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The Spiritual Poems of Rumi
Translated by renowned Rumi expert Nader Khalili, over 120 poems on spirituality from the Persian mystic poet and Sufi master have been carefully collected and curated in this beautifully illustrated edition.
For more than eight centuries, Jalaluddin Muhammad Balkhi Rumi—commonly referred to simply as Rumi—has enchanted and enthralled readers from every faith and background with his universal themes of love, friendship, and spirituality, which he seamlessly wove into resplendent poetry.
The verses herein perfectly express the spiritual quest and desire for a deeper understanding of not only ourselves, but also of our collective oneness as humankind.
With intricately designed and richly colored covers that mirror the beauty of the words within, the Timeless Rumi series presents themed collections of poems from the great Sufi mystic Jalaluddin Muhammad Balkhi Rumi that serve as cherished tools for self-reflection.
128 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2020
432 people are currently reading
2919 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 115 reviews
August 12, 2018
I've read a lot of good feedbacks about this, hence I immediately ask for the ARC of this book. Readers will reflect and will have self-realization while reading the verses in this brilliant book. There are a lot of beautiful and remarkable poems that were compiled in this anthology. Reading these classic poems from the world-renown Persian poet Rumi will amaze anyone on how stunning they were written.
If ever I see the actual copy of this in local bookstores here in my country, I would definitely buy one because this kind of poems are timeless, classic and are definitely collector’s item.
If ever I see the actual copy of this in local bookstores here in my country, I would definitely buy one because this kind of poems are timeless, classic and are definitely collector’s item.
October 26, 2021
It’s incredible how even through differences in time and religion, Rumi’s words are still so poignant, no matter where you are in life or what your belief system is.
January 24, 2018
3.5/5 stars
➹Thanks to Netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group - Wellfleet Press for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.➷
The Spiritual Poems of Rumi is such a beautiful compilation of Persian mystic poet Rumi's poems translated by Nader Khalili. Accompanying these poems are colorful and enthralling Islamic geometric patterns that only enhanced these immortal poems with the added cultural and mystical feel.
Most of Rumi's poems here would evoke this constant urge to go on adventures and to look for meaning in nature. Not only in our surroundings but also within ourselves. To live life more deeply, richly, and be one with the universe. On the other hand, there were cautions against being selfish and self-indulgent.
I'm not that good at deciding if these poems are the best I've read but since most of these ones have been around for centuries then alright. Sometimes the meanings were easy to decipher, a lot of times they are totally ambiguous and I know it will take a longer time to unlock their intended meaning. What I like the most is how thought-provoking these poems are.
What's for sure is that I'll read this collection again and again in the years to come. Seeing as this is my ARC copy, I would certainly buy myself a copy and maybe another one to give to my loved ones. It's just really beautiful and timeless on its own.
➹Thanks to Netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group - Wellfleet Press for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.➷
WINE IS INTOXICATED FROM ME
wine is intoxicated from me
not me from the wine
body exists because of me
not the other way around
The Spiritual Poems of Rumi is such a beautiful compilation of Persian mystic poet Rumi's poems translated by Nader Khalili. Accompanying these poems are colorful and enthralling Islamic geometric patterns that only enhanced these immortal poems with the added cultural and mystical feel.
Most of Rumi's poems here would evoke this constant urge to go on adventures and to look for meaning in nature. Not only in our surroundings but also within ourselves. To live life more deeply, richly, and be one with the universe. On the other hand, there were cautions against being selfish and self-indulgent.
I'm not that good at deciding if these poems are the best I've read but since most of these ones have been around for centuries then alright. Sometimes the meanings were easy to decipher, a lot of times they are totally ambiguous and I know it will take a longer time to unlock their intended meaning. What I like the most is how thought-provoking these poems are.
What's for sure is that I'll read this collection again and again in the years to come. Seeing as this is my ARC copy, I would certainly buy myself a copy and maybe another one to give to my loved ones. It's just really beautiful and timeless on its own.
September 3, 2020
I adore Rumi and his impassioned spiritual poetry. My fave piece by this 13th century Persian mystic is one I posted online one Election Day:
“Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing,
there is a field. I’ll meet you there.”
So many people responded, because Rumi resonates at the soul level.
That said, I was drawn at first to this carefully curated book of 120 poems because of the gorgeous cover. Alas, I found that the clumsy internal design detracted from the elegance of the poetry itself.
