I Want Burning: The Ecstatic World of Rumi, Hafiz, and Lalla

by Coleman Barks (editor)

Ecstatic Sufi Poetry Comes Alive To fully experience the ecstatic poetry of the Middle and Near East, you must hear it as originally stirred ablaze by inspired music and rhythms before a live audience. On I Want Burning, Coleman Barks fuses his passionate scholarship with a deep feeling for the poetry of Rumi, Hafiz (a 14th-century Sufi mystic, called “one of the jewels in the necklace of Persian poetry”), and Lalla (an exquisite Kashmiri female poet of the 14th century). Includes more than 50 translations of this rare and moving work, accompanied by vocals, Peruvian flute, harmonium, and other instruments.

Genres: Poetry, Spirituality, Audiobook

Audio CD

First published September 1, 1992

About the author

Coleman Barks is an American poet. Despite the fact that he admittedly speaks no Persian, he is world-renowned as a translator of Rumi and other mystic poets of Persia. Barks taught literature at the University of Georgia for three decades. He makes frequent international appearances and is well-known throughout the Middle East. Barks's work has contributed to an extremely strong following of Rumi in the English-speaking world. Due to his work, the ideas of Sufism have crossed many cultural boundaries over the past few decades. Coleman Barks received an honorary doctorate from Tehran University in 2006.

Reviews

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some of the most beautiful poems I have ever read (heard). Coleman Barks has the perfect voice for reading these poems. I am trying to find additional translators of poems by these poets; if anyone knows of any different translations by any of the above mentioned poets I would very much appreciate you letting me know about them.

[Magdalena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy it! Been listening to it over and over for the last couple of days. Barks voice is lovely and the selection of poetry is wonderful.

What I don't like about it is the editing; like for example how there's a sequence with "the last poem of tonight" and a lot of applause just a few minutes in... it sort of shatters the illusion that one is actually listening to a live recital, and it also breaks the flow of the energy build-up... Another thing that I really really dislike is the singing voice of the woman... not enjoyable at all, in my opinion.

[Stevenj · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coleman Barks reads his translations of Rumi, Hafiz, and Lalla. Some of the readings are accompanied by vocals, pan flute, harmonium bells, and hand drums.

[Helen Oppenheimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read - though I know it's not a literal translation, it brought beauty and peace into my heart.

[Spider · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fine work- I especially love the surpise of Coleman Bark's voice, & the poetry of Lalla is sublime.

[Reba Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finally got myself in a "Sunday church" mindset and meditated on this. It's only an hour long, yet it soothed my stress and eased my anxieties. I'm glad I own it, because I'll absolutely be listening to it again the next time I need an hour long meditation.

[Tahir Jawaid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. Coleman Barks narration is just magical ...

[Ann Viveros · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love listening to Coleman Barks read Rumi. Great voice.

[Lydia Wren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE THIS! I got the audio version, which I think enhances the experience even more. I have listened through 3 times so far.

[Melisa Spencer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rumi reminds me to stop the chaos and breath. Coleman Barks is the expert. If you ever get a chance to hear Barks read Rumi in a deep southern drawl, you will not forget it.

[Justin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rumi always gives me a great lift. Coleman Barks's interpretation and voice pairs so perfectly with Rumi's words.
A great volume.

[Zack Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook. Love it.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the reading of the poetry

[Art · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barks’ translations of Rumi speak to me. Here he also has poems by Hafiz (whose poetry I va enjoyed before) and Lalla (who I have never heard of). A great listen.

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rumi Readings with a Southern Accent.

[Liza · Rating 1 out of 5]

Why on earth is there ridiculous music to this...?