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The Book of Rumi: 105 Stories and Fables that Illumine, Delight, and Inform
🎧Run Time = 4 hours and 51 minutes
Philip Pullman, author of 'His Dark Materials' trilogy, has remarked that "after nourishment, shelter, and companionship, stories are the thing we need most in the world." This new collection of Rumi stories fills that need.
This fresh prose translation of 105 short teaching stories by Rumi, which form the core of the six-volume Masnavi, explores the hidden spiritual aspects of everyday experience. Rumi transforms the seemingly mundane events of daily life into profound Sufi teaching moments. These prose gems open the mystical portal to the world of the ancient mystic.
These stories include well-known and popular tales such as "Angel of Death," "The Sufi and His Cheating Wife," "Moses and the Shepherd," "Chickpeas," and "The Greek and Chinese Painters" as well as the less commonly quoted parables: "The Basket Weaver," "The Mud Eater," and "A Sackful of Pebbles."
Rumi's voice alternates between playful and authoritative, whether he is telling stories of ordinary lives or inviting the discerning reader to higher levels of introspection and attainment of transcendent values. Mafi's translations delicately reflect the nuances of Rumi's poetry while retaining the positive tone of all of Rumi's writings, as well as the sense of suspense and drama that mark the essence of the Masnavi.
Are you seeking inspiration and a stronger spiritual connection to the world around you? In this uplifting audiobook, a beloved 13th-century Persian poet and scholar provides 105 short stories and fables to teach listeners timeless Sufi lessons and explore the hidden spiritual aspects of everyday life experiences. Performed by an Audie Award–winning narrator!
Philip Pullman, author of 'His Dark Materials' trilogy, has remarked that "after nourishment, shelter, and companionship, stories are the thing we need most in the world." This new collection of Rumi stories fills that need.
This fresh prose translation of 105 short teaching stories by Rumi, which form the core of the six-volume Masnavi, explores the hidden spiritual aspects of everyday experience. Rumi transforms the seemingly mundane events of daily life into profound Sufi teaching moments. These prose gems open the mystical portal to the world of the ancient mystic.
These stories include well-known and popular tales such as "Angel of Death," "The Sufi and His Cheating Wife," "Moses and the Shepherd," "Chickpeas," and "The Greek and Chinese Painters" as well as the less commonly quoted parables: "The Basket Weaver," "The Mud Eater," and "A Sackful of Pebbles."
Rumi's voice alternates between playful and authoritative, whether he is telling stories of ordinary lives or inviting the discerning reader to higher levels of introspection and attainment of transcendent values. Mafi's translations delicately reflect the nuances of Rumi's poetry while retaining the positive tone of all of Rumi's writings, as well as the sense of suspense and drama that mark the essence of the Masnavi.
208 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2021
1459 people are currently reading
1597 people want to read
About the author
Jalal ad-Din Muhammad ar-Rumi
1,170 books15.7k followersSufism inspired writings of Persian poet and mystic Jalal ad-Din Muhammad ar-Rumi; these writings express the longing of the soul for union with the divine.
Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Rūmī - also known as Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Balkhī, Mevlânâ/Mawlānā (مولانا, "our master"), Mevlevî/Mawlawī (مولوی, "my master") and more popularly simply as Rumi - was a 13th-century Persian poet, jurist, Islamic scholar, theologian and Sufi mystic who lived in Konya, a city of Ottoman Empire (Today's Turkey). His poems have been widely translated into many of the world's languages, and he has been described as the most popular poet and the best-selling poet in the United States.
His poetry has influenced Persian literature, but also Turkish, Ottoman Turkish, Azerbaijani, Punjabi, Hindi, and Urdu, as well as the literature of some other Turkic, Iranian, and Indo-Aryan languages including Chagatai, Pashto, and Bengali.
Due to quarrels between different dynasties in Khorāṣān, opposition to the Khwarizmid Shahs who were considered devious by his father, Bahā ud-Dīn Wālad or fear of the impending Mongol cataclysm, his father decided to migrate westwards, eventually settling in the Anatolian city Konya, where he lived most of his life, composed one of the crowning glories of Persian literature, and profoundly affected the culture of the area.
When his father died, Rumi, aged 25, inherited his position as the head of an Islamic school. One of Baha' ud-Din's students, Sayyed Burhan ud-Din Muhaqqiq Termazi, continued to train Rumi in the Shariah as well as the Tariqa, especially that of Rumi's father. For nine years, Rumi practised Sufism as a disciple of Burhan ud-Din until the latter died in 1240 or 1241. Rumi's public life then began: he became an Islamic Jurist, issuing fatwas and giving sermons in the mosques of Konya. He also served as a Molvi (Islamic teacher) and taught his adherents in the madrassa. During this period, Rumi also travelled to Damascus and is said to have spent four years there.
It was his meeting with the dervish Shams-e Tabrizi on 15 November 1244 that completely changed his life. From an accomplished teacher and jurist, Rumi was transformed into an ascetic.
On the night of 5 December 1248, as Rumi and Shams were talking, Shams was called to the back door. He went out, never to be seen again. Rumi's love for, and his bereavement at the death of, Shams found their expression in an outpouring of lyric poems, Divan-e Shams-e Tabrizi. He himself went out searching for Shams and journeyed again to Damascus.
Rumi found another companion in Salaḥ ud-Din-e Zarkub, a goldsmith. After Salah ud-Din's death, Rumi's scribe and favourite student, Hussam-e Chalabi, assumed the role of Rumi's companion. Hussam implored Rumi to write more. Rumi spent the next 12 years of his life in Anatolia dictating the six volumes of this masterwork, the Masnavi, to Hussam.
In December 1273, Rumi fell ill and died on the 17th of December in Konya.
Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Rūmī - also known as Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Balkhī, Mevlânâ/Mawlānā (مولانا, "our master"), Mevlevî/Mawlawī (مولوی, "my master") and more popularly simply as Rumi - was a 13th-century Persian poet, jurist, Islamic scholar, theologian and Sufi mystic who lived in Konya, a city of Ottoman Empire (Today's Turkey). His poems have been widely translated into many of the world's languages, and he has been described as the most popular poet and the best-selling poet in the United States.
His poetry has influenced Persian literature, but also Turkish, Ottoman Turkish, Azerbaijani, Punjabi, Hindi, and Urdu, as well as the literature of some other Turkic, Iranian, and Indo-Aryan languages including Chagatai, Pashto, and Bengali.
Due to quarrels between different dynasties in Khorāṣān, opposition to the Khwarizmid Shahs who were considered devious by his father, Bahā ud-Dīn Wālad or fear of the impending Mongol cataclysm, his father decided to migrate westwards, eventually settling in the Anatolian city Konya, where he lived most of his life, composed one of the crowning glories of Persian literature, and profoundly affected the culture of the area.
