Product Description
Thirteenth-century Persian philosopher, mystic, scholar and founder of the order of the Whirling Dervishes, Jelaluddin Rumi was also a poet of transcendental power. His inspirational verse speaks with the universal voice of the human soul and brims with exuberant energy and passion. Rich in natural imagery from horses to fishes, flowers to birds and rivers to stars, the poems have an elemental force that has remained undiminished through the centuries. Their themes - tolerance, goodness, the experience of God, charity and awareness through love - still resonate with millions of readers around the world.Amazon.com Review
No translator could do greater justice to the gorgeoussimplicity of Rumi's poetry than Coleman Barks has done here. Theseexquisite renderings of the 13th-century Persian mystic's words intoAmerican free verse capture all the "inner searching, thedelicacy, and simple groundedness" that characterize Rumi'spoetry while remaining faithful to the images, tone, and spiritualmessage of the originals. Barks's introductions to each of the 27sections (described as "playful palimpsests spread over Rumi'simagination," and "meant to confuse scholars who woulddivide Rumi's poetry into the accepted categories") arethemselves wonderful achievements of a poetic imagination; searchingexplanations of unfamiliar concepts and funny stories provide colorfulbackground and frame the selections as no dry historical exegesiscould.

While Barks's stamp on this collection is clear, it in no wayinterferes with the poems themselves; Rumi's voice leaps off thesepages with an ecstatic energy that leaves readers breathless. Thereare poems of love, rage, sadness, pleading, and longing; passionateoutbursts about the torture of longing for his beloved and the sweetpleasure that comes from their union; amusing stories of sexualexploits or human weakness; and quiet truths about the beauty andvariety of human emotion. More than anything, Rumi makes plain theunbridled joy that comes from living life fully, urging us always toput aside our fears and take the risk to do so.As he says: "Theway of love is not / a subtle argument. / The door there isdevastation. / Birds make great sky-circles / of their freedom. / Howdo they learn it? / They fall, and falling, / they're givenwings." --Uma Kukathas ... Read more

Customer Reviews (71)

This is not poetry as we know it in west
This is not just a collection of pomes. It is a commentary on life at the time it was written. The meanings of the pomes are in the most part straight forward. No tortured soul trying and failing to express them selves. There is a different style to the writting. The reader is encouraged to engage with the writer. It is like a conversation with the writer's voice heard by many. The other voice belongs to the reader and only they hear it. The subjects of the poems are as relevant today as they were all that time ago. It has been said that there are only five main storylines with many variasions. If this is true the Rumi was a master storyteller. To have a gift such as that was to be blessed.

Love Rumi
I really like Rumi and how he frames life, the human existence, God, Truth, Beauty, Love and all the other emotions and values. A brilliant poet! Though i'm not too big on poetry, i really enjoy reading Rumi - it's relaxing and enlightening.

In Awe...
This is simply one of the most important collections of poetry ever written.I am an English teacher who has read hundreds of books of poems, and The Essential Rumi is the only one that I had to read cover to cover (savored in about a month's time). Some "critics" say Coleman Barks has butchered the original Rumi.A translation though is more than just a word by word process of transferring language--especially in poetry where it is capturing the spirit and the passion in one's own tongue.These are brilliant poems regardless.How would Rumi feel about thousands of people reading and feeling him because of Coleman Barks' intimate and personal translations? Pleased.Elated. Because of earth shattering love and spirit present in almost every line. The other translations must be quite ordinary and plain since it took Barks and his vision and poetic talents to truly introduce Rumi to the masses.Don't be haters.Don't be so insecure.Or jealous.Or in denial.Just enjoy the extra attention and appreciation Rumi's getting...

The Idiot's Guide Rumi book by explains Rumi better
As some posters have pointed out, Barks is far from faithful to Rumi's original words.I have some literal translations from the Persian and when I compare them to Barks translations, he is way off base.Can you call something that is not rumi as rumi?Barks also gives unsatisfactory summaries of who rumi was and what he stood for.Folks, he was not some flower child with roses in his hair dancing in the night to a candle!The best (I think) overview of who rumi was and what his poetry really stands for is in this book I got 3 months ago: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Rumi MeditationsI felt like this was the first time I got a realistic picture of this great poet and spiritual master.Any books that you get that make rumi's poems out to be some new-agey feelgood gobeldy gook are not ral rumi poems.

absolutely beautiful
Rumi's insight into the human condition is timeless and transcendent.He will open your eyes to a vision of God and man that will captivate and inspire you. ... Read more

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I hear nothing in my ear
but your voice.
Heart has plundered mind
of its eloquence.

Customer Reviews (7)

Great buy!
Received book in great condition; arrived really fast.Would buy from this seller again!

A Magical Combination
This is a wonderful collection of poems written by the Sufi mystic Rumi who lived in the 13th century and translated in a modern manner by the poet Coleman Barks. The result is an accessible and magical work which makes the reader reflect upon Rumi's idealization of his teacher Shams, the union with the Divine,the contemplation of the natural world and love's different aspects.

Joyce Akesson, author of Love's Thrilling Dimensions, The Invitation and Majnun Leyla: Poems about Passion

Perfect
As with all Rumis poetry and Coleman Barks translations this is a goose bump inducing beauty. I love Rumi and this is no exception.

Soul delicacy
This has been my favorite book for years - it can transport the reader straight into the world of soul. rumi is the best and i love these translations. perfect, definately worth having even for people who are not-so-much-into poetry

Like trying to condense the ocean into a review form......
How can I put into words the absolute wordless dimension this collection of poems creates within me?

The commentaries and introduction sections by Coleman Barks are valuable as well beyond words.

The reader would gain insights simply by picking it up and thumbing to any page and just read, read! My daughter and I tried this, we would bring up topics and then say "And what does Rumi say?" and I would read whatever the first words were that I saw in front of me.

They were always universally fitting.

I loved it, just like I love this book.

Wordless, speechless, love-filled - inspired. ... Read more

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Considered one of the masterpieces of world literature, The Big Red Book is perhaps the greatest work of Rumi, the medieval Sufi mystic who also happens to be the bestselling poet in America.

Customer Reviews (1)

A Masterwork from Rumi and from Poet Coleman Barks
Rumi is widely described as the most popular poet in the English language and that may be true, although no one seems to have definitive data to prove that claim. In any case, there are well over 100 Rumi titles available on Amazon. Here's why this particular volume is worth buying:

Coleman Barks is the noted American poet who has devoted decades of his life to interpreting Rumi's work for modern English-language readers. He's not a scholar of Rumi's own original language, but Barks works with leading scholars and translators to come up with the best translations of the original Rumi texts, then Coleman interprets these verses in poetry that is accurate to the original -- and brings fresh poetic insight to today's readers. Among other things, this massive book is Barks' own selection of what he sees as the best of Rumi's body of work that sometimes is referred to as "The Works of Shams Tabriz." That's right: The actual body of Rumi's work is far larger. Rumi's work also isn't as well organized as this volume -- at least to contemporary eyes. Barks does a whole lot to help us enter this mysterious world full of astonishing lines, images and thoughts.

Who was Shams Tabriz? You'll learn in the book that he is a mysterious figure. He was Rumi's mentor and friend, but far more than that. He was Rumi's gateway really into spiritual and creative transformation. Shams soon vanished. The book's introduction explains theories on what happened to Shams. But Rumi felt a great and lingering grief and longing after Shams disappeared. This led to these epic reflections on the nature of daily life, the universe, our quest to raise our awareness of the world's daily wonders--and the profound nature of friendship.

If you're shopping for Rumi--and thousands do each year--you'd do well to start with this volume. Barks and HarperOne have organized the book as a wonderful introductory work. Barks himself says that no one can claim to be the "definitive" Rumi translator for all time. Such a claim would not make sense. Rumi's work has so many mysteries, so many treasures, that Barks himself says that we need many interpreters. And that means we need to welcome many readers to the great man's work.