Nonetheless, Rumi’s power overcomes awkward layouts every time. Still highly recommended for avid fans and newbies alike.
4 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 15 Sep 2020
Thanks to Quarto Publishing Group – Wellfleet Press, and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.
#TheSpiritualPoemsofRumi #NetGalley
“Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing,
there is a field. I’ll meet you there.”
So many people responded, because Rumi resonates at the soul level.
That said, I was drawn at first to this carefully curated book of 120 poems because of the gorgeous cover. Alas, I found that the clumsy internal design detracted from the elegance of the poetry itself.
Nonetheless, Rumi’s power overcomes awkward layouts every time. Still highly recommended for avid fans and newbies alike.
4 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 15 Sep 2020
Thanks to Quarto Publishing Group – Wellfleet Press, and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.
#TheSpiritualPoemsofRumi #NetGalley
January 18, 2018
To review and rate Rumi’s work, in any translation, is akin to judging nature, the warmth of the sun, the calmness of the moon, the joyous soul of an individual. These poems are meant to be read/sung, heard, felt to be understood.
This collection of over 120 of Rumi’s spiritual poems translated by Nader Khalili is beautifully illustrated with panels of Islamic geometric patterns - evoking the culture in which these works were created, adding to the sense of mysticism, and reflecting the translator’s love for architecture and the influence of Rumi’s poetry on his work and life.
If I had a grouse, it was to do with the thematic flow of poems in some parts. Sometimes in direct contradiction to each other. But on later reflection, isn’t life itself full of contradictions? The sun is both a source of warmth, of light, of energy, and a cause of drought. The moon is both a symbol of sadness, bereft of the sun’s light, and part of the dancing orbiting cosmos, a universal truth. Stillness of the mind is desired, to free from the shackles of negative thoughts, but you are never to stay still - stuck, bogged down by concerns that are mostly your mind’s doing.
There is a constant urge to go on quests, to look for meaning in nature, in knowledge, within yourself. To live life more deeply, richly, being one with the universe. And at the same time, there is caution against being selfish, self-indulgent.
My personal favorites are in the last section, Dancing the Flame, where the translation comes together to create meanings that run deeper than the words on the page.
Two of my favorites:
Don’t Think Too Much
don’t think too much
put yourself to sleep
thinking is a veil
on the face of the moon
your heart is like the moon
don’t cover it with thoughts
cast your thinking on the water
In This Plentiful
in this plentiful
sea of life
with envy and greed
we steal happiness
from each other
a fish never
stores up water
a fish is finished
without the sea
Thanks NetGalley and Wellfleet Press for the ARC!
This collection of over 120 of Rumi’s spiritual poems translated by Nader Khalili is beautifully illustrated with panels of Islamic geometric patterns - evoking the culture in which these works were created, adding to the sense of mysticism, and reflecting the translator’s love for architecture and the influence of Rumi’s poetry on his work and life.
If I had a grouse, it was to do with the thematic flow of poems in some parts. Sometimes in direct contradiction to each other. But on later reflection, isn’t life itself full of contradictions? The sun is both a source of warmth, of light, of energy, and a cause of drought. The moon is both a symbol of sadness, bereft of the sun’s light, and part of the dancing orbiting cosmos, a universal truth. Stillness of the mind is desired, to free from the shackles of negative thoughts, but you are never to stay still - stuck, bogged down by concerns that are mostly your mind’s doing.
There is a constant urge to go on quests, to look for meaning in nature, in knowledge, within yourself. To live life more deeply, richly, being one with the universe. And at the same time, there is caution against being selfish, self-indulgent.
My personal favorites are in the last section, Dancing the Flame, where the translation comes together to create meanings that run deeper than the words on the page.
Two of my favorites:
Don’t Think Too Much
don’t think too much
put yourself to sleep
thinking is a veil
on the face of the moon
your heart is like the moon
don’t cover it with thoughts
cast your thinking on the water
In This Plentiful
in this plentiful
sea of life
with envy and greed
we steal happiness
from each other
a fish never
stores up water
a fish is finished
without the sea
Thanks NetGalley and Wellfleet Press for the ARC!
January 26, 2018
”there are two attitudes
rendering us useless
two bad manners
chaining us for good
one
intoxication in self glory
the other
awakening coming too late”
This is collection of poems from Jalaluddin Mevlana Rumi. This is my first time reading about this poet.
I may be a little ignorant with the poetry genre but I like to get out of my comfortable zone and read something different. I like some of the poems but I didn't find them mind blowing (it may be my ignorance).
