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The Gift
More than any other Persian poet, it is perhaps Hafiz who accesses the mystical, healing dimensions of poetry. Because his poems were often ecstatic love songs from God to his beloved world, many have called Hafiz the "Tongue of the Invisible."
With this stunning collection of 250 of Hafiz's most intimate poems, Daniel Ladinsky has succeeded brilliantly in capturing the essence of one of Islam's greatest poetic and religious voices. Each line of THE GIFT imparts the wonderful qualities of the spiritual teacher: an audacious love that empowers lives, profound knowledge, wild generosity, and a sweet, playful genius unparalleled in world literature.
With this stunning collection of 250 of Hafiz's most intimate poems, Daniel Ladinsky has succeeded brilliantly in capturing the essence of one of Islam's greatest poetic and religious voices. Each line of THE GIFT imparts the wonderful qualities of the spiritual teacher: an audacious love that empowers lives, profound knowledge, wild generosity, and a sweet, playful genius unparalleled in world literature.
333 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
634 people are currently reading
17760 people want to read
About the author
Hafez
339 books743 followersHāfez (حافظ) (Khwāja Shams-ud-Dīn Muḥammad Ḥāfeẓ-e Shīrāzī) was a Persian poet whose collected works (The Divan) are regarded as a pinnacle of Persian literature and are to be found in the homes of most people in Iran, who learn his poems by heart and still use them as proverbs and sayings.
His life and poems have been the subject of much analysis, commentary and interpretation, influencing post-14th century Persian writing more than any other author
Themes of his ghazals are the beloved, faith, and exposing hypocrisy. His influence in the lives of Persian speakers can be found in "Hafez readings" (fāl-e hāfez, Persian: فال حافظ) and the frequent use of his poems in Persian traditional music, visual art, and Persian calligraphy. His tomb is visited often. Adaptations, imitations and translations of his poems exist in all major languages.
Though Hafez is well known for his poetry, he is less commonly recognized for his intellectual and political contributions. A defining feature of Hafez' poetry is its ironic tone and the theme of hypocrisy, widely believed to be a critique of the religious and ruling establishments of the time. Persian satire developed during the 14th century, within the courts of the Mongol Period. In this period, Hafez and other notable early satirists, such as Ubayd Zakani, produced a body of work that has since become a template for the use of satire as a political device. Many of his critiques are believed to be targeted at the rule of Amir Mobarez Al-Din Mohammad, specifically, towards the disintegration of important public and private institutions. He was a Sufi Muslim.
His work, particularly his imaginative references to monasteries, convents, Shahneh, and muhtasib, ignored the religious taboos of his period, and he found humor in some of his society's religious doctrines. Employing humor polemically has since become a common practice in Iranian public discourse and persian satire is now perhaps the de facto language of Iranian social commentary.
شمس الدین محمد، حافظ شیرازی، ملقب به حافظ و لسان الغیب
مشهورترین و محبوبترین شاعر تاریخ زبان فارسی و ادبیات ایران
حوالی سال ۷۲۶ هجری قمری در شیراز متولد شد. علوم و فنون را در محفل درس برترین استادان زمان فراگرفت و در علوم ادبی عصر پایهای رفیع یافت. خاصه در علوم فقهی و الهی تأمل بسیار کرد و قرآن را با چهارده روایت مختلف از برداشت. پژوهشگران احتمال میدهند همین دلیل باعث شده لقب او حافظ شود. حافظ مسلمان و شیعه مذهب بود و در وادی سلوک و طریقت، عرفان خاص خود را داشت. دیوان اشعار او شامل غزلیات، چند قصیده، چند مثنوی، قطعات و رباعیات است. اما در شعر آنچه بیش از همه او را دست نیافتنی کرده است غزلهای حافظ است. حافظ در سال ۷۹۲ هجری قمری در شیراز درگذشت. آرامگاه او در حافظیهٔ شیراز زیارتگاه صاحبنظران و عاشقان شعر و ادب پارسی است. او همواره و
همچنان برای ادبیات پس از خود الهامبخش و تاثیرگذار بوده است
شعرِ حافظ در زمان آدم اندر باغ خُلد
دفترِ نسرین و گُل را زینتِ اوراق بود
His life and poems have been the subject of much analysis, commentary and interpretation, influencing post-14th century Persian writing more than any other author
Themes of his ghazals are the beloved, faith, and exposing hypocrisy. His influence in the lives of Persian speakers can be found in "Hafez readings" (fāl-e hāfez, Persian: فال حافظ) and the frequent use of his poems in Persian traditional music, visual art, and Persian calligraphy. His tomb is visited often. Adaptations, imitations and translations of his poems exist in all major languages.
Though Hafez is well known for his poetry, he is less commonly recognized for his intellectual and political contributions. A defining feature of Hafez' poetry is its ironic tone and the theme of hypocrisy, widely believed to be a critique of the religious and ruling establishments of the time. Persian satire developed during the 14th century, within the courts of the Mongol Period. In this period, Hafez and other notable early satirists, such as Ubayd Zakani, produced a body of work that has since become a template for the use of satire as a political device. Many of his critiques are believed to be targeted at the rule of Amir Mobarez Al-Din Mohammad, specifically, towards the disintegration of important public and private institutions. He was a Sufi Muslim.
His work, particularly his imaginative references to monasteries, convents, Shahneh, and muhtasib, ignored the religious taboos of his period, and he found humor in some of his society's religious doctrines. Employing humor polemically has since become a common practice in Iranian public discourse and persian satire is now perhaps the de facto language of Iranian social commentary.
شمس الدین محمد، حافظ شیرازی، ملقب به حافظ و لسان الغیب
مشهورترین و محبوبترین شاعر تاریخ زبان فارسی و ادبیات ایران
حوالی سال ۷۲۶ هجری قمری در شیراز متولد شد. علوم و فنون را در محفل درس برترین استادان زمان فراگرفت و در علوم ادبی عصر پایهای رفیع یافت. خاصه در علوم فقهی و الهی تأمل بسیار کرد و قرآن را با چهارده روایت مختلف از برداشت. پژوهشگران احتمال میدهند همین دلیل باعث شده لقب او حافظ شود. حافظ مسلمان و شیعه مذهب بود و در وادی سلوک و طریقت، عرفان خاص خود را داشت. دیوان اشعار او شامل غزلیات، چند قصیده، چند مثنوی، قطعات و رباعیات است. اما در شعر آنچه بیش از همه او را دست نیافتنی کرده است غزلهای حافظ است. حافظ در سال ۷۹۲ هجری قمری در شیراز درگذشت. آرامگاه او در حافظیهٔ شیراز زیارتگاه صاحبنظران و عاشقان شعر و ادب پارسی است. او همواره و
همچنان برای ادبیات پس از خود الهامبخش و تاثیرگذار بوده است
شعرِ حافظ در زمان آدم اندر باغ خُلد
دفترِ نسرین و گُل را زینتِ اوراق بود
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 491 reviews
June 10, 2010
Spiritual and Poetic Chicanery
The most important point is that this book is NOT a book of translations of Hafez. Instead, it is a book of original poetry by Daniel Ladinsky, "inspired by" Hafez. Other reviewers have pointed this out, but obviously, this book's high rating and continued commercial success show that this is not well enough known. I purchased this for a poetry book discussion group, and now I feel ripped off. No one else there knew of this when I told them at the meeting (I only found out the day before, unfortunately), and were quite shocked. And these are people who have devoted their whole lives to poetry, including one who has done translation herself, so they're no rank amateurs. The person who suggested the book does not have Internet access, so I guess she didn't have a chance to do the research.