Enjoy. You'll find this book a wonderful companion for the year ahead -- and a great gift for a friend, too! ... Read more

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Coleman Barks has played a central role in making the Sufi mystic Rumi the most popular poet in the world. A Year with Rumi brings together 365 of Barks's elegant and beautiful translations of Rumi's greatest poems, including fifteen never-before-published poems.

Customer Reviews (9)

A delightful book!
This is a delightful book that takes up the intricacies of Sufi poetry and translates them by producing a modern work. Coleman understands Rumi and has been able to interpret his emotions and thoughts in a wonderful manner. Many kudos to him.

WISDOM THE (S)AGES
A wonderful reminder of our place in this universe with insights that help unravel the tightly woven web we weave.

Excellent sample of Rumi's work
"A Year with Rumi" is an excellent collection of the mystic poet's work, translated by renowned Rumi expert Coleman Barks.It is arranged as a series of daily readings, and I've found it to be a great source of inspiration each new day.

Uplifting...
Honoring the great Sufi tradition, Coleman Barks translates Rumi in a way that anyone with a spiritual side can appreciate.I particularly appreciate this edition for Barks' editorial comments and for the volume of poetry.A great introduction to Rumi and Sufism.

Rumi
A little Rumi every day is very good for the soul.This English version of Rumi's poetry captures the essence of the original Farsi text. ... Read more

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Rise up nimbly and go on your strange journey to the ocean of meanings...

In the mid-thirteenth century, in a dusty marketplace in Konya, Turkey, a city where Muslim, Christian, Hindu, and Buddhist travelers mingled, Jelaluddin Rumi, a popular philosopher and scholar, met Shams of Tabriz, a wandering dervish.Their meeting forever altered the course of Rumi's life and influenced the mystical evolution of the planet.The bond they formed was everlasting--a powerful transcendent friendship that would flow through Rumi as some of the world's best-loved ecstatic poetry.

Rumi's passionate, playful poems find and celebrate sacred life in everyday existence.They speak across all traditions, to all peoples, and today his relevance and popularity continue to grow.In The Illuminated Rumi, Coleman Barks, widely regarded as the world's premier translator of Rumi's writings, presents some of his most brilliant work, including many new translations.To complement Rumi's universal vision, Michael Green has worked the ancient art of illumination into a new, visually stunning form that joins typography, original art, old masters, photographs, and prints with sacred images from around the world.

The Illuminated Rumi is a truly groundbreaking collaboration that interweaves word and image: a magnificent meeting of ancient tradition and modern interpretation that uniquely captures the spiritual wealth of Rumi's teachings.Coleman Barks's wise and witty commentary, together with Michael Green's art, makes this a classic guide to the life of the soul for a whole new generation of seekers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (37)

Rumi of course I love, but this book as a whole . . .
Pro:
Rumi is 5 stars and beyond. Beautiful translations and interesting selection of his work. I do enjoy sitting down with this book mainly for the poetry itself, though I love the merging of art and poetry.

Con:
The graphic art style feels outdated. Also, the art sometimes makes it hard to follow the flow of the poem; sometimes the visual gets in the way of the poem instead of contributing.

Overall:
I am still crossing my fingers to find an art and Rumi collection that works timelessly together. This is definitely not that collection.

Rumi: the Chuck-E-Cheese edition
I admit I was predisposed to be a little snobby about this book since I assume the pictures are there for people that are hesitant about poetry and lack the confidence in their own imaginations to draw up imagery--just putting that up front. But I found this book at a friend's house and was excited to open it since I was craving Rumi and looking for inspiration and I wanted to keep an open mind.

The translations are fine. And the pictures in-of-themselves don't get in the way so much, other than that they are absolutely everywhere and create a chaotic, disorienting format-- more about that later. There are some reproductions of beautiful, period art work that enhance the book. Others are the cheesiest of New Age collages. What makes the book so confusing is the layout. Many poems are split up over several pages and it is nearly impossible to tell where a poem begins or ends, especially since every page has a heading over it, suggesting each page starts a new poem. And the font switches randomly, making one think a new poem is beginning. But it's the commentary that makes the whole thing a disaster. The commentary and interpretations show up on the same pages as the poems, in similar fonts--and worse--written in a flowery prose that sometimes tries to imitate Rumi's style. The commentary sometimes takes the form of direct advice on how to live, with no preface of "Rumi is saying that..."So you think you're reading the continuation of a poem or a new poem and it takes a moment to figure out you just swallowed another slippery wad of fortune-cookie advice or watered-down interpretation. I just hated the way it so forcibly inserted itself in and around the poetry.It's very hard to absorb oneself in the poem when one has to navigate all of these other elements.

I'm giving it a "2" because it's great for people who need a lot of distractions and get bored very easily.

Rumi pictured
This book sends one in to a bright journey of the mysteries of the soul,
we so much strive to approach with our mind and hearts.
The subtlest portion of the ectoplasm touch that mystery,
when creativity comes from feeling the door to the spirit
is flung open, as we all have the potentially to discover.
Rumi is rendered beautifully in words and a touch of gold
in these inspired images give us a rounded glimpse.
Thanks for this work, which takes me down so many trails
where in a single sentence I find infinite rhymes.

Amazing and Genius in every way!
This is the most amazing Rumi book I have ever seen. The way the poems are written gives a very special flow to reading the poem, a flow that emphasize and complement the individual poem. I was amazed at how much easier you get into the poem, it almost sings to you. Also the illustrations are phenomenal and really capture you as well, it is a very wholesome experience reading Rumi this way. a beautiful gift
I bought this book for my son for Christmas based on reviews of best books of 2009 in which one reviewer recommended it and said she used it as a sort of daily meditation. Reviews on Amazon are mixed, but since I have no access to the original language and i am not a specialist in the field, I decided to buy it anyway. Perhaps the translation falls short of the original, as is so often the case, but the book is exquisitely illustrated and the poems/commentaries speak to the heart and the spirit. ... Read more

Product Description

The best-selling Rumi book ever is now better than ever! This revised and expanded edition of the comprehensive one-volume edition of America's most popular poet includes a new introduction by Coleman Barks, and 57 new poems never published before.

The ecstatic, spiritual poetry of Rumi is more popular than ever, and The Essential Rumi continues to be far and away the top-selling title of all Rumi books. With the addition of many new poems and a new introduction, The Essential Rumi is now clearly the definitive, and most delightful selection of Rumi's poetry.

Product Description
Born Jalal ad-Din Mohammad Balkhi in Persia early in the thirteenth century, the poet known as Rumi (named after the city where he lived) composed works of mysticism and desire that inspired countless people in his own time and throughout the centuries. His poems expressed the deepest longings of the human heart for its beloved, for that transcendent intimacy which is the source of the divine.

This slender, beautiful volume consists of new translations by Farsi scholar Fereydoun Kia, edited by Deepak Chopra to evoke the rich mood and music of Rumi's love poems. Exalted yearning, ravishing ecstasy, and consuming desire emerge from these poems as powerfully today as they did on their creation more than 700 years ago. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (21)

Crap
The translations suck, the selection is terrible - all in all, a bad choice. Get the "Essential Rumi" translated by Coleman Barks and John Moyne instead. So much better.

Timesless poetry of love and longing
This beautiful little book celebrates love and passion.
It describes the eternal longing, the heartaches, and the ecstacy of love.
The poems evoke deep emotions within the reader.

Timeless and absolutely beautiful!

L. Holm author of "Clonehead; Once in Everland" and "Fairytales for Femmes".

Good to have with the CD
This book is very nice. I have had the CD "a gift of love" where Chopra and Freinds have made music to the recitation of these poems. It is nice to get the book and reading the poems, after listening to the CD for so long. The poems enter you being and grounds themselves in a new way when reading the poems. Sometimes what is said on the CD is a bit tricky, so the book helps here too.