When his father died, Rumi, aged 25, inherited his position as the head of an Islamic school. One of Baha' ud-Din's students, Sayyed Burhan ud-Din Muhaqqiq Termazi, continued to train Rumi in the Shariah as well as the Tariqa, especially that of Rumi's father. For nine years, Rumi practised Sufism as a disciple of Burhan ud-Din until the latter died in 1240 or 1241. Rumi's public life then began: he became an Islamic Jurist, issuing fatwas and giving sermons in the mosques of Konya. He also served as a Molvi (Islamic teacher) and taught his adherents in the madrassa. During this period, Rumi also travelled to Damascus and is said to have spent four years there.
It was his meeting with the dervish Shams-e Tabrizi on 15 November 1244 that completely changed his life. From an accomplished teacher and jurist, Rumi was transformed into an ascetic.
On the night of 5 December 1248, as Rumi and Shams were talking, Shams was called to the back door. He went out, never to be seen again. Rumi's love for, and his bereavement at the death of, Shams found their expression in an outpouring of lyric poems, Divan-e Shams-e Tabrizi. He himself went out searching for Shams and journeyed again to Damascus.
Rumi found another companion in Salaḥ ud-Din-e Zarkub, a goldsmith. After Salah ud-Din's death, Rumi's scribe and favourite student, Hussam-e Chalabi, assumed the role of Rumi's companion. Hussam implored Rumi to write more. Rumi spent the next 12 years of his life in Anatolia dictating the six volumes of this masterwork, the Masnavi, to Hussam.
In December 1273, Rumi fell ill and died on the 17th of December in Konya.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
January 30, 2024
Within are poignant stories---presented poetically---to serve as instruction to the masses. Consequences of anger, jealously, hate and ridicule are found within. A bad deed is illustrated to engage all the senses to eventually recoil upon itself. This book is an instructive book of wisdom, where Rumi claims souls find the darkness and chains binding them to a thing which does not augment nor meliorate life. These 105 stories are recommended for the soul in need. Rumi (Jalal ad-Din Muhammad ar-Rumi) served others as a jurist, teacher and Maturidi theologian.
"Soon after the almond oil incident, the parrot completely stopped speaking and singing. The grocer realised how grave his mistake had been in striking the bird; not only had he lost his jolly companion but he had also curtailed his thriving business—having no one but himself to blame…”
—Rumi
From the "parrot exemplification" perhaps the soul receives from another soul this knowledge---therefore not by book nor from tongue. If knowledge of mysteries come after emptiness of mind, that is illumination of heart. If thou wilt be observant and vigilant, thou wilt see at every moment the response to thy action. Be observant if thou wouldst have a pure heart, for something is born to thee in consequence of every action." Lux mentis Lux orbis” is a clue into deciphering the wisdom of Rumi.
"Soon after the almond oil incident, the parrot completely stopped speaking and singing. The grocer realised how grave his mistake had been in striking the bird; not only had he lost his jolly companion but he had also curtailed his thriving business—having no one but himself to blame…”
—Rumi
From the "parrot exemplification" perhaps the soul receives from another soul this knowledge---therefore not by book nor from tongue. If knowledge of mysteries come after emptiness of mind, that is illumination of heart. If thou wilt be observant and vigilant, thou wilt see at every moment the response to thy action. Be observant if thou wouldst have a pure heart, for something is born to thee in consequence of every action." Lux mentis Lux orbis” is a clue into deciphering the wisdom of Rumi.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2022
3.5/5
রুমির মসনবির সাথে আমার পরিচয় ঘটেছে সৈয়দ মুজতবা আলীর মাধ্যমে। গল্পের বিষয় ছিলো কীভাবে মুক্তি লাভ করা যায়। এ গল্পটা এখনো পর্যন্ত আমার পড়া শ্রেষ্ঠ সুফি গল্প। এতো সহজভাবে এতো গভীর বিষয়ে যে আলোকপাত করা যায় জেনে যারপরনাই বিস্মিত হয়েছিলাম। এই বইতে গল্পটা আছে "বণিক ও তোতাপাখি " নামে। সব গল্পই এই গল্পের সমতুল্য হবে ভেবেছিলাম। কিন্তু "বণিক ও তোতাপাখি " এতোই উচ্চমানের যে স্বয়ং রুমির পক্ষেও এমন গল্প বেশি বলা সম্ভব হয় নি।
বইয়ের একশো পাঁচটি গল্পের মাধ্যমে মূলত সহজ জীবনপদ্ধতি, নিজের জীবনকে সানন্দে গ্রহণ করা, অহংবোধ ধ্বংস করা, ভালোবাসা, আত্ম অনুসন্ধান, আত্মসমালোচনা সর্বোপরি নির্বাণ লাভের উপায় সম্বন্ধে আলোচনা করা হয়েছে। একহাজার তত্ত্বকথায় যা বোঝানো সম্ভব না তা ছোট্ট একটা রূপক গল্পের মাধ্যমে মানুষকে বোঝানো সম্ভব।রুমি তাই-ই করেছেন। কিছু গল্প আক্ষরিক অর্থেই অলৌকিক। এ গল্পগুলো আত্মস্থ করলে হয়তো (হয়তো) কারো জীবন ইতিবাচকভাবে, আনন্দপূর্ণভাবে বদলে যাওয়া সম্ভব। অর্ধেকের মতো গল্পই ভালো লাগেনি এই যুগে এসে। কিন্তু ভালো গল্পগুলো এতোই ভালো যে এগুলোর জন্যই বইটা অবশ্যপাঠ্য। অবশ্য সুফি তরিকা সম্বন্ধে যাদের আগ্রহ বা ধারণা নেই তাদের কাছে বইটি নেহাত বিরক্তিকর মনে হবে।
রুমির মসনবির সাথে আমার পরিচয় ঘটেছে সৈয়দ মুজতবা আলীর মাধ্যমে। গল্পের বিষয় ছিলো কীভাবে মুক্তি লাভ করা যায়। এ গল্পটা এখনো পর্যন্ত আমার পড়া শ্রেষ্ঠ সুফি গল্প। এতো সহজভাবে এতো গভীর বিষয়ে যে আলোকপাত করা যায় জেনে যারপরনাই বিস্মিত হয়েছিলাম। এই বইতে গল্পটা আছে "বণিক ও তোতাপাখি " নামে। সব গল্পই এই গল্পের সমতুল্য হবে ভেবেছিলাম। কিন্তু "বণিক ও তোতাপাখি " এতোই উচ্চমানের যে স্বয়ং রুমির পক্ষেও এমন গল্প বেশি বলা সম্ভব হয় নি।
বইয়ের একশো পাঁচটি গল্পের মাধ্যমে মূলত সহজ জীবনপদ্ধতি, নিজের জীবনকে সানন্দে গ্রহণ করা, অহংবোধ ধ্বংস করা, ভালোবাসা, আত্ম অনুসন্ধান, আত্মসমালোচনা সর্বোপরি নির্বাণ লাভের উপায় সম্বন্ধে আলোচনা করা হয়েছে। একহাজার তত্ত্বকথায় যা বোঝানো সম্ভব না তা ছোট্ট একটা রূপক গল্পের মাধ্যমে মানুষকে বোঝানো সম্ভব।রুমি তাই-ই করেছেন। কিছু গল্প আক্ষরিক অর্থেই অলৌকিক। এ গল্পগুলো আত্মস্থ করলে হয়তো (হয়তো) কারো জীবন ইতিবাচকভাবে, আনন্দপূর্ণভাবে বদলে যাওয়া সম্ভব। অর্ধেকের মতো গল্পই ভালো লাগেনি এই যুগে এসে। কিন্তু ভালো গল্পগুলো এতোই ভালো যে এগুলোর জন্যই বইটা অবশ্যপাঠ্য। অবশ্য সুফি তরিকা সম্বন্ধে যাদের আগ্রহ বা ধারণা নেই তাদের কাছে বইটি নেহাত বিরক্তিকর মনে হবে।
September 6, 2021
The vast majority (not exaggerating!) of these selected short stories and fables were meaningless. I was not illumined, delighted, or informed. It's like the wisdom was literally lost in translation. Whenever I finished a story I was like.. what?! is this the end of it?
