Rumi

ANSARI QADIRI RIFAI SUFI ORDER (AQRT) - UK TUESDAY ZIKR/MEDITATION The Ansari Qadiri-Rifai Sufi Order (London branch), under the guidance of Shaykh Taner Vargonen Ansari, is pleased to invite men and women, regardless of your faith or beliefs to our weekly Tuesday zikr. We are a Sufi order whose origins started with two great Saints of early Sufism: Shaykh Abdul Qadir al Geylani and Shaykh Ahmed er Rifai. Our Tradition is one of inclusiveness and of welcoming. This tradition has passed down to us through the current Spiritual Guide of the Order: Shaykh Taner Vargonen Ansari, who now resides in New York and is helping establish Sufism in the West. Come, Come whoever you are, wanderer, worshiper, lover of leaving. Our's is not a caravan of despair. Come even if you have broken your vows a thousand times, Come, come yet again. (Mevlana Rumi) Sufism is the spiritual/ mystical path of Islam. During the Zikr (the ceremony of remembrance) we practice some simple movements accompanied by frame drumming, hymn singing and chanting. In Zikr, each member of the group effaces him or herself in the remembrance of God using the energy of the entire group synergistically for the development of all. We start at 19:15 with the group zikr for about one hour. We welcome everyone who comes in peace. The Zikr is free but a donation to help with the venue hire would be greatly appreciated. We hope to see you soon. Please contact : Rita on 07941 653337 (ritaglh@yahoo.co.uk) or Reeyaaz on 07875 569921 (smreeyaaz@gmail.com) if you want any information about our Sufi order or Sufism in general.

Whether you have never drummed before, a beginner, or a skilled drummer, the workshop is open to all. We have such fun and play gigs in and around London as well as Penge. Gigs include local community events/festivals, supporting charities at the London Marathon or Royal Parks Run, fundraisers, and wider festivals. We also play with our associated group ,Tribo, from West London, where you have a chance to play at the Notting Hill Carnival every year. Come, join in some Brazilian vibes, and develop drumming skills you didn't know you had! First session FREE and £12.50 per session after. It's a drop in so no pressure. For people who are interested in: drumming, Brazilian drumming, samba reggae, samba. Please visit: www.pengenistadrummers.org

# Three classics from the golden age of the Iranian documentary movement. Films by **Ebrahim Golestan** explore the relationship between earth, people, and the cycle of life in a uniquely poetic manner. *A Fire*, part of his ‘industrial documentaries’ (made early in his career whilst working for oil companies) was **Golestan’s** first major international breakthrough. It depicts the extraordinary effort to extinguish a major oilfield fire, combining dramatic immediacy with a poetic sensibility. *The Hills of Marlik* appears to be about the excavation of an archaeological site, but the unearthed objects become a lens through which 3,000 years of Iranian history are seen. **Shirdel’s** *The Night It Rained* follows a newspaper report of a village boy who supposedly saves passengers on a train, an account that is quickly doubted and challenged. In just thirty minutes, **Shirdel** offers a masterful, incisive portrait of 1960s Iran. Tickets are selling fast! Reservation link: [https://www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2026/event/masterpieces-of-the-iranian-new-wave-documentary-programme](https://www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2026/event/masterpieces-of-the-iranian-new-wave-documentary-programme) We will have a discussion about the films at Barbican’s cinema bar after the screening. Join me on: English reading club: [www.meetup.com/persian-culture](www.meetup.com/persian-culture) Spanish reading club: [www.meetup.com/gaia-libros](https://www.meetup.com/gaia-libros) French reading club: [www.meetup.com/gaia-livres](https://www.meetup.com/gaia-livres) Instagram @persian_culture_ -Whatsapp group: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/EZk35ZbJZ6W6wwyHyuxoS2](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EZk35ZbJZ6W6wwyHyuxoS2)

Join us on Tuesdays for a vibrant and immersive experience of West African drumming in SE5. This event is perfect for both beginners and experienced drummers looking to enhance their skills and connect with the energetic beats of the Djembe drum. Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of African music as our skilled instructors guide you through rhythmic patterns and techniques that will transport you to the heart of Africa. Bring your drum or borrow one of ours and become part of a dynamic drum circle where everyone's unique contributions come together to create a mesmerizing musical tapestry. Whether you're a seasoned drummer or just starting your rhythmic journey, this event promises to be a joyful celebration of African drumming that will uplift your spirit and leave you feeling connected to the vibrant beats of the continent. Join us in SE5 and let the rhythms of West African drumming awaken your soul.

