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Rumi: Tales to Live By
Personal, poignant, and fierce with passion for life and the sacred, Rumi: Tales to Live By will leave you with heart-wrenching gratitude for life’s trials and gifts.
Approaching the final days of his life, the great Sufi mystic Rumi penned down the wisdom he had gained over the years into a spiritual masterpiece known as the Mathnawi. A rich and insightful retelling of his work, Rumi: Tales to Live By is a sweet, comforting, and at times, fiery guide to nourish the spirit.
Against the backdrop of modern times and issues, Rumi’s sketches of humanity show a new generation of spiritual seekers how to live through the trials and tribulations of life, illuminating even the darkest of paths with divine light.
Award-winning author Kamla Kapur further enhances the read with personal experiences from her own journey, making the narrative an enchanting mix of the real and the wondrous. Touching, passionate and sparkling, her commentary on these sometime forgotten but beloved stories clears the clouds of confusion and inspires in readers the strength to follow The Way.
Approaching the final days of his life, the great Sufi mystic Rumi penned down the wisdom he had gained over the years into a spiritual masterpiece known as the Mathnawi. A rich and insightful retelling of his work, Rumi: Tales to Live By is a sweet, comforting, and at times, fiery guide to nourish the spirit.
Against the backdrop of modern times and issues, Rumi’s sketches of humanity show a new generation of spiritual seekers how to live through the trials and tribulations of life, illuminating even the darkest of paths with divine light.
Award-winning author Kamla Kapur further enhances the read with personal experiences from her own journey, making the narrative an enchanting mix of the real and the wondrous. Touching, passionate and sparkling, her commentary on these sometime forgotten but beloved stories clears the clouds of confusion and inspires in readers the strength to follow The Way.
165 pages, Paperback
Published August 15, 2017
31 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
About the author
Kamla K. Kapur
13 books25 followersKamla K. Kapur (aka Kamal Kapur) was born and raised in India, and is a citizen of the United States. She got her Bachelor's in English Honors from India, and her Masters' Degree in literature from Kent State University, Ohio,USA. She also took classes in creative writing from the University of Iowa, and the University of California in San Diego. During her time in the USA, many of her poems were published in prestigious American journals and quarterlies.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 16, 2018
At this point I guess it is safe to say that I am one of the admirers of Rumi. However, I have not read his work. Ok this may be weird to say… admiring Rumi without having read any of his writings. But books such as this one make it possible. Along with other books I have read such as “The Forty Rules of Love” & “Rumi’s daughter”.
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This book is composed of twelve stories from the “Mathnawi”, and each one has a short commentary right after. Though short it is very deep and meaningful, like hits your soul kind of meaningful. I don’t think one should have gone through a tough time to go ahead and read this one, because throughout these twelve stories some sentences one would definitely relate to in one way or another.
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I must say “The Witch of Kabul” reminded me of a sad story, yet reassured me that when it’s time for truth to be revealed it will be! Same goes for “The Flower of Justice” when it comes to time surprising you along with a good twist of Karma, which makes a good combination for a person to claim their lost rights and justice is done!. However I must say “The Gift” had a special place in my heart too since the story of Joseph to me is one of the most touching and signifies a symbol of peace and patience!
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“We need not, therefore, chide ourselves for or be ashamed of our failings. They keep us humble, a precondition for proceeding on The Way.”
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As Rumi says in another story, ”The souls of both were knit together without sewing.”
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“It is only when we forget that we must never allow them to possess us, that the true values of courage and detachment serve us better than them that they become obstacles on The Way.”
This to me is a 4/5 stars.
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.
This book is composed of twelve stories from the “Mathnawi”, and each one has a short commentary right after. Though short it is very deep and meaningful, like hits your soul kind of meaningful. I don’t think one should have gone through a tough time to go ahead and read this one, because throughout these twelve stories some sentences one would definitely relate to in one way or another.
.
I must say “The Witch of Kabul” reminded me of a sad story, yet reassured me that when it’s time for truth to be revealed it will be! Same goes for “The Flower of Justice” when it comes to time surprising you along with a good twist of Karma, which makes a good combination for a person to claim their lost rights and justice is done!. However I must say “The Gift” had a special place in my heart too since the story of Joseph to me is one of the most touching and signifies a symbol of peace and patience!
.
“We need not, therefore, chide ourselves for or be ashamed of our failings. They keep us humble, a precondition for proceeding on The Way.”
.
