Course Curriculum

The Six-month intensive Course is of the nature of a retreat course. It consists of an intensive daily programme, which includes study, work, meditation and devotional practices.

There are no days off or weekend breaks. The aim is to allow you the freedom to devote yourself exclusively to your studies without any distraction. This intensity of focus and momentum is indispensible if you are to develop an understanding beyond the purely intellectual, and find your own permanent orientation to reality.


Study

The course begins with an introduction to esoteric education. It takes as its starting point – as does every aspect of the course – the essential unity of all existence.

The course material then goes on to explore the reality and possibilities of what it means to be a human being, and the knowledge, means and orientation that will bring the student to the full realisation of his or her potential. Study texts include (in translation)  ‘Fusus al-Hikam’ of Muhyiddin Ibn ‘Arabi, extracts from the ‘Tao Te Ching’ by Lao Tzu, the ‘Kernel of the Kernel’ of Ismail Hakki Bursevi, the ‘Baghavad Gita’, poems and extracts from the Mathnavi by Jelaluddin Rumi, the ‘Universal Man’ by Jili, among others.  These are supplemented by lectures both from staff members and visiting speakers. An introduction to another language is also offered, such as Turkish, Hebrew or Arabic – this is to give a taste of a language radically different from English.

Study involves reading and discussion in small groups (6 - 12 students), with the help and support of two experienced supervisors. The emphasis here is not, as it is in most contemporary education, on assimilating information, but rather on asking questions and looking deep into oneself for understanding the particular text. There are private interviews each week and much help is available in addressing difficulties or problems which might arise. However, there are no teachers at Beshara. Everyone involved with the school is considered a student, and ultimately we each need to discover for ourselves the guidance and resources offered by our own interior. These are limitless, and coming to know and trust these is an essential step towards self knowledge.


Work

There are periods of work every day, and here the opportunity is given to learn new manual skills, and to take part in the day to day running of the school, by serving in the kitchen or the house, in the garden or on the estate.


Meditation and Devotional Practices

Daily meditation and devotional practices are an integral part of the course.  Their value cannot be overemphasised. They enable us to apply the principles we are studying to the whole of our being. If study gives the direction through which knowledge can be attained, then the devotional practices and meditation help to realise the necessary sentiment to establish this knowledge in the heart.

A two week  trip through Turkey is part of the Six-month Course. The trip visits places of spiritual, historical and cultural significance.


Timetable

6.30amRise and full ablution (shower)
7.00–7.30 amMeditation
7.30–8.30am Breakfast
9.00–10.15amStudy or Work
10.15–10.45amCoffee break
10.45–12 noonStudy or work
12.15–12.45pmMeditation
1.00–2.15pmLunch
2.15–4.00pmWork
4.00–5.45pmStudy
6.00–6.30pmMeditation
6.30–7.30pmWork
7.30–8.30pmSupper
9.30pmDevotional practices