Discovering Unity

The Heart of the Masnavi

A n interactive talk by Alan Williams

10th October 2026
14:00–17:00 BST
The October Gallery, London

Book Three of Rumi’s Masnavi is generally regarded as his most profound. It can be regarded as its heart, where Rumi does not mince his words. Alan will discuss the perplexities and challenges of what some say is ‘beyond the reader’s comprehension’ (not Alan’s view).

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

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

A Guide to Dante’s Inferno for the Intrepid Traveller

Saturday 25th July 2026
14:00–17:00 BST
The October Gallery, London

A talk by Robert-Louis Abrahamson.

Contact: Michael Cohen  london@beshara.org

Monday 13th April, 2026
From 17:30 BST

An ongoing open, creative discussion space and e-gathering for sharing thoughts and contributing to the development of Beshara. Please join us in exchanging ideas, having meaningful discussions, the chance to be heard and the chance to listen and for understanding to develop and flourish.

Saturday 11th April 2026
14:00–17:00 BST
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

Weekly on Saturdays (starting March 2026)
13:30–15:30 GMT online via Zoom

An opportunity to study and explore a recent translation of a seminal work of Muhyiddin Ibn ‘Arabi: Contemplation of the Holy Mysteries.

Contact: Michael Cohen, london@beshara.org

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

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.

Contact: Michael Cohen  london@beshara.org

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

Saturday 29th November 2025
14:00–17:00 GMT
The October Gallery, London

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.

Contact: Michael Cohen  london@beshara.org