, fully annotated translation of the ‘Fusus al-Hikam’ (2018).