Events List

MESP 2012 Pre Events
Tuesday 21 February – Wednesday 29 February 2012

Tuesday 21 February - Wednesday 22 February 2012

Event: When Abel met Cain.

Performed by Raphael Rodan and Anastasis Sarakatsanos.
Venue: Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SR.
Dates: Tuesday 21 February - Wednesday 22 February 2012 (2 Performances).
Time: 7.30pm.
Event Description: "When Abel met Cain" is an intense and gripping performance of myth, wonder tale and real life stories. A powerful portrayal of the Israel/Palestine conflict. This is a turbulent and vivid storytelling journey. In their quest, storyteller and musician join powers to probe into the darker side of the human psyche and find light. The audience is guided through cobblestone paths, paved with memories, love, fears, melodies, battles, tenderness, laughter and tears, that stretch from despair to redemption. Age: 14+

Cost: £10 (Full Price)/£7 (Concession).
Booking: Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SR. Box Office: 0131 556 9579.

Tuesday 21 February 2012

Event: Mindfulness@Lunchtime.

Venue: St Mark’s Unitarian Church, 7 Castle Terrace, Edinburgh, EH1 2DP.
Dates: Tuesday 21 and 28 February and Tuesday 6 March 2012.
Time: 12.15pm-2pm.
Event Description: The Community of Interbeing and Unitarians in Edinburgh jointly organise Mindfulness@Lunchtime every Tuesday from 12.15pm to 2pm. Please take a break, slow down, and find mindfulness@lunchtime - guided sitting meditation, walking meditation, enjoying our food together in silence and ending with a short silent meditation, returning to the world refreshed! Mindfulness is gently bringing our attention to the present moment, invoking our inherent capacity for healing and renewal. Please bring your own lunch.

Cost: Admission Free. Everyone Welcome.
Contact: Jon Bagust, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Wednesday 22 February 2012

Events: Himalaya Meals.

Venue: Himalaya Arts and Crafts, 20 South Clerk Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9PR.
Dates: Wednesday 22, Friday 24, Monday 27 and Wednesday 29 February 2012.
Time: 12.30pm-14.30pm.
Event Description: Himalayan vegetarian and vegan meal with fresh salad. All the money raised goes to Green Tara charity helping disadvantaged children in the northern part of India. See: www.himalayacentre.co.uk

Cost: £3.65. Just come along on the day.
Contact: Reka, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 0131 662 9818.

Event: Talk: Sound of the Divine.

Venue: Edinburgh Theosophical Society, 28 Great King Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6QH.
Time: 7pm-9pm.
Event Description: How does the divine name sound? Jonathan Goldman has recently released the true sounding of the name of God into human consciousness, after allegedly being removed from religious texts over 2,300 years ago. This mini talk and workshop will be an exploration into this sound. Working with our voices, breath and intention to deeply experience the sound of the divine name, we aim to discover how it affects us, what mystery it holds, and how it can be used productively. The evening will be presented by Scottish Sound Therapist Suzanne Harris who has been working with Jonathan Goldman on the teaching of this sound. See: www.soundsphere.org.uk

Cost: £10/£8 (Concessions).
Contact: Suzanne Harris, 07875 272571, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Thursday 23 February 2012

Event: Documentary Screening and Discussion – “Slingshot Hip Hop” - A unique insight into the Palestinian hip-hop scene.

Venue: Screen Academy Scotland, 2A Merchiston Avenue, Edinburgh, EH10 4NU.
Time: 2.30pm-5pm.
Event Description: Slingshot Hip Hop braids together the stories of young Palestinians living in Gaza, the West Bank and inside Israel as they discover Hip Hop and employ it as a tool to surmount divisions imposed by occupation and poverty.

Cost: Admission Free. Everyone Welcome.
Contact: Ben Sharrock, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Event: Fereshteh Presents Moroccan Nights - Hafla and Buffet Dinner.

Venue: ECOS Cafe, 373-375 Leith Walk, EH6 8SE.
Dates: Thursday 23 and Saturday 25 February 2012.
Time: 6.30pm-10.30pm.
Event Description: Fereshteh Presents Moroccan Nights. A party night with dinner. An evening of lovely fresh authentic Moroccan food, buffet style. Live entertainment from award-winning dancer Fereshteh, all the way from Egypt and other local bellydancers from Edinburgh and surrounding areas. Don’t miss out on this great night!

