Rumi

Average customer rating:

Excellent..... read why.....
Rumi, sigh of wonder...
Excellent compilation
Fantastic book.
It's the Heart of the translation that counts

Essential Rumi
Jalal al-Din Rumi
Manufacturer: HarperSanFrancisco
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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The Soul of Rumi: A New Collection of Ecstatic Poems
Rumi: The Book of Love: Poems of Ecstasy and Longing
The Gift
The Illuminated Rumi
The Love Poems of Rumi

ASIN: 0062509594

Amazon.com

No translator could do greater justice to the gorgeous simplicity of Rumi's poetry than Coleman Barks has done here. These exquisite renderings of the 13th-century Persian mystic's words into American free verse capture all the "inner searching, the delicacy, and simple groundedness" that characterize Rumi's poetry while remaining faithful to the images, tone, and spiritual message of the originals. Barks's introductions to each of the 27 sections (described as "playful palimpsests spread over Rumi's imagination," and "meant to confuse scholars who would divide Rumi's poetry into the accepted categories") are themselves wonderful achievements of a poetic imagination; searching explanations of unfamiliar concepts and funny stories provide colorful background and frame the selections as no dry historical exegesis could.

While Barks's stamp on this collection is clear, it in no way interferes with the poems themselves; Rumi's voice leaps off these pages with an ecstatic energy that leaves readers breathless. There are poems of love, rage, sadness, pleading, and longing; passionate outbursts about the torture of longing for his beloved and the sweet pleasure that comes from their union; amusing stories of sexual exploits or human weakness; and quiet truths about the beauty and variety of human emotion. More than anything, Rumi makes plain the unbridled joy that comes from living life fully, urging us always to put aside our fears and take the risk to do so. As he says: "The way of love is not / a subtle argument. / The door there is devastation. / Birds make great sky-circles / of their freedom. / How do they learn it? / They fall, and falling, / they're given wings." --Uma Kukathas

Book 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.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent..... read why............2007-06-09

This book is an excellent translation of Rumi. However, it is NOT, nor can it ever be a perfect reflection of the original text. It is quite impossible to capture all the internal rhyming, layers of esoteric meaning and connotations of the original language no matter who the translator is. I believe EVERY scholar agrees on that point.

With the above said, Coleman Barks is faithful to the spirt of Rumi and of Sufism. It is obvious this is a lifelong passion and he is a Sufi himself having been directed to do this work by a recognized teacher in a Sufi order. While some argue that you can only be a Sufi within the context of Islam, equal numbers of scholars many from the Middle East argue that you can be a Sufi outside of this context and some argue that Sufism pre-dates Islam.

Whatever school of thought you espouse, it is clear that the important communication that speaks across the ages through Rumi's words is love for God in the moment and a longing to realize it fully. While Coleman Barks may have studied English translations of Rumi's work to compile his own, it is clear to me that he was guided by his heart, learned advisors and good scholarship. If this were not so, I doubt that Robert Bly, Huston Smith (world authority on comparative religion) and others would appear on the video Rumi: Poet Of The Heart which is about Rumi and the Coleman Barks translations of his poetry.

If you only speak English, I agree that you miss a lot by not having access to the original language. However, a concept accepted by all of Sufism is that everyone has a piece of the truth and a unique perspective. In the case of Coleman Barks, this is certainly an educated perspective that is complimented by many other translators. If you are serious about Rumi, then I recommend getting other translations and finding the ones that most move your heart which I'm sure would make Rumi very happy indeed.

Some may find Coleman Barks accent a bit irritating. However, it is also a good reminder that the most important thing is the message and the intention behind it. While analysis of literal poetry is very useful, this volume tries to strike a balance between literal translation and relevance to a modern context. I've read some other translations and used Coleman Barks translations in a class on Sufism given by a 30+ year Sufi with a Ph.D. in Religious Studies from Harvard. If he finds these translations useful to present to a class, I can't imagine that Coleman Barks can be too far off the mark.

Rumi, sigh of wonder..........2007-05-20

As a huge poetry and literature fan, I couldn't pass up the chance to upgrade my penguin classics edition to this more comprehensive version of Rumi. Fraught with themes of life, love, lust, companionship, outlook, really any strata of emotional or human thought, this collection is a gem of Rumi's work. I am not one to dabble in qualifications or translating accuracy- I simply go with what feels right and this book felt beautifully right from beginning to end.