Sacred and sensual!
These poems are sacred, mystical, romantic, sensual and spiritual. They affect both the mind and emotions and awake them to a more elevated and beautiful reality.

Legendary among Legends.
Rumi embodies a surreal eloquence that ceaselessly provokes emotionality within the chasms of the soul. His mellifluous words are mind-stirring and spirit-churning and are emblematic of an apotheosis; a reconciliation between brute and divine.

Rumi writes for God, to God, with God, and only for God. His poetry transcends the boundaries of materialism, space, time, and corporeal existence and as such, the POET himself, shall forever be, the most beautiful POEM of all. ... Read more

Product Description
"Inside a lover's heart there's another world, and yet another."

Rumi's delightful yet profound poems have inspired countless people throughout the centuries, and Coleman Barks's exquisite renderings of the thirteenth-century Persian mystic are widely considered the definitive versions for our time. Barks's translations capture the inward exploration and intensity that characterize Rumi's poetry, making this unique voice of mysticism and desire contemporary while remaining true to the original poems. In these pages you will encounter the essence of Sufism's insights into the experience of love in all its varieties, life's mystery and wonder, and the nature of both humanity and God.

Customer Reviews (20)

Good read
This book had some great lines and remarkable phrases.However, it can be too much if you sit down and read it all.This book is great if read in parts, otherwise, its just too much at once and you forget the great ideas beause so many new ones come back atcha!

Poetry of the soul to the soul!
Jelaluddin Rumi's (1207-73) poetry praises man, love and the universe. The aim of his poetry is to transform, bring awareness and celebrate the human incarnation and the mystery of love.
The main message in these forty sections of poetry collected here is to do things from one's soul, as it is then that one can feel a river moving in oneself.

Joyce Akesson, author of Majnun Leyla: Poems about Passion and The Invitation

excellent collection
This book is the best collection of Rumi poems I have read so far. I have read about 3 or 4. It covers a diverse range of topics and the 4th part of the masnavi is excellent so far (i'm about half way through). Of all my Rumi books, I am happiest with this one and sad that it is nearing the end.

Rumi will change your life
Another wonderful installment of Rumi's poetry from Coleman Barks. Rumi will change the way you look at the world around you. I would encourage anyone to read his poetry for intellectual stimulation and spiritual enrichment.

Collecting Ecstasy
I have a dozen Rumi books all of which I love and read often but this is the best I've come across. It bounces off every page with delicious nuance and startling clarity. I never write on books or bend pages but this one is the exception. So rich with goodies I want to acess quickly, it is riddled with my marks and notes. I won't pretend to critique this work - I'm not equipped. But thankfull, I'm equipped to benefit from it's wisdom It lives permanently by my bed and I read it almost every night. Sometimes I'll have my wife read it to me and we often consult it - almost as an oracle; just opening a page and marvelling at the pertinence and timeliness of the guidance. This would be my desert island book. Get it! ... Read more

Product Description
The first collection of poems translated into English from the forbidden volume of the Divan of Rumi

• Presents Rumi’s most heretical and free-form poems

• Includes introductions and commentary that provide both 13th-century context and modern interpretation

After his overwhelming and life-altering encounters with Shams of Tabriz, Rumi, the great thirteenth-century mystic, poet, and originator of the whirling dervishes, let go of many of the precepts of formal religion, insisting that only a complete personal dissolving into the larger energies of God could provide the satisfaction that the heart so desperately seeks. He began to speak spontaneously in the language of poetry, and his followers compiled his 44,000 verses into 23 volumes, collectively called the Divan.

When Nevit Ergin decided to translate the Divan of Rumi into English, he enlisted the help of the Turkish government, which was happy to participate. The first 22 volumes were published without difficulty, but the government withdrew its support and refused to participate in the publication of the final volume due to its openly heretical nature. Now, in The Forbidden Rumi, Will Johnson and Nevit Ergin present for the first time in English Rumi’s poems from this forbidden volume. The collection is grouped into three sections: songs to Shams and God, songs of heresy, and songs of advice and admonition. In them Rumi explains that in order to transform our consciousness, we must let go of ingrained habits and embrace new ones. In short, we must become heretics.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Must read for truth seekers .....
This book is a translation of verses from the 13th century mystic and poet which were considered blasphemy and prohibited from being translated by the Turkish government.

In these verses, Rumi, clearly says that in order to truly have a God experience one must go beyond your religion. One must not get stuck within the restrictive confines that define any specific religion.

A must read for Rumi lovers as well for highly inspired truth seekers.

The suppressed love poems of Rumi
THE FORBIDDEN RUMI: THE SUPPRESSED POEMS OF RUMI ON LOVE, HERESY, AND INTOXICATION presents the 13th-century poet and mystic's spontaneous poems, created after he let go formal religion. Nevit Ergin decided to translate his collected works - the Duivan-I Kebir, which consisted of some forty-four thousand verses packed into over twenty volumes - into English: the Turkish government withdrew its support of his efforts after twenty-two volumes appeared and wouldn't publish the final due to its openly heretical nature. So if you wish to see these contents, you have to look at THE FORBIDDEN RUMI, which presents for the first time in English his poems on love and intoxication.
... Read more

Product Description
Rumi's poems are beloved for their touching perceptions of humanity and the Divine. Here is a rich introduction to the work of the great mystical poet, featuring leading literary translations of his verse. Translators include Coleman Barks, Robert Bly, Andrew Harvey, Kabir Helminski, Camille Helminski, Daniel Liebert, and Peter Lamborn Wilson. To display the major themes of Rumi's work, each of the eighteen chapters in this anthology are arranged topically, such as "The Inner Work," "The Ego Animal," "Passion for God," "Praise," and "Purity." Also contained here is a biography of Rumi by Andrew Harvey, as well as an introductory essay by Kabir Helminski on the art of translating Rumi's work into English.Amazon.com Review
America's bestselling poet, 13th-century Sufi bard Rumi, would feel as overwhelmed as the rest of us when trying to pick out just the right collection of his translated masterpieces. To the rescue comes Kabir Helminski, a modern-day Sufi who has wrapped up a sampler of Rumi's inspirational poems. Let's not object that about half of the translations are from Kabir's own hand (in cooperation with his wife, Camille) since they are excellent in their own respect and are accompanied by pieces from the likes of Robert Bly, Coleman Barks, and Andrew Harvey. As editor, Helminski spans the range of Rumi's oeuvre, from the contemplative "Stay Close, My Heart" to the ecstatic "Drowned in God" to the whimsical "Animal Cookies." The magic of Rumi is his imagery. The journey to God comes cloaked in such guises as a tailor, bread, buttermilk, a surgeon, chickpeas, the edge of a roof, a beggar, a jar, and an elephant's dream. Two of the tastiest treats are "Eating Poetry" and "Love Is Like a Lawsuit." --Brian Bruya ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Devotion at its finest
Sufism is a word tossed around by Sunnis claiming to have any hold on the subject, but further inquiry reveals they don't consider it to be orthodox, with the celebration in dancing and singing and so on they don't think are halal practices. For them, it is outside the realm of Islam. In actuality, it pre-dated Islam but later merged with it in its own branch. The result, however, is something quite beautiful, and the poems here show this. I might even say the poetry is very sensual.

The Rumi Collection
What a nice collection of astute poetry.It is the sort of writing that makes one think but entertains at the same time. There are ah ha moments throughout.This is my true first exposure of Rumi in depth and I am a huge fan!

An anthology of Rumi- Sufi Poetry
An excellent collection of poetry written by Rumi, the master of Sufi poetry, written with depth of meaning and feelings.The poems are broken down under many categories so one can find a poem written for a specific situation.A great intro to Rumi's poetry.

