Ibn Arabi Study-Week Retreat

September 23 – 27, 2016
A study of selected passages from The Word of Ishmael and the Wisdom of the Heart in Ibn Arabi’s Fusus al Hikam
What kind of retreat is it?

 

“Belief, Faith and Imitation: The expansion of the constricted heart”

Ibn ‘Arabi wrote “Retreat brings knowledge of the world” – this beshara course, in the spirit of active and intentional retreat aims to open a space for real knowledge to emerge through focused study, spiritual practice, meditation and work. All of these dimensions are held in equal regard as each is a direct way to be of service to Reality, to our fellow human beings and to the world.

How will the study work?
Study will be of selected passages from ‘The Word of Ishmael’ and ‘The Wisdom of the Heart’ in the Fusus al Hikam which highlight the distinction between “the heart of a thing which is its kernel” and the heart of the knower of God which is “the kernel of the kernel.” The study will also make use of film-clips to illustrate some of the principles those passages explore.
The Fusus al Hikam
This seminal work by Ibn ‘Arabi, dating from the 13th century, describes the meaning of universal human spirituality through the medium of 27 prophetic figures, from Adam through Abraham, Moses and others to Jesus and Mohammed. Ibn ‘Arabi’s aim is to show how each of these luminary figures exemplified a particular wisdom available to mankind; a harmonious vision of reality which integrates differences without destroying them. Themes that arise range from explorations of uniqueness, fate and destiny, the place of worship and devotion, praise and service and the role of mankind. To read this book is to encounter the full scope of what it means to be truly human. This retreat course is intended for people who have some familiarity with Ibn ‘Arabi’s terminology and the central themes of the Fusus al Hikam.
Timetable & Accommodation
The course is a residential retreat, starting on Saturday evening (7pm) and running until after lunch on the following Saturday (2pm). The first day will be a fast day. The timetable will incorporate meditation, study, conversation, devotional practice, private contemplation and service. Visitor accommodation is on the ground and first floor in the converted farm steading, a short walk from the main house. Accommodation is shared, in double or triple rooms. A limited number of single rooms may be available on request. Bed linen and towels are provided. Wash facilities, showers and toilets are grouped together on the ground floor. There is a bathroom suitable for disabled users. There are no bedrooms with ensuite facilities.
Course Facilitator
Avi b&w smThe course will be facilitated by Avi Abadi who has been a student of the work of Muhyiddin Ibn ‘Arabi for many years.
Booking & Fees

£375 including accommodation and all meals. A non-refundable deposit of £60 should be paid when booking. The balance of £315 can be paid once at Chisholme. Note on course fees: There are no standard concessions offered.  However, we try to ensure the course is accessible to those on low incomes. So if you would find the cost prohibitive please write to secretary@chisholme.org to enquire about reduced course fees or bursary possibilities.

To book your place, please email secretary@chisholme.org. Visit the Chisholme Institute website for further details.

The Chisholme Institute

The Chisholme Institute, Roberton, Hawick, Scottish Borders TD9 7PH www.chisholme.org

Love and Knowledge in the Light of Unity | the Direct Path

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14th – 16th February 2025
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10 x bi-weekly online sessions
27th February – 3rd July 2025
Thursday evenings, 19:00–20:30 GMT/BST

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 understand oneself and the world in the light of the Unity of Existence.

Contact: besharacourses3@beshara.org

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Meditation and poetry workshops 

Fortnightly from 18th January – 29th March
Saturdays: 10:00am – 11:30pm (GMT)
or
Fortnightly from 25th January – 5th April
Saturdays: 10am – 11:30am (Pacific Time), 12:00pm-13:30 (Central Time), and 5:00pm-6:30pm (UK time).

Meditation workshops following a format of reading some lines of poetry with contemplative meditation and shared reflections. There are a few places left.

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An interactive seminar

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14:00–17:00 BST
The October Gallery, London

An afternoon devoted to discussion of the question: what is the knowledge we can attain if we contemplate the person of Jesus and his function and role in the world of humanity?

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Thursdays, 19:30 – 21:00 GMT

A new 28-day intensive online course combining daily (individual or group) meditation, study and contemplation.

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Weekly from November 1st, 2024
Fridays 18:00–19:30 GMT

Weekly from November 24th, 2024
Sundays 13:00–14:30 PST (timed for US and Pacific Rim)
Mondays 8:00 – 09:30 AEDT

Weekly from November 12th, 2024
Tuesdays 21:00–22:00 GMT
Note: this group will be studying the Twenty-Nine Pages only

Online study of texts that form an introduction to Muhyiddin ‘Ibn ‘Arabi‘s metaphysics of Unity

Contact: Michael Cohen, london@beshara.org

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A Comprehensive Beshara Course for Young Adults

1st October – 3rd December 2024
Weekly on Tuesdays, 19:00 – 20:30 GMT/BST
Online via Zoom

This is a new, pilot course for young people offering participants an opportunity to explore and make sense of the world around and within them. It is designed as a voyage of discovery toward a more fulfilled life. The course addresses the whole person – body, mind and spirit – by drawing on a wide range of sources and techniques.

Contact: besharacourses3@beshara.org

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An interactive seminar

Saturday 20th July 2024
14:00–17:00 BST
The October Gallery, London

Union is the only remedy for separation
Those who do not attain Union cannot be at peace. (Mehmed Muhyiddin Üftāde)

We shall investigate the theme of Union as exemplified in the writings of Muhyiddin Ibn Arabi, Üftāde, Bulent Rauf and others.

This is an interactive seminar facilitated by students of Beshara.

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Weekly on Saturdays (USA)
19:00–20:30 CDT online via Zoom

Weekly on  Sundays (Australia)
10:00–11:30 AEST online via Zoom

An opportunity to study and explore a recent translation of a seminal work of Muhyiddin Ibn ‘Arabi from his famous Meccan Illuminations (al-Futūḥāt al-Makkiyya).

This study group is timed for participants in the Pacific Rim.

Contact: Mary Boyd-Brent, mboydb3.11@gmail.com

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Learning from Ibn ‘Arabi

Saturday 20th April 2024
14:00–17:00 BST
The October Gallery, London

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Weekly on Saturdays
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: The Secrets of Voyaging (Kitab al-Isfār ‛an natā’ij al-asfār).

Contact: Michael Cohen, london@beshara.org