Ladinsky has tried to justify pawning off his own work as that of Hafiz, including his own review here, in a pathetic attempt to use a loose definition of translation and that, if it gets to a lot of people and makes people happy, what's the problem? Well, heroin and cocaine can be loosely reinterpreted as medicine (in fact people used to think it had medicinal properties), and some could say that once they become available, they become widespread and make people happy. But that don't make shooting up and snorting good things.
Ladinsky, as well Penguin (who, as far as I know, has been silent on the matter), should take responsibility for their deceitful action. And for those who try to say that Ladinsky doesn't claim to actually translate, or that Penguin went against his wishes (as he himself half-heartedly indicates): let's be clear. It says right on the cover "Translated by Daniel Ladinsky," and he has done other books saying the same thing. If it happened once, it shouldn't have happened again. Also, though he hm-haws about wanting to originally call the poems "versions," he doesn't disavow the end result, express regret or vow to work with a publisher who will be more honest in the future. No, he tries to justify his deceit by saying it is for our own good. Just like a cult leader.
If you have any doubt about this, compare Ladinsky's work with other translations of Hafez into English. You will quickly see the difference. The translations vary quite a bit stylistically--eg, Gertrude Bell's biblical-sounding 18th-century translation, Elizabeth T. Gray's more formal translation, and Thomas Rain Crowe's more colloquial translation. But the most loose translation is still very different from this.
Hafez is most known for his mastery of the ghazal, a poetic form which consists of five or more couplets, with a word or phrase from the second line of the first stanza repeated in the second line of each successive stanza. While some translators have forgone the formal structure of this form in order to attempt a more organic rhythm (such as Robert Bly and Leonard Lewisohn), the vestiges remain, creating the sense of an unfolding pattern, of insights unraveled. Not so with Ladinsky's verse, whose formal arrangement is quite abysmal, making frequent use of one or two word lines (which feels arbitrary rather than powerful), and line breaks that seem to have little rhyme or reason. The language is also usually simplistic, the use of metaphor awkward and often not interesting, so that from an aesthetic point of view, these could not be considered very good poems.
If there is any value here, it would have to be from a spiritual point of view. People claim, even after knowing that Ladinsky didn't actually translate these poems, that they still find the poems uplifting. Although couched in New Age style ideas, which seem rather "precious" and saccharine at times, I can see this; there is something joyous in reading poem after poem that encourages love and happiness so forcefully, and some of the verses do have a rather surprising and playful sense of humor (eg, "A Hard Decree," in which God posts a warning that those who can't find joy in life will feel the jaws of the world bite their sweet a--). The value of all this becomes problematic, pretty much ruined actually, by the knowledge that Ladinsky pretty much used Hafiz as a selling point. If these had been sold under his own name, or if it was marketed as "Inspired by" rather than "Translations of" that would be different.
It's not as though I imagine Ladinsky is completely unfamiliar with Hafez--some of the imagery and techniques in the book imply otherwise. But it is only a vague similarity; the celebration of drunkenness, the use of erotic or earthly love as a longing for God, being self-referential--these all appear in Hafez, but not quite in the ways Ladinsky renders them. Ladinsky is a bit over-the-top in his irreverence to the point of his tone actually seeming like a parody of Hafez, rather than a respectful tribute. Others have noted that the spirituality in here bears more resemblance to Zen Buddhism than Sufism, which I think has some relevance--the use of absurdity (like in "Two Giant Fat People"), the celebration of silence, seeing God in everything ("Courteous to the Ant"). Ladinsky mentions Allah (once, I think), and Muhammad a few times, but even those don't really say anything particularly interesting about Islam or Sufism, and as far as I know there aren't any references to the Quran--very different from the playful allusion to the Quran and Islamic and Zoroastrian (not referred to at all by Ladinsky) culture in the actual Hafez. So if you are looking to gleam something of Sufism from the "Sufi Master," you won't find it here.
Ladinsky talks about spending time with Meher Baba. If you look up info about Meher Baba, you will perhaps get a better idea of Ladinsky's background and influences. Meher Baba had more of a Hindu-type spirituality. I'm sorry, but the guy claimed to be an incarnation of God, and that makes me very suspicious. I only know a little of Sufism, but it seems to me even the most radical Sufi, if coming from a proper tradition, would find that to be utter blasphemy.
In conclusion, Ladinsky and Penguin should be ashamed of themselves for using the name of a greatly respected poet to sell books fraudulently. If Ladinsky were to take responsibility and try to work for a more honest output in the future, maybe he could be respected by some as a spiritual writer. But as it is, he does a disservice to himself as well as Hafez. And I am sad to think that people will not look for actual translations of Hafez, relying solely on Ladinsky's inventions, which are more accessible but not the same at all. Hafez' work deserves attention, and even the worst translation is better than no access at all--or worse yet, a fraud.
The most important point is that this book is NOT a book of translations of Hafez. Instead, it is a book of original poetry by Daniel Ladinsky, "inspired by" Hafez. Other reviewers have pointed this out, but obviously, this book's high rating and continued commercial success show that this is not well enough known. I purchased this for a poetry book discussion group, and now I feel ripped off. No one else there knew of this when I told them at the meeting (I only found out the day before, unfortunately), and were quite shocked. And these are people who have devoted their whole lives to poetry, including one who has done translation herself, so they're no rank amateurs. The person who suggested the book does not have Internet access, so I guess she didn't have a chance to do the research.
Ladinsky has tried to justify pawning off his own work as that of Hafiz, including his own review here, in a pathetic attempt to use a loose definition of translation and that, if it gets to a lot of people and makes people happy, what's the problem? Well, heroin and cocaine can be loosely reinterpreted as medicine (in fact people used to think it had medicinal properties), and some could say that once they become available, they become widespread and make people happy. But that don't make shooting up and snorting good things.
Ladinsky, as well Penguin (who, as far as I know, has been silent on the matter), should take responsibility for their deceitful action. And for those who try to say that Ladinsky doesn't claim to actually translate, or that Penguin went against his wishes (as he himself half-heartedly indicates): let's be clear. It says right on the cover "Translated by Daniel Ladinsky," and he has done other books saying the same thing. If it happened once, it shouldn't have happened again. Also, though he hm-haws about wanting to originally call the poems "versions," he doesn't disavow the end result, express regret or vow to work with a publisher who will be more honest in the future. No, he tries to justify his deceit by saying it is for our own good. Just like a cult leader.