I liked a few (example: Merchant and Parrot) but unfortunately the rest fell short. If you want to read something by Rumi, I strongly advise you against starting with this one.
I liked a few (example: Merchant and Parrot) but unfortunately the rest fell short. If you want to read something by Rumi, I strongly advise you against starting with this one.
April 20, 2020
The meaning and the philosophy lost in the translation. Didn't age well with time.
August 27, 2019
Rumi's 105 very short parables insightfully explore human relationships and faith in God. His stories are "peopled" by fools and the wise, royalty and slaves, prophets and unbelievers, and talking fish, donkeys, birds, ants, and chickpeas.
These are simple stories, but cut to life's essence. For example, a donkey, who complained about being starved and beaten, was envious of the warhorses he was stabled with – until they returned from battle. When reunited with his old, cruel owner, he now knew that nothing truly is as it seems (p. 155).
Rumi's stories encourage us to look beyond the superficial details of business dealings, romance, and relationships to find real wisdom. A man in love with a homely woman recognizes "to only perceive what's visible to the eye is like having a beautiful jug but being oblivious to the real beauty of the wine inside, because you can only see the container” (p. 161). Mohammed chose a young soldier as general rather than one of the older soldiers, who were jealous of this choice. He reminded them that "only the shortsighted consider white hair by itself to be a sign of maturity. My dear companion, strive to detect the essence of things so you may take command of both your faith and your mind" (p. 133).
A kind and respected holy man only prayed for criminals, murderers, and other sinners, for which others reproached him. He said,
People are forever complaining to God about their pains and the unfairness they experience in their lives. Meanwhile, God invariably tells His wailing subjects that it's that very same pain that will eventually lead them to His door. Our friends are indeed our worst enemies, for they remove us from His company by distracting us with the minutia of their own personal affairs. Truly, every enemy can be our cure and balm, for in order to avoid them we must seek the help of the One who has created us all. (p. 114)
In a story parallel to his poem of the elephant and the blind men (found in The Essential Rumi , the townspeople insisted on seeing a majestic elephant as soon as possible – in the dark – but misperceived it as a pipe, fan, pillar, or bed. As more and more people walked inside the dark room, each one came out with a different understanding of the phenomenon they had encountered. None of them were able to truly find out what the elephant actually looked like, for they were in the dark and had to rely on the acute limitations of their imperfect senses. (p. 86)
In many stories, like Three Fish, the characters are shortsighted, to their detriment, and fail to learn from their wiser compatriots. They fail to see the impact of their self-centered behaviors: Even though each man was cheating the other, neither was aware that in fact they were cheating themselves, by being dishonest to a brother for the mere love of material (p. 122). In Ghost Killer Mosque, a stranger decided to test the townsfolk superstitions – everyone who enters the mosque after dark dies – but also his courage. He justified his decision, “I will not value my own body beyond its worth, for it's the spirit that's priceless beyond all... One's body will inevitably perish, but spirit is everlasting.” (p. 106).
Rumi's stories are undoubtedly wise, but they are also charming. These are not heavy, preaching tomes, but one to two page stories that could be read first thing in the morning (or last at night) to provide guidance to the day: Remember what is important. Trust God. See broadly.
They could be read to the right child at bedtime – and treasured into adulthood.
These are simple stories, but cut to life's essence. For example, a donkey, who complained about being starved and beaten, was envious of the warhorses he was stabled with – until they returned from battle. When reunited with his old, cruel owner, he now knew that nothing truly is as it seems (p. 155).
Rumi's stories encourage us to look beyond the superficial details of business dealings, romance, and relationships to find real wisdom. A man in love with a homely woman recognizes "to only perceive what's visible to the eye is like having a beautiful jug but being oblivious to the real beauty of the wine inside, because you can only see the container” (p. 161). Mohammed chose a young soldier as general rather than one of the older soldiers, who were jealous of this choice. He reminded them that "only the shortsighted consider white hair by itself to be a sign of maturity. My dear companion, strive to detect the essence of things so you may take command of both your faith and your mind" (p. 133).
A kind and respected holy man only prayed for criminals, murderers, and other sinners, for which others reproached him. He said,
People are forever complaining to God about their pains and the unfairness they experience in their lives. Meanwhile, God invariably tells His wailing subjects that it's that very same pain that will eventually lead them to His door. Our friends are indeed our worst enemies, for they remove us from His company by distracting us with the minutia of their own personal affairs. Truly, every enemy can be our cure and balm, for in order to avoid them we must seek the help of the One who has created us all. (p. 114)
In a story parallel to his poem of the elephant and the blind men (found in The Essential Rumi , the townspeople insisted on seeing a majestic elephant as soon as possible – in the dark – but misperceived it as a pipe, fan, pillar, or bed. As more and more people walked inside the dark room, each one came out with a different understanding of the phenomenon they had encountered. None of them were able to truly find out what the elephant actually looked like, for they were in the dark and had to rely on the acute limitations of their imperfect senses. (p. 86)
In many stories, like Three Fish, the characters are shortsighted, to their detriment, and fail to learn from their wiser compatriots. They fail to see the impact of their self-centered behaviors: Even though each man was cheating the other, neither was aware that in fact they were cheating themselves, by being dishonest to a brother for the mere love of material (p. 122). In Ghost Killer Mosque, a stranger decided to test the townsfolk superstitions – everyone who enters the mosque after dark dies – but also his courage. He justified his decision, “I will not value my own body beyond its worth, for it's the spirit that's priceless beyond all... One's body will inevitably perish, but spirit is everlasting.” (p. 106).
Rumi's stories are undoubtedly wise, but they are also charming. These are not heavy, preaching tomes, but one to two page stories that could be read first thing in the morning (or last at night) to provide guidance to the day: Remember what is important. Trust God. See broadly.
They could be read to the right child at bedtime – and treasured into adulthood.