Excellent compilation.......2007-03-14

Rumi is an intruiging writer, and this compilation gives the reader an in depth look and variety of Rumi's work. Highly recommended for the cultured reader.

Fantastic book........2007-03-10

Lots of wonderful poems.

Longing
Love
Sexuality
Desire

Wow...

It's the Heart of the translation that counts.......2006-12-09

This is by far my favorite Rumi book, and Barks is my favorite translator.

Rumi is pointing at, living, something beyond words, something that resides deep in our hearts. For me, many of the poems in the book take me there. It is a huge blessing.

Average customer rating:

who is the beloved?
almost indescribable
Amazing
An outstanding introduction to Rumi!
Beautiful Homage

The Illuminated Rumi
Jalal Al-Din Rumi
Manufacturer: Broadway
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Similar Items:

One Song: A New Illuminated Rumi
Essential Rumi
The Soul of Rumi: A New Collection of Ecstatic Poems
Rumi: The Book of Love: Poems of Ecstasy and Longing
The Gift

ASIN: 0767900022
Release Date: 1997-10-13

Book Description

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.

Customer Reviews:

who is the beloved?.......2007-04-27

Going through this book was my introduction to Rumi. And a profound one it was. Through the interwoven effect of Rumi's poetry rendered by Coleman Barks and the beautiful images by Michael Greene, I came closer to understanding the Universal meaning of The Beloved and Divine Love.

This book somehow illustrated spiritually cryptic things for me: What does it mean to have compassion for The Other? What does Sacred Interconnection mean? How do we love our selves or others in that secret place where there is no ego, no fear, no illusion?

Take your time with this book. Don't expect results right away. I found that I got some things from it almost immediately... And other things I had to come back to a few times in contemplation, or many times, to really appreciate.

I found it amazing how Michael Green's collages of modern (colliding atomic particle paths), ancient, religious and astronomy photography, brought about inner movement and emotion within me.

A great gift for yourself if you are a Seeker...and also to those of your friends who are, too, whether they know it or are about to find out.

This book has led me to explore other translations of Rumi. Above all, it has helped get me to a greater appreciation of the universality of the Love of God, sans the human limitations that religion, culture, gender or language restrict the word "God" to.

almost indescribable.......2007-04-12

It's often said you can't gain any true 'mystic experience' or 'hidden wisdom' from 'reading a book'. Often that holds true, but things like Rumi are the exception. I'm the sort of person who hates poetry. I relished the accidental "Cruel prank" done on the "Poetry Analasyst" in the late Mr. Vonneget's "God bless you Mr. Rosewater". But, Rumi moves me to joy, to tears to love and to feelings beyond. And this book is an excellent tribute to him. Well worth getting multiple copies, for you will likely loan them to people who'll keep them forever!

Amazing.......2007-01-26

As a lifelong bookworm, I've gotta say: this one is a gem. Incredible illustrations, and a caringly, lit glimpse into the mystery and depth of Rumi. One of those ones you want to pass on to the most special people in your life. The kind of literature that runs against the grain of our aggravating times and quickly reminds us of something higher to aspire to.

An outstanding introduction to Rumi!.......2007-01-05

In the 13th Century, a Moslem scholar, philosopher and poet, from what is now modern Turkey wrote of the human condition The condition hasn't changed and the words still have the same impact as when written. Hence, he remains popular as ever. Perhaps one might think the terms philosopher and poet off putting. This is not the case. He writes in a style to encourage intuitive thinking rather than our usual logical Western style. This is the mode necessary to understand man's deeper nature. It is a style shared by those wishing spiritual and psychological enlightenment. Reading Rumi makes one a more thoughtful deeper person. Curl up with this book by yourself where you are free from distraction and have the time to let your mind wander. You will get nowhere reading this while commuting or watching TV!
This is book is the place to start with Rumi. The illustrations not
only compliment the writing but are picked to give you a psychological study of what is being said. The current translation is the best I have seen for the modern American World. Coleman Bark's translation of an ancient language into our vernacular makes you feel like Rumi wrote the original English version.

Richard Hunter, MD, Behavioral Neurologist, Atlanta.