The Spring Breeze Has Brought Autumn Back from the Grave
In the West we hear little of the beauty and wisdom of Islamic tradition. Jalalud-din Rumi, the founder of the Mevleviyya Sufi Order, has at least become known to us by name, even if we see only distorted snippets of his poetry.

If you've heard the name or you've seen quotations you like and want to find out more, this book is the best place to start. (The paperback is sure to reappear.) The editor Kabir Helminski, the only Westerner to become a Master of the Mevleviyya Order, is uniquely placed to create an accessible Beginner's Guide that does at least something like justice to the whole Rumi.

Some excerpts come from Rumi's vast output of lyric poetry, often extemporised in a state of rapture. (Remember that in the original the poems rhyme throughout, are written in intricate Persian metres, and were meant to be sung, not spoken.)

Others come from Rumi's great work the "Masnavi". Nothing like it exists in the West: we'd have to get Chaucer, Shakespeare, St Teresa and William Blake to collaborate. It contains poetry, philosophy, spiritual guidance, but above all teaching stories. Muslims understood the complexity of the learning process about a thousand years before anybody in the West realised. Some things are too subtle to learn directly; and some the mind, with its ingrained habits and patterns, actively resists learning. A story can smuggle in a message that would be rejected in any other form.

The final source is a book called "Fîhî ma Fîhî", records of Rumi's day-to-day talk with people who came to see him. Here we see Rumi as he was:a devout practising Muslim, a professional expert on Muslim Sacred Law like his father before him.

If Buddhist spirituality can be austere and bleak, with Rumi we are in a world of light, beauty and flowers. 5 stars because this is an ideal introduction; but remember this is a teensy bouquet from Rumi's vast and crowded garden.

Pleasing CompactVolume of Beautiful Poetry
Rumi was an incredibly prolific 13th century Persian poet and theologian whose writings continue to have world-wide appeal and resonance in our modern world.I was fortunate to receive this lovely book, and immediately began to read.

It was like drinking the coldest, most thirst-quenching water that goes immediately to the heart and soul.It was like diving into a refreshing ocean and finding pearls and sparkling treasures.Devoid of the kind of pretension, arcane language and obscure meaning that dull much poetry, it speaks with directness and immediacy, yet is astonishingly imaginative.

A perfect introductory collection, it is nicely edited, prefaced and largely translated by Rumi expert Kabir Helminski.Other translators are also included, such as Robert Bly, a poet whose workI enjoy and whose translations of the German poet Rilke I respect.It is both packed and compact, and it has a useful ribbon to mark your place. Whether you are a novice or a Rumi-ologist, you are sure to enjoy this book.It also makes lovely gift. ... Read more

Product Description

2007 is the "Year of Rumi," and who better than Coleman Barks, Rumi's unlikely, supremely passionate ambassador, to mark the milestone of this great poet's 800th birthday? Barks, who was recently awarded an honorary doctorate in Persian language and literature by the University of Tehran for his thirty years of translating Rumi, has collected and translated ninety new poems, most of them never published before in any form. The result is this beautiful edition titled Rumi: Bridge to the Soul. The "bridge" in the title is a reference to the Khajou Bridge in Isphahan, Iran, which Barks visited with Robert Bly in May of 2006—a trip that in many ways prompted this book. The "soul bridge" also suggests Rumi himself, who crosses cultures and religions and brings us all together to listen to his words, regardless of origin or creed. Open this book and let Rumi's poetry carry you into the interior silence and joy of the spirit, the place that unites conscious knowing with a deeper, more soulful understanding.

Customer Reviews (4)

Rumi:Bridge to the Soul: Journeys into the Music and Silence of the Heart
What peace true silence brings! Rumi's words take me to a place that only I abides. Wonderful book for those seeking tranquility.

Rumi:Beautiful as always.
Beautifully compiled, this little book contains not only the ecstasy of the world's greatest writings on communion with Allah, but, includes a look into the mystical world in which this gift of the Lord, lived.Very well done!

a great personal reflection on rumi
a great book for what is was meant to be...a poignant reflection on rumi by two of the great post-modern "rumi-ists" !

if you want pure rumi, then go for one of the pure collections. our other reviewer must have thought this was something else. obviously.

Rumi Review
Rumi is always moving, of course, and this collection is a nice sampling.However, I do not need to hear the editors personal life story in order to appreciate it.In fact, I find it rather detracts from the overall value of the book.The editor, or complier spends many pages explaining how he cameto love Rumi, why he loves Rumi, discussing his personal friend and mentor, and describing a trip he took to Iran.If I wanted to read his autobiography I would have bought that.I wanted to read Rumi... ... Read more

Product Description
Rumi (as he is known in the West), was known as Jelaluddin Balkhi by the Persians and Afghanis, from where he was born in 1207. Rumi means 'from Roman Anatolia', which is where his family fled to avoid the threat of Mongol armies. Being raised in a theological family, Rumi studied More...extensively in religion and poetry, until encountering Shams of Tabriz, a wandering mystic, with whom he formed the first of his intense, mystical friendships, so intense that it inspired jealously among Rumi's students and family. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Rumi and Barks: Who Wrote These Poems?
A few years ago, I saw a videotape of Bill Moyers at the Geraldine R. Dodge Poetry Festival. One of the featured poets was Coleman Barks reading his translations of Rumi. There's a translation issue here, of course. Where does Rumi stop and Coleman begin? There's an obvious affinity. Nevertheless, the poems cut right to the heart of that rarified ecstatic state that Rumi (and apparently Coleman) exist in and many of us only visit on occasion. Shortly thereafter, I found a lovely remaindered hardcover out at an area bookstore and without hesitation, decided to own it. For me, this is the kind of book to pick up and randomly open, sort of like one of those "Magic 8-Balls" that used to be so popular. Whatever poems are on that page, they are the right ones for me at the time. The book has been a private treasure to me over the years.Flash forward to last April when my granddaughter invited us to her investiture ceremony for National Honor Society: Each student was allowed to select a special quotation.While most of the students chose quotations from King or F. Scott Fitzgerald, my granddaughter selected Rumi! When I asked her how she knew about Rumi, a poet not usually taught in Wisconsin high schools, she told me she had found him on the internet. As you might imagine, I knew what gift I would give her for her birthday. That is what led me to zip off to Amazon to purchase this second copy of "The Essential Rumi."I gave my hardcover book to my granddaughter, but I could not be without a copy for myself.I am telling this tale because I think it shows what an important book this is in the context of my life and might be exactly what you--dear potential reader--might grow to love, as well.

Poetic enlightenment
Rumi (as he is known in the West), was known as Jelaluddin Balkhi by the Persians and Afghanis, from where he was born in 1207. Rumi means 'from Roman Anatolia', which is where his family fled to avoid the threat of Mongol armies. Being raised in a theological family, Rumi studied extensively in religion and poetry, until encountering Shams of Tabriz, a wandering mystic, with whom he formed the first of his intense, mystical friendships, so intense that it inspired jealously among Rumi's students and family. Shams eventually disappeared (most likely murdered because of the jealousy); Rumi formed later more mystical friendships, each with a different quality, which seemed essential for Rumi's creative output. Rumi was involved with the mystical tradition that continues to this day of the dervish (whirling dervishes are best known), and used it as a personal practice and as a teaching tool.

This book has a deliberate task: 'The design of this book is meant to confuse scholars who would divide Rumi's poetry into the accepted categories.' Barks and Moyne have endeavoured to put together a unified picture that playfully spans the breadth of Rumi's imagination, without resorting to scholarly pigeon-holes and categorisations.

'All of which makes the point that these poems are not monumental in the Western sense of memorialising moments; they are not discrete entities but a fluid, continuously self-revising, self-interrupting medium.'

Rumi created these poems as part of a constant, growing conversation with a dervish learning community. It flows from esoteric to mundane, from ecstatic to banal, incorporating music and movement at some points, and not at others, with the occasional batch of prose.

