The Ways of the Heart IV: Praise and Service

This course draws inspiration from a question asked by Bayazid al-Bastami and the response he received. Bayazid was an 11th century Sufi mystic from Bastam in north-central Iran.

He asked:
‘With what can I draw close to You?’
(The answer received) ‘With that which does not belong to Me, humility and dependence.’

The course will last 28 days to mirror the lunar calendar, which follows the moon as it passes through the lunar mansions.

Aim of the course

The Ways of the Heart courses are designed to develop an understanding of the deepest aspects of the human being. We are looking to awaken the identity that the 13th Century poet and mystic Jalāluddīn Rūmī voiced as: “I am not of the East nor of the West. My place is the placeless, my trace is the traceless,” and also when he says: “I am pure Light.”

Who is this course for?

This course is open to all. All that is asked is to participate in the spirit of Shunryü Suzuki’s ‘Beginner’s mind’.

The Ways of the Heart is for those who want to discover an all-inclusive point of view. This perspective could be considered to be like a view from above the apex of a pyramid, encompassing the many routes up from the base, as well as the apex itself.

“We are not here to look and search for God; we are committed to seeing God’s vision of Himself.“
– Bulent Rauf, consultant to Beshara (1971-1987)

Course Programme

The course has two themes drawing from Bayazid al-Bastami’s question.

Theme 1 – The Gift of Praise and Prayer
Theme 2 – Service and the Responsibility of Being Human

• Study and discussion of various texts on the themes via a 90-minute Zoom session each week (total of five sessions). Study texts will be sent a few days before each weekly Zoom session.
• Morning or evening meditation for 30 minutes daily (on Zoom or private). There will be two group meditation opportunities per day on Zoom.
• Workbooks with daily contemplation and quotes for reflection or action from various wisdom traditions following the 28-day lunar calendar.
• (Optional) Zikr – a spiritual practice of remembrance – on 17th December, which is Jelaluddin Rumi’s nuptial night. This will be held on Zoom at 21:00.

Course materials

• Two workbooks with daily quotes on Praise or Service for contemplation.
• A simple daily task to undertake in awareness.
• A chart of the 28 mansions of the moon.
• Meditation suggestions on dedication and posture.

Course support

Each Zoom seminar will have two facilitators to guide and support the understanding of content and its relevance to everyday life. Participants are urged to fully engage with the materials and complete the workbooks provided on the two course themes.

Facilitators: Khabira Markson & John Brown