If you have any doubt about this, compare Ladinsky's work with other translations of Hafez into English. You will quickly see the difference. The translations vary quite a bit stylistically--eg, Gertrude Bell's biblical-sounding 18th-century translation, Elizabeth T. Gray's more formal translation, and Thomas Rain Crowe's more colloquial translation. But the most loose translation is still very different from this.
Hafez is most known for his mastery of the ghazal, a poetic form which consists of five or more couplets, with a word or phrase from the second line of the first stanza repeated in the second line of each successive stanza. While some translators have forgone the formal structure of this form in order to attempt a more organic rhythm (such as Robert Bly and Leonard Lewisohn), the vestiges remain, creating the sense of an unfolding pattern, of insights unraveled. Not so with Ladinsky's verse, whose formal arrangement is quite abysmal, making frequent use of one or two word lines (which feels arbitrary rather than powerful), and line breaks that seem to have little rhyme or reason. The language is also usually simplistic, the use of metaphor awkward and often not interesting, so that from an aesthetic point of view, these could not be considered very good poems.
If there is any value here, it would have to be from a spiritual point of view. People claim, even after knowing that Ladinsky didn't actually translate these poems, that they still find the poems uplifting. Although couched in New Age style ideas, which seem rather "precious" and saccharine at times, I can see this; there is something joyous in reading poem after poem that encourages love and happiness so forcefully, and some of the verses do have a rather surprising and playful sense of humor (eg, "A Hard Decree," in which God posts a warning that those who can't find joy in life will feel the jaws of the world bite their sweet a--). The value of all this becomes problematic, pretty much ruined actually, by the knowledge that Ladinsky pretty much used Hafiz as a selling point. If these had been sold under his own name, or if it was marketed as "Inspired by" rather than "Translations of" that would be different.
It's not as though I imagine Ladinsky is completely unfamiliar with Hafez--some of the imagery and techniques in the book imply otherwise. But it is only a vague similarity; the celebration of drunkenness, the use of erotic or earthly love as a longing for God, being self-referential--these all appear in Hafez, but not quite in the ways Ladinsky renders them. Ladinsky is a bit over-the-top in his irreverence to the point of his tone actually seeming like a parody of Hafez, rather than a respectful tribute. Others have noted that the spirituality in here bears more resemblance to Zen Buddhism than Sufism, which I think has some relevance--the use of absurdity (like in "Two Giant Fat People"), the celebration of silence, seeing God in everything ("Courteous to the Ant"). Ladinsky mentions Allah (once, I think), and Muhammad a few times, but even those don't really say anything particularly interesting about Islam or Sufism, and as far as I know there aren't any references to the Quran--very different from the playful allusion to the Quran and Islamic and Zoroastrian (not referred to at all by Ladinsky) culture in the actual Hafez. So if you are looking to gleam something of Sufism from the "Sufi Master," you won't find it here.
Ladinsky talks about spending time with Meher Baba. If you look up info about Meher Baba, you will perhaps get a better idea of Ladinsky's background and influences. Meher Baba had more of a Hindu-type spirituality. I'm sorry, but the guy claimed to be an incarnation of God, and that makes me very suspicious. I only know a little of Sufism, but it seems to me even the most radical Sufi, if coming from a proper tradition, would find that to be utter blasphemy.
In conclusion, Ladinsky and Penguin should be ashamed of themselves for using the name of a greatly respected poet to sell books fraudulently. If Ladinsky were to take responsibility and try to work for a more honest output in the future, maybe he could be respected by some as a spiritual writer. But as it is, he does a disservice to himself as well as Hafez. And I am sad to think that people will not look for actual translations of Hafez, relying solely on Ladinsky's inventions, which are more accessible but not the same at all. Hafez' work deserves attention, and even the worst translation is better than no access at all--or worse yet, a fraud.
May 27, 2010
Alert! Should be marketed as: BY Daniel Ladinsky ...INSPIRED BY Hafiz
June 13, 2009
Hafiz, whose given name was Shams-ud-din Muhammad, is the most beloved poet of Persia. He spent nearly all his life in Shiraz, where he became a famous Sufi master. When he died he was thought to have written an estimated 5,000 poems, of which 500 to 700 have survived. ( Daniel)
It Felt Love
How
Did the rose
Ever open it’s heart
And give this world
All its
Beauty?
It felt the encouragement of light
Against its
Being,
Otherwise,
We all remain
Too
Frightened.
....when you open your heart you share your beauty with the world. Love who is the encouragement of light against your being, your duty is to give this world all of your beauty!!
It Felt Love
How
Did the rose
Ever open it’s heart
And give this world
All its
Beauty?
It felt the encouragement of light
Against its
Being,
Otherwise,
We all remain
Too
Frightened.
....when you open your heart you share your beauty with the world. Love who is the encouragement of light against your being, your duty is to give this world all of your beauty!!
May 24, 2020
The Gift was nothing but a let down from Daniel Ladinsky. Rather than translations of Hafez’ work, these are merely Daniel’s poems perhaps influenced by Hafez. I spent hours breaking down these poems with my Persian father who has studied Hafez for decades and even he was unable to find clues as to where the poems came from. Overall, disappointing and a mockery of the great poet.
December 15, 2007
This compilation of wisdom speaks for itself, however, I would like to share one of the poems that particularly moved me, an invitation, if you will, to "The Gift" of Hafiz, The Great Sufi Master.
"With That Moon Language"
Admit something:
Everyone you see, you say to them,
"Love me."
Of course you do not do this out loud:
Otherwise,
Someone would call the cops.
Still though, think about this,
This great pull in us
to connect.
Why not become the one
Who lives with a full moon in each eye
That is always saying,
With that sweet moon
Language,
What every other eye in this world
Is dying to
Hear.
"With That Moon Language"
Admit something:
Everyone you see, you say to them,
"Love me."
Of course you do not do this out loud:
Otherwise,
Someone would call the cops.
Still though, think about this,
This great pull in us
to connect.
Why not become the one
Who lives with a full moon in each eye
That is always saying,
With that sweet moon
Language,
What every other eye in this world
Is dying to
Hear.
July 31, 2014
These poems just aren't a translation in any sense. They're a bunch of New Age poems that Daniel Ladinsky wrote himself and claims are inspired by his reading of Hafez.
June 24, 2014
As others have pointed out, this book is not Hafiz. It's Ladinsky. Reading it, you'll figure it out pretty quickly. The language is just not in keeping with Hafiz. Nice thoughts in many of the poems, though. Just, not Hafiz. If you want the real Hafiz, I would suggest "Hafiz of Shiraz", which is translated by Avery and Heath-Stubbs. 30 poems of the real thing.
dnf
August 19, 2025DNF'd 2025/08/18
I read one poem and liked it a lot.
I can't read the rest because I learned these are not poems by Hafiz translated by Daniel Ladinsky. These are original poems by Ladinsky, which at best are merely inspired by the Persian poet, Hafiz.