Cost: £18 (or why not attend both nights for only £30).
Contact: Fereshteh on 07546205751 or www.fereshteh.co.uk

Friday 24 February - Saturday 25 February 2012

Event: The Elements World Theatre presents Theseus and the Minotaur:

A Love Story … Storytelling Theatre with Flamenco Music and Dance.
About the conflict between the rational and animal aspects of human nature in our quest for love, inner peace and freedom.
Written by Lee Gershuny and Directed by Corinne Harris.
Performed by Pete Baynes, Mayte Beltran, Corinne Harris, Peter Strandberg and Robert Williamson.
Venue: Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SR.
Dates: Friday 24 - Saturday 25 February 2012 (3 performances).
Times: 7.30pm on Friday and Saturday; and 3pm on Saturday.
Event Description: Imprisoned in the centre of the Labyrinth, the Minotaur, Half Man/Half Bull, patiently waits for his food: 7 male and 7 female Anthenian youths, being offered as tribute. Any possibility of stopping the slaughter of the innocent youths seems unlikely until Theseus, the highly experienced killer of monsters and heir to the Athenian throne, volunteers to join the youths in order to gain access to the Minotaur and kill him. To his amazement, the Minotaur is not at all what he expected. Theseus begins to realise that he can no longer rely on his past experience, his beliefs about Bulls and Men and his pre-conceived strategy. An informal discussion with the company and the audience will follow each performance.

The Elements World Theatre has frequently presented new work as part of the MESP. Like other productions, Theseus and the Minotaur: A Love Story, dramatises MESP themes - the quest for love, inner peace and freedom. Age: 14+

Cost: £10 (Full Price)/£7 (Concession).
Booking: Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SR. Box Office: 0131 556 9579.

Friday 24 February 2012

Event I.R.E.C.A - Presentation and Energy Treatments.

Organizer: Life Quality Project Edinburgh.
Venue: Edinburgh Theosophical Society, 28 Great King Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6QH.
Time:  6pm-8pm.
Event Description: We invite you to come and hear more about IRECA and experience a full energy treatment. This simple technique is rooted in ancient tradition applying the concept of use of intention and attention as known in many Eastern cultures. Experience has proven that regular five-minute applications can be enough to balance the Energy Centres situated in our body. Tea/Coffee will be provided. Advanced booking recommended.

Cost: Event is free. For further information and to make a booking please:
Contact: Giuliana Saba: 07742636155, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Event: LGBT Film Night: Screening of Eyes Wide Open (2009).

Venue: LGBT Centre for Health and Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6TE.
Time: 6.30pm-9.30pm.
Event Description: Drinks, nibbles and film screening. Eyes Wide Open (2009) is a gay love story in the heart of the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community in Jerusalem. Themes of love, freedom, independence and close-knit communities are addressed at this unique, free and friendly event.  

Cost: Admission Free. Everyone Welcome.
Contact: 0131 523 1104, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Event: Talk: Icons in the Early Christian and Byzantine World.

Speaker: Maria Andipa.
Venue: The Scotland-Russia Institute, 9 South College Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9AA.
NB venue may change – contact us to check.
Time: 6.30pm.
Event Description: Maria Andipa owns the “Maria Andipa and Son Icon Gallery” in London which houses a collection of Byzantine art. She will discuss the history and spiritual role of icons within the Orthodox tradition.

Cost: Booking essential due to restricted space. Donations £2 (SRF members), £5 (non-members), payable at the door.
Contact: 0131 668 3635, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Event: Naqshbandi Sufi Dhikr.

Venue: Himalaya Arts and Crafts, 20 South Clerk Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9PR.
Time: 7.15pm.
Event Description: A Sufi dhikr (zikr) is an opportunity to focus on the highest ideal of Allah (God) that one can conceptualize in the form of chanting or repeating His names and attributes in a rhythmic way. This has the effect of opening the heart to enable us to then feel, sense or experience God. The Sufi says God is love, lover, and beloved. In other words God is the object, God is the subject, and God is the love experienced between the two. Our spiritual guide is Maulana Sheikh Nazim al-Haqqani. For further info visit www.scottishnaqshbandidhikr.webs.com

Cost: Donations Welcome.
Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 0131 623 2425 or 07855 478046.

Event: Planetary Gong Bath.

