In this collection of Rumi poetry, Rumi gives answers to spiritual questions that have been asked for centuries. So many readers and scholars represent Rumi as a mystical poet who can help us understand this world, help us worship God, become better humans, attain human happiness. They confuse Rumi's emphasis on Love with earthly love, and they miss his emphasis on annihilation of self. This is the reason for the title of this book: Unknown Rumi. It is a collection of 100 of Rumi's rubais (four-line poems), with commentary on each rubai by Nevit Ergin, reflecting various stages of Rumi's spiritual journey from human perception to Absence, Advaita, Nothingness. Ergin has translated all 2,217 rubais from Rumi. They are spread throughout the second half of Rumi's Divan-i Kebir. The earliest known manuscript copy of the Persian original, which was completed between 1367 CE and 1368 CE, is housed at the site of Rumi's tomb in Konya, Turkey. Photographs were taken of each page of that manuscript and reproduced for this volume, thus making it truly unique. In addition to the original Persian, each rubai is presented in its English and Turkish translations, A book for spiritual aspirants and lovers of Rumi alike.

From the premier interpreter of Rumi comes the first definitive one-volume collection of the enduringly popular spiritual poetry by the extraordinary thirteenth-century Sufi mystic.

Introduction - Rumi's Timeless Legacy Welcome to a journey through the life and legacy of a remarkable soul whose words have traversed time and touched hearts across the globe. In the following chapters, we will delve into the captivating tale of Rumi, a name that resonates with wisdom, love, and mysticism. Rumi, whose full name is “Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī”, was not just a poet or a scholar; he was a beacon of light in the realm of human understanding. His story, spanning the 13th century, stretches far beyond the borders of his birthplace, leaving a trail of inspiration that remains as vibrant today as it was centuries ago. Born on September 30, 1207, in Balkh, a city in what is now Afghanistan, Rumi's journey began in a land rich with cultural heritage and spiritual traditions. His early years were marked by a thirst for knowledge and a heart open to the mysteries of existence. Little did he know that his path would lead him to become one of the most celebrated poets and thinkers in history. As we embark on this voyage, imagine the vibrant tapestry of the Middle Ages, a time of intellectual exploration, where the scent of knowledge wafted through the air, and hearts beat in rhythm with the pulse of discovery. Rumi's world was one of shifting empires, diverse cultures, and a profound search for meaning. Our journey will take us through dusty libraries where Rumi's young mind absorbed the teachings of scholars, through bustling bazaars where merchants exchanged not only goods but also ideas, and to the quiet corners of Konya, Turkey, where a fateful encounter would forever alter the course of Rumi's life. At the heart of Rumi's story is his deep and transformative friendship with Shams al-Din Tabrizi, a wandering mystic who ignited a flame within Rumi's soul. Their bond was not just one of teacher and student; it was a connection that bridged the earthly and the divine, sparking revelations that would find their way into Rumi's immortal verses. Picture, if you will, the sun-drenched courtyards of Konya, where Rumi and Shams engaged in conversations that delved into the very essence of existence. These dialogues, often filled with laughter, contemplation, and soul-stirring insights, formed the crucible from which Rumi's poetry emerged like pure gold. In the chapters to come, we will explore the intoxicating power of divine love that Rumi so eloquently described in his works. We will witness the birth of the whirling dervishes, a mystical order that sought union with the divine through dance and devotion. We will unravel the verses of Rumi's masterpiece, the "Masnavi-ye-Ma'navi," and embark on a journey of enlightenment, where every couplet is a stepping stone toward the truth.

At long last, an accessible little book that focuses on the teachings of Rumi's teacher and inspiration, Shams of Tabriz. Included in this slim, charming volume is a biographical sketch of the great Sufi teacher and mystic and a new translation of 500 of his core teachings that bring into fresh focus the meaning and mysteries of life and love. There are many books on Rumi and many translations of his works and yet most readers are unaware of how Rumi became a mystic. Shams, an Arabic word that means the sun, was the catalyst that converted the rather resolute and ascetic Rumi, the cleric and teacher, into Rumi, the passionate disciple of the religion of love. He was the agent of the propulsive mystical energy that transformed Rumi the reticent into Rumi the ecstatic poet. Rumi lovers, spiritual seekers, and devotees of the mystical path will meet this little book of wisdom and mystical secrets with enthusiasm. I shall not place you in my heart For you may get hurt by its wounds. I won't keep you in my eyes For I may belittle you and expose you to the ridicule of common men. I will hide you inside my soul, not in my heart or in my eyes, so that you may become one with my breath.

Why is a 700-hundred-year-old Sufi mystic one of the best-selling poets in America today? Rumi's verses embrace human and spiritual truths fearlessly and without regard to social convention. This volume contains more than 300 translations of the poet's short poems and 32 plates of original Persian calligraphy as well as a description of the life of the poet.