Overall I found the book interesting, maybe reading in a slower pace will made me analyze the poems some more.
June 10, 2024
sell your cleverness and
buy bewilderment
cleverness is skepticism
bewilderment is vision
As soon as I read this first poem in this book, I immediately memorized it and mulled over it the next couple of days. I was hooked. There are many others that have had similar profound impact on me, and with so few words.
As I read these I got the idea that this was the perfect book to read intermittently, just one or so per day. That gave me the idea to do an experiment and post short poems as reading status updates here on GR and see what happened. There wasn’t any spectacular response, but I like the thought that maybe, just maybe, somebody was able to pause their frenetic day and have a peaceful moment of engaging in the divine because of one of those updates.
This particular book is one of a series of similar books which you can find at Barnes and Noble, each one small, hardback, beautifully decorated inside and out with a particular art style that I would describe as a minimalistic version of stained glass windows or mosaics. The series includes Love Poems of Rumi, Friendship Poems of Rumi, and this one: Spiritual Poems of Rumi.
I went into this book knowing virtually nothing about Rumi or his poetry. Rumi was an Islamic mystic who was part of a particular group known as the whirling dervishes: men who, in a trance, would spin for long periods of time as a sort of mindfulness or meditation. Rumi was known for delivering his poetry to his disciples while whirling, and as you read a poem you can picture how each short line is just long enough for him to utter between breaths while facing the students before quickly rotating away.
don’t look at yourself
how ugly or beautiful you are
look at your love (inside) instead
look at the one you love
Most of his poems are like the ones above: profound and tightly packed, no punctuation, no capitalization, always has a twist, often has a question, although it’s not always explicit. For me this kind of poetry is great. If a poem is ambiguously written for me to read my own meaning into it, then I like it to be really short, something I can go over and over and really think about the whole thing as one body. These are perfect.
like an ant
in a wheat harvest
we are happy
when carrying a burden
greater than ourselves
He has a way of saying something that seems on face value to be ridiculous, but if you take the time to think about it and ask yourself “in what sense could it be that this is true?” you find great meaning in it. I may or may not arrive at the same exact interpretation that Rumi had in mind, but this kind of reflection is incredibly valuable because it causes me to contemplate the true nature of the spiritual world, the essence of life, and the search for meaning. The fact that these poems caused me to do that multiple times means this is a great work of art. I consider these great jumping off points for meditation.
Did I have the same experience with all of these poems? No. Some of them fell flat for me. Most notably, poems about “love” but which I read as being more about infatuation, losing yourself in another. He seems to deify his lover. This I can’t get into.
I was also confused by poems about drunkenness. I found out from my friend Werner that referring to drunkenness is a motif in Muslim literature that is not meant to be taken literally; it refers to the intoxication of spiritual experiences. I'll have to re-read those poems to see if they resonate more now that I know that.
Despite the poems that were misses for me, it was easy enough to just go on to the next poem until I found one that did resonate. And so I would just skim until I found the next deep poem and then camp out and have my next revelatory experience.
If there was ever a book that put me in the mindset of “it’s not about the destination but the journey,” then it’s this one. Less concerned with “getting it right,” whatever that’s supposed to mean, and instead with getting to the business of really living as a true human being.
I will leave you with two more poems:
if you abandon for a little while
your ego and greed
tear down your shield
rise with a quest
to unite with the divine
what do you think will happen
get up and do some good
for someone now
the universe will surely
safekeep your act
everyone has left his
belongings and is gone
you too
except
for what good
you have done
buy bewilderment
cleverness is skepticism
bewilderment is vision
As soon as I read this first poem in this book, I immediately memorized it and mulled over it the next couple of days. I was hooked. There are many others that have had similar profound impact on me, and with so few words.
As I read these I got the idea that this was the perfect book to read intermittently, just one or so per day. That gave me the idea to do an experiment and post short poems as reading status updates here on GR and see what happened. There wasn’t any spectacular response, but I like the thought that maybe, just maybe, somebody was able to pause their frenetic day and have a peaceful moment of engaging in the divine because of one of those updates.
This particular book is one of a series of similar books which you can find at Barnes and Noble, each one small, hardback, beautifully decorated inside and out with a particular art style that I would describe as a minimalistic version of stained glass windows or mosaics. The series includes Love Poems of Rumi, Friendship Poems of Rumi, and this one: Spiritual Poems of Rumi.
