EVENT
Intimate Dialogues with Reality
Saturday 29th November 2025
14:00–17:00 GMT
The October Gallery, London
A seminar on the writings of Al-Niffari
Contemplative reading of some of Niffari’s “Spiritual Addresses” in a new English translation by Angela Jaffray, and exploration of their relevance to us in the present moment.
How to Book
Cost: £10 + £1.63 registration fee.
Entry by ticket from Eventbrite
Enquiries: Michael Cohen at london@beshara.org
Description
Intimate Dialogues with Reality
A seminar on the writings of al-Niffari
Little is known of the life of the 10th century mystic Muhammad Ibn ‘Abdi-‘l Jabbar al-Niffari. He was born in the marshlands of the Euphrates and remained a solitary wanderer all his life, shunning the company of others. His visionary insights, which he wrote down on scraps of paper, were only collected into book form after his death. In his “Spiritual Addresses” and “Stayings” can be found essential intuitions about the spiritual quest, expressed in extraordinarily direct yet subtle language. Compared with other mystical writings there are few time-bound cultural references in his work and this gives to the writings of Niffari a very contemporary feel.
In this seminar we shall be reading and contemplating some of Niffari’s “Spiritual Addresses” in English translation, and exploring their relevance to us in the present moment.
We shall be using a new translation of Angela Jaffray, who will be participating via Zoom.
Some extracts from Niffari’s writings in an older translation are here.
The October Gallery,
24 Old Gloucester Street
London
WC1N 3AL
Refreshments Provided
MORE COURSES
Kernel of the Kernel
Weekly from 19th September 2026
Saturdays 14:00–15:00 GMT
Online study of The Kernel of the Kernel, a selection of key passages from Muhyiddin Ibn ‘Arabi’s Futūḥāt al-Makkiyyah, translated into Turkish with commentary by Ismail Hakki Bursevi (1652-1728AD). Translated into English by Bulent Rauf.
Love and Knowledge in the Light of Unity | the Direct Path
The Beshara Foundation Blended Learning Course
Part 1: Introductory weekend at Sutton Courtenay Abbey, Oxfordshire
16th – 18th October 2026
(Attendance Face-to-Face or by Zoom)
Followed by.
Part 2: 10 fortnightly online sessions
29th October 2026 – 18th March 2027
Thursday evenings, 19:00 – 20:30 GMT/BST
Part 3: Optional residential weekend and/or 10 days at Chisholme House, Scotland 1st–11th April 2027
This course provides a full introduction to the principles of Beshara in terms of both knowledge and practice. Taking the metaphysics of Muhyiddin Ibn ‘Arabi as a starting point, the course explores what it means to know oneself and the world in the light of the Unity of Existence.
BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW
Contact: besharacourses3@beshara.org
Mystics and Metaphysicians, East and West, Past and Present – and Future
An online course presented by Jim Griffin
Fortnightly from October 2026 – May 2027
Saturdays: 10:00am – 12:00pm (UK time)
or
Saturdays: 5:00pm-7:00pm (UK time)
Workshop series following a format of reading with contemplative meditation and shared reflections.
“The traditions of the past are very great in their own place, in the past, but I do not see why we should merely repeat them and not go further. In the spiritual development of the consciousness upon earth the great past ought to be followed by a greater future.”
Sri Aurobindo
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
© The Beshara Trust (UK) 2022. All rights reserved