Member Reviews
I had never read, or even heard of Rumi before. Yes I feel bad. I'm very glad I read this however, as although these were written long ago they still resonated with me and I enjoyed a large number of the poems.
This was an enjoyable read. I had read a little from Rumi in the past, but this was my first experience with a book completely devoted to his work. It was really good!
Rumi has always been an interesting read. This is a great collection and the new poems are a nice treat for people that have read other Rumi
Rumi is one of my favorite poets, and this is a fantastic collection. Anyone who has ever been in love needs to read this.
Essential Rumi. This is a great text for beginners or lovers of Rumi.
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. :)
This collection of over 120 of Rumi’s spiritual poems translated by Nader Khalili are a beautiful collection of Rumi's poems on spirituality, love and the Divine. I found this a very touching collection and it was beautifully done. Each page is illustrated and adds to the depth and beauty of this poetry. This is a book to read as a constant to find the beauty in everyday life for everyone.
I highly recommend this book for everyone that enjoys Rumi and his works.
Soulful poems by Rumi are always inspiring. A must read for the fans of Urdu poetry.
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.
Jalaloodin Mohammed Balkhi Rumi was born in 1207, in present-day Afghanistan. His family fled to what is now a major Turkish city. He studied languages, science, logic and Islamic philosophy. It was love and heartbreak that turned Rumi to poetry. And here we are centuries later, thanks to translator Nader Khalili, being wowed by his verses.
This collection of poems is separated in three (3) sections:
Pearls from the Deep: poems not previously published
Fountain of Fire: poems chosen from the translator's books
Dancing the Flame: poems chosen from the translator's books
Some of the poems, and almost a whole section, went over my head far as comprehension. I guess I'm not deep or spiritual enough. But I did understand the main message: people can find bliss and freedom through pure love. Across all religions, love is respected. Life is not to be wasted with sorrow or laziness. And this proves why Rumi remains a mystic poet capturing many religions.
The Spiritual Poems of RUMI is a great introduction for readers new to Rumi while also giving fans a fresh collection to marvel over. One of the best features is the artwork and design on opposite pages of the poems. I must say it is a relaxing, enlightening read.
Happy Pub Day! The Spiritual Poems of RUMI is now available.
LiteraryMarie
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.
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!
Beautiful, affecting and as timely now as when they were written. I find myself coming back to this collection of poems frequently to re-read the gorgeously evocative words. A real joy.
I love this book! I love the cover, the pages, and the poems. Everything about this book is amazing. The poems are so inspiring!
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.
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
———————————————
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!
What a beautiful book. Adding it to.curriculum. Rumi is ageless yet so.many students are unfamiliar with his writing.
A collection of Rumi's works accompanied by brightly-colored designs on each page. I really like Rumi's poetry but I found this collection lacking - perhaps it was the translation - the words seemed dull and without the usual spark and beauty we've come to associate with Rumi.
Rumi was a 13th-century Persian, Sunni Muslim, poet, jurist, Islamic scholar, theologian, and Sufi mystic. His influence transcends national borders and ethnic divisions: Iranians, Tajiks, Turks, Greeks, Pashtuns, other Central Asian Muslims, and the Muslims of South Asia have greatly appreciated his spiritual legacy for the past seven centuries. He also has the title of the best selling poet in America.
Rumi was a believer in music and dancing to help open the mind to create and for getting closer to God. God is liberally used in the poetry and the Prophet is also mentioned a few times. What is interesting though is that God used in the poetry is all encompassing and welcoming spirit. Perhaps closer to Norman Greenbaum's "Spirit in the Sky" than any dogmatic religion. The use of wine is also something that is not frowned upon. Rumi seems like a mix of the Beats and the Hippies but in a much more idealized way. He is not the one copying others but the one being copied imperfectly by others.
Rumi writes of the evils of greed and the effect it has on one's soul and the effects of faith:
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
__________
in the blackest
of your moments
wait with no fear
since the water of life
was found by the prophet
in the darkest of caverns
The poems are arranged with one or two on each page. The pages are trimmed with traditional Islamic art done in watercolors giving it the appearance of a religious text which goes well spiritual nature of the poems. The book can be opened anywhere and read and reflected on.
This translation is by Nader Khalili (1936–2008) was a world-renowned Iranian-American architect, author, humanitarian, and teacher. Khalili was also the founder and director of the California Institute of Earth Art and Architecture (Cal-Earth).