Events List

World Sufism Symposium Edinburgh: The Sufi Path in the 21st Century

Venue: The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB.
Date: Saturday 1 - Sunday 2 October 2011
Time: Registration 9.30-10am for symposium 10am-4.50pm.

Whirling dervishes, Rumi poetry, the classical music of Persia, the "religion of love" - the word Sufi brings up images of a romantic tradition that flourished in medieval times. But Sufis around the world today also lead in activities that range from the "Arab Spring" uprisings of the past few months to movements for ecological awareness, women's justice and education, social service and peacemaking.

The World Sufism Symposium 2011 in Edinburgh celebrates Sufism as a diverse spiritual path, with expressions unique to many world cultures. At the same time, the Sufi path expresses the ideal of "unity," based on at least 1,300 years of tradition. It represents a post-modern form of inter-spirituality that emphasizes respect and empathy, as well as the importance of deep relationship and social responsibility.

The Symposium is co-sponsored by the International Association of Sufism (www.ias.org), which for the past thirty years, has been convening gatherings of Sufis around the world. Sufi teachers from diverse lineages from Africa, Bangladesh, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, the UK and the USA have confirmed their participation for the Edinburgh Symposium. This event will provide a unique opportunity to meet, listen to and experience spiritual practice with them.

Events on Saturday and Sunday will take place at the Gillis Centre, a large retreat centre in Edinburgh. A welcome and introductory talk on Saturday will be given by Dr Nahid Angha, one of the co-founders of the International Association of Sufism. Panels on Saturday and Sunday will include: Health and Healing; Everyday Life; Ecology; Social Service and Action; Psychology; Women's Justice and Education Issues; and the Arts. Chant, meditation, dhikr (remembrance) and prayer will intersperse the presentations and will be featured in several events during the weekend.

Cost (depends on whether you wish to include lunch) options are:

1. £110 (for Sat and Sun) or £60 (for one day). Lunch is included.

£55 (for Sat and Sun) or £30 (for one day). Lunch is included. For students and officially unemployed.

2. £100 (for Sat and Sun) or £55 (for one day). Lunch is not included (info about nearby cafes will be sent when you register)

£50 (for Sat and Sun) or £28 (for one day). Lunch is not included. For students and officially unemployed.

Numbers are limited. Advance booking recommended.

Further information (including accommodation suggestions) and Registration Form from:
Fateah Alice Saunders, 44-(0)131-664-6206, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

On-Line Booking - Registration for the Public

On-Line Booking - Registration for Presenters

Co-sponsored by the Edinburgh International Centre for Spirituality and Peace, EICSP, Scottish Charity, SC038996 (www.eicsp.org) in conjunction with the International Association of Sufism (www.ias.org) and the Sufi Ruhaniat Edinburgh and UK communities.
 

World Sufism Symposium Edinburgh: The Sufi Path in the 21st Century

World Sufism Symposium Edinburgh Finalised Schedule and Presenter Biographies