Sunday 26 April 2014 - Sunday 30 November 2014
Organised by, or jointly by, the Edinburgh International Centre for Spirituality and Peace,
EICSP, Scottish Charity, SC038996
Venue: Stockbridge House, 2 Cheyne Street, Edinburgh, EH4 1JB.
Dates: Saturday 26 - Sunday 27 April 2014.
Time: Registration: 9.30am-10am. Retreat: 10am-5pm.
Event Description: “Awakening is the birthright of every created being. To know God is our destiny.
What would it feel like if you realised that, from the very beginning, you were designed to look for, to find, and to receive God? That you were designed to awaken to reality? How would it feel to know that this would definitely happen in your lifetime, because you were made to accomplish this very thing?
If you let yourself feel this, many things will drop away. Those are the things you no longer need. Try to let them go. What is left is the answer you were looking for and the reason you were born.”
Jason Shulman in
‘The Instruction Manual for Receiving God’
Join us for two days of healing, meditation and spiritual exploration, drawing on the revolutionary work of Nondual Kabbalistic Healing developed by Jinen Jason Shulman.
This gentle yet profound path of personal healing and spiritual awakening unites theistic traditions such as the Kabbalah and Christianity with the nondual teachings of Advaita and Buddhism. It also weaves together contemporary psychotherapeutic understanding with the timeless wisdom of the world’s spiritual traditions.
During this weekend, we will inquire deeply into the fundamental questions of life and death, suffering and healing, the experience of being human with the heart’s yearning to love and feel loved by God, and our longing to take our rightful place in the larger reality.
Using teaching, discussion, and short meditations and spiritual practices, we will explore:
A new understanding of the ego on the journey of awakening
How we can be with God every moment
The revelatory paradigm of the Four Universes of the Kabbalah
We will also learn and practice the Healing of Immanence, which many people describe as life-changing and a turning point on their spiritual journey.
No prior knowledge of Kabbalah, Advaita, Buddhism or any other tradition is required to participate. People of all faiths are very welcome.
Nondual Kabbalistic Healing was created by Jinen Jason Shulman, one of the foremost spiritual teachers of our time. A unique combination of contemporary kabbalah master and Dharma lineage holder in the zen tradition, he is the founder of A Society of Souls (ASOS), a school dedicated to nondual healing and awakening. More information about Jason, the programmes he has developed, his books and music, can be found at www.societyofsouls.com
Ian Bain has served on the teaching faculty for the four-year training in Nondual Kabbalistic Healing with A Society of Souls. Previously, he was a Fleet Street journalist and public relations consultant.
Contact: Neill Walker, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 0131 331 4469.
Venue: Skye Room, Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB.
Dates: Saturday 10 May - Sunday 11 May 2014.
Time: Registration: 9.30am-10am. Retreat Days: 10am-5pm.
Event Description: This weekend will be an opportunity to practise ancient methods for settling the mind that were prescribed by the Buddha over 2,500 years ago. It is open to people of any faith, or none.
In addition to settling the mind, there will also be time and encouragement to consider deeply our human predicament. Such pondering can enable the arising of insight that will help us to maintain a sense of inner tranquillity and balance after the retreat in surroundings that may not always be as tranquil and balanced as we would prefer.
Attendance for the whole weekend is strongly recommended.
Ajahn, or Sister Candasiri was born and grew up in Edinburgh. She was one of the first four women to enter monastic training at Chithurst Buddhist Monastery in West Sussex in 1979 under the guidance of Ajahn Sumedho (the first Western disciple of the late Ven Ajahn Chah of the Thai forest tradition). Since then, she has resided there and at Amaravati Buddhist Monastery where she has been involved with the development of a training for nuns in community.
In 2011, a property was purchased near Comrie in Perthshire where she is establishing a quiet hermitage for nuns of the Amaravati/Chithurst communities.
Contact: Neill Walker, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 0131 331 4469.
Venue: Universal Hall, The Park, Findhorn, Forres, IV36 3TZ.
Date: Saturday 7 June 2014.
Time: 1pm-9pm.
Event Description: KIRTAN (pronounced keertan) is an ancient participatory enchanting mantra music experience. One of the oldest sacred music traditions of the world, the kirtan call-and-response chanting genre comes to us from India. Using ancient Sanskrit mantras to the accompaniment of instruments, the kirtan calls upon sacred energies which serve to quiet the mind, remove inauspicious things from the heart, to bring us back to the centre of our own identity and awaken divine peace and love within us. It is the yoga of sound.