As Rumi says in another story, ”The souls of both were knit together without sewing.”
.
“It is only when we forget that we must never allow them to possess us, that the true values of courage and detachment serve us better than them that they become obstacles on The Way.”
This to me is a 4/5 stars.
March 6, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed it! Flew through it :)
February 15, 2018
Name of the book: RUMI Tales to Live By
Name of the author: Kamla K. Kapur
Publisher: Jaico Publishing House
ISBN Number: 978-93-86348-93-7
Genre: Self-help
Price: Rs. 299
Pages: 221
The review can also be found here: http://freepressjournal.in/weekend/ru...
"How long," Rumi cries to the reader and himself, "will you play at loving the shape of the jug? Leave the shape of the jug, go, go seek the water." Words like these always brought me closer to Rumi and his thoughts.
And to see ‘Rumi’ emblazoned on the cover page of this book only pulled me closer to it. The image welcomes the reader into a journey that is more or less to be taken by oneself. It is a journey that takes one closer to one’s soul.
As human beings, we easily tend to blame others for the way they are without sparing one thought about how we might be, from their points of view. We often find beauty in what might be deceptive, solace in what might not last forever and fragrance in what might only be a piece of scented garbage!
For a so-called ‘modern’ world, this book brings forth wisdom of the 13th century Sufi poet Rumi, interpreted by the author with examples and explanations from her own life. Kamla K. Kapur—a poet, author and playwright – has taught courses in play writing, poetry, creative nonfiction, fiction, mythology, Shakespeare, and women’s literature at Grossmont College, California for eighteen years. It is probably this talent that has helped shape this book into a spiritual experience for the reader.
Each of the twelve stories, sourced from the 'Mathnawi of Jalalu'din Rumi', edited and translated by Reynold A. Nicholson (Cambridge, England, 1982), is followed by a commentary by the author. This commentary forms the link between the new and the old. It provides a bridge to connect us with our roots, to realise our "way". It helps the reader to answer his/her spiritual calling.
The preface gripped me. As described in it, the book is categorised under three headings for simplicity's sake, i.e. Embrace suffering, Pray, Surrender to the Cosmic Will. What also was worth noting down was this line: ‘Suffering is an impetus for the transformation, or rather, a series of unfolding transformations that fuel our journey to healing and wholeness.’ This and many more such lines are a soothing balm to a reader. It can be a great healer and help a reader in finding strength, thanks to the author’s personal experiences.
The problem however seemed to start with the commentary following each story. While it is no doubt a spiritual journey enriched with the teachings of Sikh gurus as well, the author seems to go a bit off track in each essay. While the connection to the present that has been established by the author deserves applause, as a reader, I found myself turning back the pages to recollect Rumi's story that preceded the commentary. And this can be a hindrance to a good book-reading experience.
The author has been open to privy details of her life and has laid bare her own tribulations to make the reader understand some concepts. And that takes a huge amount of strength.
While the book can be useful in doling out spiritual techniques to succeed on ‘The Way’, for a layman this book might seem to be a bit overbearing.
Laced with teachings of many learned persons, this book is worth a read, albeit some parts of the commentary. It teaches the power of 'ultimate surrender', values like faith, trust, devotion, justice and the like to a generation that has either forgotten it or refuses to approve or acknowledge virtuous behaviour.
Those who cannot tolerate words like 'The Way', 'Spiritual Path', 'Cosmic Will', 'God' are requested to kindly stay away from the book. And for those whose eyes lit up at the mere mention of these words, grab a copy soon!
-Divya Nambiar (https://critiquedontcriticize.blogspo...)
Name of the author: Kamla K. Kapur
Publisher: Jaico Publishing House
ISBN Number: 978-93-86348-93-7
Genre: Self-help
Price: Rs. 299
Pages: 221
The review can also be found here: http://freepressjournal.in/weekend/ru...
"How long," Rumi cries to the reader and himself, "will you play at loving the shape of the jug? Leave the shape of the jug, go, go seek the water." Words like these always brought me closer to Rumi and his thoughts.
And to see ‘Rumi’ emblazoned on the cover page of this book only pulled me closer to it. The image welcomes the reader into a journey that is more or less to be taken by oneself. It is a journey that takes one closer to one’s soul.
As human beings, we easily tend to blame others for the way they are without sparing one thought about how we might be, from their points of view. We often find beauty in what might be deceptive, solace in what might not last forever and fragrance in what might only be a piece of scented garbage!
