Beginning August 21st The Essence of the Quran eCourse offered by Threshold Society and The Book Foundation in cooperation with SpritualityandPractice.com

Many people, non-Muslim spiritual seekers and Muslims alike, have remained strangers to the wisdom and beauty of the Quran. And yet the transformative power of the Quranic perspective not only imbues the very popular writings of Rumi and other Sufis, it once gave birth to a great civilization that advanced human rights, encouraged science, and nurtured creativity. We hope to offer an exploration of the authentic, traditional meanings that have inspired so many over the centuries.

How it works: Beginning August 21st, one day before Ramadan, you will receive an introductory email, and following that a daily email containing a selection from the Qur’an, accompanied by a commentary and a suggestion for practice. Each day participants may join an online practice circle mentored by Kabir Helminski, Jeremy Henzell-Thomas, and Mahmoud Mostafa. The emphasis will be on experiencing and applying the truth of these themes.

This eCourse will introduce 30 essential, universal themes that we believe can illuminate our spiritual lives, such as: remembrance and surrender, personal choice and responsibility, justice and forgiveness, equity, respect for diversity, the universality of truth, the beneficence and mercy of the Divine.

We would be pleased to have you join us in this exploration.  You can register here:

http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/ecourses/ecourses.php?id=84&key=thr

Also keep in mind two upcoming spiritual gatherings, in New York and California:

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T H E   L I V I N G   T R A D I T I O N September 24-27

Annual Threshold Society Retreat at the Garrison Institute, (near New York City) with Camille and Kabir Helminski, James Winston Morris, Sufi Scholar and Ibn Arabi specialist.  Daisy Khan, Co-Director of ASMA Society.  Feisal Rauf, Director of the Cordoba Initiative, Author

For more information: http://www.sufism.org

To register copy and paste this registration form and send as an email to: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

IN THIS TIME OF GREAT TRANSITION, IT IS USEFUL TO REMEMBER THAT OURS IS A LIVING TRADITION, CAPABLE OF RESPONDING EVEN TO UNPRECEDENTED CHALLENGES.

Over the entrance to Mevlana Rumi’s Dergah in Konya are the words:  This is the Kaaba of the lovers. Those who entered here became complete.  We will explore the implications of these words, practicing Sufi contemplation (muraqaba & zikr),  reflecting on the teachings of Sufism, and opening our hearts with music, friendship, and some time in nature.

F I N D I N G O U R   B A L A N C E, D e e p e n i n g   R e m e m b r a n c e ,  S e e k i n g T r u t h October 30 - November 1, 2009
Rancho Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, California

A Transformative Gathering of Remembrance and Celebration for the Mind, Heart, and Spirit.

More information: Barakainstitute.org

Co-sponsored by The Baraka Initiative, The Threshold Society, The Book Foundation

Enrollment limited to 99
Youth Scholarships Available (30 and younger)

The Art of Living: Jamal Rahman
Women of Sufism: Camille Helminski
Seeking the Truth of the Qur’an: James Winston Morris
Spiritual Practice in the Teachings of Rumi: Kabir Helminski
The Living Tradition: Sufism without Borders: Cemalnur Sargut
Aesthetics, Universal Values, Transforming the World (Dunya): Rouzbeh Bahramanli
Restoring The Balance of Health: Amean Hameed

Conference and 5 meals: $270 (before Oct. 1)
Room for 2 nights: $120 (double occupancy)
$160 (single occupancy if available)

For reservations contact: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)