Facilitator: Paul Sutherland.
Venue: Library, Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh.
Time: 9.30am for 10am-4pm. Lunch: 1pm-2pm.
Event Description: Professional poet and writer Paul Sutherland will introduce participants to the rich field of poems and stories handed down from Sufi shaikhs and still used today. In Middle Eastern traditions mystical teachers wrote poetry and/or told stories to help followers (murids) develop spiritually. Though different methods and styles evolve, the goal is the same: to lead the 'searcher' to focus on and long for a spiritual reality, to help the novice along their path to full inner realisation, to be able to approach the Beloved: 'To see God' as one mystic said. Authors/ mystics, such as the 13th century Persian Rumi, have portrayed this search through now world famous poems and stories. As well as introducing this body of mystical writing, poet Paul Sutherland will encourage participants to create their own poems and/or stories to help them 'reflect on' their journey toward greater spiritual sensitivity and well-being, toward an understanding of their own numinous life, to address the Beloved.

Paul Sutherland has led countless workshops in creative writing. His own poetry reflects a powerful awareness of and commitment to the value of a spiritual life with its search, challenges and ultimately revelations. His two recent collections, Holy Week Sequence and Seven Earth Odes (both published in 2004) praised by critics and readers alike, bring to light the depths of his understanding and experiences which increased slowly over many years of exploration and practice in mystical traditions.
Cost: £20/£15 (Concessions). For a Registration Form:
Contact: Neill Walker, njwalk5300@hotmail.co.uk, 0131 331 4469.