Hafiz is a 14th century much loved Sufi poet and cherished by Persians. This is a pernicious kind of theft. It's not cool to co-opt Hafiz's name. And Ladinsky continued to do the same in other works of poetry after the popularity of this book.
Penguin also should be ashamed.
Truth should matter. Even in a book of poetry.
For more information see this Al Jazeera editorial from 14 Jun 2020
https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/20...
I read one poem and liked it a lot.
I can't read the rest because I learned these are not poems by Hafiz translated by Daniel Ladinsky. These are original poems by Ladinsky, which at best are merely inspired by the Persian poet, Hafiz.
Hafiz is a 14th century much loved Sufi poet and cherished by Persians. This is a pernicious kind of theft. It's not cool to co-opt Hafiz's name. And Ladinsky continued to do the same in other works of poetry after the popularity of this book.
Penguin also should be ashamed.
Truth should matter. Even in a book of poetry.
For more information see this Al Jazeera editorial from 14 Jun 2020
https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/20...
July 30, 2017
Hafez is the Answer to every question.
As i prepared to, & traveled as much of Iran as i was allowed by the nation system (that, really, is only relevant to Iran and maybe Egypt, as few places have approximated the same borders, language and culture for millennia) i was introduced to the magic of Hafez. Iran is a place that values poets and artists beyond politicians, celebrities, billionaires.
Daily, the grave of Hafez is crowded by mourners, laying perfect roses, lovers sneaking kisses in corners, thinking of encouragements from this immortal poet. Elderly, both men and women, stand silent, reverent, sometimes weeping as though he'd died yesterday instead of 627 years ago.
But my favorite custom is the asking.
Every family has Hafez. When a question comes up - ask Hafez! And it works, across the world, across the acrimony, across the craziness of even maybe someday (ouch) sorry about Mosaddegh ? Ask Hafez - just ask the unanswerable, open any page of this fantastic translation, and be awed.
Fear is the cheapest room in the house.
I would like to see you living in better conditions.
As i prepared to, & traveled as much of Iran as i was allowed by the nation system (that, really, is only relevant to Iran and maybe Egypt, as few places have approximated the same borders, language and culture for millennia) i was introduced to the magic of Hafez. Iran is a place that values poets and artists beyond politicians, celebrities, billionaires.
Daily, the grave of Hafez is crowded by mourners, laying perfect roses, lovers sneaking kisses in corners, thinking of encouragements from this immortal poet. Elderly, both men and women, stand silent, reverent, sometimes weeping as though he'd died yesterday instead of 627 years ago.
But my favorite custom is the asking.
Every family has Hafez. When a question comes up - ask Hafez! And it works, across the world, across the acrimony, across the craziness of even maybe someday (ouch) sorry about Mosaddegh ? Ask Hafez - just ask the unanswerable, open any page of this fantastic translation, and be awed.
Fear is the cheapest room in the house.
I would like to see you living in better conditions.
April 16, 2017
This book is not a translation of Hafez, it's original (and mediocre) poetry by David Ladinsky masquerading as a translation.
May 8, 2014
How can it be that Ladinsky's translation captures such a feel of contemporaneity? Or perhaps I should say that we Americans are more familiar with Wahhabi Islam so that we don't realize the mystical, playful, spiritual side of Islam may derive from Sufism, or Sufi Islam which this gorgeous book of poems by the Sufi Master Hafiz (c. 1320-1389) captures.
It is difficult to even reproduce my favorite poems here because of their unusual form, sometimes just one word in a line. The poems have a shape as well as a meaning.
Ladinsky has published two other books of Hafiz poetry in translation, The Subject Tonight Is Love: 60 Wild and Sweet Poems of Hafiz, and I Heard God Laughing: Poems of Hope and Joy. Even the titles express the joy of Hafiz in talking about God.
It seems to me we all need Hafiz in our lives. Every preacher certainly does, to revitalize their thinking and refresh their spirit, and the spirit of those to whom they preach. This is what it is all about.
It is difficult to even reproduce my favorite poems here because of their unusual form, sometimes just one word in a line. The poems have a shape as well as a meaning.
Ladinsky has published two other books of Hafiz poetry in translation, The Subject Tonight Is Love: 60 Wild and Sweet Poems of Hafiz, and I Heard God Laughing: Poems of Hope and Joy. Even the titles express the joy of Hafiz in talking about God.
It seems to me we all need Hafiz in our lives. Every preacher certainly does, to revitalize their thinking and refresh their spirit, and the spirit of those to whom they preach. This is what it is all about.
August 29, 2016
This collection of 136 poems by Persian Sufi master poet Hafiz (c. 1320 – 1389) will delight readers of any faith looking for humor and to explore his view of the world –or more accurately- of his God.
The poems’ most recurring themes include love, tolerance, fanaticism, forgiveness and God. Most of the poems speak of love and rather ‘unorthodox’ metaphors for God abound throughout his verses. The reader, whether spiritual or not, may be delighted by his habit of speaking of, or to, God in a rather intimate way, as if to a lover. This rather ‘unconventional’ way of speaking about God may thus stimulate a variety of readers looking for new ways of perceiving complex spiritual subjects.
Many poems also criticize fanaticism and, as a result of his emphasis on belief in a single God, Hafiz blurs the lines between different faiths as well as genders. He also mentions Jesus in some of his poems, not surprising given Sufis’ high regards for Jesus’ teachings.
The translations done by Daniel Ladinsky offer an effective modern interpretation of this medieval poem collection. The book consists of 25 chapters and totals 333 pages, averaging a single poem per page. Although the poems are rather short, they may be best enjoyed by being read over a few times, in order to truly absorb the beauty of the imagery and metaphors used. The poems may also have a relaxing effect, which could render this an appropriate bedtime read.
Note to readers: side effects may include ‘swelling of the heart’ and developing the sudden urge to love everything and everyone for no apparent reason.
The poems’ most recurring themes include love, tolerance, fanaticism, forgiveness and God. Most of the poems speak of love and rather ‘unorthodox’ metaphors for God abound throughout his verses. The reader, whether spiritual or not, may be delighted by his habit of speaking of, or to, God in a rather intimate way, as if to a lover. This rather ‘unconventional’ way of speaking about God may thus stimulate a variety of readers looking for new ways of perceiving complex spiritual subjects.
Many poems also criticize fanaticism and, as a result of his emphasis on belief in a single God, Hafiz blurs the lines between different faiths as well as genders. He also mentions Jesus in some of his poems, not surprising given Sufis’ high regards for Jesus’ teachings.
The translations done by Daniel Ladinsky offer an effective modern interpretation of this medieval poem collection. The book consists of 25 chapters and totals 333 pages, averaging a single poem per page. Although the poems are rather short, they may be best enjoyed by being read over a few times, in order to truly absorb the beauty of the imagery and metaphors used. The poems may also have a relaxing effect, which could render this an appropriate bedtime read.
Note to readers: side effects may include ‘swelling of the heart’ and developing the sudden urge to love everything and everyone for no apparent reason.