The word “mantra” means to deliver (tra) the mind (mana), and it is one of the easiest methods to use. The mantra itself, depending on which one used, often incorporates a vibrational formula to call various energies or powers to oneself, or to awaken one to higher states of awareness, perception and realization.
Kirtan is a spiritual journey: usually starting off with a slow tempo, gradually building up to euphoric crescendos bringing with it the concomitant emotions of joy and elation. The captivating nature of the melodious tunes fused with the eclectic blend of instruments induces the heart with deep sentiments and enlivens the self to profound levels of delight.
All can participate in this chanting, the more participants, the greater the efficacy. Whether one is musically gifted or hasn’t got a rhythmical inclination, not considering caste, creed, colour, religious background or gender; all unite through the medium of this musical experience, transcending the mundane platform and transporting them to a spiritual realm
Vegan food will be served.
Drop in at any time.
Cost: Admission: £5 suggested donation. Everyone Welcome.
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 07726688778.
Aisha Salem Visit to Edinburgh, Scotland, 23-29 June 2014.
Organised by the Edinburgh International Centre for Spirituality and Peace,
EICSP, Scottish Charity, SC038996. www.eicsp.org
Event: Celebration and Satsang.
Facilitator: Aisha Salem.
Venue: Sanctuary, Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1EL.
Date: Monday 23 June 2014.
Time: Registration: 4.30pm-5pm. Event: 5pm-9.30pm. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early.
Event Description: An evening of Celebration in Truth with meditation in movement and Satsang-meeting ~ in deep healing, clarification and surrender to Ultimate Honesty. Participants will have time to eat a snack that they bring themselves in between the dancing and the satsang.
Cost: £15.
Contact: Neill Walker, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 0131 331 4469.
Event: Individual sessions with Aisha Salem.
Facilitator: Aisha Salem.
Venue: Details confirmed on booking.
Dates: Monday 23 and Tuesday 24 June 2014 (day appointments only - 40 minutes).
Time: Details confirmed on booking.
Event Description: Individual meetings in Truth, Life and Being through direct enquiry with Aisha Salem.
Cost: £45.
Contact: Neill Walker, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 0131 331 4469.
Event: 5-Day Retreat with Aisha Salem.
Facilitator: Aisha Salem.
Venue: Sanctuary, Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1EL.
Dates: Wednesday 25 – Sunday 29 June 2014.
Times: Wednesday - Saturday: Registration: 9.30am-10am. Retreat: 10am–4.30pm. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early.
Sunday: Registration: 3.30pm-4pm. Retreat: 4pm-9.30pm. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early.
Event Description: A treasure of an invitation to enter the flame of purification, healing and clarification. For a time of working closely with Aisha on your awakening; purification of Heart and clarification of Mind, through a period of 2-5 days in complete honesty of Silence/Truth and Presence. On-going satsangs, social silence, meditations, chanting, movement, self-investigation, contemplation, transmission and integration.
*Full information will be given to those confirmed prior to commencing Retreat.
Cost: £70 per day - £30 discount on full 5 days participation.
Contact: Neill Walker, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 0131 331 4469.
About and further information:
Aisha Salem’s website offers articles, writings, video links, pointers, her full schedule and information about retreating at the centre in Denmark and also around Europe: http://aishasalem.com/
Event: Zikr in Edinburgh!
Ecstasy in the Heart with Sufi Ruhaniat teacher Matin Mize from the USA.
Venue: The Salisbury Centre, 2 Salisbury Road, Edinburgh, EH16 5AB.
Date: Friday 25 July 2014.
Time: Please arrive from 6.45pm onwards for a start at 7pm. The event will finish about 9pm.
Event Description: An evening of Zikr, the Sufi practice of remembrance. Matin is here on a short visit, leading an event in Edinburgh for the first time.
Matin Mize has been involved in Sufism and Dances of Universal Peace (DUP) for over 35 years. He is a teacher in the Sufi Ruhaniat International and a member of the Mentor Guild for the Dances of Universal Peace. He has taught DUP, Zikr, spiritual Walking Practices and Sufi Practice for many years.
Matin is well-known in the DUP and Sufi Ruhaniat communities in the UK, having often generously given of his time at events in England and southern Scotland. He was spiritual director of the Sacred Arts DUP camp in England for several years and has supported various events with his inspiring drumming skills.