I went into this book knowing virtually nothing about Rumi or his poetry. Rumi was an Islamic mystic who was part of a particular group known as the whirling dervishes: men who, in a trance, would spin for long periods of time as a sort of mindfulness or meditation. Rumi was known for delivering his poetry to his disciples while whirling, and as you read a poem you can picture how each short line is just long enough for him to utter between breaths while facing the students before quickly rotating away.
don’t look at yourself
how ugly or beautiful you are
look at your love (inside) instead
look at the one you love
Most of his poems are like the ones above: profound and tightly packed, no punctuation, no capitalization, always has a twist, often has a question, although it’s not always explicit. For me this kind of poetry is great. If a poem is ambiguously written for me to read my own meaning into it, then I like it to be really short, something I can go over and over and really think about the whole thing as one body. These are perfect.
like an ant
in a wheat harvest
we are happy
when carrying a burden
greater than ourselves
He has a way of saying something that seems on face value to be ridiculous, but if you take the time to think about it and ask yourself “in what sense could it be that this is true?” you find great meaning in it. I may or may not arrive at the same exact interpretation that Rumi had in mind, but this kind of reflection is incredibly valuable because it causes me to contemplate the true nature of the spiritual world, the essence of life, and the search for meaning. The fact that these poems caused me to do that multiple times means this is a great work of art. I consider these great jumping off points for meditation.
Did I have the same experience with all of these poems? No. Some of them fell flat for me. Most notably, poems about “love” but which I read as being more about infatuation, losing yourself in another. He seems to deify his lover. This I can’t get into.
I was also confused by poems about drunkenness. I found out from my friend Werner that referring to drunkenness is a motif in Muslim literature that is not meant to be taken literally; it refers to the intoxication of spiritual experiences. I'll have to re-read those poems to see if they resonate more now that I know that.
Despite the poems that were misses for me, it was easy enough to just go on to the next poem until I found one that did resonate. And so I would just skim until I found the next deep poem and then camp out and have my next revelatory experience.
If there was ever a book that put me in the mindset of “it’s not about the destination but the journey,” then it’s this one. Less concerned with “getting it right,” whatever that’s supposed to mean, and instead with getting to the business of really living as a true human being.
I will leave you with two more poems:
if you abandon for a little while
your ego and greed
tear down your shield
rise with a quest
to unite with the divine
what do you think will happen
get up and do some good
for someone now
the universe will surely
safekeep your act
everyone has left his
belongings and is gone
you too
except
for what good
you have done
June 25, 2022
This was my first experience with reading an entire set of Rumi’s poetry. His words capture the essence of core spiritual principles in a very concise and moving way. You don’t just grasp the concepts, Rumi helps you feel them, and that’s the point really, to have an experience. To be so thoroughly touched that your soul is ignited by the images it recognizes as old and yet familiar. To be reacquainted with that part of yourself that transcends time but often is buried under distractions and slumber. Rumi demonstrates how to peel back those layers and communicate directly in the language of the soul with few words. Resonance.
December 27, 2022
"Sell your cleverness and buy bewilderment"
I purchased this gorgeous edition of Rumi poems in 3 volumes - Spiritual, Friendship, and Love poems of Rumi in new a translation. This book was my first ever outing with Rumi in particular, and I think with Persian poetry in general.
The book itself and the poems it contained were pretty short and easy to read. But I decided to take my time reading it, rather than inhaling them in one sitting just because I can. It proved a rewarding experience to try to understand what they conveyed, even though I don't have much practice reading about spirituality/philosophy.
The edition itself is beautiful! Intricate gold embossed cover, and full-color decorative ornamentation on every page throughout the book add another dimension to the reading experience. It was surprisingly affordable for the quality - something like 11 EUR. Totally recommend!!!
November 22, 2024
I'm embarassed to admit this is the first time I've read Rumi, despite my daughter recommending his poetry to me decades ago. But I'm glad I gound this little book and enjoyed it a lot. I'll definitely be reading this again, as well as diving into more of his work. Thoughtful poetry can be an encourager in dark times.
"whatever happens
to the world around you
show me your purpose
show me your source
even if the world
is Godless and in chaos
show me your anchor
show me your love
if there is hunger
if there is famine
show me your harvest
show me your resource
if life is bitter
everywhere snakes everywhere poison
show me your garden
show me your meadow
if the sun and moon fall
if darkness rules the world
show me your light
show me your flame..."