May 23, 2019
Eh, I guess some (many) stories don't age well. I'm sorry Rumi, I can't hear your wisdom over the sound of how badly women are portrayed in your stories and how superstitious it all feels, but what do I know, I'm just a heathen.
September 25, 2019
I listened to the unabridged audio version of this title (on 4 CDs, read by Keith Szarabajka, Blackstone Audio, 2018).
Stripped of their magnificient poetic forms, most of the translated stories in this book come across as banal and simple-minded. For someone like me, who has read Mowlavi’s telling of the stories, they are eminently recognizable, but those being introduced to Rumi’s musings for the first time (the book’s apparent target audience), the tales are less than impressive.
The 105 stories chosen for the book are some of the shorter ones in the 6-volume Masnavi, Mowlavi’s magnum opus. The classic and oft-told stories, such as “Moses and the Shepherd,” fare better in this retelling, but the vast majority, particularly those with no clear “punch line” or moral conclusion, are literally left hanging.
Much like the tales of 1001 Nights, Masnavi is essentially a retelling of stories that come from various cultures around the world. One can't help but wonder whether this book and its translated stories constitute the best way of introducing Western audiences to Mowlavi’s/Rumi’s philosophy and magical writings.
Stripped of their magnificient poetic forms, most of the translated stories in this book come across as banal and simple-minded. For someone like me, who has read Mowlavi’s telling of the stories, they are eminently recognizable, but those being introduced to Rumi’s musings for the first time (the book’s apparent target audience), the tales are less than impressive.
The 105 stories chosen for the book are some of the shorter ones in the 6-volume Masnavi, Mowlavi’s magnum opus. The classic and oft-told stories, such as “Moses and the Shepherd,” fare better in this retelling, but the vast majority, particularly those with no clear “punch line” or moral conclusion, are literally left hanging.
Much like the tales of 1001 Nights, Masnavi is essentially a retelling of stories that come from various cultures around the world. One can't help but wonder whether this book and its translated stories constitute the best way of introducing Western audiences to Mowlavi’s/Rumi’s philosophy and magical writings.
December 16, 2022
I would suggest you to take your time reading this collection of short stories/fables. Each story won’t take much time but I would definitely suggest you to read a few stories at a go and keep the next few stories for the next reading sprint!
It has a lot of stories to absorb and ponder upon (the total number of stories is as written on the cover!). And it’s always good to have so many amazing stories in a book! Yes, if they are amazing! And they are. I am quite happy with this read. However, I expected a much better language or the choice of words used in such books.
I would not recommend this book for young readers. However, the stories are so easy to read and almost all of them have a message to deliver.
I find the cover and the little details on each page quite endearing. The paperback feels so good reading and holding it in my hands.
Well, the book is perfect for gifting and also for adding to your personal collection.
It has a lot of stories to absorb and ponder upon (the total number of stories is as written on the cover!). And it’s always good to have so many amazing stories in a book! Yes, if they are amazing! And they are. I am quite happy with this read. However, I expected a much better language or the choice of words used in such books.
I would not recommend this book for young readers. However, the stories are so easy to read and almost all of them have a message to deliver.
I find the cover and the little details on each page quite endearing. The paperback feels so good reading and holding it in my hands.
Well, the book is perfect for gifting and also for adding to your personal collection.
August 31, 2023
This explains why all the persian elders I have ever met have this irrevocable need to come up with a story about anything and everything. The tradition may have started with Rumi!
April 25, 2019
Like Grimm's fairy tales, some stories translate well into the modern age, others make no sense. Overall though, I found it a fascinating insight into stories from the Middle East.
April 21, 2022
চমৎকার সব শিক্ষণীয় গল্পের সমাহার। আজকালকার আজাইরা মোটিভেশনাল বইয়ের চেয়ে অনেক কাজের
January 16, 2022
বইটা বেশ ভালো লেগেছে আমার। প্রতিটি গল্পই শিক্ষনীয়। বলতে পারেন প্রতিটি গল্প থেকে জীবন ঘনিষ্ঠ সব শিক্ষনীয় বার্তা দেওয়া হয়েছে। অবশ্যই রিকমেন্ড থাকবে সবার জন্য।
অনুবাদটা বেশ সুন্দর এবং স্বাবলীল ছিলো।
অনুবাদটা বেশ সুন্দর এবং স্বাবলীল ছিলো।
November 22, 2018
Some really good short stories in this collection.
March 29, 2022
প্রায় শ'খানেক শর্ট স্টোরি দিয়ে সাজানো এই বই। গত মাসে পড়া শেষ হয়েছিল। পরীক্ষার প্যারায় পোস্ট করা হয় নি। ছোট্ট ছোট্ট এক পেইজের গল্প, রিফ্রেশিং বেশ। মনে হইলো বইটার এই ছবিটা টাইমলাইনে থাকা উচিত।
বইটা প্রথম শুরু করি ট্রেনে করে চট্টগ্রাম বিশ্ববিদ্যালয় যাওয়ার সময়। ট্রেন যাত্রায় সাধারণত সব ধরনের বই পড়া যায় না। এই বইটা ট্রেনে পড়ার সময় যতটা কম্ফোর্ট পেয়েছি তা এখন পর্যন্ত অন্য কোনো বইয়ে পাইনি।
প্রত্যেকটা গল্পের শেষে একটা ইনভিজিবল মেসেজ আছে। অনেকগুলো লাইন ভালো লেগেছিল। সেসব হাইলাইট করে রেখেছি, পরবর্তীতে সেসব লাইনগুলো পড়লেই গল্পটা মনে পড়ে যাবে।
নিচের দুয়েকটা বেশ চিন্তাচেতনার উদ্রেক ঘটাবে মনে হলো
"When you look at everything in life with the eyes of want and greed, whom do you want to escape? Yourself? God? Is that possible? "
- The angel of Death
One must never compare oneself to others, even though they may appear to be the same on the surface. Truly nothing is as it seems.
-the parrot and the Grocer
"Many are our wishes and prayers that, beyond our ability to see, will only bring us loss or death, which God Almighty turns a deaf ear to simply out of His benevolence "
-The snake Catcher and the Thief
বইটা প্রথম শুরু করি ট্রেনে করে চট্টগ্রাম বিশ্ববিদ্যালয় যাওয়ার সময়। ট্রেন যাত্রায় সাধারণত সব ধরনের বই পড়া যায় না। এই বইটা ট্রেনে পড়ার সময় যতটা কম্ফোর্ট পেয়েছি তা এখন পর্যন্ত অন্য কোনো বইয়ে পাইনি।
প্রত্যেকটা গল্পের শেষে একটা ইনভিজিবল মেসেজ আছে। অনেকগুলো লাইন ভালো লেগেছিল। সেসব হাইলাইট করে রেখেছি, পরবর্তীতে সেসব লাইনগুলো পড়লেই গল্পটা মনে পড়ে যাবে।
নিচের দুয়েকটা বেশ চিন্তাচেতনার উদ্রেক ঘটাবে মনে হলো
"When you look at everything in life with the eyes of want and greed, whom do you want to escape? Yourself? God? Is that possible? "
- The angel of Death
One must never compare oneself to others, even though they may appear to be the same on the surface. Truly nothing is as it seems.