'Some go first, and others come long afterward. God blesses both and all in the line, and replaces what has been consumed, and provides for those who work the soil of helpfulness, and blesses Muhammad and Jesus and every other messenger and prophet. Amen, and may the Lord of all created beings bless you.'

From the lofty sentiments...

'There's a strange frenzy in my head,
of birds flying,
each particle circulating on its own.
Is the one I love everywhere?'

...to the simple observations...

'Drunks fear the police,
but the police are drunks too.
People in this town love them both
like different chess pieces.'

Some poems take very mystic frameworks, such as the Sohbet. There is no easy English translation of Sohbet, save that it comes close to meaning 'mystical conversation on mystical subjects'. These poems become mystically Socratic, by a series of questions and answers, very simple on the surface, yet leading down to the depths of meaning.

In the middle of the night
I cried out,
"Who lives in this love
I have?"
You said, "I do, but I'm not here
alone. Why are these other images
with me?"

Rumi also has an elegant series called the Solomon Poems, in which King Solomon is the embodiment of luminous divine wisdom, and the Queen of Sheba is the bodily soul. This sets up a dynamic tension that gets played out in the poetry (in extrapolation from the Biblical stories from which they were first derived)

Rumi reminds us that, in the face of love and truth, even the wisdom of Plato and Solomon can go blind, but there is vision in this blindness.

In the conclusion of this volume, Rumi's poetry of The Turn (the dervishes) is presented, as a place of emptiness, where the ego dissolves, and opens a doorway to the divine to enter. The night of Rumi's death in 1273 is considered 'Rumi's Wedding Night', the night he achieved full union with the divine that he had sought so often in poetry and mystical practice.

There is much to be gained in the contemplation of this frequently overlooked poet.

... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (2)

Wonderful, pieces will fall all over earth
"My verse resembles the bread of Egypt--night passes over it, and you cannot eat it any more."

That line above, featured in the book's description, I would have tried to enhance, broke more open, played with those words in hopes of creating part of a great song, mined more gold out of the angel, and perhaps made the line truly literal, more giving as it should be, closer to the truth; in short have a greater ability to feed the common palate. Attempting something like this with my brush:

My verse resembles a rare bread in Egypt,
nights can pass, but still it is fresh.

Birds could come and tear it apart, and
carry my remains into the sky.

Wonderful, pieces will then fall all over
earth,

and the living sprouts will take root in
any heart that holds me close.


O the little, insignificant drama and bucking heads of some scholars with the artist. Rumi, what should any say to you, my dear -- and those who bring your name to us -- but thanks.


Daniel Ladinsky
best selling Penguin author of poetry

I'm at a loss for meaning here...
I read a passage and try to grasp its significance and find myself at a loss.There is great value in the passages, but the meanings are cloudy to me.It seems very symbolic at points and then ethereal at others.I would recommend this to a person on a spiritual quest that has a very poetic mindset and is capable of reading deeply into things that may at first seem mundane. ... Read more

Product Description
In the seven centuries since the death of Jelaluddin Rumi in 1273, the world has come to know and thrill to his sacred poetry. In concert with the tabla and sitar, his writing is part of a religious tradition that is believed to excite "spiritual heroism," embracing the holiness of love, lamentation, battle, and the longing for God. RUMI: VOICE OF LONGING collects nearly one hundred of Rumi's most memorable quatrains, presented here on two superbly remastered CD recordings for the first time ever.

Translated and performed by the Rumi scholar Coleman Barks, these works echo with a spiritual complexity that defies their outward simplicity. As Sufism acknowledges the truth of other religions, so does Rumi's poetry reflect universal themes: the search for the highest truth, the mystery of surrender, the longing to overcome ego imprisonment. RUMI: VOICE OF LONGING captures the silence, the love, and the playfulness that make each experience with this work one of sacred wonder.

With musical accompaniment by Marcus Wise on tablas and David Whetstone on sitar. Special appearance by Robert Bly. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Good translation; audio leaves something to be desired
The poetry of Rumi is enchanting. Coleman Barks' translation is lyrical. Bravo!

I find two imperfections in the audio quality of these CD's, though:

1) Mr. Barks' voice is not the best for public reading. He sounds as if he is sitting some distance from the microphone and speaking loudly so his voice will be picked up.

2) Sometimes the music is so loud it drowns out some words where Mr. Barks' volume goes down, such as at the ends of sentences.

Overall, though, I enjoy listening to these readings and I plan to get more of Barks' CD's of Rumi.

Enduring delight
It may not be for everyone, but if you like the works of Rumi as translated and spoken by Coleman Barks, this is definitely worth having.I purchased this work of Coleman Barks a while back.Sometimes a work must be revisited before it is recognized as having an enduring value.The music may be too exotic for many western ears but is quite pleasing and wonderful in combination with the poetry of Rumi.The production is well composed and clean, leaving a satisfying fluid meeting between the vivid, deeply touching words of Rumi in a sea of delightful music.

Jarring
I'm sorry I purchased this set.The "narrators" voice is very jarring and does not lend to the flowing qualities of the poetry.I couldn't make it through the first poem.

Rumi a voice of longing
I am enjoying the poetry and accompaning of this great man, have long been a student and admirer of his.

Glorious mystic poetry
Wonderful Rumi poetry as read by Coleman Barks who is my special favourite Rumi translator.Words to open the heart and make the spirit sing. ... Read more

Product Description
Landmark translations of the Sufi poet/mystic Rumi from the acclaimed interpreter of the Tao Te Ching.

Jonathan Star has assembled selections of Rumi’s verse in a treasury that spans the poet’s life and includes his most celebrated and poignant work. It is an enchanting volume of classic Eastern thought that creates an exhilarating experience for all readers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Rumi for the Rest of Us
I have been looking for an easy to read and inspiring collection of Rumi's poetry for sometime, and this book is it -- it lives up to the title 100%: "Rumi: In the Arms of the Beloved".The collection goes straight to the heart and is a wonderfully accessible treasury of Rumi's poetry.The following brief excerpt from one poem succinctly gives the gist of the entire book: "People turned away from dogma and empty rituals, and went crazy after love!"

The poems are catagorized by topic to make reference to them easier.Along with the poetry, the end resources are great: Terms and Symbolism; Sources; and, Index.Also, this book is an essential addition to a series of books called the Tarcher Cornerstone Editions (each available for only $10 list price) that "highlight the foundational works of ancient and modern spiritual literature."

wonderful prayer path
Theprayers are easy to understand and reading the book is delightful.
The prayers are so funyou don't even feel like you are paying any dues... but you are.

A Great Introduction to the World of Rumi
Jonathan Star (and Rumi!) did a fantastic job with this book.There are so many great books about Rumi's writings, but I suggest you pick up this one for an introduction to his brillaint poetry.It includes a brief overview of Sufism, the mystical branch of Islam that was founded in part by Rumi.It also includes a brief overview of his life.Another useful feature is the explanation of selected terms and symbolism in the back of the book.

My favorite poem in the book is "This Eternal Play."
Here are the opening lines:

"At dawn the Moon appeared in the sky.
It floated down and looked at me.
Then, like a hawk snatching it's prey,
it grabbed hold of me
and dragged me across the sky."

Stunning, magical work!I would call it a "version" instead of a translation.I checked it against a more word for word translation from the 19th century, and it's quite different.However, Mr. Star's editorial choices do not get in the way of Rumi's message.Yes, changes have been made, but I enjoy these versions.

Order it and enjoy!