The Sufi Ruhaniat community in Edinburgh is delighted to host this event, in association with the Edinburgh International Centre for Spirituality and Peace, EICSP, Scottish Charity, SC038996.
Wear comfortable clothing and light indoor shoes or socks.
Cost: Donation will be gladly received towards Matin’s travelling expenses.
Contact: Fateah Alice Saunders, 0131 664 6206, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Event: Edinburgh Chakra and Mantra Therapy.
Organisers: Jointly organised by Scotland Kirtan and the Edinburgh International Centre for Spirituality and Peace, EICSP, Scottish Charity, SC038996.
Facilitator: Jayadeva - a world-renowned healer, musician, and accomplished spiritual teacher.
Venue: The Salisbury Centre, 2 Salisbury Rd, Edinburgh, EH16 5AB.
Date: Friday 22 August 2014.
Time: 6.30pm-9pm.
Event Description: We are delighted to invite you to an event with Jayadeva, a world-renowned healer, musician, and accomplished spiritual teacher. He is also the drummer of the famous 70s band - The Rubettes (over 30 million records sold worldwide). Jayadeva is back to Scotland touring Aberdeen, Dundee, Strathpeffer, Glasgow and Edinburgh.
This time Jayadeva will lead us in a guided meditation to retune our Chakras followed by Mantra Choir. This should make the experience even more blissful.
Mantra Choir is a unique experience in community devotional expression. Sitting somewhere between Rock Choir and the popular kirtan performances of the likes of Krishna Das, Mantra Choir blends the ancient euphoric call and response art of kirtan with upbeat counterpoint melodies to provide a beautifully rich sound and experience.
Don’t miss out on this experience of a life time, where literally…. YOU ARE THE MUSIC!
About Jayadev:
Jayadev has been entertaining and healing people from around the world for over three decades.
He is a world-renowned healer, musician, and accomplished spiritual teacher.
Jayadev/John Richardson was born and raised in the county of Essex in the south east of England.
He taught himself to play the drums at an early age and eventually became a session musician playing on many successful pop records in the UK.
He found fame in the 1970’s as the drummer with glam rock band The Rubettes.
Between 1974 and 1979 The Rubettes enjoyed chart success with a string of hit records in the UK and Europe including the number one smash hit “Sugar Baby Love” and with over 30 million records sold worldwide and numerous high profile television appearances under their collective belts, were one of the most successful pop bands of that decade.
In 1980 he became an alternative therapist devoting his life to helping others through his music, hypnotherapy, past-life regression therapy and Reflexology.
No previous singing and mantra experience is necessary.
Cost: £15 (includes Vegan Meal).
Book in advance:
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=FGDSLBGZSXJ6J
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 07726688778
Event: Sufi Healing Hour, 10 September - 17 December 2014
Led by Fateah Alice Saunders
Wednesday afternoons (dates given below), 2pm to 3pm
Salisbury Centre, 2 Salisbury Road, Edinburgh EH16 5AB
www.salisburycentre.org
This is a quiet meditative hour dedicated to healing for ourselves, other people and the planet.
There is no charge although donations to the Salisbury Centre are always welcome.
We do spiritual practices from the Sufi Ruhaniat tradition, followed by the Absent Healing Ritual. This is a simple ceremony, which was given by the Sufi Pir-O-Murshid Hazrat Inayat Khan to his followers in the early years of the last century.
During this ceremony, healing is sent to people (up to 10 in number) who have requested healing and are not present in the group.
Healing may be sent to small children at the request of a parent.
The name of a person recently deceased may also be included, for a peaceful transition, at the request of a family member or close friend.
All are welcome, though some experience of meditation is expected.
Please turn up several minutes early if possible, to enable the session to start on time.
Dates to the end of 2014: 10 and 24 Sept; 8 and 29 Oct; 12 and 26 Nov; 17 Dec.
Fateah was initiated into the Sufi Ruhaniat International over 20 years ago and as a teacher in 2006. She entered the Dervish Healing Order in 2000 and received initiation as a “healing conductor” 10 years ago. Since then she has led the Healing Ritual regularly with groups in her own home, at the Salisbury Centre, and at workshops and Sufi camps in other parts of Scotland and overseas.
Fateah works individually with new people interested in the Ruhaniat Sufi path and welcomes enquiries.