For a so-called ‘modern’ world, this book brings forth wisdom of the 13th century Sufi poet Rumi, interpreted by the author with examples and explanations from her own life. Kamla K. Kapur—a poet, author and playwright – has taught courses in play writing, poetry, creative nonfiction, fiction, mythology, Shakespeare, and women’s literature at Grossmont College, California for eighteen years. It is probably this talent that has helped shape this book into a spiritual experience for the reader.
Each of the twelve stories, sourced from the 'Mathnawi of Jalalu'din Rumi', edited and translated by Reynold A. Nicholson (Cambridge, England, 1982), is followed by a commentary by the author. This commentary forms the link between the new and the old. It provides a bridge to connect us with our roots, to realise our "way". It helps the reader to answer his/her spiritual calling.
The preface gripped me. As described in it, the book is categorised under three headings for simplicity's sake, i.e. Embrace suffering, Pray, Surrender to the Cosmic Will. What also was worth noting down was this line: ‘Suffering is an impetus for the transformation, or rather, a series of unfolding transformations that fuel our journey to healing and wholeness.’ This and many more such lines are a soothing balm to a reader. It can be a great healer and help a reader in finding strength, thanks to the author’s personal experiences.
The problem however seemed to start with the commentary following each story. While it is no doubt a spiritual journey enriched with the teachings of Sikh gurus as well, the author seems to go a bit off track in each essay. While the connection to the present that has been established by the author deserves applause, as a reader, I found myself turning back the pages to recollect Rumi's story that preceded the commentary. And this can be a hindrance to a good book-reading experience.
The author has been open to privy details of her life and has laid bare her own tribulations to make the reader understand some concepts. And that takes a huge amount of strength.
While the book can be useful in doling out spiritual techniques to succeed on ‘The Way’, for a layman this book might seem to be a bit overbearing.
Laced with teachings of many learned persons, this book is worth a read, albeit some parts of the commentary. It teaches the power of 'ultimate surrender', values like faith, trust, devotion, justice and the like to a generation that has either forgotten it or refuses to approve or acknowledge virtuous behaviour.
Those who cannot tolerate words like 'The Way', 'Spiritual Path', 'Cosmic Will', 'God' are requested to kindly stay away from the book. And for those whose eyes lit up at the mere mention of these words, grab a copy soon!
-Divya Nambiar (https://critiquedontcriticize.blogspo...)
December 31, 2020
My XIX book review and the last for 2020. It amazes me how my eyes well up with tears on reading/watching/experiencing something beyond mental cognition. Those inexplicable moments leave me tongue tied, eyes clouded with tears, and my heart in awe and gratitude for the beneficent Creator who fashioned us all from dust. I felt the same many a times while reading the book - “Rumi - Tales to Live By” by Kamla K. Kapur.
It was Shams who transformed Rumi from a mere scholar into a Sufi mystic. When Shams passed out of Rumi’s life, Rumi was distraught. When a disciple of Rumi suggested he write his thoughts down, Rumi, it is said, dictated the entire Mathnawi over the course of some years.
In this rich & insightful book, Kamla retells Rumi’s stories and further enhances the read with personal experiences from her own journey, making the narrative an enchanting mix of the real and the wondrous. She categorizes the twelve stories into three heads viz. (i) Embrace Suffering, (ii) Pray and (iii) Surrender to the Cosmic Will. There’s a Commentary section at the end of each story, wherein Kamla (in retrospective) shares a deep insight on how best one can understand the story’s purport and also imbibe it’s moral.
Kamla writes so beautifully, “In the paradox that is life, we humans are both free and bound. There are many things in our lives that we have been given intellectual, intuitive, and emotional wherewithal to change, transform and transcend. It is this ability and the will to change our thinking, and hence our lives, that is the strength and power of being human”.
The Christian serenity prayer sums it up very well: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference”.
It was Shams who transformed Rumi from a mere scholar into a Sufi mystic. When Shams passed out of Rumi’s life, Rumi was distraught. When a disciple of Rumi suggested he write his thoughts down, Rumi, it is said, dictated the entire Mathnawi over the course of some years.
In this rich & insightful book, Kamla retells Rumi’s stories and further enhances the read with personal experiences from her own journey, making the narrative an enchanting mix of the real and the wondrous. She categorizes the twelve stories into three heads viz. (i) Embrace Suffering, (ii) Pray and (iii) Surrender to the Cosmic Will. There’s a Commentary section at the end of each story, wherein Kamla (in retrospective) shares a deep insight on how best one can understand the story’s purport and also imbibe it’s moral.