"whatever happens
to the world around you
show me your purpose
show me your source
even if the world
is Godless and in chaos
show me your anchor
show me your love
if there is hunger
if there is famine
show me your harvest
show me your resource
if life is bitter
everywhere snakes everywhere poison
show me your garden
show me your meadow
if the sun and moon fall
if darkness rules the world
show me your light
show me your flame..."
August 21, 2023
I liked this one a lot more than the first Rumi collection. These particular poems resonated with me more, and again I'm not sure if it's the translation or just the poems themselves.
Happiness is to reach
The next post every day...
Yesterday is gone and
Took away its tale
Today we must live
A fresh story again
How can i express
Your life when mine
Still is untold
You are that bull
Who carries the world
Revolt for once
And topple the globe
Check out my YouTube channel for bookish videos and monthly wrap ups!
Happiness is to reach
The next post every day...
Yesterday is gone and
Took away its tale
Today we must live
A fresh story again
How can i express
Your life when mine
Still is untold
You are that bull
Who carries the world
Revolt for once
And topple the globe
Check out my YouTube channel for bookish videos and monthly wrap ups!
February 13, 2018
"unknown existence
undiscovered beauty
that’s how you are
so far
but
one dawn
just like a sun right
from within
you will arise"
I adore Rumi's poetry and was delighted to come across this brand new translation. This edition contains over 120 of his poems, including a section, Pearls of the Deep, with previously unpublished poetry. I tend to find reading Rumi a meditative process, and this edition with its stunning artwork – the poems are framed with panels of Islamic geometric patterns – allows for a truly immersive experience.
Nader Khalili's translation is elegant and maintains the mystical and introspective quality of Rumi's poetry. I would have preferred the capitalisation of the personal pronoun "I" in the poems, but this did not detract from my enjoyment of the translation.
I reviewed a digital ARC, and I look forward to buying a physical copy soon for the gorgeous art.
Thank you Netgalley and Wellfleet Press for an ARC!
undiscovered beauty
that’s how you are
so far
but
one dawn
just like a sun right
from within
you will arise"
I adore Rumi's poetry and was delighted to come across this brand new translation. This edition contains over 120 of his poems, including a section, Pearls of the Deep, with previously unpublished poetry. I tend to find reading Rumi a meditative process, and this edition with its stunning artwork – the poems are framed with panels of Islamic geometric patterns – allows for a truly immersive experience.
Nader Khalili's translation is elegant and maintains the mystical and introspective quality of Rumi's poetry. I would have preferred the capitalisation of the personal pronoun "I" in the poems, but this did not detract from my enjoyment of the translation.
I reviewed a digital ARC, and I look forward to buying a physical copy soon for the gorgeous art.
Thank you Netgalley and Wellfleet Press for an ARC!
March 8, 2018
It's almost hard to believe that these poems are considered ancient...
I've heard and read Rumi's name before but I actually don't know who really is and what he actually did. All I know is that he's someone important. LOL. Anyway, I was intrigued when I saw this book of poems on Netgalley, I just had to request it.
Rumi is undeniably a good poet, that I consider his poems timeless. Though they were written long, long ago, they still ring truths for today. His choice of words were just simple, (or maybe it's just the translation,) yet when you truly grasp what they mean, simplicity is not one of the words you would use to describe the poems. The messages he was trying to convey in each poem was deep.
I admit though that not all of them were amazing for me. I love most of the poems but not all. Still, this book of poetry is a gift and I wish everyone reads it. :)
Thanks to the publishers for granting me a copy thru Netgally in exchange for an honest review.
I've heard and read Rumi's name before but I actually don't know who really is and what he actually did. All I know is that he's someone important. LOL. Anyway, I was intrigued when I saw this book of poems on Netgalley, I just had to request it.
Rumi is undeniably a good poet, that I consider his poems timeless. Though they were written long, long ago, they still ring truths for today. His choice of words were just simple, (or maybe it's just the translation,) yet when you truly grasp what they mean, simplicity is not one of the words you would use to describe the poems. The messages he was trying to convey in each poem was deep.
I admit though that not all of them were amazing for me. I love most of the poems but not all. Still, this book of poetry is a gift and I wish everyone reads it. :)
Thanks to the publishers for granting me a copy thru Netgally in exchange for an honest review.
