The Alchemy of Human Happiness
December 7th, 2019 (2–5pm)
Venue: Rudolf Steiner House, 35 Park Road, London NW1 6XT
An introduction to a new translation of a core chapter from Muhyiddin Ibn ‘Arabi’s Futūḥāt al-Makkiyya with the translator, Stephen Hirtenstein.
Event Description
The quest for happiness and fulfilment lies at the very heart of human life, but for Ibn ʿArabi there is a realm beyond our ordinary understanding of happiness, where the human stands truly fulfilled, in vision of Reality. This is a goal within the potential of every person.
‘Not everyone who has found happiness is accorded perfection, for while all who are perfect are happy, not every happy one is perfect. Perfection means reaching and joining with the highest degree, and that is assuming the likeness of the Source.’
In this first English translation of chapter 167 from the famous Meccan Illuminations (al-Futūḥāt al-Makkiyya), Ibn ʿArabi comprehensively summarises all his major teachings on human perfectibility and true happiness. Using the imagery of alchemy and ascension, he gives the reader an extraordinary insight into the spiritual journey by contrasting two ways of acquiring knowledge: the rational and the mystical.
Facilitator
Stephen Hirtenstein has been editor of the Journal of the Muhyiddin Ibn ʿArabi Society since its inception in 1982, and is a co-founder of Anqa Publishing.
He read History at King’s College, Cambridge, and then studied at the Beshara School of Intensive Esoteric Education in Gloucestershire and Scotland. After a teaching career, he began writing and giving talks on Ibn ʿArabi’s thought at conferences across the world.
In addition to lecturing and writing, he organises and leads tours in the footsteps of Ibn ʿArabi.
He currently works as a Senior Editor for the Institute of Ismaili Studies in London, and lives in Worcestershire.
Booking & Fees
Cost: £8 + £1.54 registration fee from Eventbrite
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-alchemy-of-human-happiness-tickets-79450236797
Or from Facebook
Entry by ticket – refreshments provided
Enquiries:
Michael Cohen at london@beshara.org or 020 8300 7928
