In these two sessions, we will be exploring the question: ‘Is there a common core experience behind diverse forms in religions?’ We will explore some of the common, and different, elements between contemporary spiritual experiences of some late 20th century Westerners, which have been recorded on DVD which we will use, and the Sufi poets and writers from the beginnings of Islam.

The 13th century Persian poet Rumi was recently hailed as the most popular poet in America and his work is most easily available in written and audio forms through the performances of such people as Robert Bly and Coleman Barks, among others. In the April session, we will look at the elements of mystical experience in his poetry and stories with plenty of time for group discussion and quiet.

The particular focus for the October session will emerge from this general beginning and then we will follow the elements through the writings of the primary Sufi lady Rabi’a, Hafiz, Kabir, Attar, Ibn al Arabi and Shabistari among others.