4/5 stars

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. I love how thought-provoking they are though.

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.

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!

What a beautiful book. Adding it to.curriculum. Rumi is ageless yet so.many students are unfamiliar with his writing.

A collection of Rumi's works accompanied by brightly-colored designs on each page. I really like Rumi's poetry but I found this collection lacking - perhaps it was the translation - the words seemed dull and without the usual spark and beauty we've come to associate with Rumi.

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).

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

The link to the review will be added once the review has been published.

I love Rumi's poetry and this collection was no different. Highly recommend.

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.

I loved the timelessness of these poems. The format and layout of the book lends itself to contemplation with few distractions . The poetry itself, is deep and thought provoking.