Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi- known simply as Rumi – was a 13th-century Persian poet, jurist, theologian, and Sufi mystic. Iranians, Turks, Afghans, Tajiks, and other Central Asian Muslims as well as the Muslims of South Asia have greatly appreciated his spiritual legacy in the past seven centuries. Rumi’s importance is considered to transcend national and ethnic borders. His poems have been widely translated into many of the world’s languages and transposed into various formats. In 2007, he was described as the “most popular poet in America.”
Rumi’s works are written in Persian and his Mathnawi remains one of the purest literary glories of Persia, and one of the crowning glories of the Persian language. His original works are widely read today in their original language across the Persian-speaking world. Translations of his works are very popular in other countries. Wikipedia
Rumi’s Little Book of Life is a beautiful collection of 196 poems by Rumi, previously unavailable in English. Translated by native Persian speakers, Maryam Mafi and Azima Melita Kolin, this collection will appeal to Rumi lovers everywhere.
This collection of mystical poetry focuses on one of life’s core issues: coming to grips with the inner life. During the course of life, each of us is engaged on an inner journey. Rumi’s Little Book of Life is a guidebook for that journey. The poetry is a companion for those who consciously enter the inner world to explore the gardens within – out of the everyday “world of dust” – through an ascending hierarchy that restores one’s soul to the heart; the heart of the spirit; and in finding spirit, transcending all.
One of the marvels of the world is a soul in prison with the key in its hand covered with dust.
Only from the heart can you touch the sky.
Open the window in the centre of your chest, and let the spirits fly in and out.
Open to me, so that I may open. Provide me with your inspiration. So that I may see mine.
Open your hands if you want to be held.
Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I will meet you there.
Reason is powerless in the expression of love.
Remember, the entrance door to the sanctuary is inside you.
Respond to every call that excites your spirit.
Silence is the language of God – all else is poor translation.
Sing to me in the silence of your heart and I will rise up to hear your triumphant song.
Something opens our wings. Something makes boredom & hurt disappear. Someone fills the cup in front of us: We taste only sacredness.
That hurt we embrace becomes joy. Call it to your arms where it can change.
The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you. Don’t go back to sleep.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice, meet them at the door laughing, and invite them in.
The outer is an elaboration of the inner.
The whole universe is inside you. Ask all from yourself.
The wound is the place where the light enters you.
There is a fountain inside you. Don’t walk around with an empty bucket.
This is how I would die into the love I have for you. As pieces of cloud dissolve into the sunlight.
Through love, all pain will turn to medicine.
Very little grows on jagged rock. Be ground. Be crumbled, so wildflowers will come up where you are.
We come spinning out of nothingness, scattering stars like dust.
We rarely hear the inward music, but we’re all dancing to it nevertheless.
What you seek is seeking you!
When the ocean surges, don’t let me just hear it. Let it splash inside my chest!
When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy.
Why do you stay in prison when the door is so wide open?
Why set your heart on a piece of earth? Seek out the source which shines forever.
Woman is a ray of God. She is not just the earthly beloved. She is creative, not created.