London's Friendly Book Club's pick for February is **The Bandit Queens** by **Parini Shroff**. Geeta's no-good husband disappeared five years ago. She didn't kill him, but everyone thinks she did--no matter how much she protests. But she soon discovers that being known as a "self-made" widow has some surprising perks. No one messes with her, no one threatens her, and no one tries to control (ahem, *marry*) her. It's even been good for her business; no one wants to risk getting on her bad side by *not* buying her jewelry. Freedom must look good on Geeta, because other women in the village have started asking for her help to get rid of their own no-good husbands...but not all of them are asking nicely. Now that Geeta's fearsome reputation has become a double-edged sword, she must decide how far to go to protect it, along with the life she's built. Because even the best-laid plans of would-be widows tend to go awry. Please only RSVP if you think you'll be able to make this event. **We host three sessions per book, you only need to attend one.** Everyone is welcome! Grab your copy and join us for a relaxed and engaging discussion.

HEALING DEVELOPMENT GROUP This Healing Development group will also included the use the Drum and Journeying. If you have your own please bring it and/or rattle. I will have a few spare drums so please let me know that you are attending so I know if we have enough. Lorna facilitates a fun monthly open awareness and support group from beginners, to all levels of students and workers in the healing/therapy Energy fields. Please come to the support groups at venues and Zoom, below to keep up your practice, ask questions, support each other and discover how you use your healing skills and abilities as they develop. * Meditation/Journeying * Discussion * Awareness * Energy Sharing * Sound and Drumming at some venues I work mainly in the following areas but if you would like me to do a group in your area, contact me and we can discuss. If you cannot make a particular group please feel free to attend any of the others or on Zoom. LET ME KNOW IF YOU ARE ATTENDING. Cost £10.00 per session See my web site or contact me on my MOBILE: +44 (0) 7950 985 799 - for further details: www.blaze2wotherapieslorna.co.uk Please like my page: https://www.facebook.com/Blaze2woHolisticTherapies 2022 ADDISCOMBE Healing & Drum Development group Forth Tuesday of the month 19.30 pm - 21.30 pm *** REDHILL Healing Development Group - Currently full Third Monday of the month 19.00 pm - 21.00 pm \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* RICHMOND Drum Healing Group Bi-monthly Saturday 19.30 pm - 21.30 pm *** WALTON Drum Healing group Second Monday of the month 19.00 pm - 21.00 pm *** One Beat 2 Heal via zoom First Tuesday of the month 19.00 pm - 21.00 pm *** Learning Holistic Harmony of the Self via zoom Second and Fourth Thursday of the month 19.00 pm - 21.00 pm *** Email: blaze2wo@gmail.com

More info here: [https://tarayogacentre.co.uk/tantra/](https://tarayogacentre.co.uk/tantra/ "https://tarayogacentre.co.uk/tantra/") Tantra is the path of realising the **Truth through the heart**, which is consciously opened to everyone and everything. It is an invitation to awaken now and to **live life in full awareness**, to enjoy its amazing intensity and **experience ecstatic happiness and freedom** in the midst of daily life. It is a path suited to those who wish to **live a full and meaningful life, to realise their highest potential**, and to **celebrate the ‘here and now’**. Tantra **embraces all aspects** of life consciously and courageously, with the tools and wisdom to realise that life, whether ‘pleasant’ or ‘unpleasant’, is our greatest teacher and ally.

Chetori, This fresh prose translation by Maryam Mafi of 105 short teaching stories by Rumi, which form the core of the six-volume Masnavi, explores the hidden spiritual aspects of everyday experience. Rumi transforms the seemingly mundane events of daily life into profound Sufi teaching moments. These prose gems open the mystical portal to the world of the ancient mystic. Do you speak French and would like to be part of a reading group and other events in French? [https://www.meetup.com/gaia-livres/](https://www.meetup.com/The-London-French-Club/) Do you speak Spanish and would like to be part of a reading group in Spanish? [https://www.meetup.com/gaia-libros/](https://www.meetup.com/London-Spanish-Club/) Or join my eclectic English book club: [https://www.meetup.com/gaia-books](https://www.meetup.com/gaia-libros/) instagram: @persian_culture_ -Whatsapp group: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/EZk35ZbJZ6W6wwyHyuxoS2](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EZk35ZbJZ6W6wwyHyuxoS2)

Whether you have never drummed before, a beginner, or a skilled drummer, the workshop is open to all. We have such fun and play gigs in and around London as well as Penge. Gigs include local community events/festivals, support charities at the London Marathon or Royals Parks Run, fundraisers, and wider festivals. We also play with our associated group ,Tribo, from West London, where you have a chance to play at the Notting Hill Carnival every year. Come, join in some Brazilian vibes, and develop drumming skills you didn't know you had! First session FREE and £12.50 per session after. It's a drop in so no pressure. For people who are interested in: drumming, Brazilian drumming, samba reggae, samba. Please visit: www.pengenistadrummers.org