Kamla writes so beautifully, “In the paradox that is life, we humans are both free and bound. There are many things in our lives that we have been given intellectual, intuitive, and emotional wherewithal to change, transform and transcend. It is this ability and the will to change our thinking, and hence our lives, that is the strength and power of being human”.
The Christian serenity prayer sums it up very well: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference”.
April 13, 2020
The one thing that stood out for me in this book is the fact that the author goes back to her tradition of Sikhism and relates Rumi's wisdom to her own religious teachings. She also shares some of her own life experiences in understanding Rumi's wisdom.
However, what the author admitted in the Afterword of the book - that could very well have been written as an introduction - I suspected while reading, that she - quote reimagined; these Rumi stories and the source of these was the 1926 translated work by Reynold A. Nicholson, hence why, the stories have a Christian touch to them, who also interpolated while translating.
Page 217 reads: "I have often combined many of Rumi's stories into one, added names and endings when they were diffuse in the originals, and recreated them for our times." With the book, she hopes that "these stories will lead the serious reader back to the rich and priceless complexity of Rumi's originals" (page 218).
The one led-down was quoting Mark Twain; a racist, who unlike Trump, has been celebrated, rather than condemned. But, when it comes to looking down at other people, Twain is no different than Trump. And I don't know how anyone claiming "progressive" values could repeat Twain's words in a celebratory way. However, the author alone is not guilty of that as she is merely doing what everyone else does, that of not calling out past racists.
However, what the author admitted in the Afterword of the book - that could very well have been written as an introduction - I suspected while reading, that she - quote reimagined; these Rumi stories and the source of these was the 1926 translated work by Reynold A. Nicholson, hence why, the stories have a Christian touch to them, who also interpolated while translating.
Page 217 reads: "I have often combined many of Rumi's stories into one, added names and endings when they were diffuse in the originals, and recreated them for our times." With the book, she hopes that "these stories will lead the serious reader back to the rich and priceless complexity of Rumi's originals" (page 218).
The one led-down was quoting Mark Twain; a racist, who unlike Trump, has been celebrated, rather than condemned. But, when it comes to looking down at other people, Twain is no different than Trump. And I don't know how anyone claiming "progressive" values could repeat Twain's words in a celebratory way. However, the author alone is not guilty of that as she is merely doing what everyone else does, that of not calling out past racists.
August 18, 2020
Page count: 221
Readability: easy to medium
Rumi Tales To Live By is a beautiful collection of twelve stories taken, rather plucked from the garden of rumi's phenomenal work 'Mathnawi', each story followed by a commentary by the writer. But the moral she attained from the stories is not bound to her perspectives only, each and every reader can relate the story according to his own experience and exposure.
I had picked up this book just out of curiosity and of course because of the common notion that if it has RUMI written on the paperback, it must be interesting :') But I never knew I'd enjoy the read this much cause it turned out to be really very interesting especially the writer's commentary afterwards each story. It's not the kind of book one can read lying around lazily, but rather with a bit attentiveness for the deepest messages to sink in and make sense.
Would definitely give it 4 stars 👍🏻
Readability: easy to medium
Rumi Tales To Live By is a beautiful collection of twelve stories taken, rather plucked from the garden of rumi's phenomenal work 'Mathnawi', each story followed by a commentary by the writer. But the moral she attained from the stories is not bound to her perspectives only, each and every reader can relate the story according to his own experience and exposure.
I had picked up this book just out of curiosity and of course because of the common notion that if it has RUMI written on the paperback, it must be interesting :') But I never knew I'd enjoy the read this much cause it turned out to be really very interesting especially the writer's commentary afterwards each story. It's not the kind of book one can read lying around lazily, but rather with a bit attentiveness for the deepest messages to sink in and make sense.
Would definitely give it 4 stars 👍🏻
November 13, 2018
Let me start by saying that this book came to me at a perfect time. I was already in a state of introspection and on ‘The Way’. Obviously I was quite delighted by its contents. If it was just for Rumi’s stories from the Mathnawi, i would have rated it 5/5.
The author’s commentary after each story was at times, enlightening but also at times, unprofessional. There’s a part where she calls Rumi an ‘annoying misogynist’ which was quite baffling for me to grasp. Maybe she could have gone without the name-calling. Her own life experiences seemed a bit out of place but i am sure they are relatable to an extent for some of the readers so that, I didnt much mind.