-the parrot and the Grocer
"Many are our wishes and prayers that, beyond our ability to see, will only bring us loss or death, which God Almighty turns a deaf ear to simply out of His benevolence "
-The snake Catcher and the Thief
September 29, 2021
I want to sing like the birds sing, not worrying about who hears or what they think. "
This book is a compilation of short stories. Every one of these stories takes you to the beautiful spiritual journey that is something, everybody's heart yearns for at some point in their life. Me, being a spiritually romantic person, find Rumi's poem and verses disarming in so many ways, and they definitely are beautiful and impactful that you just can't help but smile with your eyes closed, thinking of what you just experienced.
This line is something I would like to present to you guys from one of the stories:
" What may seem like poison to you could be Honey to someone else..."
This book is a compilation of short stories. Every one of these stories takes you to the beautiful spiritual journey that is something, everybody's heart yearns for at some point in their life. Me, being a spiritually romantic person, find Rumi's poem and verses disarming in so many ways, and they definitely are beautiful and impactful that you just can't help but smile with your eyes closed, thinking of what you just experienced.
This line is something I would like to present to you guys from one of the stories:
" What may seem like poison to you could be Honey to someone else..."
January 8, 2022
2,5/5⭐
January 4, 2025
One time read...
March 14, 2019
„Книгата на Руми“ – пътешествие през далечни земи
...В притчите на Руми срещаме толкова широк и впечатляващ спектър от образи, всеки от тях с уникална притегателна сила, че съвременните читатели от най-различна среда и занимания ще успеят да намерят не една, а много истории, с които да удовлетворят необходимостта си от съдържателни духовни уроци, често поръсени със закачлив хумор.
Мариам Мафи
„Този, който се учи, гледайки грешките на приятелите си, наистина е най-мъдрият.“
Руми (Джалал ад-Дин Мухамад Руми) – един от най-великите и обичани персийски поети и духовни мислители живял през ХIII в., се среща с нас чрез своите приказни истории, които той написва и събира в труда си „Маснави-и-Манави“- шест книги в стихотворна форма.
В „Книгата на Руми“ Мириам Марфи, една от най-уважаваните преводачки на персийска литература, ни представя нова адаптация на историите написани в оригинал от Руми в поезия и събрани в сборника „Маснави“. Историите адаптирани от Мафи оживяват в проза, за да пленят ума и сърцето на съвременния читател. Преводачката е успяла да запази позитивното звучене на съчиненията, както и чувството за напрегнато очакване и драматизъм, които са характерни за „Маснави“.
Историите събрани в „Книгата на Руми“ предлагат много поучителни послания, дават напътствия на читателя и му помагат да разбере различните житейски ситуации. От всяка страница блика житейска мъдрост.
Героите, които срещаме в различните истории са хора, които и днес живеят по света. Ситуациите, разказани в историите също се случват и сега, затова тези поучителни притчи са актуални и засягат теми от нашето ежедневие. Важно значение и участие в притчите взимат животните и растенията, които чрез своята проницателност или пакостливост могат да бъдат сравнявани с хората.
„Тази универсалност показва, че ние не се различаваме особено от хората по света, което на свой ред ни кара да се чувстваме съпричастни с „другите“ дотолкова, че накрая да се поставим на тяхно място – така уважението и съпричастността са неизбежният косвен резултат в този процес.“
Вдъхновение, наслада и поука, това е което получаваме от „Книгата на Руми“. Всяка една истроия, разказана в това малко и красиво томче ни дава важен урок и ни кара да се замисляме кое е важното в дадена ситуция, показва ни как да се справим с проблема и как да гледаме на света и на хората в него, защото всеки човек заслужава уважение. От „Книгата на Руми“ можем да извадим много примери за човешката алчност, за вечната и всеотдайна любов, за обичта към Бога и за това, че няма невъзможни неща и нещата не винаги са такива, каквито изглеждат.
„Понякога истината е право пред очите на хората, а те погрешно търсят знаците й.“
Докато четях „Книгата на Руми“ усещах едно спокойсвтие, пренасях се в неговия свят, в един свят на приказки и чудеса, научих нови неща и разбрах много за живота и хората.
„Мъдрият човек притежава присъща светлина, с помощта на която е способен да напътства и води другите – и аз съм убеден, че този млад мъж я има!“
Руми умее така да те плени, че да забравиш за всичко останало. Усещаш че си там, с него, вървите редом и помагате на хората да разрешат проблемите си или просто им давате съвет. Напътствате ги и ги учите как да продължат да живеят, въпреки всичко, което им се е случило.
„Тази универсалност показва, че ние не се различаваме особено от хората по света, което на свой ред ни кара да се чувстваме съпричастни с „другите“ дотолкова, че накрая да се поставим на тяхно място – така уважението и съпричастността са неизбежният косвен резултат в този процес.“
Искам също да отбележа прекрасното оформление на книгата. Красива и в същото време семпла, точно каквтато трябва да бъде една книга с притчите на Руми. Истинско удоволствие е да се чете тази вдъхновяваща книга, носеща духовна наслада и вековна мъдрост – „Книгата на Руми“.
„Така че, за да ти отговоря простичко, ще кажа, че най-хубавият град на света е този, в който е любимият човек!“
Нека заедно да поемем на това пътешествие, от което никой няма да се върне същият!
...В притчите на Руми срещаме толкова широк и впечатляващ спектър от образи, всеки от тях с уникална притегателна сила, че съвременните читатели от най-различна среда и занимания ще успеят да намерят не една, а много истории, с които да удовлетворят необходимостта си от съдържателни духовни уроци, често поръсени със закачлив хумор.
Мариам Мафи
„Този, който се учи, гледайки грешките на приятелите си, наистина е най-мъдрият.“
Руми (Джалал ад-Дин Мухамад Руми) – един от най-великите и обичани персийски поети и духовни мислители живял през ХIII в., се среща с нас чрез своите приказни истории, които той написва и събира в труда си „Маснави-и-Манави“- шест книги в стихотворна форма.
В „Книгата на Руми“ Мириам Марфи, една от най-уважаваните преводачки на персийска литература, ни представя нова адаптация на историите написани в оригинал от Руми в поезия и събрани в сборника „Маснави“. Историите адаптирани от Мафи оживяват в проза, за да пленят ума и сърцето на съвременния читател. Преводачката е успяла да запази позитивното звучене на съчиненията, както и чувството за напрегнато очакване и драматизъм, които са характерни за „Маснави“.
Историите събрани в „Книгата на Руми“ предлагат много поучителни послания, дават напътствия на читателя и му помагат да разбере различните житейски ситуации. От всяка страница блика житейска мъдрост.