Absolutely Essential Rumi!
This is such a soft and uplifting experience in the form of a book. The poems are lyrical. My Brother begins each day by opening this book to one random page, reads it, contemplates it and experiences it all day. I find it quenches my dire thirst and each poem grows and changes as you do...WITH you. It's a must, indeed.

ari

One of the best Rumi books around
This Rumi book ranks, to me, with Coleman Barks translations -- clear,lovely, insightful, beautiful.Star has great translation skills (asevidenced by several of his other books), and his selection of Rumi poemsare exceptional.I have given many copies of this book away as gifts --from weddings and showers to graduations and birthdays -- and Iconsistently hear back from people that this book has become one of theirfavorites, too.And the packaging is nearly as exquisite as the content. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Product Description
The extensive body of work by 13th-century mystic poet Jelaluddin Rumi continues to fascinate readers with a taste for the spiritual, and his writings, which speak passionately of truth, enlightenment, and love for God, appeal to those of all religions. Translations of Rumi's writings by the contemporary poet Coleman Barks have sold more than 500,000 copies since 1981. Now acclaimed illustrator Michael Green -- who collaborated with Barks on The Illuminated Rumi (Broadway Books) -- has produced a new and fabulous mystic fusion of sacred poetry and art. This all-new volume features rare poems of Rumi, some of which have never before been translated. There are many collections of Rumi's poetry, but few are illustrated-and none as gorgeously as this full-color book. It is well positioned to capture the favor of spiritual seekers of all ages, including today's spiritually adventurous young adults. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

My Opinion~ LOVE the book...But..the Cd OMG!
The book is Beautiful, touches my Heart on every page!
But the CD for me is not what I expected at all,
It's country Hee-Haw music. Music like-
The JourneyJourney
by Jerry Brunskill

Beautiful words, divine music
This is a beautiful book with thoughtful and eyepleasing art work reflecting the gentle yet so meaningful poetry of Rumi.The accompanying disk is a delightful range of blue grass style songs that are nectar to the ears.I had seen this book or one like it when I was travelling about 5 years ago and it had left an indellible impression.I wasn't sure if I was buying the same thing, but this book is so delightful and nourishing that I am sure it must be the same book - I dont care now anyway, because what I have bought is the perfect package.

Blessings
One Song was truly an impressive work of art.So beautiful that I gave it as a gift to a dear relative.Now I have to order another one!

One of a Kind!
Spectacular! I am a Rumi scholar and I learned a great deal more from this fabulous presentation of the thoughts and works of Rumi as brought over from Persian by Coleman Barks. Michael Green's illuminations and his thoughts on the insights of Rumi are profound and relevant to understanding our spirituality and our humanness. Fantastic!

TheSpirit Sings
I was fortunate to be present at a live performance of the Illumination Band, and the initial distribution of One Song, at a conference in Haverford in 2005.I've since bought and given away as gifts at least 12 copies of Green's book, and I love the IB.I think the juxtaposition of Rumi to bluegrass is a great expression of the inherent crossover nature and humor of Rumi.By all means get it, read it, listen to it.
(Rev) Hank Galganowicz ... Read more

Product Description
The words of thirteenth-century Sufi poet Rumi—one of the world’s most popular mystics and poets—remain as important today as they were when originally spoken. This beautifully packaged selection of Rumi’s peerless wisdom is now available with a newly translated text and 54 interactive cards. Each colorful card is divided into six families—birth, love, ordeal, transformation, warnings and rewards—and offers direction in virtually every aspect of life. Attractive, handy and easy-to-use, Rumi the Card and Book Pack is a fun, enlightening way to arrive at greater self-knowledge through the insightful words of one of the greatest sages of all time. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Eagerly looked forward to each week
Each week in the spiritual sessions at our recovery house, guests draw Rumi cards. They are challenging, illogical and well loved. The cards are a favorite activity for our guests to open their hearts and minds.

Jane Derry

Good and in keeping with the tradition.
I find these cards very soul grasping. They carry the essence of Rumi and the sufi tradition. I love them and find them very precise. I guess you have to know a bit about sufi terminology as they otherwise can be a bit tricky to understand. At least that's my experience with other people. But you can let them speak to your soul and often communication happens anyway. For one who knows the language of the tradition they are magical to work with.

Not so great!
Well I bought this deck looking for illumination and beautifully written words of wisdom to help feed to my own personal well being. I am far from a stranger to Sufism. What I dislike most about this deck is the very negative cards it contains. It literally has cards that say your life is in ruins,your in trouble ect and so on. Far from comforting or illuminating. There is a way to give advice but just plainly suggesting to someone they are being selfish or ruining their life is not in my opinion the best way for an oracle to operate. There should be gentle yet firm suggestions or reminders in this deck and more encouraging cards to help us live are dreams not feel all could be lost? Not what I expected from a deck branded with the name of Rumi.

Rumi: The Card and Book Pack
Rumi: The Card and Book Pack is a good addition to my collection of card oracles.Very nicely done.

Rumi Wisdom at Critical Life Moments
I am a writer and know how seldom we hear about the impact of our work, so I wanted to share a sense of how much the Rumi cards have meant to me.

First, it is a truly beautiful set and one of the best short write-ups of Rumi that I've come across.I think I bought it shortly after it was released and have used it for big decision moments over the years.The answers I have received often were not what I wanted to hear but have always turned out to be wise and valuable.

The first time I was amazed by the result was during a rough patch in my marriage.I was ready to walk out the door when I decided to "ask Rumi."The answer was definitely NOT what I wanted to hear ... Rumi said, "Don't go anywhere, I beg you;" Shocked by this very specific answer, I stayed and we weathered the storm and celebrated our 22nd anniversary this month.

There are more stories like this but the important point is that I have come to rely on the wisdom gathered from these cards. ... Read more

Product Description
Now that Rumi has become one of the best-selling poets in North America, interest in his life and times has increased dramatically. Practically every collection of his poetry provides a thumbnail biography, highlighting his encounter with Shams-i Tabrizi, the wandering mystic who became Rumi's beloved companion. Rumi had been a sober scholar, teaching law and theology to a small circle of students, but the coming of Shams turned him into a devotee of music, dance, and poetry. Three years after Shams's appearance out of nowhere, he abruptly vanished, never to be seen again. It was Rumi's longing for the lost Shams that transformed him into one of the world's greatest poets. Rumi immortalized Shams's name by constantly celebrating him in his poetry as the embodiment of the divine beloved.

Very little is know about the historical Shams--indeed, some have even doubted that he was a real person. Everyone interested in Rumi's poetry has been curious about him, and beginning with Rumi's own son and other hagiographers, a great deal of legend was built up. Over the centuries, Shams became a trope of Persian, Turkish, and Urdu literatures. Modern scholarship has made little headway in explaining who Shams was or how he was able to play such a decisive role in Rumi's life, though a good number of theories have been advanced.

Me and Rumi represents a true milestone in the study of this enigmatic figure. It makes available for the first time in any European language first-hand accounts of Shams that have never been studied by Western scholars. When Rumi and Shams sat and talked, one or more members of the circle took notes. These were never put into final form, but they were preserved and sometimes copied by later generations, ending up in various libraries scattered around Turkey. Fifteen years ago an Iranian scholar completed the long process of collating and editing the manuscripts. The book that he published, called Maqalat-i Shams-i Tabrizi (The Discourses of Shams-i Tabrizi), provides us with an extraordinary picture of an awe-inspiring personality.