Beautiful Homage.......2006-07-21

This beautiful volume is a must-have for anyone who loves Rumi, and a fantastic introduction for those who are new to the poetry. It is not a scholarly work, although the light commentary is nicely done. Rather, the work is a lovely mélange of Rumi's poems as translated by Coleman Barks, complemented by the stunning illustrations of Michael Green. It's experiential rather than academic. A tool, not a lecture.

The overall effect is hypnotic. Excellent as a prequel to meditation, it is more evocative than stimulating. Read the poem, let your eyes flow over the pictures, and be transported. If you know and have studied Rumi, all you have read and learned will wash over you in the process. If you are new to Rumi, you will realize wisdom you didn't know you had.

Understand, this transport is courtesy of the poetry. The illustrations provide a little pretty oil for the mesmeric skids. And just as Rumi transcends his Sufi origins to reach all faiths, so also do the illustrations contain aspects of all the organized (and unorganized) religions.

"Come, whoever you are! Wanderer, worshipper, lover of learning. This is not a caravan of despair. It doesn't matter if you've broken your vow a thousand times, still and yet again, come!"

The Soul of Rumi: A New Collection of Ecstatic Poems

Average customer rating:

Find Rumi's Essence Elsewhere
Coleman Barks
Amazing!
Transforming
Best introduction to Rumi available

The Soul of Rumi: A New Collection of Ecstatic Poems
Coleman Barks , John Moyne , Nevit Ergin , A. Arberry , Reynold A. Nicholson , and Maulana Jalal al-Din Rumi
Manufacturer: HarperSanFrancisco
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Inspirational & Religious | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Middle Eastern | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Ancient, Classical & Medieval | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Essential Rumi
Rumi: The Book of Love: Poems of Ecstasy and Longing
Rumi: We Are Three : New Rumi Poems
The Subject Tonight Is Love: Sixty Wild and Sweet Poems of Hafiz
The Love Poems of Rumi

ASIN: 0060604530
Release Date: 2001-09-18

Amazon.com

When Rumi was born in Afghanistan in 1207, it was a time of tremendous political turmoil in the Near East. Paradoxically, it was also a time of "brilliant mystical awareness," writes translator Coleman Barks in The Soul of Rumi. This brilliance shines through in every passage, as Barks celebrates the ecstatic nature of Rumi's poetry. Barks (The Essential Rumi) has been given much credit for leading modern Westerners to this astounding poet. His sensitivity to the reader is evidenced in how he organizes the poetry according to themes. Since Rumi is often quoted at public gatherings, such as weddings and memorial services, this makes referencing especially easy. In the section entitled "When Friend Meets Friend," readers find the poem "The Soul's Friend": <blockquote>The most living moment comes when those who love each other meet each other's eyes and in what flows between them then. To see your face in a crowd of others, or alone on a frightening street, I weep for that…. </blockquote> Barks offers a gracefully rendered introduction to each section, providing personal and historical background of the poetry. Elegantly designed and printed on cream-colored, heavy-stock paper, this is a delight for Rumi fans. --Gail Hudson

Book Description

Inside A Lover's Heart There's Another World, And Yet Another

Rumi's masterpieces 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 this volume readers will encounter the essence of Sufism's insights into the experience of divine love, wisdom, and the nature of both humanity and God.

While Barks's stamp on this collection is clear, it is Rumi's voice that leaps off these pages with a rapturous power that leaves readers breathless. These poems express our deepest yearning for the transcendent connection with the source of the divine: there are passionate outbursts about the torment of longing for the beloved and the sweet delight that comes from union; stories of sexual adventures and of loss; poems of love and fury, sadness and joy; and quiet truths about the beauty and variety of human emotion. For Rumi, soul and body and emotion are not separate but are rather part of the great mystery of mortal life, a riddle whose solution is love. Above all else, Rumi's poetry exposes us to the delight that comes from being fully alive, urging us always to put aside our fears and take the risk of discovering our core self:No one knows what makes the soul wake up so happy! Maybe a dawn breeze has blown the veil from the face of God.

These fresh, original translations magnificently convey Rumi's insights into the human heart and its longings with his signature passion and daring, focusing on the ecstatic experience of the inseparability of human and divine love. The match between Rumi's sublime poetry and Coleman Barks's poetic art are unequaled, and here this artistic union is raised to new heights.