Spotlight on Iran: an evening of political readings, live music, dialogue, and a fusion of Eastern European and Iranian food. *How do we come together in collective power when, by design, our attention is violently split between different geographies?* **Co-learning in Public** is a new event series dedicated to alternative political education through shared practices, lived experience, and collective learning. With each event, Eastern European histories and issues are brought into conversation with struggles and lessons from other regions, working towards transnational solidarity. The first event sheds light on Iran at a time when the uprising sparked by the collapse of the country’s currency was met with disproportionate violence, especially augmented by US threats. Revolution is no stranger to Eastern Europe. We know well the seduction of neoliberal ideas of freedom, where liberation is built on alignment with Western models. We also know, through feminist and anti-violence movements, that isolation is a deliberate tactic used to obstruct paths toward genuine freedom. Iran is being sealed off. During the evening: * Writer, curator, producer, and former political prisoner Aras Amiri will read and discuss her latest text, *The Eros of Revolution in Iran,* which looks at how movements like Woman, Life, Freedom grow out of and continue the struggles of the 1979 Revolution * Saxophonist Omid Amiri will perform a mix of Persian, Eastern European, and contemporary jazz throughout the evening * Aras Amiri will facilitate a conversation with the audience about the rise of the far right across different geographies, and how people are organising collectively in response (through unions, art collectives, social and political groups, university spaces, and beyond). You are invited to bring a short text to read (fiction, non-fiction, or theory), or to share a personal experience that feels relevant * A fusion of Eastern European and Iranian food will be offered at the start of the evening. **WHEN**: Friday, 27 February 2026, 7pm **WHERE**: Event Space, Pelican House, 144 Cambridge Heath Road, E1 5QJ London ### ABOUT THE SPEAKERS **Aras Amiri** I am an Iranian writer, curator, and art producer, born in 1986 in Amol. I grew up in the language and nature of Mazandaran. The meanings of the 1979 revolution, my parents’ love of music, art, and folklore, their leftist library, and the suppression of the regime formed my understanding of the world. My childhood imagination found its ground in writing which has stayed with me-when I was writing regularly, participating in literary scenes in Amol and Tehran, and during periods when I no longer wrote stories. Since moving to the UK in 2007, I have curated exhibitions of Iranian contemporary artists, published critical writing, and worked as Art Manager for Iran at the British Council, producing collaborative and international projects across artforms and publishing poetry, short stories, and a bilingual art magazine. Imprisoned in Iran from 2018 to 2022, I wrote poetry and fiction and completed my MA dissertation, *The Truth Content of Art and Its Relation to Freedom*, under Peter Osborne’s distant supervision. I now live in Jersey, co-founded The Moving Arts Collective, and continue to write in Farsi. **Omid Amiri** I am an Iranian musician and music educator. I was born amidst the beautiful nature of the Mazandaran region, where the forest, the sea, and the mountain come together. I was raised in a politically active family with a profound admiration for the arts, yet I grew up during the dark times of post-revolution Iran. My first two years were spent missing my imprisoned father, and I entered a society where social freedoms and the arts were strictly limited, all while a war raged with a neighboring country. In a time when carrying a musical instrument in public was forbidden, I found my sanctuary in music. Thanks to my music-loving and audiophile father, I spent my youth practicing freedom, expression, and imagination through playing piano and listening to sounds from diverse cultures and different music styles. Music became my greatest passion and remains my way of life up to this date. Later in my musical growth, I was deeply influenced by Black American Music—what the Western world knows as Jazz. I was first moved by the richness of this music itself, and then by its history of resilience. I studied BAM formally at ARPEJ Paris and I was mentored by the likes of Tony Kofi and Michel Goldberg, and have spent the last 22 years performing across the scenes of Tehran, Paris, and London. My repertoire spans BAM, Blues, Rock, Soul/R&B, African, Latin and Middle Eastern music, Persian fusion, and electronic music, often collaborating with poets and performance artists. For the past eight years, I have shared my love for music through saxophone lessons, music theory, and BAM history classes plus leading ensemble workshops. My musical journey is one of self-discovery, connection and sympathy. I have a deep desire to fuse different sources of music, finding joy in the interaction and unity and plural expression. To me, music is a service to humanity. I believe the intent and the soul are far more important than technique; humanity, honesty, and love are what truly enrich a musician’s creation. Booking details: [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-eros-of-revolution-in-iran-tickets-1982460685276?aff=ebdssbdestsearch](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-eros-of-revolution-in-iran-tickets-1982460685276?aff=ebdssbdestsearch) Are you interested in reading fiction and non-fiction in French Spanish, and English? [www.meetup.com/gaia-books](https://www.meetup.com/gaia-books) [-www.meetup.com/gaia-libros](http://-www.meetup.com/gaia-libros) [-www.meetup.com/gaia-livres](http://-www.meetup.com/gaia-livres) -Instagram: @persian_culture_ -Persian Culture Whatsapp group: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/EZk35ZbJZ6W6wwyHyuxoS2](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EZk35ZbJZ6W6wwyHyuxoS2)