Venue: Edinburgh Theosophical Society, 28 Great King Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6QH.
Time: 7.30pm-9.30pm.
Event Description: Be immersed in the power of the gong during this deeply relaxing and energising evening. As you lay down, the powerful frequencies from the planetary gongs will create layer upon layer of tones that cocoon you in an envelope of relaxing and potentially healing and transformational sounds. The gong is believed to have originated in Mesopotamia during the Bronze Age, and some say "it transports them to different realms." The evening will be delivered by experienced Practitioners of Sound Therapy from the British Academy of Sound Therapy, Suzanne Harris and Helen Harris who has also trained with Gong Master Don Conreaux. See: www.soundsphere.org.uk

Cost: £12. Please bring a blanket and cushion.
Contact: Suzanne Harris, 07875 272571, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Saturday 25 February 2012

Event: Tales from the Homeland: Stories and Culture of Palestine.

Venue: McDonald Road Library, 2-4 McDonald Road, Edinburgh, EH7 4LU.
Time:  10am-4pm.
Event Description: Discover the sights, smells and tastes of Palestine. A beautiful exhibition giving an insight into the fascinating culture through music and dance from 10am-12 noon with delicious Palestinian food on sale from 12 noon-2pm and a chance to listen to inspiring stories and poems from 2pm-4pm.

Cost: Admission Free - Donations Welcome.
Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , www.mwae.org.uk

Event: Sabbath Morning Service with Interfaith Focus.

Venue: The Columcille Centre, 2 Newbattle Terrace, Morningside, Edinburgh, EH10 4RT.
Time: 11am–1pm.
Event Description: The Edinburgh Liberal Jewish Community is delighted to invite you to its Sabbath worship and reading from the Scroll of the Torah, led by Rabbi Mark Solomon, with traditional Jewish melodies from many lands. We will reflect on creating a sanctuary for the divine within us through the diverse contributions of every person and every faith tradition. The service is followed by the Kiddush blessings over wine and bread and light refreshments, after which there will be a Q&A session for those who wish.

Cost: Free, but please inform us of your intention to attend if possible.
Contact: 0131 777 8024, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Event: The Beshara Lecture 'The Pattern of Meaning:
Human Consciousness - the Mind of the Universe.'

Speaker: Richard Twinch MA(Cantab) AA Dipl RIBA.
Venue: Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh, EH1 2JL.
Time: 2pm-4.30pm.
Event Description: The way in which we view ourselves, the world around us and the vastness of the universe has dramatically altered within our lifetimes. Science now stands at another threshold where deeper questions arise requiring a perspective which steps beyond the strictly scientific method into the arena of metaphysics and mysticism connecting the understanding of the world 'out there' to that 'in here' - where human consciousness is viewed not just as the recently arrived microcosm but is the place of the 'mind' of the universe itself.'

Cost: Admission Free. Everyone Welcome.
Contact: to reserve a place please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Event: Global Peace through Reconciliation -The Bridge of Peace Ceremony.

Facilitator: Women’s Federation for World Peace, Scotland.
Venue: St John’s Church, Princes Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4BJ.
Time: 2pm-5pm.
Event Description: ‘The Bridge of Peace Ceremony’ brings reconciliation. Those taking part meet someone from a different spirituality, culture or race and commit themselves to bridge the gap between them. They go beyond their differences and determine to make reconciliation through their friendship. This will break the cycle of conflict in the world and lay the foundation of Global Peace. You will experience a new beginning with the newfound sister/brother. This event includes music from different countries and talks about reconciliation. You will be able to meet people from all over the world and share food from different countries.

Cost: £3 donation (includes international refreshment).
Contact: Harumi Currie, 0131 331 1433, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Event: Concert: Heart Melodies with Lissa-Käthe.

Venue: St John's Church, Princes Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4BJ.
Time:  Doors Open: 5.30pm. Performance: 6pm.
Event Description: Come along and be embraced by the beautiful music of Lissa-Käthe, Piano/Composer and Singer/Songwriter from NSW Australia. A one-hour intimate performance of piano, vocal and accompanying instruments of music and songs. Including pieces from her new album 'Satori.' Her compositions are almost like prayers and blessings, evoking a gentle, soothing and warm space in the heart.

Lissa-Käthe is a sensitive composer, inspired by her love of the piano and human compassion, enriched by the many and varied musical projects she has been involved in, including choral and world music. Her healing musical gift should not be missed.

Cost: £5. Warming refreshments also available.
Contact: Lissa-Käthe, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 07951648087.

Event: Fereshteh Presents Moroccan Nights - Hafla and Buffet Dinner.