Customer Reviews:

Find Rumi's Essence Elsewhere.......2007-02-03

Rumi is one of my favorite poets but Barks does not do him justice. The translation poorly written so it feels choppy. Furthermore, he changes it so it water down the power of Rumi's poetry. Do not choose this book.

Coleman Barks.......2006-03-20

Coleman barks translation in my opinion is superior to any others who have attempted Rumi. I really liked this book.

Amazing!.......2005-08-08

I find it absolutely amazing that those who claim to be admirers of Rumi, online reviewers and editorial reviewers, do NOT even know where he was born! Persia, not Afghanistan, was his birthplace. Afghanistan did not even exist until the 19th century, thanks to the British.The land that is now called Afghanistan was part of the Persian Empire and remained so for centuries AFTER Rumi's death (500 years to be exact!). Rumi is a Persian poet, has been and forever will be. His poetry exemplifies pure, eloquent Farsi (language of Persia/Iran). The utter ignorance of this fact on the part of some reviewers, nonetheless, does not detract from the brilliance of the poet and the excellence of this translation. An absolute gem.

Transforming.......2005-01-20

It would be pointless for me to really try to "review" this book. I can only highly, emphatically recommend it. This book is the first introduction I've had to Rumi, and it's been an incredible literary experience for me. This book has really touched and inspired me. I've been reading it slowly over the last few months, digesting it bit by bit, because I wanted to savor it instead of rushing through it. One day in particular, I remember being in a foul mood, fed up with people and the world, and after reading a handful of Rumi's poems I felt peaceful and transformed. If you have any interest at all in spirituality or poetry, do yourself a favor and buy this book.

Best introduction to Rumi available.......2004-02-08

If there is only one book of Rumi you purchase, this should be it. But warning, the purchase may send you into a frenzy to learn and read more.

Barks' works as a translator here make poetry come alive, leap off the page and fly circles around your mind. A single poem can bring a person to great thoughts.

The book begins with a great introduction to Rumi's life, work, culture, spirituality, but Barks also includes some history of Sufi poetry. Then Barks divides the poetry into logical sections. Some involve community, others involve love, some love of God, peace between religions, inner life, work, home, playing... The range of catagories Barks creates represent human life in a wholeistic manner. They make Rumi's poetry easier to grasp, much more enjoyable, and center on the needs of all human beings. Barks also introduces each section (usually no more than a page). Barks' intros are concise, clear, and point toward key ideas in the most notable poems of each section.

Book 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.

Customer Reviews:

Grating.......2007-05-26

It gets two stars for unintentional hilarity (refer to some of the more embarrasing moments in the career of one Robert Goulet). Cast somewhere between the imploring musings of Deepak Chopra and his collaborations with 'celebs' like Demi Moore professing 'transcendence, if only one would aspire', the dictor here, is infused with a monotonous Southern accent that unfortunately renders Rumi as prosaic humdrum.

Loud.......2007-05-20

Coleman Barks is my favorite translator of Rumi but this CD is not. Maybe it will work for the seasoned Rumi lover but for a new person I found Coleman having to rush to speak over the music. I couldn't enjoy the poetry because of the drums and fast paced music. I have no relationship yet with Rumi's poetry and just could not enjoy all the distractions. If you already know the poems the loud music may suit you. I was glad when it ended which is not what I was looking for. It didn't let me pace through the poetry, the loud drums and sitar were too forceful.

Can't read Rumi all the time.......2005-10-03

Though I agree Coleman Barks Southern accent and voice are a out of place for me when reading Rumi myself, his passion for Rumi more than makes up for it. I am in my car a lot, so this set allows me to enjoy the poetry. It's relaxing, the music is perfect.

A spiritual but earthy sound.......2005-08-08

On this lovely recital of Jelaludin Rumi's poetry, the voice of Coleman Barks is accompanied by Marcus Wise on sitar and David Whetstone on sitar. There is a flute too, but nobody is credited. The 2-CD set contains translations of poems from the following books of translations by Barks: Birdsong, Say I Am You, One-Handed, Open Secret, We Are Three, This Longing, These Branching Moments and Delicious Laughter. The insert lists the first lines of the all the poems recited.