September 2, 2024
“Earn for the bite, you cannot swallow; search for the knowledge, that doesn’t exist; there is a secret hidden in the heart of holy men; seek that which God’s angel can’t”
“there are two attitudes
rendering us useless
two bad manners
chaining us for good
one
intoxication in self glory
the other
awakening coming too late”
“he said your sickness is madness mixed with dreams
then leave it alone i said
let it be as long as it is”
“you can’t escape people
by acting clever
you can’t escape yourself
if you keep talking
there is only one way out
silence and
silence again”
“in this plentiful
sea of life
with envy and greed
we steal happiness
from each other
a fish never
stores up water
a fish is finished
without the sea”
“there are two attitudes
rendering us useless
two bad manners
chaining us for good
one
intoxication in self glory
the other
awakening coming too late”
“he said your sickness is madness mixed with dreams
then leave it alone i said
let it be as long as it is”
“you can’t escape people
by acting clever
you can’t escape yourself
if you keep talking
there is only one way out
silence and
silence again”
“in this plentiful
sea of life
with envy and greed
we steal happiness
from each other
a fish never
stores up water
a fish is finished
without the sea”
January 18, 2018
Thanks to Wellfleet Press for the ARC!
His poems are so beautiful and so deep that I will surely need to re-read this book a few times in order to absorb all the meaning. Maybe I'm still too young to understand all those feelings, but I enjoyed it anyway. I'll save a reminder to myself to give it another try a few years from now. However, my first impressions were really great. I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves poetry and wants to feel inspired.
Oh, and also, amazing graphic work. Loved it.
His poems are so beautiful and so deep that I will surely need to re-read this book a few times in order to absorb all the meaning. Maybe I'm still too young to understand all those feelings, but I enjoyed it anyway. I'll save a reminder to myself to give it another try a few years from now. However, my first impressions were really great. I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves poetry and wants to feel inspired.
Oh, and also, amazing graphic work. Loved it.
July 23, 2023
“now give yourself a kiss
and with sweet whispers fill your ears to the brim
watch for all that beauty reflecting from you
and sing a love song to your existence”
and with sweet whispers fill your ears to the brim
watch for all that beauty reflecting from you
and sing a love song to your existence”
May 28, 2024
“there is a soul within your soul seek it out
there is a treasure in your mountain seek it out
a mystic in motion if that’s what you are
don’t seek out there seek inside”
such beautiful works ✨
there is a treasure in your mountain seek it out
a mystic in motion if that’s what you are
don’t seek out there seek inside”
such beautiful works ✨
December 21, 2018
---I read this book from NetGalley UK in exchange for a fair review.---
I’m really glad I jump at the chance to read this collection of timeless poetry. Partly because I’ve read a novel about the poet’s life many years ago! Note to self: Don’t read them all in one sitting.
Aside from a short introduction regarding Rumi’s poetry, the book is divided into 3 sections: Pearls of the Deep, Fountain of Fire, and Dancing the Flame.
These poems are very much the focus of self reflection. I have too many favourites of which I’ve bookmarked in the ARC. The graphic design is very well-executed, giving the book a colourful yet pensive atmosphere - just perfect! Clearly a lot of thought has gone into publishing this title.
I would definitely get my own copy. So many poems I want re-read. Like a restorative balm for the weary soul.
Here is a poem from the book:
———————————————
HAPPINESS IS TO REACH
happiness is to reach
the next post every day
like flowing water
free from stillness
and melancholy
yesterday is gone and
took away its tale
today we must live
a fresh story again
———————————————
I’m really glad I jump at the chance to read this collection of timeless poetry. Partly because I’ve read a novel about the poet’s life many years ago! Note to self: Don’t read them all in one sitting.
Aside from a short introduction regarding Rumi’s poetry, the book is divided into 3 sections: Pearls of the Deep, Fountain of Fire, and Dancing the Flame.
These poems are very much the focus of self reflection. I have too many favourites of which I’ve bookmarked in the ARC. The graphic design is very well-executed, giving the book a colourful yet pensive atmosphere - just perfect! Clearly a lot of thought has gone into publishing this title.
I would definitely get my own copy. So many poems I want re-read. Like a restorative balm for the weary soul.
Here is a poem from the book:
———————————————
HAPPINESS IS TO REACH
happiness is to reach
the next post every day
like flowing water
free from stillness
and melancholy
yesterday is gone and
took away its tale
today we must live
a fresh story again
———————————————
January 15, 2018
******copy from NetGalley in return for an honest review******
I’m not a big poetry person, but even I liked this collection and found some thought-provoking stuff in here. This edition is also beautifully illustrated with colourful patterns throughout. Very nice.
