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
Open meeting, people sat together on the ground in a circle

Open Meetings

Monday 13th April, 2026
From 17:30 GMT

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.

Avalon art song

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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

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Contemplation of the Holy Mysteries

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

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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

St Martin and the beggar

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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

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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

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. 

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A Blended Learning Course for Young Adults

Part 1: Introductory in-person weekend at Colet House in London
27th – 28th September 2025
(Attendance Face-to-Face or by Zoom)

Followed by.
Part 2: 10 weekly online sessions
6th October – 8th December 2025
Weekly on Mondays, 19:00-20:30pm BST/GMT

This is a course for young people who want make sense of the world and their place in it. It is designed as a voyage of discovery toward a more meaningful life. The course addresses the whole person – body, mind and spirit – by drawing on a rich range of wisdoms and techniques. Building on the successful pilot offered last year, the course invites anyone with curiosity and a desire to lead a more fulfilling life. The course begins with an introductory weekend in London and is then followed by ten weekly online sessions.

Contact: besharacourses4@beshara.org

This course has now been postponed to 2026. Date to be confirmed.

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

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
10th – 12th October 2025
(Attendance Face-to-Face or by Zoom)

Followed by.
Part 2: 10 fortnightly evening zoom meetings
23rd October 2025 – 26th March 2026
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 know oneself and the world in the light of the Unity of Existence.

BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW

Contact: besharacourses3@beshara.org

Angel of Revelation, William Blake

William Blake and the Rediscovery of the Imagination

Saturday 25th October 2025
14:00–17:00 GMT
The October Gallery, London

“Nature is imagination itself!” declared Blake – also realising that imagination is divine.

Contact: Michael Cohen  london@beshara.org