Overall it was a good experience and recommended for people who are inclined to connect with their spiritual selves.
The author’s commentary after each story was at times, enlightening but also at times, unprofessional. There’s a part where she calls Rumi an ‘annoying misogynist’ which was quite baffling for me to grasp. Maybe she could have gone without the name-calling. Her own life experiences seemed a bit out of place but i am sure they are relatable to an extent for some of the readers so that, I didnt much mind.
Overall it was a good experience and recommended for people who are inclined to connect with their spiritual selves.
April 10, 2020
Kamla K. Kapur in her book Rumi:Tales to Live By has narrated some parables of Maulana Jalal Ud Deen Muhammad Rumi from his magnum opus Mathnawi. Rumi was a poet, saint,philosopher,theologian and psychologist of the souls.
In this books Kamla K.Kapur has retold some of his tales with her soulful commentary with mystical spirit of all major religions. Readers who are interested in some mystical readings should go through this book.
In this books Kamla K.Kapur has retold some of his tales with her soulful commentary with mystical spirit of all major religions. Readers who are interested in some mystical readings should go through this book.
March 12, 2023
Kamla K Kapur is an amazing storyteller. She fractioned the Rumi and his 6 volumed Mathnavi, into easy parables and stories. One thing I found was unnecessary praise and relatablity with mysticism. I would have rated it five, but due to the elongated commentary, that served as a turn off for me. Overall the book and it's hook is nice for sufism readers. But the day dreaming aspect and spirituality is seen as far Fetched.
October 7, 2019
Wow didn't expect this book to be so deep and gripping. Rumi's stories although bring simple carry a complex meaning and a hidden guidance in them. The book takes you on a journey related to Suffering, Prayers & Surrender via 12 short stories by Rumi. In addition to some great commentary by the author which I really enjoyed and were insightful. A must read for everyone.
July 27, 2020
Kamla Kapur once again distills the stories and wisdom from Persia into potent concise parables. The commentary varies from personal reflection to historical context to psychological analysis and consistently enhances the impact of the stories.
“How long,” Rumi cries to the reader and himself, “will you play at loving the shape of the jug? Leave the shape of the jug, go, go seek the water.”
“How long,” Rumi cries to the reader and himself, “will you play at loving the shape of the jug? Leave the shape of the jug, go, go seek the water.”
June 13, 2020
This book is just amazing the writing style and the collection of words is super it is like a sea and the reader gets goose bumps at every wave and gets drowned ans the deeper he goes the better he feels it tries to untie the threads of life and explain the right path with beautiful tales
June 23, 2023
Tales to Live By is based on short stories derived from Masnavi by Maulana Jalaludin Rumi. The tales are short and pack a punch however I found the new-age spiritualistic commentary by the author to be unnecessary and frankly boring.
April 29, 2025
After the last two books, this came like a breath of fresh air. It was just the right amount of spiritual - not the push over kind. It’s easy to read and the stories will stay with me for longer than the physical copy. Some books, I will read just because they are easy on the eyes, might be a small detail but the print and alignment makes it easier to just read through the eternal stories. One of the better ones I read this year! Liked it, might read again later :)
March 24, 2018
Rumi will is one of the greatest philosophers ever! He transcends both religion and culture, and the universality of his words, makes his teachings relevant and applicable across the globe.
May 10, 2021
This is the first book where I am discovering Rumi. It is a glimpse of the original work of the Persian poet.
July 4, 2021
12 Rumi's stories with Kamala K. Kupur's commentary.
August 3, 2021
Some of the story were good ,I found some stories silly .
I think this book is for children's (7-12 yrs old)
Overall its a good book
I think this book is for children's (7-12 yrs old)
Overall its a good book
February 1, 2024
Made me want to dig into more Rumi
July 23, 2024
A great book with so many life lessons and thoughtful stories and I will definitely recommend it .
September 20, 2024
Really liked ittttt
August 11, 2020
Though the commentary after tales was driving but "Rumi would be sad for being misquoted and reshaping of his ideas." It's not a right act to change original meaning and characters of Mathnawi just for the sake of secularism. It was disturbing enough for me to discover christian references in Rumi's work, as his original work doesn't have it. Furthermore, didn't liked author's way of calling Rumi as a misogynist. Not Recommended.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews