COURSES
Üftade: The Nightingale in the Garden of Love
Weekly on Saturdays/Sundays
Saturday 18:00–19:00 CDT
Sunday 09:00–10:00 AEST
A reading group for online study of the spiritual poems of Üftade, one of the greatest Ottoman Sufi masters, in English translation from The Nightingale in the Garden of Love.
Course Description
The Nightingale in the Garden of Love is a translation of the spiritual poems of one of the greatest Ottoman Sufi masters, Mehmed Muhyīddīn Üftade (1490–1580). Üftade was born and lived in the town of Bursa, a hugely important spiritual centre at the height of the Ottoman Empire. He was founder of one of its main dervish orders, the Jelvetiyye, through the training of his famous disciple, ‘Aziz Mahmūd Hüdäyi. In addition, Üftade composed a collection of poems, which express his spiritual quest in simple, direct and wonderfully human language.
Paul Ballanfat’s introduction provides a detailed overview of the main features of Üftade’s life and teachings. Particularly prominent in Üftade’s teaching was the thought of “the greatest master” Muhyiddin Ibn ‘Arabi, and of Mevlana Jalâluddīn Rūmī. Üftade had a direct spiritual connection with both of these extraordinary men and an intense veneration for both of them.
Participants will be expected to purchase the book – it is available in paperback from the publisher, Anqa Publishing [/].
And it is also available from Amazon, as an ebook or paperback:
Amazon.com
Amazon.com.au
MORE COURSES
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.
The Nightingale in the Garden of Love
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
The Practical Wisdom of Ibn ‘Arabi
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
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.
Daily Meditation
From 6th January 2025
07:30–08:00 GMT
Daily 30-minute silent meditation beginning with a dedication of intent and ending. All welcome.
Contact: John Brown at besharacourses@beshara.org for a Zoom invite
© The Beshara Trust (UK) 2022. All rights reserved