Ask the Author: Kamand Kojouri
Answered Questions (25)
Kamand Kojouri
Hi Jennifer,
Thanks very much for taking the time to get in touch. Just read about the vision of your community, and of course, you have my permission—I'd be honored. Keep up the wonderful and meaningful work!
Warm regards,
Kamand
Thanks very much for taking the time to get in touch. Just read about the vision of your community, and of course, you have my permission—I'd be honored. Keep up the wonderful and meaningful work!
Warm regards,
Kamand
Kamand Kojouri
Hi Jennifer,
Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know. I'll amend it right now. Thank you again :)
Kamand
Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know. I'll amend it right now. Thank you again :)
Kamand
Kamand Kojouri
Hi Waldo, it says that you asked this question a year ago. I am truly sorry for this exceptionally late response. I don't think it's of any importance at all now but just in case it matters: this quote is from my book, 'God, Does Humanity Exist?'
Wish you a lovely day.
Kamand
Wish you a lovely day.
Kamand
Kamand Kojouri
Hi Reizel,
Thank you so much for taking the time to reach out to me.
I wrote this quote because I wanted it to serve as a reminder to survivors of bullying, abuse, and hate speech that the hurtful actions of bullies say much more about the bullies than it does about the victims. Ever since the advent of social media platforms, more and more people are being targeted with vitriol (specifically women, people of colour, and the LGBTQ+ community), and I hope the quote reminds them not to take that abuse personally (even though that's a very hard thing to do), because, ultimately, the hatred being spewed at them isn’t about them; rather it points to a much deeper issue in the bullies themselves.
I hope this answers your question. I wish you the best of luck with your article. Please do share it with me, as I’d love to read it!
With my warm regards,
Kamand
Thank you so much for taking the time to reach out to me.
I wrote this quote because I wanted it to serve as a reminder to survivors of bullying, abuse, and hate speech that the hurtful actions of bullies say much more about the bullies than it does about the victims. Ever since the advent of social media platforms, more and more people are being targeted with vitriol (specifically women, people of colour, and the LGBTQ+ community), and I hope the quote reminds them not to take that abuse personally (even though that's a very hard thing to do), because, ultimately, the hatred being spewed at them isn’t about them; rather it points to a much deeper issue in the bullies themselves.
I hope this answers your question. I wish you the best of luck with your article. Please do share it with me, as I’d love to read it!
With my warm regards,
Kamand
Kamand Kojouri
Of course I remember you :)
I've just replied to your previous question--again, I'm so sorry for my late reply. My sister is well, thank you. I don't remember if I told you but she moved back to London at the end of January in 2020. She was quite anxious at the time because she knew that COVID-19 was going to be very serious and was worried that she'd get stuck in Hong Kong, unable to fly back home...
Do tell me, how are you doing?
I've just replied to your previous question--again, I'm so sorry for my late reply. My sister is well, thank you. I don't remember if I told you but she moved back to London at the end of January in 2020. She was quite anxious at the time because she knew that COVID-19 was going to be very serious and was worried that she'd get stuck in Hong Kong, unable to fly back home...
Do tell me, how are you doing?
Kamand Kojouri
Hi Oiman!
How have you been? I'm so sorry for my extremely late reply. I haven't been on here much lately.
I keep typing an answer to your question and erasing it, because I'm really not sure how I've been during this pandemic. It's been turbulent, to say the least. I feel as though I've learnt more about myself these past couple of years than the rest of my life combined. So perhaps it's been illuminating. And odd, and interesting, and scary, and that's all without taking into consideration the lockdowns and restrictions.
How have you been my friend?
How have you been? I'm so sorry for my extremely late reply. I haven't been on here much lately.
I keep typing an answer to your question and erasing it, because I'm really not sure how I've been during this pandemic. It's been turbulent, to say the least. I feel as though I've learnt more about myself these past couple of years than the rest of my life combined. So perhaps it's been illuminating. And odd, and interesting, and scary, and that's all without taking into consideration the lockdowns and restrictions.
How have you been my friend?
Kamand Kojouri
Hi Faruk,
Thank you for getting in touch with me on here. I'm very happy to hear that my poem resonated with you. Yes, of course, you may certainly quote as many verses as you'd like. I'd be honoured.
Take care of yourself.
