Self-knowledge? Unity of Existence? Truth? Love? Beauty?

October 8 – January 28, 2017

What is the single most important point that must be understood by a person who wants to know?

A series of seven themed explorations at the Salisbury Centre, Edinburgh.

Event Description

Each session will incorporate study, meditation and group discussion, allowing
 all the participants to share their experiences and their insights. Although each session is complete in itself, attending more sessions may help to develop a deeper awareness of ‘the single most important point’. Everyone is invited to develop their own understanding of the question posed by the series title, and of the course materials.

Two facilitators will guide and support the course participants in their understanding
 of the content and its relevance to their lives.

The themes of the seven sessions will be:

 

  • One Existence
  • Union
  • Knowledge
  • Love
  • Service
  • Education
  • Integration
Dates, Venue, Booking

Dates:

8 & 22 October, 2017
12 & 26 November, 2017

10 December, 2017
14 & 28 January, 2018

ie. the second and fourth Sunday of the month from 8 October to 28 January

Time: 11.00am –1.00pm

Venue:
The Wellspring Room
The Salisbury Centre 
2 Salisbury Road
Edinburgh EH16 2AB

Booking :
£5 per session or by donation
To reserve a place please contact Lyndon Antle – lyndonantle@hotmail.com


This course is supported and sponsored by The Beshara Trust
, a UK educational charity founded in 1971. Reg. nos. 296769 England & Wales, SC039933 Scotland.

Salisbury Centre, Edinburgh

The Salisbury Centre, 2 Salisbury Rd, Edinburgh EH16 5AB, UK

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).

The Kernel 246

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

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

Dante and Virgil approach the river Acheron; Charon raises an oar against a group of souls; Charon ferries souls; Charon ferries Dante and Virgil; a monk

Going Through Hell

A Guide to Dante’s Inferno for the Intrepid Traveller

Saturday 25th July 2026
14:00–17:00 BST
The October Gallery, London

A talk by Robert-Louis Abrahamson.

Contact: Michael Cohen  london@beshara.org

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

Open Meetings

Monday 13th April, 2026
From 17:30 BST

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

The Nightingale in the Garden of Love

Saturday 11th April 2026
14:00–17:00 BST
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

Contemplation of the Holy Mysteries

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

More Intimate Dialogues with Reality

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

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

Intimate Dialogues with Reality

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