Eye of the Heart

By Kabir Helminski, Camille Helminski, *Eye of the Heart* - The Threshold Society - Watsonville, CA, USA
Friday, April 16, 2010

The Threshold Society with Spirituality and Practice is once again offering a Rumi eCourse, an opportunity to participate in a period of reflection and dialog focussed on:

The Journey of the Soul
in the Teachings of Rumi

Seven Weeks, April 18 - June 5

Didn’t I say, don’t sit with sad companions?
Don’t sit with anyone but those whose hearts are glad.
Since you are in the garden, don’t go to thorns.
Sit amidst the roses, jonquils, and jasmine.
(1518)

If you dwell with the unaware, you become cold,
But if you dwell with the aware, you become human.
Make a sanctuary inside a furnace, as true gold does,
Knowing that if you leave, you will freeze.

(170)

For this Online Retreat and Practice Circle, a group of practicing Sufis, who have been on Rumi’s path for many years under the direction of Shaykh Kabir Helminski and Shaykha Camille Helminski, have collaborated to offer some selections from Rumi’s vast work that capture the essence of his teaching.

Every morning for seven weeks, retreat participants will receive a selection by email to be contemplated according to a recommended method of conscious reflection.

Rumi has been quoted everywhere for years now, usually in bite size portions — a line, a couplet, or a quatrain — but it is possible to go deeper, to explore the many themes that form a coherent whole in Rumi’s literary and spiritual legacy. Most importantly, the inspired words of a true spiritual master are nourishment for the soul at a time when such nourishment is vital to sustaining our humanness itself.

Reflecting upon these sacred texts can kindle the precious spark of wisdom within ourselves.

We are calling this retreat "The Journey of the Soul" because it focuses on the practical steps of the spiritual journey. It covers seven themes:

• The Call & Remembrance
• Seeking
• Mercy
• Purity of Heart
• Trust
• Surrender in Love
• Oneness of Being

Each week one theme will be introduced and mentored by one of the Sufi elders; later in the week he or she will relate a personal experience of living that theme. Kabir and Camille Helminski will be monitoring the course as well.

We believe you will find these selections from the teachings of Rumi not only beautiful and inspiring, but informative and practical.

Participants in the retreat will also have access to an online Practice Circle where we will discuss the theme and the poetry as well as ask questions of our retreat mentors.

This Online Retreat has been developed by the Threshold Society, which is affiliated with The Mevlevi Order of Sufis. The Mevlevis, who trace their inspiration back seven centuries to Mevlana Jelaluddin Rumi, are known for their hospitality to religious seekers of all traditions.

Spirituality & Practice is pleased to partner with the Threshold Society to bring these teachings to our online community. We hope that you will enjoy the retreat and that it will also be deeply transformative to your spiritual understanding.

Seven Weeks, April 18 - June 5

$49.00

Click here to enroll or to give as a gift.

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