Advertorial: The Beshara School

Since its foundation in 1975 residential courses, ranging from weekends to 6 months, have run continuously at the Beshara School at the Chisholme Institute in the Scottish Borders, and also, more recently, in locations worldwide.

The School is fully accredited by the British Accreditation Council

Why an education in Self Knowledge?

At the Beshara School we consider an education in self knowledge, in whatever guise and wherever it takes place, to be at the core of a sustainable human presence on this earth.

An education in self-knowledge takes us back to the very root of our search for understanding and is the underlying principle of education per se.

This is made clear by the fact that the most fundamental questions we can ask are those such as: “Who am I?” and, “what am I doing here?”

Such questions arise naturally in us because we are human beings and have nothing to do with our specific cultural or historical backgrounds. In this way they are potentially very radical, challenging our preconceptions about ourselves and the universe around us while at the same time exposing the more sustainable and creative roots of our nature.

The Beshara School has evolved over 35 years specifically in order to help nurture, refine and address these kinds of questions, and to research their personal and cultural implications.

“We have found through practice that when people come together with a real question, to discuss and converse together as a single body, the very oneness that is our common foundation can express itself through us and as us, all together. And that it is from here that all real and lasting change proceeds.” (Peter Young, Principal of the Beshara School)

So what does this mean in practice?

All courses consist of an intensive and balanced programme of study, work, meditation and devotional practice and are primarily concerned with the integration of one's inner and outer life; for while, in potential these complement each other, conscious effort is required to realise their intrinsic harmony.

All courses comprise four basic elements in a coherent structure unique to the Beshara School

• Intensive group study of the principles of self knowledge and the unity of being. This takes place in a supportive and open atmosphere in which questions and conversation are strongly encouraged. The texts used as a basis for discussion are drawn from a global canon both ancient and modern and include works by Ibn Arabi, Meister Eckhart. Lao Tsu and others.
• Regular meditation: an essential for the development of clarity in heart and mind
• Sessions of work on the estate or in the kitchen: a chance to be of service and to see daily tasks in a new light.
• Devotional practice: a vital element in the process of realising the fullness of our humanity.

Courses for 2010

Weekend Foundation courses

February 26-28; April 16-18; May 14-16; June 18-20; July 16-18; August 13-15;

Cost: £100 (includes full board and accommodation).

9 day Foundation Courses

February 26-March 7; April 16-25; May 14-23; June 18-27; July 16-August 13-22;

Cost: £290 (includes full board and accommodation).

6 month Intensive course

1 October 2010 - 24 March 2011

Beshara School Open Lectures February and March 2010

The Art of the Insoluble, with Colin Tudge, Saturday Feb 13th at 9.30 am.

"He governs the world through itself" –Ibn 'Arabi on secondary causation, a video presentation by Jane Clark, on Sunday, February 14th at 9.30 am.

Beyond Dogma and Doctrine: Some non-Eristic thoughts on reading Plato and Ibn 'Arabi with Peter Coates, Monday February 15th at 10.45 am.

If there is no self, who is there to realise this?, with Dr. Brion Sweeney, Saturday, March 6th at 4.30 pm.

Character and Values in Education Today, with David Lorimer, on Sunday, March 7th at 10.45 am.

Action from the Heart: Reflections on the relation between contemplative practice and public service, a seminar with Scilla Elworthy, March 12 th -14th

Forestry Fortnight and Yurt making

Forestry Fortnight: March 27-April 10

An open invitation to volunteer work on Chisholme's 177 acre estate, primarily in the woodlands and forests. This is an annual event, important for maintaining the 20,000 trees planted under the Millennium Forest for Scotland initiative. There will also be timber harvesting and logging for wood-fuel, as well as other estate projects. This year we are planning to run tree climbing workshops at the weekends for those interested. You are welcome to come for the whole period, or some of it, as you can – bring good outdoor clothing and Wellington boots

Costs: Invitation to come as volunteer.

Yurt Making Project: April 23 -26

For details of all courses contact:

The secretary 44+ (0) 1450880215

secretary@beshara.org