The Rubais of Rumi: Insane with Love

By Rumi

Book Overview

The first English translation of the rubais of Rumi * Presents 233 of the most evocative of Rumi's 1,700 rubais * Shows that the mystical embrace is the way to directly experience the Divine Rumi is well known for the over 44,000 verses that appear in a 23-volume collection called the Divan-i Kebir . Yet Rumi also composed 1,700 rubais, short aphorisms and observations, whose depth and message belie their brevity. The form of rubais first became well known through the 11th-century collection The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam . But unlike Khayyam, who like most poets would sit and carefully craft each word, Rumi would compose and speak his poems through the spontaneous "language of poetry" that poured from his lips as he traveled the streets of Konya, Anatolia (present-day Turkey). Very few of Rumi's rubais have been translated into any of the languages of the contemporary Western world. Now, Nevit O. Ergin, the translator of the complete Divan-i Kebir , and Will Johnson present here 233 of the most evocative of Rumi's 1,700 rubais. Rumi's poetry expresses profound and complex truths in beautiful yet simple language. He reveals that by going deep into the interior of our heart and soul, we can arrive at a place in which we once again merge and connect with the divine. This mystical quest, Rumi contends, is the birthright of us all. Anything less than a complete dissolving into the world of divine union will not provide the satisfaction and peace that we all seek. The simple, yet profound spiritual truths and visions contained in The Rubais of Rumi lead the way to the path of reconnection to the direct energies of God.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1594771839
• ISBN13: 9781594771835
• Release Date: July 2007
• Publisher: Inner Traditions International
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.59 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.2" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Let Rumi expand your mind.

Rumi led me to world history, comparative religions, and haiku. "The hand is veiled, yet the pen writes as bidden."

What can you say about RumiI?

If you love word images and haven't yet discovered Rumi, you are about to experience a real treat. It amazes me how Rumi, who lived hundreds of years ago and in a culture totally different from the modern American world, can share thoughts and insights so relevant to today, to any tme. This little book is a collection of little jewels that totally transcend time and culture. In today's world, with the Middle East such a concern, Rumi also demonstrates that we all are not so different as we might think. Consider him not just a poet, but a trans-generational, trans-cultural missionary who can teach us some understanding and appreciation for each other.

A recommended pick for any collection strong in Rumi wisdom.

Rumi is known for over 44,000 verses that appear in a 23-volume collection, yet Rumi also composed nearly two thousand rubias (short observations). His rubias were primarily oral and spontaneous as he journeyed through Turkey, so unlike his other collected verses few have been translated into English, until now. Nevit Ergin is translator of Rumi's 44-volue set and he and Will Johnson together present over two hundred of Rumi's best rubias, making this a recommended pick for any collection strong in Rumi wisdom.

The Most Beautiful Poetry on the Planet

If I were stuck on that proverbial desert island with just one book, this would be it. I've read these graceful four line poems over and over, and every time gain fresh insight. The genius of this work is that it can be read on so many different levels--give it to a couple newly in love and they can read it to each other as a book of love poems. Give it to a serious seeker of God and they will understand the love and beloved of the poems to be the relationship between Rumi and God, and the ecstasy of real communion with God...either way, this poems are beautiful and infinite. I brought this book to Afghanistan (where Rumi was born) and found the love of this poet (who they know as Bahlki) to be a bond, and we translated many poems back and forth...there are many more. BUY this book! And buy five copies to give to friends. Even people who think they don't like or read poetry end up loving this book, especially if they are on the path to God.

exceptional insight into the Guru-disciple Relationship

For the mystically inclined, Moyne and Barks translation of this collection of Rumi quatrains, is an "evocative" excursion into that "realm"..the realm of the "mystical". Truly, a source of contemplation and deep wisdom, the book also "tests" "traditional" concepts and notions related to...the "boundaries" of love. But, Rumi was a truly "enlightened" being, and, therefore although...a being whose words will "stretch" our mind...he will never be talking about anything but..the "divine" in essence. This particular collection by Moyne and Barks...speaks a little more "specifically" to the aspect of "longing" in the "spiritual search".