Героите, които срещаме в различните истории са хора, които и днес живеят по света. Ситуациите, разказани в историите също се случват и сега, затова тези поучителни притчи са актуални и засягат теми от нашето ежедневие. Важно значение и участие в притчите взимат животните и растенията, които чрез своята проницателност или пакостливост могат да бъдат сравнявани с хората.
„Тази универсалност показва, че ние не се различаваме особено от хората по света, което на свой ред ни кара да се чувстваме съпричастни с „другите“ дотолкова, че накрая да се поставим на тяхно място – така уважението и съпричастността са неизбежният косвен резултат в този процес.“
Вдъхновение, наслада и поука, това е което получаваме от „Книгата на Руми“. Всяка една истроия, разказана в това малко и красиво томче ни дава важен урок и ни кара да се замисляме кое е важното в дадена ситуция, показва ни как да се справим с проблема и как да гледаме на света и на хората в него, защото всеки човек заслужава уважение. От „Книгата на Руми“ можем да извадим много примери за човешката алчност, за вечната и всеотдайна любов, за обичта към Бога и за това, че няма невъзможни неща и нещата не винаги са такива, каквито изглеждат.
„Понякога истината е право пред очите на хората, а те погрешно търсят знаците й.“
Докато четях „Книгата на Руми“ усещах едно спокойсвтие, пренасях се в неговия свят, в един свят на приказки и чудеса, научих нови неща и разбрах много за живота и хората.
„Мъдрият човек притежава присъща светлина, с помощта на която е способен да напътства и води другите – и аз съм убеден, че този млад мъж я има!“
Руми умее така да те плени, че да забравиш за всичко останало. Усещаш че си там, с него, вървите редом и помагате на хората да разрешат проблемите си или просто им давате съвет. Напътствате ги и ги учите как да продължат да живеят, въпреки всичко, което им се е случило.
„Тази универсалност показва, че ние не се различаваме особено от хората по света, което на свой ред ни кара да се чувстваме съпричастни с „другите“ дотолкова, че накрая да се поставим на тяхно място – така уважението и съпричастността са неизбежният косвен резултат в този процес.“
Искам също да отбележа прекрасното оформление на книгата. Красива и в същото време семпла, точно каквтато трябва да бъде една книга с притчите на Руми. Истинско удоволствие е да се чете тази вдъхновяваща книга, носеща духовна наслада и вековна мъдрост – „Книгата на Руми“.
„Така че, за да ти отговоря простичко, ще кажа, че най-хубавият град на света е този, в който е любимият човек!“
Нека заедно да поемем на това пътешествие, от което никой няма да се върне същият!
September 20, 2024
Some of these stories are made up of a couple sentences!
Wasn't expecting that.
Also as other reviewers have pointed out, the stories don't come across as poetic when translated.
I'm convinced the original can't be as bland even though I'm not sure which language Rumi wrote in originally🤔
Note -
A few of these stories bring back memories 🫶🏻 Kid me remembers my grandma narrating similar stories about the prophets. I especially remember hearing about the Angel of Death🫰🏻 so it was fun to relive that!
Wasn't expecting that.
Also as other reviewers have pointed out, the stories don't come across as poetic when translated.
I'm convinced the original can't be as bland even though I'm not sure which language Rumi wrote in originally🤔
Note -
A few of these stories bring back memories 🫶🏻 Kid me remembers my grandma narrating similar stories about the prophets. I especially remember hearing about the Angel of Death🫰🏻 so it was fun to relive that!
June 2, 2025
I would give it 2.5 stars ⭐️
I picked this up because after reading 40 rules of love, I was fascinated by Rumi.
Many of the stories just didn’t make any sense for me. Maybe the meanings were lost in translation or they were written like these originally - I would never know. I didn’t enjoy the book as per my expectations.
Some stories of waging war for religion, slavery, remarks about women made me uncomfortable.
I enjoyed some stories truly - to name a few ‘The Zoroastrian and Moslem’, ‘Treasure in Egypt’. The book left me with mixed feelings about it.
I picked this up because after reading 40 rules of love, I was fascinated by Rumi.
Many of the stories just didn’t make any sense for me. Maybe the meanings were lost in translation or they were written like these originally - I would never know. I didn’t enjoy the book as per my expectations.
Some stories of waging war for religion, slavery, remarks about women made me uncomfortable.
I enjoyed some stories truly - to name a few ‘The Zoroastrian and Moslem’, ‘Treasure in Egypt’. The book left me with mixed feelings about it.
October 10, 2025
- 🕊️ 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐟 𝐚 𝟏𝟑𝐭𝐡-𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐲 𝐦𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐝𝐨𝐦? Rumi's 105 fables turn chickpeas, cheating wives, and shepherds into portals of spiritual truth— 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐦𝐲 𝟑-𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐲: 𝐞𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐱𝐡𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐛𝐮���𝐤.
Maryam Mafi's prose translation is genuinely brilliant—she captures Rumi's heartbeat without the density of Persian poetry. Stories like Moses learning humility from a shepherd or the Angel of Death's unexpected visits hit with surprising force. These aren't abstract philosophy lectures; they're living conversations that make us pause mid-scroll, feeling uncomfortably seen by a man dead for 750 years. When it works, it works—lightning strikes disguised as bedtime stories. For readers in Dhaka or Dublin, Lagos or London, these parables transcend geography, offering soul-medicine in bite-sized wisdom that feels both ancient and urgently modern.
But here's where my three stars come from: 105 fables is a spiritual marathon that starts blurring around tale 60. The "ego bad, love good" formula gets repetitive. Some stories feel like filler—brief, didactic, forgettable. Rumi tells when he should invite; instructs when he could inspire. There's also that uncomfortable question: does this risk turning profound Sufi mysticism into digestible self-help quotes? Sometimes, yes. This isn't a book you binge—it's one you keep by your bedside, opening when life gets too loud. Perfect for seekers wanting daily wisdom drops, less ideal for those craving Rumi's raw, ecstatic poetic fire.
⁉️ 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐍: If Rumi observed your daily routine, which ordinary moment would he turn into a parable? Coffee-making? Traffic jams? Scrolling? Comment below—let's crowdsource modern Rumi tales!
⛉ 𝐒𝐀𝐕𝐄 for your spiritual TBR | 🔔 𝐅𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐎𝐖 @dSHADOWcatREADS for honest reviews | 🔗 GOODREADS: goodreads.com/dsony7
Maryam Mafi's prose translation is genuinely brilliant—she captures Rumi's heartbeat without the density of Persian poetry. Stories like Moses learning humility from a shepherd or the Angel of Death's unexpected visits hit with surprising force. These aren't abstract philosophy lectures; they're living conversations that make us pause mid-scroll, feeling uncomfortably seen by a man dead for 750 years. When it works, it works—lightning strikes disguised as bedtime stories. For readers in Dhaka or Dublin, Lagos or London, these parables transcend geography, offering soul-medicine in bite-sized wisdom that feels both ancient and urgently modern.