Tel: 0131-664-6206
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
These sessions are supported by the Edinburgh International Centre for Spirituality and Peace (EICSP)
Event: Sufi Workshop on Breath, Magnetism, Heart and Healing.
Facilitator: Murshid Saul Barodofsky, assisted by Saadi Neil Douglas-Klotz.
Venue: The Old Kirk, 12 Hendry Road, Kirkcaldy, Fife, KY2 5JJ. The Old Kirk, Kirkcaldy, Fife. Kirkcaldy is just north of Edinburgh, easily accessible by bus or rail. The Old Kirk is situated within easy walking distance from bus or rail stations. We can recommend local B&Bs close to the venue. Access is from Kirk Wynd (KY1 1EH) or Church Lane (KY1 1BG). Please check the venue website for details of disabled access and parking: www.kirkcaldyoldkirktrust.org.uk
Date: Saturday 20 - Sunday 21 September 2014.
Time: Registration: 9.30am-10am. Event: 10am-5pm.
Event Description: This two-day workshop will include chant, meditation, breath practice, walking meditation, movement and other active tools to help one build magnetism and meet the challenges of everyday life. These tools allow one to become a channel for healing for oneself and others. Practices will be drawn from many world traditions, as it is the Sufi way to see unity in all spiritual paths.
Saul will also share what the Sufis call baraka or heart-blessing through his telling of stories about his travels worldwide and his time with various spiritual teachers and healers. Saul is the spiritual director of the Dervish Healing Order and an original student of Murshid Samuel Lewis (1896-1971), the founder of the Dances of Universal Peace. Saadi Neil (author of The Sufi Book of Life) will assist him by sharing some of these circle dances, which raise life energy for self-healing. This is the first UK workshop led by Murshid Saul, who is from the USA.
This two-day, non-residential workshop is open to all and sponsored by the Edinburgh Institute for Advanced Learning (www.eial.org) and the East Scotland Ruhaniat Sufi Community with support from the Edinburgh International Centre for Spirituality and Peace (www.eicsp.org).
Cost: Please register in advance with Nataliya or Neil (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). A deposit of £50 will secure your place. Contact us for bank details and payment arrangements. Suggested donation for the weekend is £140/101 concessions, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Contact: Nataliya or Neil: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Tel. 0131-208-1331 (message).
Led by Fateah Alice Saunders
Thursday evenings (dates given below), 7pm to 9pm
Salisbury Centre, 2 Salisbury Road, Edinburgh EH16 5AB
www.salisburycentre.org
By donation
Sacred words, music and silence are important to many people.
In these sessions we will be singing sacred words while moving to the music, interspersed with sitting silently in meditation.
It was said by the American Sufi master, Samuel L Lewis, that spiritual dancing is a good preparation for silent meditation, and meditation is a good way to prepare for spiritual expression through dance.
Each session, beginning with simple healing breaths, will focus on a particular phase of our journey, supported by other spiritual practices and teachings from the SRI tradition. Music will be provided by Clare (clarinet) and Gavin (guitar).
We will close each evening with a short Sufi prayer followed by sharing tea and light refreshments together.
A minimum number of participants is required at each session, so please contact Fateah by midnight on the Monday beforehand if you wish to come that week. Fewer than 8 people will result in cancellation that Tuesday.
Tel: 0131-664-6206
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Newcomers, as well as those experienced in this approach, are all welcome.
Dates to the end of 2014: 25 Sept; 30 Oct; 27 Nov; 18 Dec;
Fateah was initiated into the Sufi Ruhaniat International over 20 years ago and as a teacher in 2006. She has been involved with Edinburgh’s annual Middle East Spirituality and Peace Festival since its beginnings and has been leading Dances of Universal Peace throughout the UK and overseas since 1994.
Fateah works individually with new people drawn to the Ruhaniat Sufi path, and also leads Sufi Hour twice monthly at the Salisbury Centre. She welcomes enquiries.
These sessions are supported by the Edinburgh International Centre for Spirituality and Peace (EICSP)
Venue: Skye Room, Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB.
Dates: Saturday 27 - Sunday 28 September 2014.
Time: Registration: 9.30am-10am. Retreat Days: 10am-5pm.
Event Description: Sound Voice and Soul Communication provides relaxed and empowering context in which you will experience the transformative power of your own unique sound and voice.
