Activities in the USA
2011 Events in Idaho
May 6 – 8: Servanthood
This is an invitation to come together for a weekend of contemplation on the subject, "Servanthood". We will gather in time for supper on Friday, May 6, and adjourn after lunch on Sunday, May 8. As on the previous course, there will be periods of private contemplation and periods of group discussion. The cost is $100 inclusive of board and lodging.
June 25 – July 4: "White Fusus" Reading Week
For those who have completed the first six-month course at The Beshara School, this period offers the opportunity to continue the intensive study of the Fusus al-Hikam. The course incorporates meditation, fasting, service, and remembrance. Arrival is scheduled for June 25, departure for July 4. The cost is $50/night, inclusive of board and lodging. Because space is limited, it is suggested that bookings be completed as soon as possible.
Ongoing Programs
Study
There is an on-going program of study, focusing on the works of Ibn `Arabi. The meetings are held on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 and Friday mornings from 9:00 to 11:00.
Zikr
Zikr is held on the first Thursday of each month at 8:30 p.m. For those wishing to participate in the larger process of the evening, preparation of the room is a shared activity, for which arrival is at 5:00 pm. A light supper is served at 6:00. The suggested donation for the meal is $5.00.
Seekers Book Club
An informal environment for the study of texts from various spiritual traditions. The group meets once per month on Saturday mornings to discuss the previous month's selection and to choose the next book for reading. Lunch included.
Self-Knowledge and Global Responsibility Project:
The Springs
Begun in early 2010 by alumni of The Beshara School, The Springs is dedicated to fostering awareness of the unity of existence. This vision goes beyond the idea of the interconnectedness of things to the fact that 'being is the common denominator which unifies every expression of life. By aligning oneself with this principle, it is possible to come to the realization that "what I do to others, I do to myself", and that the individual self and the self of the world are one self.
This is an on-going project which facilitates education in sustainable land stewardship and provides the means whereby individuals can re-discover their innate relationship with the environment and their own interior being. Through its core activities, it serves as a practical example of the direct relationship between the choices we make and their consequences. Operations currently include gardening, with an emphasis on preserving biodiversity, waterway restoration, and wildlife habitat improvement. Water conservation techniques and sustainable building techniques will be areas of focus as the project develops. The garden produce is to be distributed within the community, giving preference to those whose needs are greatest. Its methods are strictly hands-on, guided by tenets of the education offered at The Beshara School
If you would like to become involved in any aspect of this endeavor, please join us. There are many ways to help, including all aspects of gardening, infrastructure building, or through tax deductable contributions. There are openings for those who wish to come to Idaho for a period of time in the summer in order to help. No special skills are required. Accommodations are provided with a contribution towards food costs.
Donations of any kind towards The Springs project (money, garden tools, supplies, etc.) will be gratefully received, and are tax-deductible.
Gardening Workshops
March 12: Starting Seeds Indoors Without a Greenhouse
April 9: Companion Planting and Natural Pest Control
June 11: Basics of Composting
San Francisco Bay Area
Gatherings for reading, conversation, and discussion take place in the East Bay of the San Francisco Bay Area at the home of Maren and Ray Gleason. All who are interested in self knowledge are welcome. Currently there are monthly gatherings for reading and discussion of the works of Ibn 'Arabi and others. Previous reading of these texts is not required. We find that all have something to contribute to the conversation. Light refreshments are provided. Maren can be reached at mareng@pacbell.net or by phone at USA 510-276-5709.
For further information on any of these events, please contact:
tel: +208-772-9124
email: secretary.usa@beshara.org
