Discovering Unity

An intensive six-month winter retreat exploring self-knowledge and global responsibility.
1st October to 24th March 2016-17, at the Chisholme Institute, Scottish Borders UK

Know yourself, know the world
You and the world are one; you and the world cannot be separated. What does this mean for you? How should this inform your understanding of yourself? How should it affect the way you see your role in the world?

Charity begins at home
You may already have the desire to help others and to help the world, a desire arising out of love for others and for their future. But shouldn’t you first help yourself? This course aims to awaken the potential in you: there is more to you than you currently imagine. When you truly know what you can be and can truly be yourself then you can truly and fully help others (and yourself).

Unity: the underlying principle
You are one, and one with the world. This principle of unity lies at the heart of the world’s great traditions. During the course you will study some of the world’s finest spiritual literature including the Tao, the Baghavad Gita, the poetry of Rumi, the writings of Meister Eckhart and the work of the Andalusian sufi Muhyiddin Ibn ‘Arabi.  In studying the wisdom  their words offer, you will come to learn more of what this fundamental unity really means.
But the unity includes you, so the education is not just for your mind. The education is for the whole person which is you. Work will be done with and for the body and the heart as well.

The course
This is a full-time retreat course running seven days a week for six months. It takes place on the Chisholme Estate, a place of great beauty in the heart of the Scottish Borders.
Each day includes time for study, work, contemplation and devotional practice. About half-way through the course there will be a study trip to Turkey.
Particular attention is paid to the cultivation, the preparation and the proper enjoyment of good food. Work is often in the organic garden or helping the cook in the kitchen. The days are punctuated by fine meals.

The cost
The course fee is £6000. The fee includes all costs of food and accommodation, course materials and the one-week study trip to Turkey. A deposit of £500 must be paid when your application is accepted. This would be refunded if the course were cancelled. A reduced total fee of £5800 is available to those who pay this amount by 1 September.
A payment scheme is available for students requiring financial assistance. This allows for a minimum of £3000 to be paid before the course begins with the balance to be paid afterwards. Applications for this payment scheme will be considered individually; please contact the secretary concerning this.

Bursaries 
Full and partial bursaries may be available for qualifying students. Please contact the secretary if you wish to apply.

How to apply
The course is open to everyone, irrespective of age or prior education. However, you should first have done a short introductory course at Chisholme (see courses calendar) or a similar course elsewhere. It is important to become familiar with the perspective of this retreat course before committing yourself to it.
Download an application form here...
or write to secretary@chisholme.org or phone +44(0) 1450 880215

Learn more
Watch a video:
 Self Knowledge and the Unity of Being: The Six Month Intensive Course (click to video): A short introduction to the six-month intensive course that runs from October 1st to March 24th every year. 

Please click here for an overview of the course, including structure, materials and application process.