However we may feel about the global crisis, whether we experience it as a collapse, or a renaissance of consciousness, there is no question that it is offering us a unique opportunity to wake up and re-invent our lives with greater awareness, discernment, courage and loving kindness. Your unique voice offers a simple fast way to access the language and music of your soul. with courage and compassion. Whether or not you have ever shared sound – performatively or therapeutically - with others, you will be aware of the uplifting presence that vocal music has as it envelops you in a stillness beyond the rational mind. All the more so in the graceful silence that remains after the singing has finished. It invites wonder, reverence and a harmonic resonance that unifies everyone.
Sound visionary and voice pioneer Chloe Goodchild, will introduce you to simple user-friendly and life-changing ways to connect with the authentic voice of your soul.
Meditative, spontaneous, and structured vocal practices invite a depth of self-inquiry and deep listening in a safe and supportive context.
You will soon find yourself expressing yourself and more important, hearing yourself and others in ways you never imagined possible.
You will explore your true voice as:
1) a metaphor for life – how to live in harmony with yourself
2) a musicianship of love – how to express the music of your heart
3) a metaphysics of being – how to embody the sound of your spirit
Chloe Goodchild is Founder of The Naked Voice Foundation. You may wish to have a Voiceline, a one-to-one voice session with Chloe first (Skype or telephone). For more information contact: www.thenakedvoice.com
Contact: Neill Walker, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 0131 331 4469.
Venue: Italian Cultural Institute, 82 Nicolson Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9EW.
Date: Thursday 2 October 2014.
Time: 6pm.
Event Description: Medieval Italy and Turkey produced two of the biggest names in mystic thought: St. Francis and Rumi. It has been 800 long years since they departed and this program celebrates their legacies with poetry, music, movement and philosophical ideas, reflecting the devotional and mystical aspect of Anatolian culture accumulated over thousands of years. The deep quality of devotion in these songs and poetry is the direct result of this beautiful blend of such devotional and dedicated people of Anatolia.
One of the most well-known Turkish musicians in the US, his mesmerizing performances draw on ancient texts and employ traditional instrumentation such as the Saz (long necked lute). Now partially residing in New Mexico and Turkey, Latif Bolat has presented his music all across America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Singapore, Bulgaria, Spain, Turkey, the Philippines, Ireland, England and Scotland. In addition to the workshops, music events and lectures around the world, he has recorded 4 very successful CDs, made many TV and Radio appearances, and composed music for the PBS Documentary "Muhammed: Legacy of a Prophet," and George Lucas's TV series "Young Indiana Jones." He is also the co-author of the compilation book of ancient Turkish Sufi poets entitled "Quarrelling with God: Mystic Rebel Poems of the Dervishes of Turkey." Latif Bolat has recently performed at the Carnegie Hall in NYC and received the Best Collaboration CD Award from the European Union for his work with the Bulgarian Jazz group Lot Lorien.
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 0131 668 2232.
Venue: Sanctuary, Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1EL.
Date: Saturday 4 October 2014.
Time: Registration: 5.30am-6pm. Evening Workshop: 6pm-9pm.
Event Description: The Dances of Universal Peace are a powerful group spiritual practice originating in Sufism. We sing or chant sacred phrases while dancing in a circle. By opening our voices and hearts, dancing together and honouring sacred traditions of many different peoples and times, we may experience feelings of connectedness, joy, playfulness, healing and strength.
Contact: Neill Walker, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 0131 331 4469.
Facilitators: Philip Tansen O'Donohoe and Saadi Neil Douglas-Klotz.
Venue: Friday 10 October 2014: Sanctuary, Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1EL.
Saturday 11 - Sunday 12 October 2014: Stockbridge House, 2 Cheyne Street, Edinburgh, EH4 1JB.
Dates: 10-12 October 2014.
Times: Friday 10 October: Registration: 6.30pm-7pm. Kirtan: 7pm-9.30pm.
Time: Saturday 11 October: Registration: 9.30am-10am. Retreat: 10am-5pm.
Sunday 12 October: Registration: 9.30am-10am. Retreat: 10am-5pm.
