Ibn 'Arabi Study Retreat

Saturday, 21st January, 2017 19:00
Saturday, 28th January, 2017 14:00

The Wisdom of Subûḥiyah - The Glorious Perfection of Wisdom in the Word of Noah

from Ibn ‘Arabi’s Fusus al Ḥikam (The Gemstones of Wisdom)
The reading week will be facilitated by Rachel Ḥamida Gordin

What is the special flavor of the Subûḥ (praising God beyond that by which they qualify Him)? How can seemingly blameworthy attributes like being deaf, blind, and irrevocably lost, be seen as a state of the highest intimacy with God? What is the place of ḥayra - bewilderment - in Ibn 'Arabi's perception, and how can the world situation today be seen in this light? What does it mean to be "without quality" and is it desirable?

These are some of the issues that the chapter of Noah touches on. It will be read in the recent translation into English by Stephen Hirtenstein, with some references to the commentary in the edition of the Fusus, rendered into English by Bulent Rauf.

The ‘Fusus al-Hikam’, or ‘Bezels of Wisdom’, is a major work by Ibn 'Arabi dating from the 13th century. Its theme is the Infinite Wisdom that is at once unique in itself and many faceted in its representation in the line of prophets from Adam to Mohammed. It is simultaneously an explanation of the profoundest meaning of human existence and the possibility of its realisation.
Read more about the Fusus al Ḥikam

Rachel (Ḥamida) Gordin was born and grew up in Israel and currently lives in Tel Aviv. For twenty years she worked for "Ha'aretz" newspaper as film critic, and than changed to treating the body. She has written and published three small books in Hebrew, the third of which is about the teachings of Ibn 'Arabi, called Angels do not Dream. She is one of many Israelis who found the universality of Ibn 'Arabi to be a gateway to a wider definition of identity - as a human being, beyond nationality, religion, gender or profession.

What kind of retreat is it?
Ibn Arabi wrote "Retreat brings knowledge of the world". This course, in the spirit of active and intentional retreat aims to open a space for real knowledge to emerge through focused study, spiritual practice, meditation, work and private contemplation. All of these dimensions are held in equal regard as each is a direct way to be of service to Reality, to our fellow human beings and to the world.

Accommodation and time table
The course is a residential retreat, starting on Saturday evening (7pm) and running until after lunch on the following Saturday (2pm). The first day will be a fast day.

Location
Chisholme House is set on a beautiful estate in the moors of the Scottish Borders, an hour from Edinburgh, Newcastle and Carlisle. The main house looks out over glorious landscaped grounds, and woods of native trees encircle the estate.

Cost
Shared accommodation (double or triple bedroom) £325
Single room accommodation (when available £375)
This includes accommodation and all meals. A non-refundable deposit of £60 should be paid when booking. The balance can be paid once at Chisholme.

Note on course fees: There are no standard concessions offered. However, we try to ensure the course is accessible to those on low incomes. So if you would find the cost prohibitive please write to secretary@chisholme.org to enquire about reduced course fees or bursary possibilities.

Meals
The Chisholme kitchen provides food in keeping with the spiritual and material aims of its education. Chisholme is not vegetarian but meat is prepared with the deepest respect for its benefit and origin. Meanwhile vegetarian dishes comprise the majority of the food served and are always available as an option. Special diets can be catered for where there is a medical reason. Please let us know your needs when you book your stay.

Booking
Book online at the top of the page or email info@chisholme.org
Tel +44 (0)1450 880215

Practical information about staying at Chisholme, click here..

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.