Rumi's philosophy takes center stage within these pages, unveiling Love as the ultimate pathway to divine connection. As you delve into his words, you will witness the transformative power of Love, which transcends the ordinary and unites us with the essence of our being. Rumi's teachings will inspire you to look beyond superficial differences and embrace the universal thread that connects all humanity. You will be encouraged to awaken your heart, live authentically, and find fulfillment in every aspect of your life. Rumi's teaching is not just a book but a guide that holds the key to unlocking your true self and embracing profound lessons of Love, spirituality, and personal growth. Within its pages, you will discover the transformative power of purification, allowing you to unlock the essence of who you are and embark on a purposeful and meaningful journey. Prepare to be captivated by Rumi's timeless wisdom as you uncover valuable life lessons on Love, compassion, spirituality, and self-improvement. His words will resonate within you, illuminating your path toward a more fulfilling and enlightened existence. Let Rumi's profound teachings guide you on a quest for Love, self-discovery, and spiritual awakening. Open your heart, embrace his words, and embark on a deep journey that will forever change your life.

Welcome to "Whispers of the East: Timeless Wisdom from Confucius, Buddha, Rumi, and Lao Tzu." In this collection, we embark on a journey through the profound teachings and insights of some of the greatest Eastern philosophers to have graced humanity with their wisdom. Throughout history, the East has been a cradle of spiritual and philosophical enlightenment, giving rise to timeless principles and profound truths that continue to resonate with seekers of wisdom across cultures and generations. In this book, you will encounter the enduring wisdom of Confucius, the founder of Confucianism, whose teachings on morality, ethics, and social harmony have profoundly shaped Eastern thought for millennia. You will delve into the profound teachings of Buddha, the enlightened one, whose path to awakening has inspired countless seekers to transcend suffering and find inner peace. You will explore the mystical poetry of Rumi, the renowned Persian poet and Sufi mystic, whose words dance with the beauty of love, spirituality, and the divine. And you will contemplate the timeless insights of Lao Tzu, the ancient Chinese philosopher and author of the Tao Te Ching, whose teachings on the Tao, or the Way, offer profound guidance on living in harmony with the natural order of the universe. Each quote in this collection serves as a beacon of light, inviting you to reflect, contemplate, and integrate these timeless teachings into your own life's journey. May these whispers from the East inspire you, uplift you, and guide you on the path to greater understanding, compassion, and inner peace.

Bahauddin, Rumi's father, was not only a major force in the development of Islamic spirituality, but also deeply influential in his son's life. This delightful and provocative collection reveals the depth of thirteenth-century Sufi mystical wisdom and its acute observations into nature, humanity, and the mysteries of life. Full of wit and insight, Bahauddin's notes bring to the reader a deeper understanding of his son Rumi's spiritual and intellectual heritage. After his father's death in 1231, Rumi carried his father's spiritual notebook, known as the Maarif, everywhere. The writer Aflaki tells this story of the meeting of Rumi and Shams: Rumi is sitting by a fountain in Konya talking to his students with the Maarif open on the fountain's ledge. Suddenly, Shams interrupts the conversation and pushes the precious text into the water. "Who are you and why are you doing this?" asks Rumi, protesting that this copy of his father's diary is the only one in existence. Shams replies, "It is time for you to live what you have been reading of and talking about. But if you want, we can retrieve the book. It will be perfectly dry. See?" And he lifts Bahauddin's notebook out, "Dry." Rumi set aside his father's book and joined Shams; but now, in this first-ever translation of the vital passages of the Maarif, renowned poet Coleman Barks and Persian scholar John Moyne open a window into the world of Rumi, the young man who became one of the world's best-loved poets and great spiritual teachers.

This book is dedicated to all who believe in beauty, love, mindfulness, and the power of words. (excerpt) FOREWORD I remember it well as if it were yesterday. I was ten years old when my father took me to a performance of the dancing dervishes in Konya. I was fascinated by the elegance of their movements, as if they were floating. But, to be honest, I did not know how to classify my impressions at that moment. It was just too much. On the one hand, I was deeply impressed and touched; on the other hand, I was afraid (today, I would call it awe). In any case, my visit at that time left lasting impressions. So much so that they keep coming back to my mind. Rumi's poems and quotations are omnipresent. They appear everywhere, and one cannot escape their depth, beauty, and meaning. They are a part of great human creativity and remind us repeatedly how powerful (in a positive sense) words can be. This little booklet addresses all who believe in beauty, love, mindfulness, and the power of words. May Rumi's words touch you as they have always touched me and be a companion for a fulfilling and inspiring life. Murat Durmus

The Persian poet Rumi, who wrote in the 13th Century, has become increasingly popular today. This selection comes from his monumental work, The Mathnawi—perhaps the longest mystical poem ever written, containing 24,000 verses in rhyming couplets. Thanks to E.H. Whinfield’s translation and commentary, these tales—filled with Sufi wisdom, insight, and humor—are wonderfully accessible to a wide audience.