Event Description: “Why does a mystic give such great importance to harmony? Because for a mystic his or her whole life is one continuous symphony of music, each soul contributing to the symphony by his or her particular part in the music. Success, therefore, depends upon the ideal of harmony the person has. Very few people in the world give attention to harmony. They do not know that without this, there is no chance of being happy. Only the harmonious ones can make happiness and partake of that happiness. Otherwise it is hard to find happiness in the world. The fighter has no peace; battle will be ever increasing. It is the peacemaker who is blessed. No doubt to make peace, one will have to fight with oneself in order to be able to make peace with others.” - Hazrat Inayat Khan
The weekend will begin with a Friday evening of "Sufi Kirtan," which uses traditional forms of music in new melodic and rhythmic ways. The intention remains, as it did for our Sufi ancestors, to open ourselves to the deepest connection with the divine Beloved. The evening is open to all.
This weekend workshop will continue to explore the ancient methods Sufis have used to experience music as a spiritual practice and prayer. In this way, 'one becomes an hollow reed,' as Mevlana Jelaluddin Rumi recommends. At the same time, we will explore and experience new Western styles of Sufi music, linked to group movement and prayer, chanting, poetry, meditation, Dances of Universal Peace and storytelling. Disabled access available.
The workshop leaders are UK senior teachers (murshids) in the Chishti Ruhaniat tradition of Sufism (see www.sufiruhaniat.eu), in the line of Sufi Ahmed Murad Chishti and Hazrat Inayat Khan Chishti. Saadi (Neil Douglas-Klotz) is the author of several books on Sufism and Middle Eastern mysticism, including The Sufi Book of Life, Desert Wisdom, The Tent of Abraham and Prayers of the Cosmos. He is the co-founder, with Neill Walker, of the Edinburgh International Festival of Middle Eastern Spirituality and Peace, MESP. Philip Tansen is a singer and musician who has made a life-long study of use of sound in healing and spiritual development. He has trained in various forms of meditation over the last 30 years.
Saturday and Sunday: £140/£110 (Concessions). For a Registration Form:
Contact: Alice Fateah Saunders, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., +44 (0)131 664 6206.
Venue: Sanctuary, Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1EL.
Date: Saturday 18 October 2014.
Time: 1pm-9pm.
Event Description: KIRTAN (pronounced keertan) is an ancient participatory enchanting mantra music experience. One of the oldest sacred music traditions of the world, the kirtan call-and-response chanting genre comes to us from India. Using ancient Sanskrit mantras to the accompaniment of instruments, the kirtan calls upon sacred energies which serve to quiet the mind, remove inauspicious things from the heart, to bring us back to the centre of our own identity and awaken divine peace and love within us. It is the yoga of sound.
The word “mantra” means to deliver (tra) the mind (mana), and it is one of the easiest methods to use. The mantra itself, depending on which one used, often incorporates a vibrational formula to call various energies or powers to oneself, or to awaken one to higher states of awareness, perception and realization.
Kirtan is a spiritual journey: usually starting off with a slow tempo, gradually building up to euphoric crescendos bringing with it the concomitant emotions of joy and elation. The captivating nature of the melodious tunes fused with the eclectic blend of instruments induces the heart with deep sentiments and enlivens the self to profound levels of delight.
All can participate in this chanting, the more participants, the greater the efficacy. Whether one is musically gifted or hasn’t got a rhythmical inclination, not considering caste, creed, colour, religious background or gender; all unite through the medium of this musical experience, transcending the mundane platform and transporting them to a spiritual realm
Vegan food will be served.
Drop in at any time.
Cost: Admission: £5 suggested donation. Everyone Welcome.
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 07726688778.
Contact: Neill Walker, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 0131 331 4469.
Venue: Sanctuary, Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1EL.
Date: Saturday 1 November 2014.
Time: Registration: 1.30pm-2pm. Half Day Workshop: 2pm-5.30pm.
Event Description: Our current educational system serves the interest of the economy rather than the individual but we need an education which places equal importance to head, heart, hands and homes. Of course we need to learn to think and use our brains but we also need to develop our intuition, our imagination and our heart qualities.
Contact: Neill Walker, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 0131 331 4469.
Title: Soil, Soul, Society.
Venue: Sanctuary, Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1EL.
Date: Saturday 1 November 2014.
Time: Registration: 6.30pm-7pn. Event: 7pm-approx 9pm.
Event Description: The future well being of humanity and the earth is dependant on a new world view in which the care of the planet, nourishment of the soul and the nurturing of the human community are integrated and seen as a continuum. As the trinity of Egalité, liberté and fraternité, we need a new trinity for the age of ecology which has wholeness, integrity and cohesion. I propose the trinity of soil, soul and society. Our reverence for the earth, our care of the soul and a just order in society represent a vision of sustainability, spirituality and justice.
