COURSES
Gustav Klimt

Tree of Life by Gustav Klimt

Exploring the meaning of ‘Know Yourself’ according to five wisdom traditions

27th September – 6th December 2023
Fortnightly Zoom sessions, 19:00–20:30 BST/GMT

This course offers the opportunity to reflect on the meaning of what it is to Know Yourself in the mirror of five Ancient Wisdom traditions and to explore their relevance to each of us and to the current modern era.

How to Book

Cost £10 donation (towards administrative costs)
https://beshara.org/donate-21

This course is now full. If you would like to join a waiting list for the next one, please contact admin@beshara.org

Please note the course is limited to 18 participants.

Course Details

The course will explore the wisdom traditions of Chinese Taoism, Ancient Greek philosophy, Indian Advaita Vedanta, Christian wisdom & Islamic mysticism.

Session dates:
27th September
11th October
25th October
8th November
22nd November
6th December

Material will be sent 2 weeks in advance of each session. During each session a short passage will be read followed by a short meditation and then discussion.

The first session will start 15 mins earlier at 18:45 GMT to allow time for participants to introduce themselves. The final session will be for summary reflections.

Course facilitators: Janet Bowers & Daniel Hirtenstein

Janet has studied with the Beshara School over a period of many years. For the past twenty years she has been a Core Process psychotherapist in private practice. Core Process Psychotherapy is a Buddhist-based mindfulness approach.

Daniel has a Masters degree in Arabic & Persian from Edinburgh University, and completed both 6-month retreat courses at Chisholme House in 1999-2001. He currently works for Cornucopia, who primarily publish books and magazines on Turkey and the Turkish-speaking world. Daniel was a Beshara Trustee for several years, was webmaster for the Beshara Magazine and now manages the Beshara website team.

MORE COURSES

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Monday 13th April, 2026
From 17:30 GMT

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The Nightingale in the Garden of Love

Saturday 7th March 2026
14:00–17:00 GMT
The October Gallery, London

Contemplative reading of the spiritual poems of one of the greatest Ottoman Sufi masters, Mehmed Muhyīddīn Üftade (1490-1580).

Contact: Michael Cohen  london@beshara.org

The Practical Wisdom of Ibn ‘Arabi

13th January – 3rd March, 2026
Tuesdays at 19:00 – 21:00 GMT (8 sessions)

Exploring Ibn ‘Arabi’s great metaphysical vision and its many implications for our conduct in everyday life. No previous knowledge is required, all texts provided.

This course is now fully booked. To join a reserve list or to receive notification of a future possible iteration of the course, email besharacourses3@beshara.org

Interweavings: Christian and Sufi Threads in a Divine Tapestry

Poetry and meditation workshops 

Fortnightly from 11th October – 21st February
Saturdays: 10:00am – 11:30pm (UK time)
or
Fortnightly from 1st November – 14th March
Saturdays: 5:00pm-6:30pm (UK time)

Workshop series following a format of reading lines of poetry with contemplative meditation and shared reflections. 

Daily Meditation

From 6th January 2025
07:30–08:00 GMT

Daily 30-minute silent meditation beginning with a dedication of intent and ending. All welcome.

Contact: John Brown at besharacourses@beshara.org for a Zoom invite

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