Rumi: Hidden Music

by Azima Melita Kolin, Azima Melita Kolin

A breathtaking new collection of translations of poems by Rumi, one of the worlds most loved mystical teachers and bestselling poets. Beautifully packaged and illustrated with paintings and Persian calligraphy, this is an ideal gift.Jalal-uddin Rumi was born in what is now Afghanistan in 1207. His poetry has inspired generations of spiritual seekers, both from his own Sufi school and well beyond. His poems speak to the seeker and the lover in all of us. He is one of the worlds most revered poets and spiritual teachers, and is currently the bestselling poet in America.Rumi is one of the greatest mystic poets of all time. His unique message of love speaks directly to the heart and transcends the boundaries of language and time. These poems, carefully selected from the Divan of Shams (Rumi's collection of 3,000 poems), speak powerfully to the seeker and lover in all of us.These beautiful, new translations from the original Persian, by the authors of Whispers of the Beloved, are arranged thematically and lead us through the intricacies of love, longing and the quest for truth. Each section is accompanied by Persian calligraphy of several of the poems, as well as stunning, evocative paintings by Azima Melita Kolin, reproduced in full colour, which are inspired by the poems and have been specially commissioned for the book.

192 pages, Paperback

Published January 9, 2020

Reviews

[Sumit Dhamija · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished reading the book - “Rumi - Hidden Music”, poems translated by Maryam Mafi and Azima Melita Kolin. This book came as a Birthday present from my friend Debmalya and his Mom (whom I fondly call Kaki Maa). Thanks, Deb & Kaki Maa for this wonderful book.

Pithy quotes and couplets by Rumi have always left me intrigued and introspecting. However, after having read the life story of Rumi (in my all time favourite book - The Forty Rules of Love by Elif Shafak) and how his master & friend - Shams of Tabriz, shaped Rumi into a Sufi mystic we know today, I have newfound respect & admiration for Rumi.

Although the book is a quick read, every single poem is worthy of re-reading and contemplation. In these poems, Rumi’s love for the Divine (whom we call by different names yet He’s One) and his master & friend - Shams is seen like an overflowing cup of nectar. Quoting below a few poems (verbatim) from the book, those that touched my heart and resonated with me the most.

Poem 1 - Page 60
The Friend who cannot be seen is the most subtle and precious.
The work that cannot be seen is the most refined.
The cleverest of all is the one who does not deceive himself for he has deceived deceit.

Poem 2 - Page 70
My God, do not give me back to myself,
do not let me settle for anything but You.
In You I hide, escaping from my ruin;
please, do not give me back to myself.

Poem 3 (excerpt only) - Page 103
Do you want me to tell you a secret?
The flowers attract the most beautiful lover with their sweet smile and scent.
If you let God weave the verse in your poem, people will read it forever.

Poem 4 - Page 122
One day your heart
will take you to your lover.
One day your soul
will carry you to the Beloved.
Don’t get lost in your pain,
know that one day
your pain will become your cure.

Poem 5 - Page 145
Your generosity is vaster than the sea,
it does not wait for tomorrow.
No need to ask You for anything.
Does anyone ever ask the Sun for light?

Poem 6 - Page 178
Do not look back, my friend,
no one knows how the world ever began.
Do not fear the future, nothing lasts forever.
If you dwell on the past or the future,
you will miss the moment.

In nutshell, I admire Rumi more than I can ever express in words.

[MirageDreamer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always come across poems written by Rumi on social media and I have always loved the way he wrote, what he wrote, and why he wrote.

If it wasn’t for visiting Kinokuniya in Sydney, I would have never come across his masterpieces.

This was the first physical poetry book I have read of Rumi’s and it was astounding. It felt as though I was connected to his essence.

One of the greatest poets in history.