I’m not a big poetry person, but even I liked this collection and found some thought-provoking stuff in here. This edition is also beautifully illustrated with colourful patterns throughout. Very nice.
Read
November 13, 2024Not going to rate this as I was struggling with comprehending rumi's words. English is not my first language, i did know almost all of the words that were used but had trouble understanding what rumi meant with them. There were some beautiful poems in there tho.
September 11, 2020
Spiritual Poems of Rumi - Translated by Nader Khalil
The birds are free from the cage
Cage is empty from the birds
Where have you flown from
To be so happy
I can smell eternity
In your songs.
Let me confess, this is my first foray into reading poetry of Rumi, the acclaimed 13th century poet and sufi mystic. And before delving into anything else, let me tell you, this is a beautifully illustrated book, I would have loved to leaf through a hard bound copy of this.
This collection contains the non literal translations of Rumi, done by Nadir Khalil. There are 3 parts, Pearls from deep, Fountains of fire and Dancing the flames. The first part contains unpublished excerpts while second and third part contains poems previously published in books of same name
I have always wondered how difficult it would be to translate Poetry. Reading through the poems in this collection makes me regret the fact that I will never read them in original Persian, a language long renowned as poetic and musical.
Wikipedia tells me Nader Khalil is a renowned American Iranian Architect whose cites Rumi as an inspiration for his architectural endeavors. I cannot comment about the quality of translation, but I found the poems in the collection a bit uneven. Poems in second and third parts are pretty good while I thought those in the first part wasa drag. Still, this is a book I would like to have on my bookshelf and leaf through every once in a while, when the mood strikes.
And did I tell you, the illustration is awesome.
The birds are free from the cage
Cage is empty from the birds
Where have you flown from
To be so happy
I can smell eternity
In your songs.
Let me confess, this is my first foray into reading poetry of Rumi, the acclaimed 13th century poet and sufi mystic. And before delving into anything else, let me tell you, this is a beautifully illustrated book, I would have loved to leaf through a hard bound copy of this.
This collection contains the non literal translations of Rumi, done by Nadir Khalil. There are 3 parts, Pearls from deep, Fountains of fire and Dancing the flames. The first part contains unpublished excerpts while second and third part contains poems previously published in books of same name
I have always wondered how difficult it would be to translate Poetry. Reading through the poems in this collection makes me regret the fact that I will never read them in original Persian, a language long renowned as poetic and musical.
Wikipedia tells me Nader Khalil is a renowned American Iranian Architect whose cites Rumi as an inspiration for his architectural endeavors. I cannot comment about the quality of translation, but I found the poems in the collection a bit uneven. Poems in second and third parts are pretty good while I thought those in the first part wasa drag. Still, this is a book I would like to have on my bookshelf and leaf through every once in a while, when the mood strikes.
And did I tell you, the illustration is awesome.
January 28, 2018
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher door the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!
Absolutely stunning collection of poetry from the Persian poet, Rumi. It's hard to believe that these verses were written 8 centuries ago, as they still resonate deeply today.
I own many volumes of poetry by Rumi, but this is an especially good one. The subtle artwork is exquisite and enhances the poetry. The translations are new to me and allow me to see the work through another prism.
A beautiful book for poetry lover or novice alike!
Absolutely stunning collection of poetry from the Persian poet, Rumi. It's hard to believe that these verses were written 8 centuries ago, as they still resonate deeply today.
I own many volumes of poetry by Rumi, but this is an especially good one. The subtle artwork is exquisite and enhances the poetry. The translations are new to me and allow me to see the work through another prism.
A beautiful book for poetry lover or novice alike!
February 17, 2018
Rumi's poetry has been admired by the world for centuries. There's a reason for that; like any great poetry, it is universal in its appeal; it touches us, make us think, make us feel, and is timeless.
I have several versions of Rumi's poems on my bookshelf, and this is an excellent one. I was especially excited to see that twenty-one previously unpublished poems are included!! Nadedar Khalili's translations are quite good. The tile mosaics which accompany each poem are beautiful and their visual beauty only enhances the poetry to make the book extra special.
This would be a great addition to any bookshelf; and a fine gift for those who enjoy poetry.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Wellfleet press for allowing me to read an e-ARC of this outstanding book in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts expressed here are strictly my own.
