Essential Rumi

Weekly on Tuesdays from 21st September, 2021
19:30 – 21:00 BST/GMT

A 6-week course focusing on the poetry of Jelaluddin Rumi.

Course Details

This course will explore the poetry of Rumi under various themes through reading and discussion.

Meditation in your own space and time is recommended before and after each weekly Zoom session.

Fees
The course is free but participants are required to have a copy of The Essential Rumi, translated by Coleman Barks. ISBN: 978-006-250-9598

The book can be purchased from Blackwells and other good booksellers.

Click here to purchase a copy from Blackwells

Please contact besharacourses@beshara.org to apply for a place on the course.

Places are limited, so please ensure you are able to attend the sessions before committing to the course.

These sessions are supported and sponsored by The Beshara Trust.

Synopsis of The Essential Rumi

This revised and expanded edition of The Essential Rumi includes a new introduction by Coleman Barks and more than 80 never-before-published poems.

Through his lyrical translations, Coleman Barks has been instrumental in bringing this exquisite literature to a remarkably wide range of readers, making the ecstatic, spiritual poetry of thirteenth-century Sufi Mystic Rumi more popular than ever.

The Essential Rumi continues to be the best selling of all Rumi books, and the definitive selection of his beautiful, mystical poetry.

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. 

Ibn ‘Arabi Study Afternoon

July 7, 2018 (2–5pm)
The October Gallery, London, UK

An afternoon seminar on the chapter on Solomon from Ibn ‘Arabi’s Fusus al-Hikam (The Bezels of Wisdom).

Bewildered: The Mystical Love Poetry of Ibn ‘Arabi

February 16, 2019 (2–5pm)
The October Gallery, London

Introducing a new English translation of Ibn ‘Arabi’s extraordinary cycle of mystical poetry Tarjumān al-Ashwāq (Translation of Desires) with publisher, Simone Fattal.

Discovering Unity: introductory weekend

June 24 – 26, 2016

Discover more about yourself and the world around you through group study, conversation and meditation in a beautiful and peaceful environment.  

Mindfulness and Self Discovery Retreat Course

October 1 – November 25, 2018
Chisholme Institute, Scottish Borders, UK

‘This being human is a guest-house. Every morning a new arrival…‘  An 8-week in-depth foundation in mindfulness with 7-day retreat.

Bulent Rauf

The Writings of Bulent Rauf

Saturday, 8th October 2022
14:00–17:00 BST
The October Gallery, London UK

An afternoon devoted to contemplative reading of some of the writings and talks of Bulent Rauf.

Cuthbert of Farne

May 12, 2019 (6pm)
The Cornucopia Room, Scottish Borders, UK

Book launch with author Katharine Tiernan

The Alchemy of Human Happiness

December 7th, 2019 (2–5pm)
Rudolf Steiner House, London UK

An introduction to a new translation of a core chapter from Muhyiddin Ibn ‘Arabi’s Futūḥāt al-Makkiyya with the translator, Stephen Hirtenstein.

The Secret of God's Most Beautiful Names

The Secret of God’s Most Beautiful Names

Weekly from Saturday 26th April 2025 (USA) / Sunday 27th April 2025 (Australia)

Weekly on Saturdays (USA)
18:00–19:30 CDT online via Zoom

Weekly on  Sundays (Australia)
09:00–10:30 AEST online via Zoom

An opportunity to study and explore a recent translation of a seminal work of Muhyiddin Ibn ‘Arabi. Participation is free but it will be necessary to purchase the book.

This is an existing study group timed for participants in the Pacific Rim. There is room for a few additional participants who would like to join the group.

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

More Intimate Dialogues with Reality

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

Ibn ‘Arabi Study Retreat: Prostration and Praise

August 5 – 12, 2017
Chisholme Institute, Scottish Borders, UK

Servanthood as the ultimate affirmation of the unity of being.

Jesus Across Space and Time

An interactive seminar

Saturday 30th November 2024
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?