Venue: ECOS Cafe, 373-375 Leith Walk, EH6 8SE.
Dates: Thursday 23 and Saturday 25 February 2012.
Time: 6.30pm-10.30pm.
Event Description: Fereshteh Presents Moroccan Nights. A party night with dinner. An evening of lovely fresh authentic Moroccan food, buffet style. Live entertainment from award-winning dancer Fereshteh, all the way from Egypt and other local bellydancers from Edinburgh and surrounding areas. Don’t miss out on this great night!

Cost: £18 (or why not attend both nights for only £30).
Contact: Fereshteh on 07546205751 or www.fereshteh.co.uk

Sunday 26 February 2012

Event: A Journey on Tabla.

Venue: The Third Door, 45–47 Lothian Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1HB.
Times: Workshop: 2pm-3.30pm. Evening Concert: 7.30pm-9pm.
Event Description: Concert - The Tabla is a versatile, intricate and powerful Indian classical percussion instrument. Pritam Singh will take you on a captivating journey of how the Tabla evolved from 1700 to the present period. He will perform a Tabla solo and narrate the fascinating history of this dynamic instrument.

Workshop - A demonstration of the fundamentals of rhythm and understanding the complexities of tabla compositions. An insight into tabla schools and varied playing techniques. Particularly interesting for musicians, counting and playing cross rhythms 3/8, 5/8, 6/8, 7/8 and 9/8. A fascinating concept to understand rhythmic patterns and improvisation. A rare opportunity to ask questions during the Q&A session. The workshop is interactive and covers all aspects of Indian music including demonstrations on the various percussion instruments and singing Raga scales with the Harmonium.

Pritam Singh is known as the ‘Tabla Wizard,’ a versatile and master musician and world-renowned for his skill and knowledge on the instrument. He has an incredible dynamic sound, intricacy, speed and clarity which are balanced with his artistic maturity and musical sense. Pritam Singh has toured throughout the world, from Mexico to Mumbai, with an array of artists from Jazz, Rock, Punk and of course Indian classical and folk musicians. He has composed music for films, taught thousands of students all over the world, recorded over 60 albums of different music styles and appeared on numerous radio and television shows. His Tabla manual with DVD, ‘Tabla Tutor,’ is a unique, authentic and comprehensive piece of work.

Cost: Before 28 December 2011: Workshop £7, Concert £6, Workshop and Concert £10.
Before 28 January 2012: Workshop £10, Concert £8, Workshop and Concert £15.
Tickets on the Door: Workshop £12, Concert £10, Workshop and Concert £20.
Contact: Romina Vessella, 07915830971, www.pritamsingh.co.uk, Facebook: Pritam Singh Group.

Event: Langar Community Meal.

Venue: Guru Nanak Gurdwara, 1 Sheriff Brae, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6TJ.
Time: 2pm-3pm.
Event Description: Guests are welcome to attend this traditional vegetarian meal at the Edinburgh Gurdwara. Prior to the meal there will be a short talk with questions and answers.

Cost: Admission Free. Everyone Welcome.
Contact: Wege Singh, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Event: Talk: `Child of the Ghetto?' Sickert's Portrait of Israel Zangwill.

Speaker: Patricia Allerston, Head of Education at the National Galleries of Scotland.
Venue: Marian Oppenheim Hall, Edinburgh Hebrew Congregation, 4 Salisbury Road, Edinburgh, EH16 5AB.
Time: 8pm.
Event Description: The speaker, who is Head of Education at the National Galleries of Scotland, will speak about the 1904 portrait of Israel Zangwill, the famous Jewish novelist and playwright, by the artist Walter Sickert. She will discuss what light the portrait sheds on the quick pace of change affecting Jewish thinkers and intellectuals in the late 19th/early 20th century.

Cost: £3 donation requested. No advanced booking required.
Contact: Micheline Brannan, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Tuesday 28 February 2012

Event: Talk: Meditation in Action: The Key to Unconditional Love.

Speaker: Srivani, an Ishaya Monk of the Bright Path.
Venue: Edinburgh Theosophical Society, 28 Great King Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6QH.
Time: Registration: 7.15pm-7.30pm. Event: 7.30pm-9pm.
Event Description: What is unconditional love? Is it possible? Is it sustainable? What enables us to express and receive it? What prevents us? Many believe that the “Key to Unconditional Love” is permanently lost or an ideal that has no basis in ordinary reality. Yet, there are many examples of people who have embodied unconditional love in their lives and teaching and inspired others to make it their highest priority. During this talk, we will introduce a guided meditation technique that you can practice as a way of unlocking whatever doors may have prevented you from living life in joy, love and inner peace. You may discover that you already have the key and that when you actually practice using it, the door opens effortlessly. 

