Rumi the Persian poet is widely acknowledged as being the greatest Sufi mystic of his age. He was the founder of the brotherhood of the Whirling Dervishes. This is a collection of his poetry.
In this collection of Rumi poetry, Rumi gives answers to spiritual questions that have been asked for centuries. So many readers and scholars represent Rumi as a mystical poet who can help us understand this world, help us worship God, become better humans, attain human happiness. They confuse Rumi's emphasis on Love with earthly love, and they miss his emphasis on annihilation of self. This is the reason for the title of this book: Unknown Rumi. It is a collection of 100 of Rumi's rubais (four-line poems), with commentary on each rubai by Nevit Ergin, reflecting various stages of Rumi's spiritual journey from human perception to Absence, Advaita, Nothingness. Ergin has translated all 2,217 rubais from Rumi. They are spread throughout the second half of Rumi's Divan-i Kebir. The earliest known manuscript copy of the Persian original, which was completed between 1367 CE and 1368 CE, is housed at the site of Rumi's tomb in Konya, Turkey. Photographs were taken of each page of that manuscript and reproduced for this volume, thus making it truly unique. In addition to the original Persian, each rubai is presented in its English and Turkish translations, A book for spiritual aspirants and lovers of Rumi alike.
Introduction - Rumi's Timeless Legacy Welcome to a journey through the life and legacy of a remarkable soul whose words have traversed time and touched hearts across the globe. In the following chapters, we will delve into the captivating tale of Rumi, a name that resonates with wisdom, love, and mysticism. Rumi, whose full name is “Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī”, was not just a poet or a scholar; he was a beacon of light in the realm of human understanding. His story, spanning the 13th century, stretches far beyond the borders of his birthplace, leaving a trail of inspiration that remains as vibrant today as it was centuries ago. Born on September 30, 1207, in Balkh, a city in what is now Afghanistan, Rumi's journey began in a land rich with cultural heritage and spiritual traditions. His early years were marked by a thirst for knowledge and a heart open to the mysteries of existence. Little did he know that his path would lead him to become one of the most celebrated poets and thinkers in history. As we embark on this voyage, imagine the vibrant tapestry of the Middle Ages, a time of intellectual exploration, where the scent of knowledge wafted through the air, and hearts beat in rhythm with the pulse of discovery. Rumi's world was one of shifting empires, diverse cultures, and a profound search for meaning. Our journey will take us through dusty libraries where Rumi's young mind absorbed the teachings of scholars, through bustling bazaars where merchants exchanged not only goods but also ideas, and to the quiet corners of Konya, Turkey, where a fateful encounter would forever alter the course of Rumi's life. At the heart of Rumi's story is his deep and transformative friendship with Shams al-Din Tabrizi, a wandering mystic who ignited a flame within Rumi's soul. Their bond was not just one of teacher and student; it was a connection that bridged the earthly and the divine, sparking revelations that would find their way into Rumi's immortal verses. Picture, if you will, the sun-drenched courtyards of Konya, where Rumi and Shams engaged in conversations that delved into the very essence of existence. These dialogues, often filled with laughter, contemplation, and soul-stirring insights, formed the crucible from which Rumi's poetry emerged like pure gold. In the chapters to come, we will explore the intoxicating power of divine love that Rumi so eloquently described in his works. We will witness the birth of the whirling dervishes, a mystical order that sought union with the divine through dance and devotion. We will unravel the verses of Rumi's masterpiece, the "Masnavi-ye-Ma'navi," and embark on a journey of enlightenment, where every couplet is a stepping stone toward the truth.
From the premier interpreter of Rumi comes the first definitive one-volume collection of the enduringly popular spiritual poetry by the extraordinary thirteenth-century Sufi mystic.
At long last, an accessible little book that focuses on the teachings of Rumi's teacher and inspiration, Shams of Tabriz. Included in this slim, charming volume is a biographical sketch of the great Sufi teacher and mystic and a new translation of 500 of his core teachings that bring into fresh focus the meaning and mysteries of life and love. There are many books on Rumi and many translations of his works and yet most readers are unaware of how Rumi became a mystic. Shams, an Arabic word that means the sun, was the catalyst that converted the rather resolute and ascetic Rumi, the cleric and teacher, into Rumi, the passionate disciple of the religion of love. He was the agent of the propulsive mystical energy that transformed Rumi the reticent into Rumi the ecstatic poet. Rumi lovers, spiritual seekers, and devotees of the mystical path will meet this little book of wisdom and mystical secrets with enthusiasm. I shall not place you in my heart For you may get hurt by its wounds. I won't keep you in my eyes For I may belittle you and expose you to the ridicule of common men. I will hide you inside my soul, not in my heart or in my eyes, so that you may become one with my breath.
Rumi's philosophy takes center stage within these pages, unveiling Love as the ultimate pathway to divine connection. As you delve into his words, you will witness the transformative power of Love, which transcends the ordinary and unites us with the essence of our being. Rumi's teachings will inspire you to look beyond superficial differences and embrace the universal thread that connects all humanity. You will be encouraged to awaken your heart, live authentically, and find fulfillment in every aspect of your life. Rumi's teaching is not just a book but a guide that holds the key to unlocking your true self and embracing profound lessons of Love, spirituality, and personal growth. Within its pages, you will discover the transformative power of purification, allowing you to unlock the essence of who you are and embark on a purposeful and meaningful journey. Prepare to be captivated by Rumi's timeless wisdom as you uncover valuable life lessons on Love, compassion, spirituality, and self-improvement. His words will resonate within you, illuminating your path toward a more fulfilling and enlightened existence. Let Rumi's profound teachings guide you on a quest for Love, self-discovery, and spiritual awakening. Open your heart, embrace his words, and embark on a deep journey that will forever change your life.
This book is dedicated to all who believe in beauty, love, mindfulness, and the power of words. (excerpt) FOREWORD I remember it well as if it were yesterday. I was ten years old when my father took me to a performance of the dancing dervishes in Konya. I was fascinated by the elegance of their movements, as if they were floating. But, to be honest, I did not know how to classify my impressions at that moment. It was just too much. On the one hand, I was deeply impressed and touched; on the other hand, I was afraid (today, I would call it awe). In any case, my visit at that time left lasting impressions. So much so that they keep coming back to my mind. Rumi's poems and quotations are omnipresent. They appear everywhere, and one cannot escape their depth, beauty, and meaning. They are a part of great human creativity and remind us repeatedly how powerful (in a positive sense) words can be. This little booklet addresses all who believe in beauty, love, mindfulness, and the power of words. May Rumi's words touch you as they have always touched me and be a companion for a fulfilling and inspiring life. Murat Durmus
The Persian poet Rumi, who wrote in the 13th Century, has become increasingly popular today. This selection comes from his monumental work, The Mathnawi—perhaps the longest mystical poem ever written, containing 24,000 verses in rhyming couplets. Thanks to E.H. Whinfield’s translation and commentary, these tales—filled with Sufi wisdom, insight, and humor—are wonderfully accessible to a wide audience.
The definitive study of the world's bestselling poet Drawing on a vast array of sources, from writings of the poet himself to the latest scholarly literature, this new anniversary edition of the award-winning work examines the background, the legacy, and the continuing significance of Jalâl al-Din Rumi, today’s bestselling poet in the United States. With new translations of over fifty of Rumi’s poems and including never before seen prose, this landmark study celebrates the astounding appeal of Rumi, still as strong as ever, 800 years after his birth.
The Spiritual Poems of Rumi is a beautiful and elegantly illustrated gift book of Rumi's spiritual poems translated by Nader Khalili, geared for readers searching for a stronger spiritual core.