The Spiritual Poems of Rumi

by Rumi, Nader Khalili (Translation)

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.

Genres: Poetry, Nonfiction, Classics, Spirituality, Religion, Philosophy, Historical

128 pages, Hardcover

Published February 13, 2018

About the author

Sufism 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.

Reviews

[[S] Bibliophage · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Jess the Shelf-Declared Bibliophile · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Dianna ☾midnight reads☽ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars
➹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.

[Shweta Padma Das · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Xiomara Canizales · Rating 3 out of 5]

”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.

[WhatIReallyRead · Rating 3 out of 5]

"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!!!

[Jenny Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Hans · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[PS · Rating 5 out of 5]

"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!

[Lili Marcus · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[syd · Rating 4 out of 5]

“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”

[Asera · Rating 4 out of 5]

---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

———————————————

[Verity W · Rating 3 out of 5]

******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.

[Geethu · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[✨Maciollo✨ · Rating 1 out of 5]

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.

[Emanuel Ferraz · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Andreea · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book of poetry. I like the poems of Rumi and the graphical setting really enhances their content.
Very beautiful and recommended.

[Kelly K · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Kim Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent poetry and words of wisdom.this

[Rose Eleusis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exquisite, but oh how I wish I could fully read them in their original language!

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely compilation.

[LiteraryMarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Joseph Spuckler · Rating 5 out of 5]

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).

[Joshua · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with the other two (Love and Friendship Poems), this is a beautiful book. The pages are laid with intricate detailing and the reading experience is quite pleasant.

The poetry in this book has both the highest highs and the lowest lows of the trilogy. It has some of the only poems I would personally consider bad, however, this may be out of ignorance of their meaning- who is to say?

I would have liked if any of these books contained more detail about Rumi himself, yet it must also be borne in mind that creating an image of the author through his history is not the objective in this work. Perhaps having the poetry stand itself within a (mostly) vacant contextual vacuum is the 'purest' way to understand the machinations of Rumi. If you are interested in the politics of either the localities in his life, or the totalities which governed him, these works are not where to see the silhouette of Rumi against his world. It is a silhouette of the world against Rumi, through the lens of his poetry.

All in all, these books are worth it for the visual aspect alone. Overall, the poetry is wonderful, wholesome, profound, and insightful. While some poems of lesser quality are there, they are a minor component in a great composition. If you read all three, you will notice that there seems to be a small overlap; some poems are found in more than one book, though this is infrequent and is a hair-splitting criticism.

[Kate Henderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book incredibly fascinating.

In the introduction of this book the author explains that Rumi's poems are from the 1200's.
I just can't believe that words written so long ago can still be so relevant and beautiful today! It's amazing!
A few stand out favourites of mine were - 'when I die', 'there is a soul', 'don't think too much', 'you can't escape people', and 'there are two attitudes' - these ones really struck a chord with me.

One thing I didn't like about the book was the illustrations around the prose. I found it far too 'busy' and very generic. I would have liked more variety in the images, as they became quite repetitive. I felt that with such powerful imagery within the writing, it would have been easy to draw upon this to create some beautiful illustrations to go with them. Unfortunately this was not the case. I also felt at times, some of the illustrations reminded me of a 'ruler' with lines measuring - like you used to have at school - very bizarre. I appreciate the book is so much more than just the illustrations, but I do feel like they let the book down somewhat.

Overall I loved the words of Rumi, and will be looking into more of his writing - but I wasn't a fan of the illustrations or layout of this particular book.