When he was only nine years old, Satish Kumar renounced the world and joined the wandering brotherhood of Jain monks. Dissuaded from his path by an inner voice at the age of eighteen, he left the monastic order and became a campaigner for land reform, working to turn Gandhi’s vision of a peaceful world into reality.
Fired by the example of Bertrand Russell, he undertook an 8,000 mile peace pilgrimage, walking from India to America without any money, through deserts, mountains, storms and snow. It was an adventure during which he was thrown into jail in France, faced a loaded gun in America – and delivered packets of ‘peace tea’ to the leaders of the four nuclear powers.
In 1973, he settled in England, taking the Editorship of Resurgence magazine. He has been the editor ever since (30 + years!). He is the guiding spirit behind a number of ecological, spiritual and educational ventures in Britain. He founded the Small School in Hartland, a pioneering secondary school (aged 11-16), which brings into its curriculum ecological and spiritual values. In 1991, Schumacher College, a residential international centre for the study of ecological and spiritual values, was founded, of which he is a Visiting Fellow.
Following Indian tradition, in his fiftieth year, he undertook another pilgrimage: again carrying no money, he walked 2,000 miles to the holy places of Britain – Glastonbury, Canterbury, Lindisfarne and Iona. Meeting old friends and making new ones along the way, this pilgrimage was a celebration of his love of life and nature.
In July 2000, Satish Kumar was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Education from the University of Plymouth. In July 2001 he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Literature from the University of Lancaster. In July 2009 he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Law from Exeter University.
In November 2001, Satish Kumar was presented with the Jamnalal Bajaj International Award for Promoting Gandhian Values Abroad.
His autobiography, No Destination, has sold 50,000 copies and is published by Green Books. Satish’s three other books, You Are, Therefore I Am – A Declaration of Dependence, The Buddha and the Terrorist, Spiritual Compass and his new book Earth Pilgrim are published by Green Books.
In 2008, Satish Kumar presented a 50-minute documentary on the BBC as part of the Natural World series. In the programme Satish introduced the Dartmoor scenes and sights that most inspire him and contemplated the lessons they hold for humanity. A highly acclaimed documentary that mixed eastern philosophy with the western landscape of Dartmoor; the programme was watched by over 3.6 million people.
From March to May 2008 Satish was invited as Des Lee visiting Professor of Global Awareness at Webster University, St Louis, Missouri. Satish teaches lectures and runs workshops internationally on reverential ecology, holistic education and voluntary simplicity.
Contact: Neill Walker, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 0131 331 4469.
Venue: Sanctuary, Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1EL.
Date: Saturday 8 November 2014.
Time: Registration: 9.30am-10am. Day Conference: 10am-5pm.
Registration: 6.30pm-7pm. Evening Event: 7pm-9pm.
Event Description: The conference themes will include the following:
2. the contribution of Tagore's spirituality to his action at home and in the world and to his outlook on world affairs
2.1. evidence of Tagore's spirituality in his international contacts, his ideas on politics and the nation and nationalism and a consideration of how his spirituality may have been affected by, or changed by, his action in the world
2.2. the contemporary relevance of Tagore and of his spirituality
3. evidence of Tagore's spirituality in his educational and socio-cultural endeavours
4. evidence of Tagore's spirituality in his dialogues with Gandhi and other political and spiritual leaders of his time
5. linking the themes raised to Scotland - to Scots that Tagore had contact with, and to Scotland today.
Evening Event: £10/£8 (Concessions)/£5 (Students).
Contact: Neill Walker, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 0131 331 4469.
Dialogues and self-enquiry on love, truth, peace and freedom.
Venue: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1EL.
Map - http://streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=325707&Y=673381&A=Y&Z=110
Dates: 14-16 November 2014.
Times: Friday 8pm-10pm.
Saturday 11am–1pm and 8pm–10pm.
Sunday 11am–1pm.
Event Description: Look within and see that you always have been free
Prajnaparamita is an awakened Master, travelling the world giving satsang and retreats, inspiring all who are longing to awaken to their inherent Buddha nature.
Her teachings are no teachings really. In the togetherness of the satsang, in her response to questions being asked about all aspects of life, there is a spontaneous expression of universal truth, as an ongoing encouragement to come to rest in the clear light of awareness.