But here's where my three stars come from: 105 fables is a spiritual marathon that starts blurring around tale 60. The "ego bad, love good" formula gets repetitive. Some stories feel like filler—brief, didactic, forgettable. Rumi tells when he should invite; instructs when he could inspire. There's also that uncomfortable question: does this risk turning profound Sufi mysticism into digestible self-help quotes? Sometimes, yes. This isn't a book you binge—it's one you keep by your bedside, opening when life gets too loud. Perfect for seekers wanting daily wisdom drops, less ideal for those craving Rumi's raw, ecstatic poetic fire.
⁉️ 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐍: If Rumi observed your daily routine, which ordinary moment would he turn into a parable? Coffee-making? Traffic jams? Scrolling? Comment below—let's crowdsource modern Rumi tales!
⛉ 𝐒𝐀𝐕𝐄 for your spiritual TBR | 🔔 𝐅𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐎𝐖 @dSHADOWcatREADS for honest reviews | 🔗 GOODREADS: goodreads.com/dsony7
July 8, 2020
Sufi wisdom in story form
I had met Rumi (13th century Sufi mystic and poet) through a few scattered stories in a collection of wisdom stories from around the world. Unlike that collection, this one is clearly translated and well edited and proofread. It is a translation from Persian poetry into Engiish prose. The stories are allowed to stand on their own without commentary from the translator and with footnotes that are few and informative. The stories, fables, parables are generally fascinating, offering a glimpse of another world and another world view in an accessible way. I frequently found myself interrupting my wife to share what I'd just read.
I had met Rumi (13th century Sufi mystic and poet) through a few scattered stories in a collection of wisdom stories from around the world. Unlike that collection, this one is clearly translated and well edited and proofread. It is a translation from Persian poetry into Engiish prose. The stories are allowed to stand on their own without commentary from the translator and with footnotes that are few and informative. The stories, fables, parables are generally fascinating, offering a glimpse of another world and another world view in an accessible way. I frequently found myself interrupting my wife to share what I'd just read.
July 19, 2019
The truth is I don't know how to rate this book. It was okay. I wouldn't say I liked it per say but I didn't not like it. Some of the stories and fables were good and taught a valuable lesson. Some of the stories, I didn't quite understand what they were supposed to teach. A lot of these lessons I have heard somewhere before. I don't know if it were in other books or stories that were read to me as a kid or even in Bible/Sunday School.
November 13, 2022
A compilation fit for kids
I did not enjoy this book. Having come across a few of Rumi's work compilations before, they always left me thinking more and thinking beyond. While this book was a study in morals fit for storytelling to a kid. Ths stories barely felt enticing and I'm not sure why these specific stories were picked.
I would definitely not recommend you to go ahead with this compilation if you want to read Rumi.
I did not enjoy this book. Having come across a few of Rumi's work compilations before, they always left me thinking more and thinking beyond. While this book was a study in morals fit for storytelling to a kid. Ths stories barely felt enticing and I'm not sure why these specific stories were picked.
I would definitely not recommend you to go ahead with this compilation if you want to read Rumi.
March 19, 2025
Maryam Mafi’s The Book of Rumi is an attempt to bring the timeless wisdom of Jalal ad-Din Rumi to a modern audience, translating and adapting stories from his famous Masnavi. While the book succeeds in making these ancient fables more accessible, it also raises questions about whether it truly captures the depth and poetic brilliance of Rumi’s original work.
For readers unfamiliar with Rumi, this book may serve as a gentle introduction, offering moral lessons in a straightforward manner. Some stories resonate with profound wisdom, touching on themes of love, humility, and human folly. They serve as reminders of universal truths, similar to parables found in religious and philosophical traditions. However, for those already acquainted with Rumi’s poetry or his other translations, this book may feel overly simplistic—at times, even patronizing.
One of the book’s shortcomings is its overtly didactic tone. The stories frequently spell out their moral conclusions, leaving little room for contemplation or personal interpretation. Instead of inviting readers to reflect, the book often tells them what they should have learned. This approach makes it feel more like a children’s collection of fables rather than the deeply thought-provoking work many expect from Rumi. Some readers found the selection of stories uninspiring, questioning why certain fables were chosen over others.
Translation plays a crucial role in how we experience classical works, and in this case, it’s a double-edged sword. While Mafi’s prose is clear and readable, it sometimes lacks the poetic subtlety and layered meanings that make Rumi’s original work so revered. Some stories require additional cultural or historical context to be fully appreciated, yet the book often fails to provide it. Readers unfamiliar with Sufi traditions may find themselves searching for outside explanations to make sense of certain references.
That being said, The Book of Rumi isn’t without its merits. For those looking for a light, digestible read filled with short moral tales, it may offer inspiration. The physical design of the book is also appealing—simple, elegant, and inviting. But if you are seeking the full power of Rumi’s words, the depth of his mysticism, or a translation that truly does justice to his poetic genius, this may not be the best place to start.
Its a decent introduction to Rumi’s storytelling, but too simplified for those who seek deeper philosophical engagement. Consider exploring other translations if you want a more profound experience.
For readers unfamiliar with Rumi, this book may serve as a gentle introduction, offering moral lessons in a straightforward manner. Some stories resonate with profound wisdom, touching on themes of love, humility, and human folly. They serve as reminders of universal truths, similar to parables found in religious and philosophical traditions. However, for those already acquainted with Rumi’s poetry or his other translations, this book may feel overly simplistic—at times, even patronizing.
One of the book’s shortcomings is its overtly didactic tone. The stories frequently spell out their moral conclusions, leaving little room for contemplation or personal interpretation. Instead of inviting readers to reflect, the book often tells them what they should have learned. This approach makes it feel more like a children’s collection of fables rather than the deeply thought-provoking work many expect from Rumi. Some readers found the selection of stories uninspiring, questioning why certain fables were chosen over others.
Translation plays a crucial role in how we experience classical works, and in this case, it’s a double-edged sword. While Mafi’s prose is clear and readable, it sometimes lacks the poetic subtlety and layered meanings that make Rumi’s original work so revered. Some stories require additional cultural or historical context to be fully appreciated, yet the book often fails to provide it. Readers unfamiliar with Sufi traditions may find themselves searching for outside explanations to make sense of certain references.
That being said, The Book of Rumi isn’t without its merits. For those looking for a light, digestible read filled with short moral tales, it may offer inspiration. The physical design of the book is also appealing—simple, elegant, and inviting. But if you are seeking the full power of Rumi’s words, the depth of his mysticism, or a translation that truly does justice to his poetic genius, this may not be the best place to start.
Its a decent introduction to Rumi’s storytelling, but too simplified for those who seek deeper philosophical engagement. Consider exploring other translations if you want a more profound experience.
February 22, 2023
Fell in love with it 4.5/5
Farzad's translations of Rumi's stories are elegant and accessible, making them easy to read and understand. The tales themselves are both simple and profound, with themes that touch on universal truths and human experiences. Many of the stories feature animals, which serve as allegories for deeper spiritual and philosophical concepts.