Disc One: 1. Birdsong brings relief 2. This is how I would die 3. Soul of the world 4. Again, the violet bows to the lily 5. Intricate sounds, not words, I catch 6. You said, "Who's at the door?" 7. The soul must suffer secrets 8. I saw grief drinking a cup of sorrow 9. In this river the soul is a waterwheel.

Disc Two: A sufi was wandering the world 2. Love comes with a knife, not some shy question 3. Someone may be clairvoyant, able to see 4. Last night my teacher told me the lesson of poverty 5. On Resurrection Day your body testifies against you 6. Someone says, sanai is dead 7. Those full of fear are not really on the way 8. We tremble, thinking we're about to dissolve 9. Before Muhammed appeared in physical form 10. I, you, he, she, we 11. There is no prison so dark and small 12. Moses heard a shepherd on the road praying.

The combination of devotional playing and the deep voice of Barks create a type of spiritual ambience that is more earthy than ethereal. I find the sound most relaxing and enjoyable, a fitting vehicle for the inspiring words of Rumi.

Total running time for Disc 1 is 70:08 and for Disc 2, 77:33.

Rumi: Voice of Longing.......2005-07-25

Wonderful idea, good music, but the voice of Coleman Barks just doesn't fit

The Mystical Poems of Rumi 1 (UNESCO Collection of Representative Works. Persian Heritage)

Average customer rating:

One of the best translations
The Best

The Mystical Poems of Rumi 1 (UNESCO Collection of Representative Works. Persian Heritage)
Jalal al-Din Rumi
Manufacturer: University Of Chicago Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Similar Items:

The Mystical Poems of Rumi 2: Second Selection, Poems 201-400
The Masnavi, Book One (Oxford World's Classics)
Selected Poems from the Divan-E Shams-E Tabrizi: Along With the Original Persian (Classics of Persian Literature, 5)
Rumi's World: The Life and Works of the Greatest Sufi Poet (Shambhala dragon editions)
Me and Rumi: The Autobiography of Shams-I Tabrizi

ASIN: 0226731510

Book Description

Rumi, who wrote and preached in Persia during the thirteenth century, was inspired by a wandering mystic, or dervish, named Shams al-Din. Rumi's vast body of poetry includes a lengthy poem of religious mysticism, the Mathnavi, and more than three thousand lyrics and odes, many of which came to him while he was in a state of trance. A.J. Arberry, who selected four hundred of the lyrics for translation and annotated them, calls Rumi "one of the world's greatest poets. In profundity of thought, inventiveness of image, and triumphant mastery of language, he stands out as the supreme genius of Islamic mysticism."

"An excellent introduction to Rumi, the greatest mystical poet of Islam. . . . Rumi's scope, like that of all great poets, is universal--reaching from sensuous luxuriance to the driest irony."--Sherman Goldman, East-West Journal

A.J. Arberry (1905-73) was professor of Arabic at Cambridge University.

Customer Reviews:

One of the best translations.......2003-05-22

It is unfortunate that most readers are introduced to Rumi through the "interpretations" of Coleman Barks (you'll notice I didn't say translations). A. J. Arberry's tranlslations are where readers should start; as a matter of fact Barks himself said that he uses Arberry's translations, which should speak volumes in itself. Arberry stays very close to the literal readings and the notes he provides are invaluable when reading these poems. There are a few places where the notes prove very helpful because Rumi plays on words a lot and the double meanings would have went over my head otherwise. And because Rumi's original works haven't survived there are several versions of what might be called his "original" poetry. The differences, when they arise, are included in the notes and there are a few instances where the alternate reading makes more sense than the one given. If you are an avid reader of Rumi or looking for an introduction, this book and its companion volume are a must have.

The Best.......2000-02-12

This 2 volume set of translations by Arberry and the translations by Nicholson are the best readily available. Numerous "renderings" by popular writers littering the bookstores fail to even touch the depth and layers of meaning to be found in Rumi. These are works of spiritual power brought to life for the english reader by a scholar in the language and history of the Sufi traditions. If you want the real thing, this is it.