Kind regards,
Kamand
Thank you for getting in touch with me on here. I'm very happy to hear that my poem resonated with you. Yes, of course, you may certainly quote as many verses as you'd like. I'd be honoured.
Take care of yourself.
Kind regards,
Kamand
Kamand Kojouri
I'm sorry for my late reply, Oiman. I have 4 days to submit my PhD novel to my supervisors and it's been difficult trying to write in between the food comas induced by Christmas dinners...
I've already included my FB page in my response below. But here it is again: https://www.facebook.com/KamandKojouri/
I hope you're doing very well.
Best wishes,
Kamand
I've already included my FB page in my response below. But here it is again: https://www.facebook.com/KamandKojouri/
I hope you're doing very well.
Best wishes,
Kamand
Kamand Kojouri
Happy New Year, Oiman! I hope the new year brings you many blessings...
My sister tells me that the protests started again after New Year's Eve and that they have only gotten worse. I hope you're safe.
Yes, I do have a FB page: https://www.facebook.com/KamandKojouri/
Take care of yourself. And thank you for your kind words, as always.
My sister tells me that the protests started again after New Year's Eve and that they have only gotten worse. I hope you're safe.
Yes, I do have a FB page: https://www.facebook.com/KamandKojouri/
Take care of yourself. And thank you for your kind words, as always.
Kamand Kojouri
Dear Oiman,
Of course I remember you. I'm so sorry to hear about your anxiety attacks. My twin sister suffers from them as well.
Thank you very much for your kind words. You are more than welcome to quote any of my poems and/or quotes. It's my honour.
I was actually in Hong Kong a few days before the election and it seemed that people were very hopeful. I hope the situation gets better soon. I wish you all the best.
With my very warm regards,
Kamand
Of course I remember you. I'm so sorry to hear about your anxiety attacks. My twin sister suffers from them as well.
Thank you very much for your kind words. You are more than welcome to quote any of my poems and/or quotes. It's my honour.
I was actually in Hong Kong a few days before the election and it seemed that people were very hopeful. I hope the situation gets better soon. I wish you all the best.
With my very warm regards,
Kamand
Kamand Kojouri
My dearest Rana,
City Novel only includes the first chapter of the novel I wrote for my master's degree three years ago. The new novel I am writing for my PhD programme still needs some work. I've just finished writing the first draft and hope to redraft and edit it. I intend on getting this novel published first as it's very dear to me and I hope it'll raise important and pertinent questions about our time.
Sincerely,
Kamand
City Novel only includes the first chapter of the novel I wrote for my master's degree three years ago. The new novel I am writing for my PhD programme still needs some work. I've just finished writing the first draft and hope to redraft and edit it. I intend on getting this novel published first as it's very dear to me and I hope it'll raise important and pertinent questions about our time.
Sincerely,
Kamand
Kamand Kojouri
Dear Shannon,
Thank you so much for getting in touch with me.
I'm not sure if what you're looking for is in CityNovel. This anthology only features the first chapter of the novel I wrote for my MA programme. If that is in fact what your student is looking for then there is an online PDF version available at: https://kamandkojouri.files.wordpress...
Most of my love poems and quotes are found in The Eternal Dance. If it's a poem/quote I've written that has a political nature, for instance, then perhaps your student could cite my website?
I hope this all helps. If you have any more questions, don't hesitate to email me at kamandkojouri@hotmail.com
I wish your student luck with the speech and debate competition.
Sincerely,
Kamand
Thank you so much for getting in touch with me.
I'm not sure if what you're looking for is in CityNovel. This anthology only features the first chapter of the novel I wrote for my MA programme. If that is in fact what your student is looking for then there is an online PDF version available at: https://kamandkojouri.files.wordpress...
Most of my love poems and quotes are found in The Eternal Dance. If it's a poem/quote I've written that has a political nature, for instance, then perhaps your student could cite my website?
I hope this all helps. If you have any more questions, don't hesitate to email me at kamandkojouri@hotmail.com
I wish your student luck with the speech and debate competition.
Sincerely,
Kamand
Kamand Kojouri
That's a great question. Yes, perhaps time has chosen us. But I like to believe that we have also chosen to be born at this particular time, because we have much to learn from our circumstances.... The conditions in which we find ourselves inspire us to grow, change, create, and destroy. And we have chosen this particular time, these particular conditions, as much as they have chosen us.
