Ibn 'Arabi Study-retreat with Avi Abadi

Saturday, 16th July, 2016 19:00
Saturday, 23rd July, 2016 14:00

Belief, Faith and Imitation: The expansion of the constricted heart

A study of selected passages from Ibn 'Arabi's Fusus al Hikam: from The Word of Ishmael and The Wisdom of the Heart

What kind of retreat is it?
Ibn 'Arabi wrote "Retreat brings knowledge of the world" - this Beshara 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 and work. 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.

How will the study work?
Study will be of selected passages from The Word of Ishmael and The Wisdom of the Heart in Ibn 'Arabi's Fusus al Hikam which highlight the distinction between 'the heart of a thing which is its kernel' and the heart of the knower of God which is 'the kernel of the kernel.' The study will also make use of film-clips to illustrate some of the principles those passages explore.

The Fusus al Hikam
This seminal work by Ibn 'Arabi, dating from the 13th century, describes the meaning of universal human spirituality through the medium of 27 prophetic figures, from Adam through Abraham, Moses and others to Jesus and Mohammed. Ibn 'Arabi's aim is to show how each of these luminary figures exemplified a particular wisdom available to mankind; a harmonious vision of reality which integrates differences without destroying them. Themes that arise range from explorations of uniqueness, fate and destiny, the place of worship and devotion, praise and service and the role of mankind. To read this book is to encounter the full scope of what it means to be truly human. This retreat course is intended for people who have some familiarity with Ibn 'Arabi's terminology and the central themes of the Fusus al Hikam.

The course will be facilitated by Avi Abadi who has been a student of the work of Muhyiddin Ibn ‘Arabi for many years.

Time Table and Accommodation
The course is a residential retreat, starting on Saturday evening at 7pm and running until after lunch on the following Saturday (2pm). The first day will be a fast day. The timetable will incorporate meditation, study, conversation, devotional practice, private contemplation and service.

Visitor accommodation is on the ground and first floor in the converted farm steading, a short walk from the main house. Accommodation is shared, in double or triple rooms. A limited number of single rooms may be available on request. Bed linen and towels are provided. Wash facilities, showers and toilets are grouped together on the ground floor. There is a bathroom suitable for disabled users. There are no bedrooms with ensuite facilities.

Cost
£375 including accommodation and all meals. A non-refundable deposit of £60 should be paid when booking. The balance of £315 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 get in touch to enquire about reduced 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.

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