Consider the possibility of a school of self-knowledge, set aside for the exclusive understanding, in every sense of Reality:
not by means of a religion,
nor by a particular way among ways
nor through a teacher,
nor by means of any particular faculty, such as the intellect or imagination – without any of these,
nor by the denial of any of these,
but only through the knowing, loving and affirmation of what is,
by Itself and for Itself alone.
This possibility is the Beshara School
Peter Young, Principal at Chisholme 1987–2015
The Chisholme Institute was established in 1979 on a beautiful 18th Century Scottish estate 60 miles south of Edinburgh. Since then, its focus has been to provide education in the art of self-discovery to students from all over the world and to promote an increased awareness of the real value of our connection to the world and each other.
The courses and retreats at Chisholme address body, mind and spirit in a balanced and integrated way, through programmes of study, meditation, work and devotional practice. Every aspect and activity, from the baking of bread to the planting of trees, is seen to be part of the education offered here.
Chisholme offers a range of courses throughout the year and welcomes volunteers to come and work in the house, grounds and beautiful walled organic gardens.
Visitors are always welcome for both short visits and longer stays.
I have experienced a loving intelligence right from the way the food is prepared through to the way people are with each other, incredible evidence of walking the talk and talking the walk.
Scilla Elworthy
Photo © Aliya Ryan
The Chisholme Institute is a Scottish Registered Charity whose focus is to provide a residential retreat and study facility, offering non-denominational courses in spiritual education which are available to all. Its core principles are:
Meet the Institute's Board of Directors
Read some of the history of the estate and the school
Sun 5th May 2024
09:00
to
Mon 6th May 2024
22:30
An invitation
Sat 18th May 2024
09:00
to
Sat 25th May 2024
14:00
Volunteer in the Kitchen Garden
Fri 24th May 2024
19:00
to
Mon 27th May 2024
14:00
An introduction
Sat 15th June 2024
09:00
to
Sat 22nd June 2024
14:00
More planting and harvesting
Fri 21st June 2024
19:00
to
Sat 29th June 2024
14:00
Woodland Retreat
Sat 13th July 2024
19:00
to
Sat 20th July 2024
19:00
Summer harvesting
Preparations for this year
A visual taste and some of the music from the September 2023 Gathering at Chisholme