All are welcome to experience these provocative, direct and deeply moving gatherings. Questions can be asked or one can just be present in silence. The real meeting is beyond all words, the real meeting is in the silence of the heart, where all differences merge in One.
Organised in association with Edinburgh International Centre for Spirituality and Peace, EICSP, Scottish Charity, SC038996, www.eicsp.org
Cost: £12.50 per Satsang.
Contact: For more information or to join the mailing list please contact Chrissie, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 07801226601.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Satsang-with-Prajnaparamita-Scotland-14-16-November-2014/1477312722490930?ref=hl
Facebook event links:
https://www.facebook.com/events/814855765199456/?source=1
https://www.facebook.com/events/341288992691551/?context=create&source=49
Website links:
http://www.prajnaparamita.nl/en/
www.eicsp.org
David Brazier Visit to Edinburgh, Scotland, 22-30 November 2014.
Venue: Stockbridge House, 2 Cheyne Street, Edinburgh, EH4 1JB.
Date: Saturday 22 November 2014.
Time: Registration: 9.30am-10am. Event: 10am-5pm.
Event Description: The Buddhist tradition includes some of the world's earliest texts on psychology and there has recently be wide interest in what this rich source can offer to contemporary psychotherapy. Current interest in mindfulness is only the tip of the iceberg. Many of the methods common in contemporary psychotherapy are anticipated in the tradition, but commonly with significant differences of emphasis over, for instance, the nature of the self, the modes of conditioning of the mind, the nature of psychological liberation and the relative importance of solitude and relationship. Dr Brazier has studied and worked with this material for several decades and lectures on it in Asia, the Americas and Europe. This day workshop for professionals (and others interested) will introduce significant theory and methodology.
Contact: Neill Walker, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 0131 331 4469.
Venue: Details confirmed on booking.
Dates: Details confirmed on booking.
Time: Details confirmed on booking.
Event Description: Zen Therapy sessions lie in the middle ground between psychotherapy and spiritual direction. The theoretical basis of the encounter is Buddhist psychology but theory is not generally imparted in the session. The actual process of each encounter depends upon the unique need or personal koan of the individual and has the aim of achieving a deepening of faith in life, release of compassionate energy, and/or some inching toward greater liberation
Contact: Neill Walker, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 0131 331 4469.
Venue: Skye Room, Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB.
Dates: Saturday 29 - Sunday 30 November 2014.
Time: Registration: 9.30am-10am. Event: 10am-5pm.
Event Description: A 2-day retreat with meditation and Dharma teachings, discussion, a modicum of ritual, and plenty of opportunity for self-exploration. We shall meet to practice together. Those who do not have previous experience of meditation or Buddhist practice will find this a valuable way to get a taste for this ancient path and those who do have experience will find the approach refreshingly distinctive. Buddhism is a spiritual way that encompasses great diversity yet perennially returns to core values of love, compassion, peace and wisdom. These qualities are not just academic concepts but qualities that may be awakened in us. Once the heart is aroused, the mind naturally finds a way. This being a retreat the emphasis is upon contemplative practice, but conceived in the frame of the importance of actual compassionate action in the world.
Contact: Neill Walker, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 0131 331 4469.
Theme: How we Create a Future of Peace from a History of Pain: Learning from the Context of Palestine/Israel.
Sami is the Director of The Holy Land Trust based in Bethlehem. The Trust focuses on creating new non-linear leadership, the importance of non-violence, community healing, and addressing historical narratives within the context of sectarianism.
Edinburgh:
Event: Talk/Forum with Sami Awad.
Venue: Augustine United Church, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1EL.
Date: Wednesday 3 December 2014.
Time: 7pm-9pm.
Coatbridge:
Event: An afternoon Workshop in Coatbridge with Sami Awad.
Venue: Conforti Institute, Calder Avenue, Coatbridge, ML5 4JS.
Date: Thursday 4 December 2014.
Time: 12pm-4.30pm (includes lunch).
Support from several organisations has enabled the Talk/Forum and Workshop to be offered free of charge - but, for catering purposes, booking for the Workshop is required - contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 07884580361.
Supporting organisations: Edinburgh International Centre for Spirituality and Peace, EICSP, Scottish Charity, SC038996, Place for Hope, Conforti Institute, Spirit of Peace, Amos Trust, and Celtic Football Club.