In Me and Rumi, Chittick has translated about two-thirds of the Discourses into English and arranged them in a manner that clarifies their meaning and context. He provides notes and a glossary, which will go a long way toward helping readers decipher the more obscure passages. The net result is an exciting and readable book that brings Shams to life. For the first time in Western sources, we are given access to him without the intermediary of Rumi and the myth-makers. Shams appears as raucous and sober, outspoken and subtle, harsh and gentle, learned and irreverent and, above all, as an embodiment of the living presence of God. The book destroys the stereotypes that have been set up by the secondary literature, and it gives access to a far more fascinating and vivid personality than we have any right to expect from what hagiographers and scholars have written. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Me and Rumi
Me and Rumi is a rich book that explains Rumi's life and his spirtuality. i highly recommend to read this book/

Notes on oral discourses by Shams-i-Tabrizi
Rumi was one of the greatest of the Sufi teachers.But until he met his teacher,Shamis-i-Tabrizi, he was only a Sufi scholar who was spiritually asleep.After teaching Rumi for three years Shamis left his student, and Rumi became one of the world's greatest poets whose spiritually inspired writings inspire millions of people from all the world. We know a good bit about Rumi's life, but very little about Shams, his teacher. Through the work of a diligent Iranian scholar who collected manuscripts which were accounts of Shams oral discourses both before and after he met Rumi we get to know Shams in ways not available to us before.Me & Rumi: The Authobiography of Shams-i Trabrizi is a translation of those manuscriptswhich allows to get to know Shams a little better. These short discourses are not easy reading, but by reading and reflecting on each passage, we can acquire seeds for our meditations. I don't recommend this book unless you are willing to work hard for the precious spiritual insights available through study and meditation.If you are mentally and spiritually lazy, don't waste your time or money.If you curious and want to broaden your spiritual perspectives, this book is well worth your money and study.

Brilliant and Necessary
It's hard to overstate the importance of this beautiful book to anyone who has been touched by the Sufi path, and especially Rumi. Chittick has provided us with a portrait of Rumi's master, Shams of Tabriz--and he's not what one might expect.

Rumi has become famous in the contemporary West for his divine poetry--and rightly so: he is one of humanity's greatest lovers and poets, and this comes across in every line. But as others have asked: Do we honestly know what this "love" Rumi talks about really is?

Here we have Shams of Tabriz, master to Rumi, the man Rumi loved most in the world, in Rumi's eyes a spiritual being of the first order. And he can be cruel, insensitive, and harsh. Lots of people around him hate him. If I remember correctly, he even makes a fart joke at one point.

He's seen as almost an embarrassment in a company of dervishes and scholars. And yet one suspects that this has more than a little to do with his ruthless and relentless practice of exposing imposture and hypocrisy--reminiscent of the work of Jesus, with the same sad, predictable result.

The connection between Rumi's love and this wild man's character is the absolute, uncompromising love of God. For this, really, is the love of Rumi: it brooks no insincerity or reservation. It is the essence of Islam: utter submission to the divine. Shams reminds us, as he reminded those around him, that this has nothing at all to do with sweet words and noble sentiments, with putting on spiritual airs and gaining the admiration of the faithful.

This can be a painful reminder. It threatens what the ego craves. And the love of God threatens the self as well--as Rumi and Shams both show us, when we truly love God, there is only love and God: we disappear. Shams' job was to show Rumi what this really meant. Rumi's job was to show us--despite the fearful protestations of the ego--what it really is: beautiful and joyful.

God bless William Chittick for this wonderful gift.

Meeting Shams of Tabriz
Who was Rumi's beloved? Who was this dervish who overturned Rumi's world, leading him to leave the safe path of knowledge and enter the burning path of love? Who was he before he met Rumi and how was he changed by this encounter? If you, like me, wondered about this timeless story of lover and beloved, you can meet Shams in this book and read his own words in English for the first time. Although it lacks a narrative structure, it brings him alive in moments of vitality. The story of Rumi and Shamsis the story of the meeting of two human beings that, like the conjunction of two planets, realigned the fates. My novel about them, like Siddhartha or Last Temptation of Christ, is the tale of the lover of God, the mythic story of the human soul. This book offers a description of the human beloved who stood, for Rumi, as the divine beloved.

long-awaited Autobiography - Shams, the strange Companion
"When a sincere man begins to dance,
the seven heavens, the earth, and all creatures begin to dance." - Shams

Little did we know about Shams Tabrizi, except that he was the enigmatic master of Maulana Jalalludin Rumi. Now we may get an inside picture through this wonderful autobiography, translated by a thorough scholar (William Chittick). Moreover, it may correct certain childish misconceptions we may have had about both Rumi and Shams.

This is an authentic biography, however rather atypical. From the translator's introduction: "The first thing we need to remember about the Discourses is that it was not written by Shams. Rather, one or more individuals in Rumi's intimate circle took notes while Shams was speaking, often, but not always, when Rumi was present. (...) What is certain is that he never saw a final version - or if he did, it has not survived." Consequently, this autobiography does not read as a continuous story, but consists of random notes in the original manuscript, organized however into chapters in this English translation.

Who was Shams Tabrizi? You must read the book in order to answer this question for yourself. Shams recounts: "What then do you know of me? I went into that thicket where lions wouldn't dare to go (...) and awesomeness settled into me." Indeed, what did anyone know of him?

What is clear from this book is that Shams's heart-secret (sirr-e asrar) was no match for contemporary mystics, although he did respect just one or two or perhaps a few.
With every encounter he would reveal the other's state (hal) and spiritual standing (maqam) through gnostic insight, and invariably he would manifest as idol-breaker. Then they would flee his presence, being incapable to tolerate his face.
He is very critical even of the great ones in Sufism, particularly Bayazid Bistami and Mansur Hallaj, whom he frequently mentions in comparisons, or even Junayd. He says: "The station of `He is the Real' is far above that of `I am the Real'. And explains: "The difference between me and the great ones is just that - what I have inwardly is exactly what's outward."

He appears to have been vastly different from other Sufi masters. Whereas others would train recipients with "preparedness" to become saints (wali) and masters in their own right, Shams was made for a different task. He says: "I haven't come to do with the common people in this world - I haven't come for them. I've put my finger on the pulse of those who guide the world to the Real."
He explains, "If everyone in the inhabited quarter was on one side and I was on the other, I would answer every one of their difficulties. I would never flee from speaking (...) The inhabited quarter is where the people reside. The other three quarters burn from the shining of the sun, so people don't live there."

All his life he served the Companion. "My goal in the idol-temple is the image and beauty of Your face. If I want the idol of words for the sake of those meanings, it will not happen without the Companion. The Companion must be there."
And elsewhere: "When someone finds the way to be my companion, his mark is that companionship with others becomes cold and bitter for him." And: "I have a pearl within me. Whenever I show its face to anyone, he becomes estranged from all his companions and friends."

He would accept no disciple, but all his life he was waiting for the one, to become his sole companion; who was to be Jalalludin Rumi. Shams: "From the day I saw your beauty, inclination and love for you sat in my heart."
And he explains: "There are many great ones whom I love inwardly. There's affection, but I don't make it manifest. Once or twice when I made it manifest, I did something while keeping company with them, and they didn't know and recognize their duty in companionship. I took it upon myself not to let the affection become cold. When I made it manifest with Mawlana, it increased and did not lessen."

If you read carefully, you may discover from the text the universal rule of companionship and its graceful severity: "What is before your heart? Say whatever there is! If there is an obstacle, tell me about it. If you tell me about the obstacle, I will teach you the Path. It will become easy, because I know the Path better than you."
And elsewhere: "Whatever the state that comes, you should quickly tell the companion about it and be done with it. Don't think, "How can I talk like this to the companion?" The companion will see it, even if you don't talk about it." And: "As long as pride and existence are within you, you must say `God is greater', and you must intend the sacrifice."

"Without doubt, whenever you sit with someone and are with him, you will take on his disposition. On whom have you been gazing that tightness should have come into you? If you look at green herbs and flowers, freshness will come. The sitting companion pulls you into his own world. That is why reciting the Koran purifies the heart, for you remember the prophets and their states. The form of the prophets comes together in your spirit and becomes its sitting companion."

What they experienced in their mutual company transcended the secret-of-secrets of anyone but themselves. Rumi sung in verse: "The whole description of Godhead in Shams of Tabriz transcends any notions concerning free will and ordainment." While Shams: "This was a cask of Divine wine, its lid caked with grime. No one was aware of this. The cause of this cask being opened was Maulana. Whoever seeks to understand this must be aware that the cause has been Maulana."

