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Karl Lorenzen

Sacred geometry has fascinated artists, scientists, and philosophers for centuries. In this 3-week online course, we will learn the traditional craft, vocabulary and “alphabet” of sacred geometry. Through lecture, demonstration, and walking through this meditative process together — using a bow compass, straight edge and pencil — we will experience first hand how to draw the Platonic Solids, other classical geometric forms, and beautiful Islamic tiling patterns. And we will construct 3D models of those shapes, transforming common paper plates into meditative objects of transcendent form.

The course material for “Meditations on Scared Geometry” is accessible to people at all levels of ability: no previous math or art experience is required.

NOTE: Students must have access to a computer with a web browser for this ONLINE ONLY course, and may need to download free software to use some course features. Password-protected access to the course website is permitted only during the dates that this course is being held; PASSWORDS WILL BE ISSUED THE NIGHT BEFORE THE COURSE BEGINS; and user accounts will be deleted once the course is over. Audio-visual materials on the website are not downloaded but streamed through the web browser. Open Center Online Learning courses give students access to teachers and other students through several interactive tools on the course websites.

Please view our F.A.Q. (Frequently Asked Questions) for more detailed information about Open Center Online Learning courses.

AN ONLINE COURSE
February 20-March 11, 2012 (3 weeks)
12OLASI101
$110 No Member Discount

Karl Lorenzen
Karl Lorenzen is a professional artist who has studied and taught Sacred Geometry since 2000. In 2010 he co-presented “Alexandria’s Influence on the Islamic Art of Andalusia” at the Open Center symposium “NYC Esoteric Gathering.” Karl was a 2010 Artist in Residence at the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY.

Jane Carroll and Stephen Hirtenstein

As far back as Pythagoras and Plato the study of number and geometry has been seen as a spiritual discipline. It was in Islamic Spain, particularly in the writings of Ibn ‘Arabi (1165–1240) and Islamic architecture, that such studies reached their spiritual apex. This unique workshop will examine number and geometry in the light of Ibn ‘Arabi’s penetrating insights. We shall begin with the mystical understanding of number, the way of directly understanding the nature of Reality, both One and Many. We will then look at the application of number in space, the science of geometry, and its inherent beauty. In particular we will look at the great buildings of Moorish Spain, like the Alhambra in Granada. This workshop will include sessions in embodying meaning: Ibn ’Arabi and number; a slide presentation of Islamic architecture; a geometry drawing class; and a new mystical understanding of beauty.

A ONE-DAY WORKSHOP
Saturday, April 1, 10am–5:30pm
12WSS29M
Members: $120 / Nonmembers: $130
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Sheikha Khadija Radin

The practice of whirling was an activity which the extraordinary poet and spiritual teacher Rumi shared with his disciples. After his death, the Mevlevi Sufis in Turkey carried on his tradition and came to be known as the whirling dervishes. Their practices include music, poetry, meditation, whirling, zikr (the repetition of sacred phrases), sohbet (spiritual discourses) and etiquette. In this workshop, we will explore various styles of Sufi meditation and mystical practices, including the use of rarely taught breathing techniques, posture, and visual images to aid us in understanding how we attach to a limited self identity. The day will also include sohbet, zikr and traditional and freestyle whirling. Advanced meditators and beginners alike will come away with deeper insights into the reality of “no self” and the profound, inspiring wisdom of Rumi’s legacy.

A ONE-DAY WORKSHOP
Sunday, March 11, 10am–5pm
12WSS24S
Members $100/Nonmembers $110
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Co-sponsored by the Middle East Institute at Columbia University

A CONFERENCE
Friday & Saturday, November 4 & 5

In 2009, The Muhyiddin Ibn ‘Arabi Society and the New York Open Center began the first of a series of conferences on the great mystic Muhyiddin Ibn 'Arabi (1165–1240). We now present the second conference in this series, this one focusing on the teachings of both Ibn ‘Arabi and Jalaluddin Rumi (1207–1273), the other giant of Sufi mysticism.

Muhyiddin Ibn ‘Arabi and Jalaluddin Rumi are unquestionably the two great pillars of Islamic mysticism, known as Sufism. They appeared in the same century, one from the Muslim West, the other from the East, bringing a glorious new vision of human potential and realization that has been a source of inspiration ever since. Their words continue to touch us directly, inviting us to explore the heart as the place of wisdom and love.

This first symposium ever dedicated to both these spiritual masters will be a uniquely exciting opportunity to learn about and discuss their teachings with leading scholars in the field. There will be lectures and workshops as well as traditional and original musical/artistic
performances.

1st Early Bird price $125 by June 10
2nd Early Bird price $145 by October 10
$165 after October 10
11WSS13S