We will begin with a talk giving some background to the School of Sufi Teaching and our meditation practices. We will then sit together in meditation. Following this there will be an opportunity ask questions arising from your experience during the meditation. Please arrive at 7.00pm so as to benefit from the short introductory talk. Meditation will commence at 7.30pm . The session should be completed by 9.00 pm. The meditation will start promptly at 7.30 pm when the front door will be closed so as to ensure an undisturbed period of solitude. Location of Meeting **Entry is via the side door which is located in the side road between our building and the pub.** **Follow the plant containers.** 253 Globe Road London E2 0JD https://goo.gl/maps/6Ng5rhHKsLXe16jz6 Nearest Underground Station is Bethnal Green For individuals interested in learning more about Sufism, our practices and their transformational role on the individual we recommend reading **Click here** [http://www.amazon.co.uk/Turning-toward-Heart-Awakening-Contemporary/dp/1887752463](http://www.amazon.co.uk/Turning-toward-Heart-Awakening-Contemporary/dp/1887752463) **Turning Toward the Heart: - Awakening to the Sufi Way** **Forty Questions and Answers**

The last female ambassador of Afghanistan and her tireless commitment to the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan. Four years since seizing control of Afghanistan, the Taliban has instituted a draconian regime of systematic gender-based oppression and domination—what a growing number of Afghan women’s rights defenders, UN experts, Member States, and international jurists have identified as ‘gender apartheid.’ Through the wholesale removal of protective safeguards, an onslaught of repressive decrees and edicts, and punitive enforcement measures, the Taliban has sought to systematically erase women and girls from public life and relegate them to child bearers, child rearers, and free domestic labor. Despite this worsening human rights crisis, much of the world watches in alarming silence, with some states making steps towards normalising relations with the Taliban. As the women and girls of Afghanistan have been courageously leading the charge to stand up against abuses committed against them, it is critical that the international community commit to women’s political participation. This event will feature a screening of *The Last Ambassador*, a documentary that follows the journey of Ambassador Manizha Bakhtari in the aftermath of the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. The last remaining female Ambassador of Afghanistan, Ambassador Bakhtari continues her fight for the people of Afghanistan, in solidarity with Afghan women and girls and in defiance of the Taliban’s deepening gender apartheid regime. Reservation details: [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/screening-qa-the-last-ambassador-tickets-1981320244186](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/screening-qa-the-last-ambassador-tickets-1981320244186) I’ll be at the bar 15 minutes before the event. We’ll meet at Frontline Club’s bar after to discuss the screening. Are you interested in reading fiction and non-fiction in French, Spanish, and English? [www.meetup.com/gaia-books](https://www.meetup.com/gaia-books) [-www.meetup.com/gaia-libros](http://-www.meetup.com/gaia-libros) [-www.meetup.com/gaia-livres](http://-www.meetup.com/gaia-livres) -Instagram: @persian_culture_ -Persian Culture Whatsapp group: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/EZk35ZbJZ6W6wwyHyuxoS2](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EZk35ZbJZ6W6wwyHyuxoS2)

Meeting Room 2b, Main Library Join us for a welcoming evening of reflection, gentle music, and meaningful conversation. We’ll begin with a short grounding moment, followed by a brief reading from spiritual or philosophical traditions, and an open reflection circle where participants can share (or simply listen). Libera Animae is an interfaith community focused on inner growth, creativity, and authentic connection. We desire to cultivate a space where all questions are welcome and each person is treated with compassion and respect.