The Masnavi, Book One (Oxford World's Classics)

Average customer rating:

True to the original in both spirit and form
This is a major and much-needed translation of Rumi
Fresh breath for a master

The Masnavi, Book One (Oxford World's Classics)
Jalal al-Din Rumi
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Similar Items:

The Conference of Birds (Penguin Classics)
Me and Rumi: The Autobiography of Shams-I Tabrizi
Ibn-Al-Arabi: The Bezels of Wisdom (Classics of Western Spirituality Series)
Rumi's World: The Life and Works of the Greatest Sufi Poet (Shambhala dragon editions)
The Mystical Poems of Rumi 1 (UNESCO Collection of Representative Works. Persian Heritage)

ASIN: 0192804383

Book Description

'The pen would smoothly write the things it knew But when it came to love it split in two, A donkey stuck in mud is logic's fate - Love's nature only love can demonstrate.' Rumi's Masnavi is widely recognized as the greatest Sufi poem ever written, and has been called 'the Koran in Persian'. The thirteenth-century Muslim mystic Rumi composed his work for the benefit of his disciples in the Sufi order named after him, better known as the whirling dervishes. In order to convey his message of divine love and unity he threaded together entertaining stories and penetrating homilies. Drawing from folk tales as well as sacred history, Rumi's poem is often funny as well as spiritually profound. Jawid Mojaddedi's sparkling new verse translation of Book One is consistent with the aims of the original work in presenting Rumi's most mature mystical teachings in simple and attractive rhyming couplets.

Customer Reviews:

True to the original in both spirit and form.......2006-01-31

Though excited about this fresh translation of the first book of the Masnavi in a rhymed and metered format, I must admit I was a bit skeptical at first about its faithfulness to the original. Recently, though, I had the chance to go over portions of the translation with my father, who is very well versed in Farsi and in Rumi's works, and we were positively surprised by how much this rendering is loyal to Rumi's masterpiece in both spirit and form. May Mr. Mojaddedi be inspired and energized to carry out the monumental task of making the Light of all six of the Masnavi's books available to the English-speaking public in its original and delightful rhymed couplet form.

This is a major and much-needed translation of Rumi.......2005-06-11

If you visit Konya, and see Rumi's tomb, with his father and son and other family members buried nearby, in a gorgeously illuminated mauseleum-mosque, with its supernal light and its electric energy of peace and vastness, you see Rumi is no pop-figure but drenched in traditions of Islamic Sufism that brings out its deepest and most original heart, the Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) true teaching... compassion, love, and adherence to God's world above and beyond this one through right action and sincerity, wild daring, discipline and spiritual transformation.

Rumi's Masnavi is a true companion on this Path, and Rumi a true indicator of this Path, and for those without Persian, we've relied on the Victorian (though unrhymed and much interpolated) masterpiece of Nicholson (and later revisions by Arberry) and the rather haphazard fragments either "translated" or "rendered" in new, modern versions by contemporary poet-scholars.

With this new translation by Jawid Mojaddedi we have a sensational new take on Rumi, whose original (as indicated by its title) is in rhymed couplets (Masnavi means "rhymed couplets"), and which ranges from praise-poetry to stories, both high and low, to long stretches of ecstatic gnostic realization and "revelation" filled with light. This new translation keeps it all, and in a flowing smoothness that is truly remarkable, drenched (as in the original) in remembrance of Allah (the same One God of us all).

It's eminently readable, and you feel you're getting closer (by the fidelity and sincerity of the translator, direct from Persian this time!) to Rumi's actual tone and intention.

I'm a cheerleader for this translation (and have no qualms calling it this, since it is), it's a sweet gift to us, and attests to Rumi's saintliness after all these centuries. He's reached us in our mire, and now in a voice that sings in poetic tune to lift us from it (from mineral to plant, from plant to animal, from animal to angel)!

May our intrepid and courageous translator be given strength and inspiration to continue until all six books of this world treasure, this rare compendium of spiritual truths, are as superbly translated and made available.

Fresh breath for a master.......2004-12-28

This is a superb translation by a true expert. So many of the "translations" of Rumi are actually rewordings of the old Brits' English translations - done no doubt with the best of intentions and enjoyable to read - and should not be called translations at all. So much time has elapsed since Coleman Barks began his love affair with Mevlana; why on earth hasn't he used that time to learn Persian and Arabic? Then his translations could be true and poetic.

So, this one is really precious. May Mojaddedi the translator live long and keep putting out more and more of the Mesnevi. Why does amazon put this new translation, the most important Rumi publishing event of the last half century, way down the list when you search under "Rumi"? If I were marooned on a desert island, this is the book I would want with me.