I have several versions of Rumi's poems on my bookshelf, and this is an excellent one. I was especially excited to see that twenty-one previously unpublished poems are included!! Nadedar Khalili's translations are quite good. The tile mosaics which accompany each poem are beautiful and their visual beauty only enhances the poetry to make the book extra special.
This would be a great addition to any bookshelf; and a fine gift for those who enjoy poetry.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Wellfleet press for allowing me to read an e-ARC of this outstanding book in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts expressed here are strictly my own.
August 4, 2022
Ten tomik jest zlepkiem prawie wcale niepowiązanych , przypadkowo złączonych ze sobą w tomik wierszy, jedyną cechą wspólną większości z nich był ich teocentryczny charakter oraz nawiązania do religii islamskiej. Ilość wątków związanych z Allahem i Islamem była dla mnie zbyt duża ( jestem fanem raczej laickiej literatury). Wiersze nie łączyły się w całość, każdy był o czymś zupełnie innym i nie łączył się jakkolwiek w jedną spójną całość. Przedstawia trochę wartości, które są uniwersalne, lecz dla mnie zdecydowanie jest to zbyt sakralna literatura.
February 28, 2023
After reading “The Love Poems of Rumi” also translated by Nadir Khalili, I can say I was not disappointed whatsoever with his curation and translation of these poems, the one that stood out the most to me was “poor human never learned”:
“poor human never learned
about himself
how affluent he was
then slipped into this poverty
he sold himself very cheap
he used to be
a pure silk but then
he patched himself
to a ragged cloak”
it’s a very profound message about how you can easily lose your way in life if you don’t know yourself, and it’s something I relate to.
“poor human never learned
about himself
how affluent he was
then slipped into this poverty
he sold himself very cheap
he used to be
a pure silk but then
he patched himself
to a ragged cloak”
it’s a very profound message about how you can easily lose your way in life if you don’t know yourself, and it’s something I relate to.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2024
Sufi poet Rumi speaks a language that everyone understands: the language of love. That is why his poems are still read today, even though they are hundreds of years old. A selection of the most beautiful.
I speak to you without saying a single
word.
I talk to you without one
ear hears us.
And even though I talk in front of
everyone is present,
there is no one except you who
hears us.
When I'm with you,
we stay up all night.
Unfortunately, the only downside was that the translation was not always correct
I speak to you without saying a single
word.
I talk to you without one
ear hears us.
And even though I talk in front of
everyone is present,
there is no one except you who
hears us.
When I'm with you,
we stay up all night.
Unfortunately, the only downside was that the translation was not always correct
February 24, 2018
This book was kindly sent to me in exchange of an honest review.
I am not a big reader of poetry, so keep that in mind when reading my review. I want to delve more into this part of the literature. I read some contemporary poetry which I really liked and I was delighted when I was offered the chance to read some older poems that are not the usual European ones I am used to.
What I liked the most about this collection was the design of it. The layout of the pages and how well the words worked with the illustrations. I was also surprised by how contemporary the poems felt even though they were written hundreds of year ago. The technology and society might have evolved, but deep inside we are the same.
Personally I did not resonate with all the themes presented in this collection. I also feel like some poems were too long or too repetitive, although that might have been the intention. Yet some words were extremely beautiful and I would definitely seek more of Rumi's poetry to enjoy from time to time.
I am not a big reader of poetry, so keep that in mind when reading my review. I want to delve more into this part of the literature. I read some contemporary poetry which I really liked and I was delighted when I was offered the chance to read some older poems that are not the usual European ones I am used to.
What I liked the most about this collection was the design of it. The layout of the pages and how well the words worked with the illustrations. I was also surprised by how contemporary the poems felt even though they were written hundreds of year ago. The technology and society might have evolved, but deep inside we are the same.
Personally I did not resonate with all the themes presented in this collection. I also feel like some poems were too long or too repetitive, although that might have been the intention. Yet some words were extremely beautiful and I would definitely seek more of Rumi's poetry to enjoy from time to time.
January 15, 2018
Wonderful book of poetry. I like the poems of Rumi and the graphical setting really enhances their content.
Very beautiful and recommended.
Very beautiful and recommended.
January 20, 2018
Thank you to NetGalley, Nader Khalili (Translator) and Quarto Publishing Group – Wellfleet Press for allowing me to read and review this beautiful translation of Rumi's poetry. These poems are gorgeous, timeless, and touching, and the layout and illustration of this book compliment the poetry perfectly. Thank you for this!
July 21, 2022
Excellent poetry and words of wisdom.this
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