Jami: Lawa‛ih (Flashes)
Weekly on Saturdays from 27th August, 2022
13:30–15:30 BST
Online study of the Lawa’ih (“Flashes”) by Jami, an exposition in poetry and prose of the Unity of Existence as expressed in the work of Ibn ‘Arabi and his school.
Description
Nūr ad-Dīn ‘Abd ar-Rahmān Jāmī (1419-1492) was one of the great Sufi mystics of central Asia. His Lawa’ih is an exposition in Persian poetry and prose on the theme of the Unity of Existence as expressed in the work of Ibn ‘Arabi’.
Jami says: “This is a treatise entitled Lawa’ih (‘Flashes of Light’), explanatory of the intuitions and verities displayed on the pages of the hearts and minds of people of insight and divine knowledge, and of those who enjoy spiritual raptures and ecstasies. It is written in suitable language adorned with pleasing explanations. I trust that readers will hold of no account the personality of the author of this commentary and will refrain from taking their seats upon the carpet of cavilling and animadversion. For the author plays only the part of interpreter in the following discussions, his sole function is that of mouthpiece, and nothing else.”
In these meetings we shall be reading and contemplating this work in a classic English translation of E.H. Whinfield. The study material will be supplied. The number of sessions is uncertain.
Note: this is an existing study group and the number of available places is limited.
These sessions are supported and sponsored by The Beshara Trust.
The Masnavi of Rumi Book 3
Weekly from 19th November 2026
Thursdays 20:30–21:30 GMT
An exploration of Book Three of Jalaladdin Rumi’s Masnavi will begin in November on Zoom. To enrol in the group please contact John Brown at: besharacourses@beshara.org.
The Heart of the Masnavi
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).
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
© The Beshara Trust (UK) 2022. All rights reserved