Delicious Laughter: Rambunctious Teaching Stories from the Mathnawi of Jelaluddin Rumi

Average customer rating:

Lost in translation
The Divine Comedy of a Comic Saint?
Solid source for Sufi teaching tales

Delicious Laughter: Rambunctious Teaching Stories from the Mathnawi of Jelaluddin Rumi
Jelaluddin Rumi , and Coleman Barks
Manufacturer: Maypop Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Rumi: We Are Three : New Rumi Poems
The Soul of Rumi: A New Collection of Ecstatic Poems
The Glance: Songs of Soul-Meeting
Essential Rumi
Open Secret: Versions of Rumi

ASIN: 0961891610

Customer Reviews:

Lost in translation.......2006-01-29

Jelaludin Rumi is, as we all know a true poet of the heart.
Although, when his passages were originally recorded in persian we must be reminded that our texts we now purchase in book stores have become hazy and sometimes unclear from the inter-language transformation.
In this volume, Coleman Barks takes Nicholoson's translations from latin to english. Nicholoson translated Rumi's poetry into a more literal form. I suggest that in reading a volume of work translated to something as closely literal as possible to the original you will recieve more of a true insight to Rumi's thoughts.
Another good source to defintly own by Rumi would be "Open Secret : Versions of Rumi"

The Divine Comedy of a Comic Saint?.......2000-11-14

Delicious Laughter is Coleman Barks's collection of some of Maulana Rumi's most uproarious stories from the Mathnavi. But I must warn you potential reader: many of the narratives in this compilation are quite explicit - *definitely* not for puritanical prudes. The thing to remember is that Rumi uses these graphic images to make a point. His stories are not just crude attempts to make us chuckle. Rather, he seeks to lay bare the various impulses that push and pull us - impulses that in fact make up the Divine Comedy of human existence. Behind all of these impulses lies the Grand Impulse, which is our inate yet unconscious yearning for the Object of our existence - the Eternal Beloved - like water drops seeking a return to the ocean, or flowers naturally turning towards the sun. As long as this is kept in mind, Rumi's humour will reveal itself for what it is: a key to a higher and more profound understanding of what makes us human. Through this key the grand narrative behind the apparently incoherent and disjointed fables and stories will unlock itself.

Solid source for Sufi teaching tales.......2000-08-10

Delicious Laughter is a secondary translation of teaching tales in verse by Rumi. By secondary translation I mean that Coleman Barks does not translate directly but works with others who can read the origin. However, Barks' sense of poetry, meaning and story make his versions excellent. Many of the stories are known to the Western world via Idries Shah's work, some through de Mello, others have moved East and West through time. However, many of the tales will be unfamilar to the reader - some of which will remind us of the international character of Rumi's environment.

Amazon.com

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

Book 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.

Customer Reviews:

An Amazing Book.......2006-07-28

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.......2006-07-01

a masterpiece!!!

Inspiring, contemplative, rich.......2005-10-10

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.......2005-05-25

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.

A Translation Worthy of the Master's Works.......2000-10-04

For those who know Rumi, here at last is a translation and presentation whose majesty match the wisdom of the message. For those who do not yet know Rumi, this exquisite book opens a window to insights that will always be treasured.

Average customer rating:

The pleasurable pain of Love

The Rumi Collection
Jelaluddin Rumi
Manufacturer: Shambhala
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1590302516
Release Date: 2005-06-21

Amazon.com

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

Book 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.

Customer Reviews:

The pleasurable pain of Love.......2004-04-06

I greatly enjoy the poetry of Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi. His poems move me to action -- they put a smile on my face -- bring a sigh to my heart. I have at least half a dozen if not more books by the Mevlana.

Of all these books, this is perhaps one of my favourites. Many recent authors have taken to reinterpreting the Sufi Master; but I feel that in those works, the original author's message becomes intermixed with the translators'.

In this translation, the translator has attempted to keep close to the original intent and writing of the Mevlana, yet not getting into difficult English like earlier translations by R.A. Nicholson.

The result, to me at least, is a more powerful spiritual punch and deeper tug at one's heart-strings.