October 9, 2023
Landinsky and Penguin are scammers. This book is marketed as a collection of Hafiz poems, it says so on the cover, and in the introduction Landinsky assures us he is translating Hafiz. However, he is not. This is a collection of original poems by Landinsky in the style of Hafiz. Penguin has done little to notify the consumer, besides updating the original cover from saying “translated by” to “rendered by”. No disclaimer in the book, nor on the Penguin website. Further, when reading the poems it’s very clear that we are supposed to think this is Hafiz writing to us.
That being said, on their own merits most of these poems are pretty bad. The basic messages of love unites and that we are all God and have to remember are… not well executed and if both are taken seriously render most of the poems meaningless. Most of the allusions are pretty ham-fisted. The formatting reminds me of rupi kaur (whose milk and honey may be a good parallel to this book). This book really falls short of ignited the fire one gets when reading someone like Rumi, and I hope to get my hands on some actual Hafiz and forget this clumsy collection.
That being said, on their own merits most of these poems are pretty bad. The basic messages of love unites and that we are all God and have to remember are… not well executed and if both are taken seriously render most of the poems meaningless. Most of the allusions are pretty ham-fisted. The formatting reminds me of rupi kaur (whose milk and honey may be a good parallel to this book). This book really falls short of ignited the fire one gets when reading someone like Rumi, and I hope to get my hands on some actual Hafiz and forget this clumsy collection.
“I think we are frightened every
Moment of our lives
Until we
Know
Him”
“And love
Says,
‘I will, I will take care of you,’
To everything that is
Near.”
November 9, 2014
I’m just not the mystical type, I guess. Some of the poems are lovely, but they don’t move me. It was interesting to read this at the same time as Jahiz, a very rational writer. In one poem Hafiz writes:
I am saved
from all reason
And surrender understanding
and in another
The appearance of this world
Is a Magi’s brilliant trick
whereas Jafiz says, on being asked how a believer knows to believe the signs of the Prophet:
The onlooker is convinced by evidence only if he already has experience of the world and is acquainted with its ways and its laws. If he had not enough experience to recognize the limitations of human devices and contrivances, to distinguish the possible from the impossible, and to tell what can happen by accident and what cannot, it would mean nothing to him.
I am editing this review after reading another review that says these are far from translations, but are loosely ‘inspired’ by Hafiz. I don’t have access to any other translation right now, but it wouldn’t surprise me at all, based on how contemporary they sound. So will just transcribe one I enjoyed:
Now
That
All your worry
Has Proved such an
Unlucrative
Business
Why
Not
Find a better
Job.
I am saved
from all reason
And surrender understanding
and in another
The appearance of this world
Is a Magi’s brilliant trick
whereas Jafiz says, on being asked how a believer knows to believe the signs of the Prophet:
The onlooker is convinced by evidence only if he already has experience of the world and is acquainted with its ways and its laws. If he had not enough experience to recognize the limitations of human devices and contrivances, to distinguish the possible from the impossible, and to tell what can happen by accident and what cannot, it would mean nothing to him.
I am editing this review after reading another review that says these are far from translations, but are loosely ‘inspired’ by Hafiz. I don’t have access to any other translation right now, but it wouldn’t surprise me at all, based on how contemporary they sound. So will just transcribe one I enjoyed:
Now
That
All your worry
Has Proved such an
Unlucrative
Business
Why
Not
Find a better
Job.
February 24, 2016
I was somewhat duped into thinking that these poems were in fact written by Hafiz....well they were not. What gave it away...words like menu and violin. Hafiz lived during approximately 1320 and 1389. I googled and the violin was invented in the 1500s and well menu is a modern day word.
I don't know if I will continue on...sadly dissapointed that the author gives the impression that he's translated Hafizs' poems. It's now obvious he's written poems that are inspired by Hafiz.
Here's a link to prove this discovery of this book. I'm inserting an unhappy emoji.
http://www.poetry-chaikhana.com/Poets...
Well I guess I should've read some of the reviews...I wasn't the first to discover that this is not a translated book of Hafizs' poems. I don't read reviews until after.
I don't know if I will continue on...sadly dissapointed that the author gives the impression that he's translated Hafizs' poems. It's now obvious he's written poems that are inspired by Hafiz.
Here's a link to prove this discovery of this book. I'm inserting an unhappy emoji.
http://www.poetry-chaikhana.com/Poets...
Well I guess I should've read some of the reviews...I wasn't the first to discover that this is not a translated book of Hafizs' poems. I don't read reviews until after.
November 17, 2008
the great sufi poet rumi gets all the accolades but let's not forget the beautiful, mystical work by the equally great sufi poet hafiz. one can learn a lot by reading this collection of 250 poems, one of which reads:
even after all this time,
the sun never says to the earth:
"you owe me."
look what happens
with a love like that
it lights up the whole sky
even after all this time,
the sun never says to the earth:
"you owe me."
look what happens
with a love like that
it lights up the whole sky
June 10, 2019
Fantastic translations of 14th century Sufi master. Hafiz's poems are inspirational, playful, hilarious, and love-filled. A book for all spiritual seekers.
November 2, 2014
I have fallen in love with a man who has been dead for 625 years. Hafiz, where have you been all my life? Or perhaps I am more in love with Daniel Ladinsky who has, loosely, translated the poems of Hafez [a.k.a], known as the Great Sufi Master.
In The Gift, we are privileged to a collection of poems that speak on Hafiz’s love for God and the knowledge that that love has given him. I have never read such poetry that moved me so, and gave me an understanding I did not have before. I like poetry to tell a story, just how I like my books. With this collection a single line speaks volumes and a whole poem speaks a truth I can not convey in my own words.
I bookmarked at least 35 poems as my all time favorites. In most other poetry books I’ve read, I might have bookmarked one or two.
The piece that most stood out to me was one of the ones I read early on.
It goes:
Amen.
In The Gift, we are privileged to a collection of poems that speak on Hafiz’s love for God and the knowledge that that love has given him. I have never read such poetry that moved me so, and gave me an understanding I did not have before. I like poetry to tell a story, just how I like my books. With this collection a single line speaks volumes and a whole poem speaks a truth I can not convey in my own words.
I bookmarked at least 35 poems as my all time favorites. In most other poetry books I’ve read, I might have bookmarked one or two.
The piece that most stood out to me was one of the ones I read early on.
It goes:
IHafiz is renowned in Islamic culture as he speaks a beauty about God that I have rarely heard a Christian utter. I think we have a lot to learn from this man, a devout Muslim, and hope that texts like these find their way into the shelves and hands of all our Abrahamic brethren. Actually they should find their way into the hands of everyone, no need to curtain such a treasure.
Have
Learned
So much from God
That I can no longer
Call
Myself
A Christian, a Hindu, a Muslim,
A Buddhist, a Jew.
The Truth has shared so much of Itself
With me
That I can no longer call myself
A man, a woman, an angel,
Or even pure
Soul.
Love has
Befriended Hafiz so completely
It has turned to ash
And freed
Me
Of every concept and image
My mind has ever known.