Join us as we get together to see SIRAT, an Oscar-nominated Best International Film from Spain that follows a father, accompanied by his son, goes looking for his missing daughter in North Africa. Here’s a description, trailer and our plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: A father, accompanied by his son arrive at a rave deep in the mountains of southern Morocco while searching for his daughter who vanished months ago at one of these endless, sleepless parties. As their search continues, the journey forces them to confront their own limits. The film is directed by Oliver Laxe and stars Sergi Lopez, Bruno Nunez Arjona and Richard Bellamy. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ww-IXHXvS70 BUZZ & ACCLAIM: SIRAT has already won numerous awards, including 4 at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, along with the Chicago, Montclair and Toronto International Film Festivals! It also earned a whopping 11 nominations at the 40th Goya Awards, including Best Film and Director, and was nominated for Best International Feature Film and Best Sound at this year’s Academy Awards. The film is earning a stellar 92% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes which calls it “an unforgettable exercise in tension” and “a brutal reminder that the journey can be more important than the destination.” PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will confirm/announce details as the date gets closer. Once showtime is confirmed, advance purchase (via GFC website preferred) is advised! Once you have your ticket, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event. PARKING: Close, convenient parking is available in the nearby garage (located between 9th and 11th, just off High St). Bring your ticket with you and have it validated at the theater and for $2, you’re covered for the night! Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

MCKS PRANIC HEALING® Level I In PRANIC HEALING® Level 1, you learn the basics of working with your energy aura, including learning to "scan," or feel the energy, to "sweep," or clean away congested energy, and to "energize," or supplement areas in your aura that have a pranic deficiency. PRANIC HEALING® has been taught to doctors, nurses, massage therapists, acupuncturists, chiropractors, shiatsu practitioners, and many others in the healing field. It has allowed them to heal confidently and consistently in the shortest learning time possible. These professionals find PRANIC HEALING® very effective and easy to apply. Other topics covered in PRANIC HEALING® Level 1: Energetic anatomy: You will learn to work with the network of chakras, meridians and auras to accelerate the healing processes of your body. Preventive healing: You will learn to remove the negative energetic patterns of a disease to prevent it from fully manifesting as a physical ailment. Self-Pranic healing: You will learn to apply these healing techniques to accelerate your own healing. Step-by-step techniques for ailments related to your: respiratory system, e.g., asthma,; circulatory system, e.g., heart ailments; gastrointestinal system, e.g., irritable bowel syndrome; musculoskeletal system, e.g., arthritis and back pain; reproductive system, e.g., menstrual problems. You'll also learn how to address common problems as migraines and sinusitis. Additionally, you'll learn to apply distant healing to loved ones who are not present in the room with you. All PRANIC HEALING® courses are "experiential," which means that you learn by actually performing the techniques and exercises in class - on yourself and those around you. During class, all the principles will be explained thoroughly and you will practice the techniques exhaustively so you will be confident in your ability to produce positive results when you finish the course. This is Day 2 of 2 Attendance at day one is required to attend day 2. The Course text book is Choa Kok Sui, "Miracles through Pranic Healing" Please bring this with you to class. PRANIC HEALING® Level 1 is a prerequisite to all other GMCKS courses. For those interested to review the class...Review fee is only $75!! LOOK AT THIS!! Review for FREE when you bring a new student to class with you.

Join Sacred Sound Alchemy Columbus for a transformative Sound Bath experience that will take you on a journey of self-discovery and healing. Immerse yourself in the powerful vibrations of various sound instruments like crystal singing bowls and rain drums, carefully orchestrated to balance your chakras and uplift your spirit. The soothing sounds will help you release negative energy, reduce stress, and promote deep relaxation. This event is perfect for those seeking a moment of tranquility and a chance to connect with their inner selves. Whether you are new to sound healing or a seasoned practitioner, you will benefit from the harmonious frequencies that will resonate with your body and soul. Come and allow yourself to be enveloped in a wave of healing energy, leaving you refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready for life's next chapter. Please bring something comfortable to lay on like a yoga mat. Being a pillow for your head or for under your knees and a blanket to cover over yourou. The library can get cold. Bring some water to help flush your body for after the session.

Columbus libraries: [https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3262835](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3262835) Location: [Knotty Pine Brewing](https://www.knottypinebrewing.net/) [Menu, scroll to the bottom](https://www.knottypinebrewing.net/menus-1) Book summary: Adunni is a fourteen-year-old Nigerian girl who knows what she wants: an education. This, her mother has told her, is the only way to get a "louding voice" -- the ability to speak for herself and decide her own future. But instead, Adunni's father sells her to be the third wife of a local man who is eager for her to bear him a son and heir. When Adunni runs away to the city, hoping to make a better life, she finds that the only other option before her is servitude to a wealthy family. As a yielding daughter, a subservient wife, and a powerless slave, Adunni is told, by words and deeds, that she is nothing. But while misfortunes might muffle her voice for a time, they cannot mute it. And when she realizes that she must stand up not only for herself, but for other girls, for the ones who came before her and were lost, and for the next girls, who will inevitably follow, she finds the resolve to speak, however she can--in a whisper, in song, in broken English--until she is heard