The words of the thirteenth-century mystical teacher and poet, Jalal al-Din Rumi, resonate down the centuries, touching the hearts of readers from all cultures. Gathered under a thematic spectrum of headings, from "The Sufi Way" to "Living in the Spirit," this vibrant anthology offers a distillation of the most beautiful and profound wisdom written by the great Persian writer. With a clarity which demonstrates her understanding of and familiarity with Rumi's work, Mabey's heartfelt selections are short, well chosen, and presented in accessible modern English. Drawing on his most famous works, the essence of the world's bestselling poet is captured within these pages and offered to all, whether they seek enlightenment on their spiritual journey or simply a taste of humanity's tremendous capacity for spiritual insight.
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Juliet Mabey presents verses from the Mathnawi and the Divan-i-Shams to "demonstrate the breadth, in both style and range of subject matter, of Rumi's spiritual writings." Her topics include "Becoming a Lover of God", "The Purpose of Life", "Purifying the Heart" and "Avoiding Pitfalls". The selections are short, well chosen and presented in accessible modern English. She has achieved this with a clarity which demonstrates her understanding of and familiarity with Rumi's work.
Her introduction gives a moving and concise insight into the ideals and practices of Sufism. This book is sincere, genuine and firmly rooted in the spiritual context of a great teacher. It abounds with wisdom and methods for spiritual development and every page contains a subtle gem.
Know that the outward form passes away,
But the world of reality remains for ever.
How long will you play at loving the shape of the jug?
Leave the jug; go, seek the water!
Mathnavi II:1020-1
The suggestions for further reading are of the most academic and scholarly available and include Franklin D. Lewis's unsurpassable Rumi: Past and Present, East and West. For anyone who seeks profound spiritual understanding, this has to be the introduction to buy. As an introduction to Rumi's work this book cannot be bettered. It distils the essence of his wisdom. It looks good, it feels good and it does your heart good. This Spiritual Treasury is an undoubted treasure in itself. --Amar Hegedus --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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"As an introduction to Rumi's work, this book cannot be bettered. This Spiritual Treasury is an undoubted treasure in itself." Amazon.co.uk
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
62 of 62 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I have several books on Rumi that I have bought over the years, and originally I got this for a friend. I liked it so much I bought a copy for myself, and it is definitely my favourite collection of Rumi's poetry.
Not only is the translation by far the best I have come across so far (and it is now the standard by which I judge all the rest) but the selection is very thoughtful and the categories so useful for both reading through and dipping into that I find my other Rumi books oddly disatisfying or even irritating.
By far the MOST irritating is the Coleman Barks edition, which, even with the rather grandiose adjective "Essential" in the title, comes across as a highly dubious and unconvincing "translation". In fact, some parts sound so completely made up by the translator, you get the impression you are reading 20th century Coleman Barks, not Rumi at all. Instead of reading some of the greatest gems of Sufi thought, you find yourself transposed to a strange American alternate universe.
But I suspect it is also personal taste. For me, this spiritual treasury really does live up to its title - spiritually uplifting and a joy to read.
Not only is the translation by far the best I have come across so far (and it is now the standard by which I judge all the rest) but the selection is very thoughtful and the categories so useful for both reading through and dipping into that I find my other Rumi books oddly disatisfying or even irritating.
By far the MOST irritating is the Coleman Barks edition, which, even with the rather grandiose adjective "Essential" in the title, comes across as a highly dubious and unconvincing "translation". In fact, some parts sound so completely made up by the translator, you get the impression you are reading 20th century Coleman Barks, not Rumi at all. Instead of reading some of the greatest gems of Sufi thought, you find yourself transposed to a strange American alternate universe.
But I suspect it is also personal taste. For me, this spiritual treasury really does live up to its title - spiritually uplifting and a joy to read.
26 of 26 people found the following review helpful
By "samantha9"
Format:Hardcover
I had bought a book of Rumi poetry from a bookshop and looked for another one browsing Amazon. This one caught my eye - it's got such a lovely cover - but when it arived I was even more impressed with the inside of the book. The introduction gives a very good overview of Rumi and his work, but then his words are left to speak for themselves. They are collected up under different headings, which I found very helpful and easy to follow, and it's a book I dip into again and again. I've just bought a second copy for a friend, and he loves it. Definitely one of the best Rumi collections around.
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Hardcover
This book is brilliant, its a small collection of some brilliant writings of Rumi.
http://www.ahmed2004uk.blogspot.com/
I love the way is which he is able to convey some deep messages with regards to spirirulity etc in such a few words. I am constantly referring to this book as a treasure of his works. Family and friends that have seen this book have the same opinion as me.
http://www.ahmed2004uk.blogspot.com/
I love the way is which he is able to convey some deep messages with regards to spirirulity etc in such a few words. I am constantly referring to this book as a treasure of his works. Family and friends that have seen this book have the same opinion as me.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
I wish I'd chosen a different Rumi book
Nothing wrong with this book, only just that I hadn't realised that the verse would be purely focused on spiritual subjects. Read more
Published 18 months ago by lilapple
5.0 out of 5 stars
Persian mystic ranks with the best
Yes, he's good, very knowing. This 13th century Persian mystic has a nice, artful way with words and metaphors and, along with his 13th century German contemporary, Meister... Read more
Published on 7 Dec 2006 by Marc John
5.0 out of 5 stars
Rumi - a great conveyer
This book is brilliant, its a small collection of some brilliant writings of Rumi.
http://www.ahmed2004uk.blogspot. Read more
http://www.ahmed2004uk.blogspot. Read more
Published on 3 Aug 2005
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