Amen.
November 10, 2017
Picked up this book because of its popularity and because of the fact that I have a keen interest in Persian Poets.
I liked the introduction of this book where I got to know about Hafez and his life. That was the only part worth reading in this book.
As I progressed further, a little after 2 chapters, it came to me that either Hafez was an over-rated poet or the translations are way too lousy. I read further keeping an open mind but I could barely find any poem worth reading. Later while browsing the reviews, it became clear to me that this book is no translation of Hafez's poems but poems by Daniel Ladinsky. Quite a nice way into tricking people to reading your own poems.
I still tried reading these poems. I thought, so what if it is by the translator himself, he must have written something worthwhile being inspired from Hafez.
Sadly, the poems were so lousy that you cant even call them a poem.
Most of the poems stop abruptly, change topics and surprisingly conclude something else which was way off topic in the first place.
In some poems I felt that mysticism and Sufism is being faked or forced!
There is no prose, no clarity and simply no sense in them.
Highly disappointing and a big no to this book!!
I liked the introduction of this book where I got to know about Hafez and his life. That was the only part worth reading in this book.
As I progressed further, a little after 2 chapters, it came to me that either Hafez was an over-rated poet or the translations are way too lousy. I read further keeping an open mind but I could barely find any poem worth reading. Later while browsing the reviews, it became clear to me that this book is no translation of Hafez's poems but poems by Daniel Ladinsky. Quite a nice way into tricking people to reading your own poems.
I still tried reading these poems. I thought, so what if it is by the translator himself, he must have written something worthwhile being inspired from Hafez.
Sadly, the poems were so lousy that you cant even call them a poem.
Most of the poems stop abruptly, change topics and surprisingly conclude something else which was way off topic in the first place.
In some poems I felt that mysticism and Sufism is being faked or forced!
There is no prose, no clarity and simply no sense in them.
Highly disappointing and a big no to this book!!
July 12, 2016
Because of this book now I'm conflicted about which Sufi poet I love the best, Rumi or Hafiz.
In 2012 I went to Konya, Turkey and saw where Rumi was laid to rest centuries ago. I have yet to go to Shiraz, Iran the city of poets and roses where Hafiz spent most of his life and where he is buried. A few years ago world traveler Rick Steves went to Iran and of the many places he visited one was the tomb of Hafiz, where devotees of his poetry still visit and read his poems beside his tomb. I was told by an Iranian friend I had that in their culture almost every family has verses from Hafiz's poetry on their walls and that in his childhood a cultural and literary requirement was to learn how to recite poems by Hafiz by heart. Hafiz died over 600 years ago, and that he is still very popular in Iranian culture is a testament to the greatness and beauty of his poetry
I wish I could read Hafiz's poems in the original Farsi, but even though I am limited to an English translation the wondrous spirit of these poems still are a burst of sunshine and wisdom. I was captivated by Daniel Ladinsky's translation. However, in about eight or nine poems he does use modern terms that were a little annoying, but these few attempts to modernize the language does not ruin or distract from how wonderful the collection really is.
Shams-ud-din Muhammad Hafiz (1320-1389) lost both his wife and son to death, but after his loss he wrote very joyous Sufi poems about the love of God (the Beloved), nature, the human heart, and life all intertwined. These poems were somewhat easier for me to understand than what I've read so far of Rumi's and other Sufi poets. Sadness is minimal here with most of the poems joyful and playful. Hafiz has a good time in his relationship to his God, the world, and the universe.
I am starting to think I like Hafiz better than Rumi. I highly recommend this book for poetry lovers. Please read the preface and introduction before diving into this sea of love.
Excerpt from the poem I Got Kin, by Hafiz
Plant
So that your own heart
Will grow.
Love
So God will think
"Ahhhhh,
I got kin in that body!
Sing
Because this is a food
Our starving world
Needs.
Laugh
Because that is the purest
Sound.
In 2012 I went to Konya, Turkey and saw where Rumi was laid to rest centuries ago. I have yet to go to Shiraz, Iran the city of poets and roses where Hafiz spent most of his life and where he is buried. A few years ago world traveler Rick Steves went to Iran and of the many places he visited one was the tomb of Hafiz, where devotees of his poetry still visit and read his poems beside his tomb. I was told by an Iranian friend I had that in their culture almost every family has verses from Hafiz's poetry on their walls and that in his childhood a cultural and literary requirement was to learn how to recite poems by Hafiz by heart. Hafiz died over 600 years ago, and that he is still very popular in Iranian culture is a testament to the greatness and beauty of his poetry
I wish I could read Hafiz's poems in the original Farsi, but even though I am limited to an English translation the wondrous spirit of these poems still are a burst of sunshine and wisdom. I was captivated by Daniel Ladinsky's translation. However, in about eight or nine poems he does use modern terms that were a little annoying, but these few attempts to modernize the language does not ruin or distract from how wonderful the collection really is.
Shams-ud-din Muhammad Hafiz (1320-1389) lost both his wife and son to death, but after his loss he wrote very joyous Sufi poems about the love of God (the Beloved), nature, the human heart, and life all intertwined. These poems were somewhat easier for me to understand than what I've read so far of Rumi's and other Sufi poets. Sadness is minimal here with most of the poems joyful and playful. Hafiz has a good time in his relationship to his God, the world, and the universe.
I am starting to think I like Hafiz better than Rumi. I highly recommend this book for poetry lovers. Please read the preface and introduction before diving into this sea of love.
Excerpt from the poem I Got Kin, by Hafiz
Plant
So that your own heart
Will grow.
Love
So God will think
"Ahhhhh,
I got kin in that body!
Sing
Because this is a food
Our starving world
Needs.
Laugh
Because that is the purest
Sound.
June 18, 2021
If words were liquid, reading Hafiz would be the closest thing to drinking joy. His poems are simply intoxicating. They go down easy. They will set you abuzz with both the celestially divine and mischievously mundane that hover all around you, unbeknownst to you. For but a brief moment his words will cover you with their puckish wit and solace, leaving you flush and aglow.
I often recommend Hafiz to people who claim “poetry is not for me,” especially if they have suffered from bad experiences of poetry previously; (I’m looking at you high school English and Literature classes). Maybe you are in that boat: poetry is too cryptic, too verbose, too pretentious and abstract, or just plain pointless. If so, I challenge you to read any ten poems by Hafiz and not feel/think differently. Seriously, any ten. Go.
You will find:
1.) His poems are immediately apprehensible, not cryptic.
2.) His poems are short and succinct, not verbose.
3.) His poems are grounded, homely, and tactile, not pretentious or abstract.
4.) His poems are not pointless, they are the most loving, playful, and joyful poems you’ve ever read.
Hafiz is the stereotype breaker.
His poems are wonderfully imaginative and outright readable. They can make the hardest of hearts smile. But that doesn’t mean his poems are only for beginners or the unacquainted. Like anything written well, it’s harder to write something short and great than long and great. To distill what one wants to say down to it’s essence is very difficult. Here Hafiz is the master. He buries treasure in plain sight.