I really appreciate your kind words, Oiman. Thank you again.
With my warm regards,
Kamand
I really appreciate your kind words, Oiman. Thank you again.
With my warm regards,
Kamand
Kamand Kojouri
Dear Oiman,
Thank you so much for taking the time to get in touch with me.
My twin sister is currently working in Hong Kong and she constantly updates me on what is going on there. I'm honoured that you'd share my poem. Thank you so much.
Sincerely,
Kamand
Thank you so much for taking the time to get in touch with me.
My twin sister is currently working in Hong Kong and she constantly updates me on what is going on there. I'm honoured that you'd share my poem. Thank you so much.
Sincerely,
Kamand
Kamand Kojouri
I really appreciate you taking the time to pose such thoughtful questions, Jamal. I apologise for taking so long to respond—I have only seen your question now...
I suppose the three signs of a good life can be divided into three spheres that interact with one another: the physical, emotional, and mental spheres.
1. Physical: If we take good care of our bodies, paying attention to what we consume so that we aren't depriving ourselves but instead practicing moderation and awareness. If we spend time outdoors, being in nature, saluting the sun and moon. If we exercise so that our heart is pumping, and we can feel the oxygen reaching the cells in our toes. If we don't let anger, aggression, shame, and guilt build up in any of our organs, but instead find ways to sublimate those emotions through creative acts. If we treat our bodies with respect and are grateful for each scar and imperfection, and we kiss those imperfections and give thanks for them. If we take deep and conscious breaths, then we are leading a good life.
2. Emotional: We are social beings. Sure, we grow in solitude and learn about ourselves, but our soul's growth hits a threshold in isolation. We must be surrounded by those we love, those who love us, and accept us for our true selves. Only then can we manifest more of our authentic selves and maximise our full potential.
3. Mental: If we strive to continuously learn, to consistently unlearn, and to relearn then we will advance. Each day ought to be spent with a little bit of poetry, a little bit of dance and music. We mustn't specialise our knowledge, especially when we don't know what it is we wish to pursue. We must learn about anything and everything, and be open to this learning, especially from other people, because we will find that every human being is a privilege to know. And we will find that nothing is a coincidence, and everything we come across, everything we pay attention to will come back to us again, because everything is connected.
I hope you have a great day, Jamal. Love and light to you.
Kamand
I suppose the three signs of a good life can be divided into three spheres that interact with one another: the physical, emotional, and mental spheres.
1. Physical: If we take good care of our bodies, paying attention to what we consume so that we aren't depriving ourselves but instead practicing moderation and awareness. If we spend time outdoors, being in nature, saluting the sun and moon. If we exercise so that our heart is pumping, and we can feel the oxygen reaching the cells in our toes. If we don't let anger, aggression, shame, and guilt build up in any of our organs, but instead find ways to sublimate those emotions through creative acts. If we treat our bodies with respect and are grateful for each scar and imperfection, and we kiss those imperfections and give thanks for them. If we take deep and conscious breaths, then we are leading a good life.
2. Emotional: We are social beings. Sure, we grow in solitude and learn about ourselves, but our soul's growth hits a threshold in isolation. We must be surrounded by those we love, those who love us, and accept us for our true selves. Only then can we manifest more of our authentic selves and maximise our full potential.
3. Mental: If we strive to continuously learn, to consistently unlearn, and to relearn then we will advance. Each day ought to be spent with a little bit of poetry, a little bit of dance and music. We mustn't specialise our knowledge, especially when we don't know what it is we wish to pursue. We must learn about anything and everything, and be open to this learning, especially from other people, because we will find that every human being is a privilege to know. And we will find that nothing is a coincidence, and everything we come across, everything we pay attention to will come back to us again, because everything is connected.
I hope you have a great day, Jamal. Love and light to you.
Kamand
Kamand Kojouri
Thank you so much for this great question, Jamal. To be quite honest, I'm not certain of anything anymore but I don't think I have a cynical, or even skeptical, outlook on life; I think of it as more of an openness to ideas and contradictions. Because accepting contradictions teach us and help us advance. It is how we grow... I'll tell you my main philosophy of life though, and this philosophy is not precarious but something I genuinely feel and maintain until, of course, I have irrefutable proof against it: I don’t see myself separate from anyone. And I don’t see anyone separate from humanity. We are merely mirrors reflecting one another in perpetuity. And because of this, I have faith in humanity. I also have faith in God, for we, all of us, live in God. And I feel and see this emanation of Godhood all around me.