Book Description

"Not since the popularity of The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran in the 1960s has a poet made such a dent in American Culture. And if any one person could be said to be responsible for the Rumi renaissance, it would have to be Coleman Barks." --The New York Times (12/6/98)

In 1244, the brilliant scholar Rumi and the dynamic wandering dervish Shams of Tabriz met and immediately felt a deep spiritual connection to one another. "The glance," this mystical experience that occurs in the meeting of the eyes between the lover and the beloved, parent and child, friend and friend, taps a major, yet little-explored theme in Rumi's poetry. Following on the success of The Essential Rumi bestselling translator and poet Coleman Barks brings the spontaneous love lyrics of The Glance. These powerful, complex and all newly translated poems range from ethereal to everyday and express the unique place of human desire, longing, and ecstasy--where in the meeting of eyes there occurs not just the union of two souls but the crux of the universe.

In an illuminating and deeply personal introduction Barks explores the meaning of the glance that allows us to experience love as a presence all around us and always available. He speaks of its many paradoxes: the sweetness of grief, the freedom of limits, the warmth of nakedness, the eloquence of silence. Here, in this exquisitely packaged work, is a new kind of lyric love for our time--one of connection, wholeness, and belonging.

Customer Reviews:

most excellent.......2005-08-15

I found this little jewel quite by suprise and have since shared it both as readings and as gifts. I really appreciate Coleman Barks' translations of Rumi. Enjoy and share!

A Metamorphosis of Brilliance.......2005-03-16

A glance ... a gaze ... full recognition ... connection ... that is how I felt reading some of these poems. Anyone who has experienced strong emotions which transpose events into a new way of "seeing" ... turning an ordinairy experience into a spiritual, other-worldly, almost "divine" encounter will understand the impact of Rumi's poems. The trigger could be a heart-felt conversation, an over-powering view of nature, or a deeply buried emotion which surfaces, or meeting someone special. Rumi describes many life experiences. Each poem is like a crystal which reveals a flash of infinity that is captured in words. The world would be a better place if more people could relate to the brilliance revealed by Rumi's poems.

Coleman Barks provides unparalleled free verse translations which breathe new life into these ancient verses. His highly appealing style makes the poems palatable to modern readers. Maybe, just maybe, Rumi loved life more and dared to live it more fully ... than many people livng today. Perhaps, more "love for life" can be awakened in the readers of these poems. We can only hope ... Erika Borsos (erikab93)

It will make your soul sing.......2004-01-25

Coleman Barks has done a supurb job of selecting and translating Rumi's poetry. The words will move you to tears, the imagry inspire you, the lyric sound of the prose bring joy to your heart. It is a simply magnificient collection and translation. The volume is slender, containing only a handful of poems, but the impact of them is weighty. If you own only one book of poetry - or even only one book by Rumi, this is the collection I recommend.

Barks won't bite, and he doesn't have to........2000-02-20

I may not know a cake from a cow-pie, but if Coleman is cooking I'll take two helpings please! And serve it up on audio...straight from the lover's lips is best...images clear as mountain air, accent thick as pine tar, and voice sweet as peach nectar. YUM...YUM That's the way I like it. During my first listen, I felt the music on this audio to be a little too over-powering for some of the readings, but it has grown on me. Now I love even the quirkiest of the pieces. He may not be the chef for you, but he is the word gourmet for me.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree.......2000-02-02

In our culture descriptions of things are often confused with the things themselves, emotion or any deep feeling is thought of as spiritual and very isolated examples of larger processes are trotted out and obsessively promoted as the whole process. This book, which has some wonderful poems, suffers from all the above faults. If this were simply a book of poems by Barks detailing his personal experiences, I'd like it a lot more. But it purports to be something different: a Sufi perspective by Rumi. Well, to quote the contemporary Sufi Teacher Idries Shah: "Not every round thing is a cake!" To pull out the more intense, excitable elements in Rumi and arrange them to fit a cultural predisposition for the bizarre and supernatural, brings to mind Rumi's own admonition. "Don't look at my outward form, but take what is in my hand." Here we have the descriptions and the exotic (the outward form) but none of the intent(the specific tools designed to free the human being from the prison of appearances). A much more balanced perspective on Rumi and his work is contained in the Octagon Press book by Afzal Iqbal--The Life & Work of Jalaluddin Rumi.

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