On that note of brevity, let me just say you should thank your high school teachers for not forcing you to read Hafiz; they wanted to save this gem, to hide it away just out of reach so you could discover him on your own a little later in life when you truly needed him.
That treasure awaits. It is not buried deep. Go now and find it.
I often recommend Hafiz to people who claim “poetry is not for me,” especially if they have suffered from bad experiences of poetry previously; (I’m looking at you high school English and Literature classes). Maybe you are in that boat: poetry is too cryptic, too verbose, too pretentious and abstract, or just plain pointless. If so, I challenge you to read any ten poems by Hafiz and not feel/think differently. Seriously, any ten. Go.
You will find:
1.) His poems are immediately apprehensible, not cryptic.
2.) His poems are short and succinct, not verbose.
3.) His poems are grounded, homely, and tactile, not pretentious or abstract.
4.) His poems are not pointless, they are the most loving, playful, and joyful poems you’ve ever read.
Hafiz is the stereotype breaker.
His poems are wonderfully imaginative and outright readable. They can make the hardest of hearts smile. But that doesn’t mean his poems are only for beginners or the unacquainted. Like anything written well, it’s harder to write something short and great than long and great. To distill what one wants to say down to it’s essence is very difficult. Here Hafiz is the master. He buries treasure in plain sight.
On that note of brevity, let me just say you should thank your high school teachers for not forcing you to read Hafiz; they wanted to save this gem, to hide it away just out of reach so you could discover him on your own a little later in life when you truly needed him.
That treasure awaits. It is not buried deep. Go now and find it.
January 8, 2023
In looking at reviews, it is clear that this is not a translation; however, I don’t care that much as I have never read any of Hafiz’s work and as such have no prior opinion on his poetry.
In looking at Ladinsky’s poems, I really enjoyed a lot of them just due to my being a romantic as well as the emphasis that it holds on love and the spirituality within each individual. For me, spirituality is less about an overarching being and more so the connection between each individual, so seeing those ideals reflected in a lot of the poetry was very interesting and relatable, which definitely makes my rating higher.
From a poetry standpoint, I wish there was more done on a technical level to the poem. I think there could’ve been more work done to make the poems more technical. I also wish some of the ideas had been more developed.
Overall, I enjoyed reading it significantly!
In looking at Ladinsky’s poems, I really enjoyed a lot of them just due to my being a romantic as well as the emphasis that it holds on love and the spirituality within each individual. For me, spirituality is less about an overarching being and more so the connection between each individual, so seeing those ideals reflected in a lot of the poetry was very interesting and relatable, which definitely makes my rating higher.
From a poetry standpoint, I wish there was more done on a technical level to the poem. I think there could’ve been more work done to make the poems more technical. I also wish some of the ideas had been more developed.
Overall, I enjoyed reading it significantly!
January 30, 2022
Truly incredible, beautiful, and heart warming. Now one of my fav poetry books. Reading this makes me want to go and read more of Hafiz’s work he is such an amazing writer and his words really touched my soul.
October 16, 2018
My review for The Gift was harder to write than I thought it would be. Not for lack of love for this book or its clever turns of phrase. I can quite honestly count this book among those that significantly impacted my perspective and encouraged me to develop a more passionate, contemplative, and meaningful relationship with my life. I've shared copy upon copy with my loved ones (as a copy was originally shared with me by a loved one). I've spent hours conversing with my friends about the ideas contained herein. I've even painted murals with Ladinsky's phrases integrated into colorful, sweeping abstract forms.
However, you may have noticed that I just wrote "Ladinsky's phrases." Therein lies the crux of the matter. Ladinsky claims a loose translation of Hafiz's work, when he should more accurately claim inspiration by Hafiz's work. I'm no expert on Iranian or Sufi poetry by any means, but a number of those who are have cried foul: [X], [X], [X]. For my part, I translated enough Catullus in my undergrad Latin classes to know that precision is necessary to develop a literal and legitimate translation. While I can understand (and even accept) the concept of inspiration (divine or otherwise), Ladinsky isn't honest about presenting his work in these terms. In his introduction he paints a picture of himself slaving over the arduous task of translating Persian to English. Perhaps the task became too monumental for him. Those in the know indicate that they can't find a single phrase in Ladinsky's work that links back to the phrasing or style of the original text. While Ladinsky may envision himself as a medium of sorts, he only touches on themes found in Hafiz's work. He doesn't put us directly in touch with the art form as expressed by the ancient poet.
That being said, there are still poems in this book I will continue to appreciate and enjoy as original works now that I know they were penned by Ladinsky himself. More refined or scholarly poets may find his language trite or the arrangements inelegant, but the enthusiasm and heart of the work make it accessible to a wide readership--which is why the book enjoys continued success. If you happen to read and enjoy the book, that's great--but know up front whose work you're reading to avoid that nasty feeling of betrayal once you realize the author isn't who you think it is. As more readers discover the truth, my hope is that Penguin will put out a revised edition that more accurately reflects the book's authorship.
However, you may have noticed that I just wrote "Ladinsky's phrases." Therein lies the crux of the matter. Ladinsky claims a loose translation of Hafiz's work, when he should more accurately claim inspiration by Hafiz's work. I'm no expert on Iranian or Sufi poetry by any means, but a number of those who are have cried foul: [X], [X], [X]. For my part, I translated enough Catullus in my undergrad Latin classes to know that precision is necessary to develop a literal and legitimate translation. While I can understand (and even accept) the concept of inspiration (divine or otherwise), Ladinsky isn't honest about presenting his work in these terms. In his introduction he paints a picture of himself slaving over the arduous task of translating Persian to English. Perhaps the task became too monumental for him. Those in the know indicate that they can't find a single phrase in Ladinsky's work that links back to the phrasing or style of the original text. While Ladinsky may envision himself as a medium of sorts, he only touches on themes found in Hafiz's work. He doesn't put us directly in touch with the art form as expressed by the ancient poet.
That being said, there are still poems in this book I will continue to appreciate and enjoy as original works now that I know they were penned by Ladinsky himself. More refined or scholarly poets may find his language trite or the arrangements inelegant, but the enthusiasm and heart of the work make it accessible to a wide readership--which is why the book enjoys continued success. If you happen to read and enjoy the book, that's great--but know up front whose work you're reading to avoid that nasty feeling of betrayal once you realize the author isn't who you think it is. As more readers discover the truth, my hope is that Penguin will put out a revised edition that more accurately reflects the book's authorship.
March 7, 2008
This book changed my life. I started writing poetry after being introduced to Rumi, and then jaki got 3 of Ladinsky's translations and I was transported into another World. THIS is where I belong. I am unable to find this place except through Hafiz, and I am pretty weary of ever being able to communicate clearly to anyone in real life about how clear his messages are in this book. But at least I have him, dancing in my mind, smiling sadly at me and then going off to play with God. I have wirtten him at least 30 poems.