I hope I have answered your question.
Sincerely,
Kamand
I hope I have answered your question.
Sincerely,
Kamand
Kamand Kojouri
Thank you so much for this great question, Jamal. To be quite honest, I'm not certain of anything anymore but I don't think I have a cynical, or even skeptical, outlook on life; I think of it as more of an openness to ideas and contradictions. Because accepting contradictions teach us and help us advance. It is how we grow... I'll tell you my main philosophy of life though, and this philosophy is not precarious but something I genuinely feel and maintain until, of course, I have irrefutable proof against it: I don’t see myself separate from anyone. And I don’t see anyone separate from humanity. We are merely mirrors reflecting one another in perpetuity. And because of this, I have faith in humanity. I also have faith in God, for we, all of us, live in God. And I feel and see this emanation of Godhood all around me.
I hope I have answered your question.
Sincerely,
Kamand
I hope I have answered your question.
Sincerely,
Kamand
Kamand Kojouri
Dear Rachel,
I wouldn't mind at all. I'd be delighted!
That quote hasn't been published anywhere so I'm sorry if that makes the referencing a bit more difficult. Also, the correct version of the quote is: "[...] Writers aren't alchemists who transmute the human experience into aurous words [..]"
Here's the entire quote:
"We are told that in translation there is no such thing as equivalence. Many times the translator reaches a fork in the translating road where they must make a choice in the interpretation of a word. And each time they make one of these choices, they are taken further from the truth. But what we aren’t told is that this isn’t a shortcoming of translation; it’s a shortcoming of language itself. As soon as we try to put reality into words, we limit it. Words are not reality, they are the cause of reality, and thus reality is always more. Writers aren't alchemists who transmute the human experience into aurous words. No, they are glassmakers. They create a work of art that enables us to see inside to help us understand. And if they are really good, we can see our own reflections staring back at us.”
Best of luck with the EPQ!
—Kamand
I wouldn't mind at all. I'd be delighted!
That quote hasn't been published anywhere so I'm sorry if that makes the referencing a bit more difficult. Also, the correct version of the quote is: "[...] Writers aren't alchemists who transmute the human experience into aurous words [..]"
Here's the entire quote:
"We are told that in translation there is no such thing as equivalence. Many times the translator reaches a fork in the translating road where they must make a choice in the interpretation of a word. And each time they make one of these choices, they are taken further from the truth. But what we aren’t told is that this isn’t a shortcoming of translation; it’s a shortcoming of language itself. As soon as we try to put reality into words, we limit it. Words are not reality, they are the cause of reality, and thus reality is always more. Writers aren't alchemists who transmute the human experience into aurous words. No, they are glassmakers. They create a work of art that enables us to see inside to help us understand. And if they are really good, we can see our own reflections staring back at us.”
Best of luck with the EPQ!
—Kamand
Kamand Kojouri
Hi Jamal,
Thank you for taking the time to message me.
I've never actually been asked this question before. I suppose my favourite is a simple poem I wrote a few years ago because of its message of unity, acceptance, and love:
“Come, friends.
Come with your grief.
Come with your loss.
Carry all the pieces of your heart
and come sit with us.
Bring your disappointments
and your failures.
Bring your betrayals
and your masks.
We welcome you no matter
where you come from
and what you bring.
Come and join us
at the intersection of
acceptance and forgiveness
where you will find our
house of love.
Bring your empty cups
and we will have a feast.”
Thank you for taking the time to message me.
I've never actually been asked this question before. I suppose my favourite is a simple poem I wrote a few years ago because of its message of unity, acceptance, and love:
“Come, friends.
Come with your grief.
Come with your loss.
Carry all the pieces of your heart
and come sit with us.
Bring your disappointments
and your failures.
Bring your betrayals
and your masks.
We welcome you no matter
where you come from
and what you bring.
Come and join us
at the intersection of
acceptance and forgiveness
where you will find our
house of love.
Bring your empty cups
and we will have a feast.”
Kamand Kojouri
Thank you so much for your kind words, Asif. I really appreciate your message. Yes, of course, you can. I'd be delighted!
—Kamand
—Kamand
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