The purpose of engaging in a spiritual path is to clear up the ailments of the soul. Sufism then looks to guide us to the Divine Presence, to have a palpable connection with the Source of life we call Allah/God/The Great Encompassment.
Our spiritual director and teacher is Lama Noah Samarkand. He set up Harmony of the Way as a vehicle to express the Sufi path of the Nyingma-Rabbaniyya. Lama Noah has over 30 years meditation experience, read more here.
Current course: 100 days of Emptiness - the nature of self.
For the full course page including recordings of past classes click here.
Every Wednesday at 7.30pm. Starting 18th September 2024.
Classes are online and in person.
For this course we will look at one of the most fundamental sutras of Mahayana Buddhism - the Heart Sutra. It is considered the condensation of all of Buddha's teaching on Ultimate Truth. Wisdom and the realisation of emptiness are from the Buddhist point of view the most important practices. Until we realise the nature of self we will never be truly free from suffering. The other practices of giving, discipline, patience, joyous effort, and meditative concentration(shamatha) are limited until we realise emptiness. After we realise the nature of self we then engage in these practices as methods to perfect our path to the Ultimate beyond words, thoughts and expressions. Nothing could be more important than studying who we are.
The Holy Prophet said 'He who knows himself, knows his Lord'.
"Form is empty; emptiness is form. Form is not other than emptiness; emptiness is not other than form" The Heart Sutra.
No previous experience is necessary, we have to start somewhere in our understanding of emptiness. The Heart Sutra is a small text and is accessible. The course contains teachings, guided meditations and discussions. Join us in our humble, loving and vibrant community of seekers of Truth.
For the course we will use 'Heart of Wisdom' by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.
Email contact@harmonyoftheway.co.uk for further information.
Please watch a short talk given by Lama Noah Samarkand on what this course entails.
Lama Noah Samarkand
In this video Lama Noah answers some of the most significant questions relating to the Sufi path.
Retreat
As well as weekly classes Lama Noah also leads regular retreats, ranging from one day to one month. Retreat provides us with time and space away from our usual daily lives in order to deepen into our spiritual path. This film is a small snapshot of one of our retreats.
Sadhana
Lama Noah Samarkand has kindly created the following Sadhanas. The word Sadhana refers to a dedicated practice, or Prayer. The audios are beautiful pieces of music created by our Sangha which allows us to sing the Sadhana out loud, an important element in the practice.
‘The spiritual path in essence is being a kind, loving and peaceful human being. It is to know thyself. To understand one's mind, to know one's heart and to recognise reality as it is.’ Lama Noah Samarkand.
‘The central practice at Harmony of the Way is resting in Living Presence. It is the silent ‘I am’ presence. It is the natural unfabricated space within all of us pointed to by all mystical traditions.’ Lama Noah Samarkand.
Visitor Sharings
Since 2016 I have been participating in retreats and teachings at Harmony of the way with Noah. I can't describe with words how it enriched my life and as a consequence the lives of the ones around me.
In a single sentence:
Its life changing!
Thank you everyone at Harmony of the way.
🙏🙏🙏.
- Leela
Noah and the others at harmony of the way are always incredibly welcoming and have made me feel at home whenever I visit.
I have had some lovely shared retreats at the centre, as well as online, and Noah has taught me so many wonderful things about myself and the beauty of life. Truly grateful for the time spent here, the friendships made and the ability to keep revisiting!
- Losang
A beautiful space, surrounded by warmth and welcoming people. Noah will encourage and guide you in such a way that transformation is possible. There is so much love to be shared and Harmony of the way encourages us to open our hearts in such a way that life has greater meaning, soul’s purpose and love.
The path truly is a wonderful one, and you can walk it with love. Thank you for opening my eyes.
Blessings.❤️
- Amy
Since meeting Lama Noah, my life has been filled with ever increasing meaning. I have been guided beautifully time and time again, always reminding me to turn inwards to my own heart for answers. Lama Noah’s teachings are profound, yet his delivery is beautifully simple and easy to follow. Noahla has changed my life and helped my heart open to a new world of light, love, wonder, faith and depth I never knew was available. Thank you Lama Noah and all the Sangha!
- Silvio