The book is well-organized, with an introduction that provides context and background on Rumi's life and work. Farzad also includes a glossary and pronunciation guide for the Persian terms used in the book, which is helpful for readers who may not be familiar with the language.
The illustrations in the book are absolutely stunning, with intricate details and vibrant colors that bring Rumi's stories to life. The combination of Farzad's translations and the beautiful artwork makes for a truly enchanting reading experience.
Overall, "The Book of Rumi: 105 Stories and Fables" is a wonderful collection of stories and teachings from one of the most beloved poets and philosophers in history. Farzad's translations and the gorgeous illustrations make this book a true gem that readers of all ages and backgrounds can appreciate and enjoy.
Farzad's translations of Rumi's stories are elegant and accessible, making them easy to read and understand. The tales themselves are both simple and profound, with themes that touch on universal truths and human experiences. Many of the stories feature animals, which serve as allegories for deeper spiritual and philosophical concepts.
The book is well-organized, with an introduction that provides context and background on Rumi's life and work. Farzad also includes a glossary and pronunciation guide for the Persian terms used in the book, which is helpful for readers who may not be familiar with the language.
The illustrations in the book are absolutely stunning, with intricate details and vibrant colors that bring Rumi's stories to life. The combination of Farzad's translations and the beautiful artwork makes for a truly enchanting reading experience.
Overall, "The Book of Rumi: 105 Stories and Fables" is a wonderful collection of stories and teachings from one of the most beloved poets and philosophers in history. Farzad's translations and the gorgeous illustrations make this book a true gem that readers of all ages and backgrounds can appreciate and enjoy.
June 21, 2021
How tiresome and didactic! The quintessence of #OKBoomer - which is not a phrase I like, due to its agist and disrespectful connotations....but jesu christo! It never applied more! This thing aged like Janice Dickinson.
I mean that in the sense that these backward archaic ideas of supplication to authority just aren't going to go down without a fight, no matter how tedious. This embodies the most pernicious, destructive aspects of religion, in my opinion. It's Harrison Bergeron as a prescriptive tale. It demands shame. I sometimes shudder at how shameless, on some fundamental levels (cancel culture aside), so much of the younger generation and media culture has become, but then I read Rumi and see why this overcorrection was so in order.
That or cancel culture is just Rumi 2.0: Aesopian Vengeance for the 21st Century. Ron White standup for the Orient. How dull and demoralizing!
As an aside, an additional problem - besides thematic content - is the matter of translation. I had to go to the internet for translations of the translations because some of the stories just didn't make a bit of sense. For the parrot and the grocer, one of the first stories, one must know that the darvish is a monk, that darvish monks are bald. By understand this, you may then suss out that the parrot is referencing the baldness of the monk in a "kids say the darnedest things" America's Funniest Home videos kind of way. But despite this book's penchant for "saying the quiet parts out loud" and transgressing against the rule of show-don't-tell by providing cloyingly smug summaries of every theme at the end of a story, the translation still overlooked very salient details like the parrot calling the man "baldy!" or "slaphead!" at the end to provide necessary details for the visual comedy of the scene.
I mean that in the sense that these backward archaic ideas of supplication to authority just aren't going to go down without a fight, no matter how tedious. This embodies the most pernicious, destructive aspects of religion, in my opinion. It's Harrison Bergeron as a prescriptive tale. It demands shame. I sometimes shudder at how shameless, on some fundamental levels (cancel culture aside), so much of the younger generation and media culture has become, but then I read Rumi and see why this overcorrection was so in order.
That or cancel culture is just Rumi 2.0: Aesopian Vengeance for the 21st Century. Ron White standup for the Orient. How dull and demoralizing!
As an aside, an additional problem - besides thematic content - is the matter of translation. I had to go to the internet for translations of the translations because some of the stories just didn't make a bit of sense. For the parrot and the grocer, one of the first stories, one must know that the darvish is a monk, that darvish monks are bald. By understand this, you may then suss out that the parrot is referencing the baldness of the monk in a "kids say the darnedest things" America's Funniest Home videos kind of way. But despite this book's penchant for "saying the quiet parts out loud" and transgressing against the rule of show-don't-tell by providing cloyingly smug summaries of every theme at the end of a story, the translation still overlooked very salient details like the parrot calling the man "baldy!" or "slaphead!" at the end to provide necessary details for the visual comedy of the scene.
December 27, 2025
I'm a bit of a fan of the 13th century mystic Rumi - or at least the version that's been presented to me, packaged and picked, I suppose, partly for my western, contemplative, 21st century sensibilities. This has mainly been via his poetry. In reality, my knowledge of Rumi is actually quite limited and surface, and his output was vast.
Here we have a collection of his stories, gleaned and collected from his wider works. I listened to the audiobook.
The foreword and intro are excellent, as is the narrator, who is superb. I quite enjoyed the stories, and they're nicely done (though, and maybe this is a fault in me, I didn't find them particularly illumining). They are very characterful - especially as they've been rendered by this narrator. 'The Night Watchman and the Drunk', for example, is enjoyably like something straight out of Kerouac.
I really liked the last one about travelling for miles, only to realise that the treasure you were looking for was at home all along. Maybe there's a lesson in that regarding my listening to this book!
I suppose the most startling thing is the instances of violence. And a worldview in which God or wisdom uses violence to teach a lesson... sometimes to the ultimate detriment of one of the story's main characters. I think I thought this wouldn't be a part of a Sufi perspective, and Rumi is so often quoted for his welcoming kindness. But then again, these were violent times, and a religion will seek to make sense of such things. Anyway, for me, it painted a disquieting picture.
There's still a lot to explore with Rumi, and I'm still looking forward to future engagements with his poetic work.
Here we have a collection of his stories, gleaned and collected from his wider works. I listened to the audiobook.
The foreword and intro are excellent, as is the narrator, who is superb. I quite enjoyed the stories, and they're nicely done (though, and maybe this is a fault in me, I didn't find them particularly illumining). They are very characterful - especially as they've been rendered by this narrator. 'The Night Watchman and the Drunk', for example, is enjoyably like something straight out of Kerouac.
I really liked the last one about travelling for miles, only to realise that the treasure you were looking for was at home all along. Maybe there's a lesson in that regarding my listening to this book!
I suppose the most startling thing is the instances of violence. And a worldview in which God or wisdom uses violence to teach a lesson... sometimes to the ultimate detriment of one of the story's main characters. I think I thought this wouldn't be a part of a Sufi perspective, and Rumi is so often quoted for his welcoming kindness. But then again, these were violent times, and a religion will seek to make sense of such things. Anyway, for me, it painted a disquieting picture.
There's still a lot to explore with Rumi, and I'm still looking forward to future engagements with his poetic work.
June 27, 2020
God is one and without a rival, but he gives forth infinite signs. Think about it : a man may be your father, but he is also someone's son; what may seem like an anger in the eyes of an enemy is kindness to a friend
You can purchase it for a dollar on google play book
You can purchase it for a dollar on google play book
November 30, 2019
A beautiful eloquence.
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