Srivani is an Ishaya Monk of the Bright Path. She is also known as Lee Gershuny, Ph.D., Founder/Artistic Director of The Elements World Theatre, award-winning playwright in the UK and USA, and facilitator of numerous workshops in creative conflict resolution in local, national and international festivals and conferences, including the MESP. 

Cost: £5 Donation, payable at the door.
Contact: Srivani, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 0131 332 1418, www.thebrightpath.com

Wednesday 29 February 2012

Event: Refugee Destitution in Scotland: Launch of new animation.

Venue: Iglu, 2b Jamaica Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6HH.
Time: 6.30pm-7.30pm.
Event Description: Join Refugee Survival Trust in celebrating the launch of our new short animation which shows how refugees who come to Scotland seeking sanctuary all too often end up being failed by the system and left hungry and homeless. Wine and nibbles will be provided and it will be an opportunity to hear more about the work RST does to prevent the destitution of people seeking asylum in Scotland.

Cost: Free (donations to RST welcome).
Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 0131 243 2660.

Event: Tyi Wara - The Earth Hero.

Produced by Toto Tales.
Venue: Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SR.
Time: 7pm.
Event Description: Born in a mythical realm, the hero Tyi Wara descended to the earth. His destiny was to reveal the secret of agriculture to the Bambara people of Mali. In a unique fusion of physical storytelling, contemporary dance and live music featuring the kora, drum and balafon, this exciting new production unites the traditional with the contemporary, exploring issues of social collaboration, the importance of work and respect for the earth. Age: 8+

Cost: £6 (Full Price)/£4 (Concession).
Booking: Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SR. Box Office: 0131 556 9579.

Event: An Introductory Talk on Pranic Healing.

Facilitator: Paulina Ruiz Cuburu.
Venue: Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh, EH1 2JL.
Time: 7pm for 7.30pm-10pm.
Event Description: This 2.5 hour introduction will include the following topics: What is Pranic Healing?; How Prana/Life Force affects various aspects of your life; How to harness this energy for healing yourself and others; Demonstration on Pranic Healing being applied; Participate in experiments to feel the energy; Introduction to the Meditation for Planetary Peace, also called Twin Hearts Meditation. And much more!

Paulina Ruiz Cuburu is an Advanced Pranic Psychotherapy Healer and Pranic Crystal Healer since 2006. She is a certified instructor for the UK by the World Pranic Healing Foundation and the Institute for Inner Studies, Manila. Originally from Mexico and having actively worked with the Mexican Foundation for Pranic Healing, she now lives in Edinburgh where she currently teaches and offers Pranic Healing and Meditation to the public.

Cost: Admission Free. Everyone Welcome.
Contact: Paulina R Cuburu, 07500223585, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Event: Talk: The Power of Dream and Story in Islam.

Speaker: Luqman Ali.
Venue: Augustine United Church Studio, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1EL.
Time: 8pm (Doors Open: 7.30pm)
Event Description: Underpinning all conflict and competition, whether military, ideological or economic, is the most important war of all: the war of dreams and stories. From dreams and stories arise aspirations and ideals that mold character, set orientation and mobilise all human pursuits. The Qur'an is largely composed of stories. The Prophet Muhammad devoted a major proportion of his mission to exploring and telling stories by the Divine command “tell them the stories so that they will reflect!” (7:176). In this talk, the speaker will present his thesis that storytelling is more integral to the prophetic transmission and embodiment of Islam than the elaboration of doctrine, dogma or legal injunctions. The low estimation in which stories and dreams are held in the Muslim world and the failure to effectively share the story of Islam with the modern world is indicative of a community out of touch with the dynamics and patterns of the creational story, out of touch with the primal impulses of humanity and out of touch with their hearts.

Luqman Ali, a second-generation African-American Muslim, studied for several decades the sciences and languages of Islam, and the cultures of the Middle East and the Indian Sub-continent. He has worked as a linguist, writer, translator, community worker, teacher and lecturer as well as International Programmes Co-ordinator for Relief International UK, a humanitarian organisation providing aid and relief to refugees in the Middle East. Luqman is the Co-founder, Chief Conceptualist and Artistic Director of award winning 'Khayaal,' the first professional theatre company offering audiences a fascinating experience of Muslim world culture through contemporary art forms.

Cost: Admission Free. Everyone Welcome.
Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 07814859599.