We do not know what befell Shams when he finally disappeared. After Rumi's death, Fakhruddin `Eraqi (his contemporary poet-mystic) would often speak of Rumi; he would sigh and say, "No one ever understood him as he should have been understood. He came into the world a stranger, and left it a stranger."

When one reads a translation cum introduction by a scholar, one doesn't want to "read" the ego of the scholar between the lines. One doesn't want to be put on sidetracks by speculative claims that serve nobody but vain academia. Far from such limitations, I think Chittick has done a thorough scholarly job. This book is a must-own for anyone seriously interested in Islamic Sufism (or any tradition for that matter) in general, and (auto)biographies of mystics in particular, even though this autobiography forever remains: advanced reading.

"I'll not put you in the heart or you'll be wounded,
I'll not keep you in the eye or you'll be lowly.
I'll give you a place in the spirit, not the eyes or the heart,
so you'll be my companion at the least breath."

"Even if it be after a thousand years, these words will reach those for whom they're intended."

"They're all seeking the benefit of knowledge. You should seek for good deeds, so that you may obtain good from the Companion. This is the kernel, that is the husk." ... Read more

Product Description
     These quatrains and odes reveal a most human and accessible side of the great poet and mystic. They are the personal records of one man's encounter with the Divine. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Ya Azim/ Ya Majid
Here is Mevlana.In his words he lives with us, harmonizing our souls, hearts, and minds.Taking us beyond our ordinary lives into a world of transcendent knowledge filled with light and love.I have never found anyone else who comes close.Yeats, Hafiz, e.e., T.S., Kabir, Whitman, Ginsburg all wonderful but none have the level of transcendent awareness that pours through Mevlana.Thanks to Coleman's enlightened translations the words seize us with their power.

Great Rumi
This text with versions of Rumi is wonderful for its contemporary language and revelation of Rumi's insights which read as if they came out of a psychologically astute book of modern poetry.My partner and I used Quatrains # 388 and #158 in our wedding ceremony. In this thirteenth century visionary writing I once again am reminded of the ageless quality of human insight and wisdom with its imperative that we remain alert to revelation about to burst upon us.The introduction Moyne and Bark have written for it is a sweet gift as well.
"Open Secret" is a keeper!

An Open Secret but How Few Know
A lovely collection of versions of Rumi translated by the great linguistic scholar John Moyne and Coleman Barks. They are quatrains and odes and they attest to the divine. My absolute favourite has to be Ode 388:

I would love to kiss you.
The price of kissing is your life.

Now my love is running toward my life shouting,
What a bargain, let's buy it.

but for poets, Ode 1315 has to run a close second:

We've given up making a living.
It's all this crazy love poetry now.

It's everywhere. Our eyes and our feelings
focus together, with our words.


Don't pass this one by!

Beautiful poetry
This is an amazing book of poetry, the words just dance off the page. this is a good place to start if you're interested in the poetry of Rumi.
The translations are well done and don't sacrifice the emotional content of the poetry to fit the words. Give yourself or someone else a wonderful experience and read this book. You'll be very happy that you did.

A must in all collections & a beatiful introduction to Rumi.
The open secret, available to all but few listen.That is the feeling you get when you let these wonderful writings flow over and through you.

Some short, some longer, each writing is a treasure. The more you read (or listen if you've been fortunate to get the audio condensed version from this work) the deeper each verse becomes.I've owned the printed copy for years and every read brings new wonders and old friends.

The cream of Rumi is brought to this work and Coleman Barks does wonderful interpretations.The work as a whole weaves a tapestry that, in the end, leaves you feeling part weaver and part thread.The possibility of the "Beloved" as "Lover" becomes manifest.The drunk, intoxicated by the bliss of the presence of God, overflows with sacred wine and wants to dance.The sharing of a deep spiritual presence at dawn with those nearest you becomes a yearning that you want each and every day.

This book is a cornerstone in the rediscovery of Rumi and Islam for that matter.It provides a glimpse, from the lovers' point of view, into a world traditionally dominated by the warrior spirit.

After reading you yearn for the association of others who have similar thoughts.You realize that "the pot drips what's in it" and you yearn to associate with gentle people who enjoy this book as much as you.

Certainly "Open Secret" is a must read and a must own.It is every bit worth the price and a classic in the genre. ... Read more

Product Description
One of the world’s best-selling poets, 13th century Sufi mystic Jalaluddin Rumi has inspired and enlightened thousands with his playful, passionate work celebrating the sacred in everyday life. Now, the spiritual wealth of Rumi’s stories and poetry in translation are restored to their authentic settings as delightful teaching tales and are accompanied by rare and wonderful art i nthe Sufi and Islamic tradition ranging throughout the history of Islam. This fresh rendering brings new life to this incomparable literature, which has transcended time, place, culture, and religion to speak directly to the hearts and souls of contemporary readers. With a foreward by Huston Smith.Amazon.com Review
The 13th century Sufi mystic Jalal al-Din Rumi was a storyteller who spoke like a songwriter--in metered prose and rhyming verse. Whatever the translation (and there have been many), his words always seem to fall like lilting petals, drifting in a delicate pattern toward some grounded truth. This sensually illustrated version offers yet another new translation in which readers will find a mixture of Rumi's parables and poetry interwoven into each story. Thus, readers will start off firmly planted in Rumi's straightforward, storytelling voice. Then, about four paragraphs down, the translators will insert one of his ecstatic poems, then the tone will return to the story voice. It may seem like choppy editing, but it actually swirls and circles around like a joyful Sufi dancer. The chosen tales are all spiritually inspirational, as Rumi always is, yet they are also a pleasure to read as simple stories told by a master. The illustrations and attentive design artfully enhance the grace and fluidity of Rumi's words. --Gail Hudson ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Soul's Poetry
The Sufis understand the human heart to be the macrocosm, not just the microcosm, of the universe. Whatever is in your heart is everywhere. If you have anger in your heart, you will experience anger from others, if hate, you shall be hated; if love, you shall be loved. By knowing the mystery of your own heart, you begin to resonate with the mysteries of existence.

A beautiful book of word, image and revelation.

An Amazing Book
This is a great book. It is professionally translated and the words flow naturally. The introduction is powerful and it has a lot of useful information about the book content and the spiritual life of Rumi. The illustrations are carefully chosen and relevantly placed giving you a persian medeivial aura. Rumi was a great sufi poet who lived in the golden age of the Islamic civilization. His poetry is a guide to spirituality and wisdom. It is deep,simply-written and interesting. Anyone who reads this book will enjoy it.

The Illustrated Rumi : A Treasury of Wisdom from the Poet of the Soul
a masterpiece!!!

Inspiring, contemplative, rich
This book is beautiful if only for the artwork, but couple that with the unique parables of Rumi and this is a rich treasury to be enjoyed and savored.

Common heritage of mankind
The ultimate source of Rumi`s work is the original work of Mathnawi, in Persian, it has a delicate taste of poetic dimension too, but even without the poetic contribution, Richard A. Nicholson has translated all the 6 volumes of Mathnawi with an excellent translation, eloquent, lovely and elegant. Rumi is an ocean, "The illustrated Rumi" is a very nice sampling taken from these six volumes. The illustrations are taken from the early islamic art, most of which, one has to remind himself, were performed bofore the Renaissance. It has a taste of Arabic Nights in the pictures, what is more important though is the quality of the samples. Nicholson has the best work accomplished, and I recommend it to anybody, to me that book deserves to be written with gold and silver. Still Illustrated Rumi will give an idea of Rumi, especially with the wonderful introduction of Huston Smith, who himself is a leader in religious studies, this book is like cream de la cream of Matnawi as an introduction. The book is worthy of being read carefully at least once. I would recommend reading this book to those people left undecided between a foot long sandwich and a glimpse of the soul. ... Read more