Love God and complete trust and opennness. These are trite buzzwords these days by just about everyone I know. But putting them into practice is something that seems to cloud everyones mind. "how do I listen to others? as if everyone were my master. Speaking to me his cherished last words" no one know really respects anyones divinity. IWhen I have tried I have gotten smacked in the head with a baseball bat from those whose divinity I engage.
Ah well. I recently wrote to a friend that i should sell my love on eBay. that I have way more than anyone can handle and it is mostly rotting in me, and I see almost everyone around me in desperate need. I figure i could get a really good price for it, and if it wasn;t coming from me directly then maybe people could accept it.
Love God and complete trust and opennness. These are trite buzzwords these days by just about everyone I know. But putting them into practice is something that seems to cloud everyones mind. "how do I listen to others? as if everyone were my master. Speaking to me his cherished last words" no one know really respects anyones divinity. IWhen I have tried I have gotten smacked in the head with a baseball bat from those whose divinity I engage.
Ah well. I recently wrote to a friend that i should sell my love on eBay. that I have way more than anyone can handle and it is mostly rotting in me, and I see almost everyone around me in desperate need. I figure i could get a really good price for it, and if it wasn;t coming from me directly then maybe people could accept it.
September 18, 2014
The Gift is a collection of Hafiz poems translated to English by Daniel Ladinsky. In the preface, Daniel describes the hours he has spent studying Hafiz's work, and how, above all else, he attempts to capture the essence of each poem. (Most know that translation of feeling/words is not always perfect.)
Everyone seems a bit upset about this. As for me, I just wanted to read some beautiful poetry.
I've always connected with Hafiz and Rumi's thoughts on love, nature, happiness and connection; the moon and the sky. I've spent years clipping parts of their poems, but never spent much time reading "the whole" of their work. I guess, since it is an interpretation, I still haven't.
Knowing that I had to soon return this book to the library, I felt a little pressured to rush through it. (Not so fun when you're trying to reflect.) Still, his quirky, awe-struck view of love and the world is something I connect deeply with. I connect less with some of his other themes. That's the beauty if poetry, though--it's so personal.
Everyone seems a bit upset about this. As for me, I just wanted to read some beautiful poetry.
I've always connected with Hafiz and Rumi's thoughts on love, nature, happiness and connection; the moon and the sky. I've spent years clipping parts of their poems, but never spent much time reading "the whole" of their work. I guess, since it is an interpretation, I still haven't.
Knowing that I had to soon return this book to the library, I felt a little pressured to rush through it. (Not so fun when you're trying to reflect.) Still, his quirky, awe-struck view of love and the world is something I connect deeply with. I connect less with some of his other themes. That's the beauty if poetry, though--it's so personal.
May 24, 2016
THIS IS NOT HAFEZ. DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK! IT IS BAD POETRY, SPIRITUAL FRAUD AND MARKETING CHARLATANRY! Sorry to yell but it's important. This book sucks. Its not Hafez but crummy New Age numbskullery. As poetry it sucks. As cultural appropriation of the riches of Persian literature it is shameful in its deceit. Under no conceivable circumstances whatsoever should you buy this book.
The closest to the words and lines of Hafez are Reza Saberi's translations. Saberi actually speaks Persian and is also a professor of English literature. Other Dick Davis can be good.
The closest to the words and lines of Hafez are Reza Saberi's translations. Saberi actually speaks Persian and is also a professor of English literature. Other Dick Davis can be good.
August 16, 2008
surprisingly brisk, funny, amazing poems you wouldn't believe were written so long ago. they are love poems to God and they are passionate!
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October 12, 2024Some translation decisions in this that I do not agree with. In particular, the use of anachronisms, such as referring to someone "Flipping soy burgers/Somewhere" when we all can probably guess that they did not have soy burgers in medieval Iran, and one translation even makes reference to someone in drag (as in a drag queen), among many others that periodically occur. I have encountered such things in other translations of old poets--for example, I once read a translation of Horace's poetry where the translator inserted a reference to Beethoven's Fifth Symphony into one of the poems. I have two major problems with this: first, it totally takes me out of the work, because, as I have already said, if you are a halfway well-educated reader, you will know that they are anachronisms and thus they will attack you with an overwhelming sense of the translator being "in the room," when in the best translations the translator himself or herself should be invisible (in my opinion); and, second, it feels condescending, as though the translator thought modern readers would only be interested in a poem or "get" the poem if they inserted modern references. However, thankfully, this only happens every now and then in these translations by Daniel Ladinsky, so it was by no means enough to take away from Hafiz's work on the whole.
The second translation decision that was odd was the use of mixed metaphors in many poems. Now, it is my understanding--such as it is--that in poetry written in some languages other than English, mixed metaphors actually work. I don't know why, but that is what I've been told by people who know a lot more about Middle Eastern languages than I know, although usually they referred to poetry in Arabic and not poetry in Farsi. So I assume these mixed metaphors were retained in translation to be faithful to the original. But, again, they simply do not work in English, because, for better and for worse, English is a language where it is best to keep a metaphor consistent. These mixed metaphors did sometimes result in striking images, but often I would just be left with nitpicky problems with the logic behind a metaphor. Once again, though, like with the first translation issue, this was only a sporadic problem.
On the whole, I found many of these poems extremely comforting and insightful and gorgeous at times. I see myself returning to them when I need a little bit of comfort or spiritual manna in my life. I only wish I could read them in the original language.
The second translation decision that was odd was the use of mixed metaphors in many poems. Now, it is my understanding--such as it is--that in poetry written in some languages other than English, mixed metaphors actually work. I don't know why, but that is what I've been told by people who know a lot more about Middle Eastern languages than I know, although usually they referred to poetry in Arabic and not poetry in Farsi. So I assume these mixed metaphors were retained in translation to be faithful to the original. But, again, they simply do not work in English, because, for better and for worse, English is a language where it is best to keep a metaphor consistent. These mixed metaphors did sometimes result in striking images, but often I would just be left with nitpicky problems with the logic behind a metaphor. Once again, though, like with the first translation issue, this was only a sporadic problem.
On the whole, I found many of these poems extremely comforting and insightful and gorgeous at times. I see myself returning to them when I need a little bit of comfort or spiritual manna in my life. I only wish I could read them in the original language.
July 25, 2019
What I didn't know when I first started reading this,
is that the poems were not actually by Hafiz,
but more about him and or to him.
The author does state that he took wild liberties with his loosely translated poems.
Was a little disappointed to learn that as I had gone into this thinking it was hafiz poems.
However, the poems were not terrible. Hence the 3 stars.
Some of them are very Hafiz in their essence.
Others, well, very loosely translated with lots of liberties. heh.
Not a bad book, overall.
is that the poems were not actually by Hafiz,
but more about him and or to him.
The author does state that he took wild liberties with his loosely translated poems.
Was a little disappointed to learn that as I had gone into this thinking it was hafiz poems.
However, the poems were not terrible. Hence the 3 stars.
Some of them are very Hafiz in their essence.
Others, well, very loosely translated with lots of liberties. heh.
Not a bad book, overall.
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