Customer Reviews

A Gift Of Love: Deepak & Friends Present Music Inspired By The Love Poems Of Rumi

5 star:		(34)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

First, let me say I disagree with the negative comments about this album posted by other listeners. Sure, Deepak is getting a little too commercial, but someone has to introduce this stuff to Americans! I keep seeing his new books and tapes and wonder whether they are just rehashing the same material, but when I hear them I am always inspired.

The Fan from Stockholm says the poems should be put to middle eastern music, but I went and listened to some of the music he recommended, and I can tell you most American's probably won't like it. Not that it is not good, it's just that people here do not have a cultural memory for the music he has recommended, so it may not evoke anything in the heart or mind, if you get my drift.

The music on Gift of Love IS inspiring (there are many natural instruments, but also some synth which I know some people don't like). The background music provides a perfect cadence for the readings. Amazon needs to put up some samples so others can hear. I am especially impressed with Madonna's voice on the track "Bittersweat." She needs to do more of this. Her voice is perfect for reciting Rumi. The same can be said for Demi Moore and Jared Harris.

Also, the reader that says this is a cheap production is crazy. OK, you get a cover that folds out to four sleeves. Inside are a book and two disks, one with 36 tracks of music and one with some commentary by Deepak. All for about $15. How is that cheap!

By the way, I don't work for these guys....

At any rate, this album was my introduction to Rumi, who I had heard a lot about but never really understood. It helped me get into the poems and understand the metaphors.

Best of luck to all who worked on this and please do some more.

This CD is an absolute joy to listen to! It thrills your senses. It makes your skin tingle. It opens your heart to love, brings you closer to God, the universe and all beings.

Usually I buy a CD, listen to it a few times and then it sits and collects dust. But this one is different. If I have a stressful day or whatever, I come home and listen to this and in only minutes I feel the stresses of the day leave me. I feel more grounded and as a friend said, it has the ability to put you in a deep meditative state.

I would rarely give any CD 5 stars, but this one rates it easily and if you are at are familiar with Rumi - you know his words are profoundly deep and touching to the human soul.

Deepak, You out did yourself this time -- A Fan!

I am sick of shadows! Blind me with you - Rumi

Some of the tracks on this CD actually moved me to tears with their overwhelming beauty. The effect of Rumi's achingly poignant words set against a fusion of east/west music is sometimes quite meditative and transcendental.

The only mistake I feel is the includion of Demi Moore who sounds as though she is reading these 'sacred' poems like a film script, unlike Madonna who appears to believe truly in what she is saying and mirrors Rumi's passion in her intonation of the words.

Don't let this put you off, however, there are 35 other memorable tracks.

I also disagree with some of the criticisms made on this site about the CD - take it for what it is and enjoy it. But please Deepak - confine your future 'friends' to those who have integrity and open hearts.

A wonderful CD and a true 'Gift of Love' for anyone - even yourself.

Rumi that we call him Molavi is a Dervish, who found everything in himself and love to the whole not to the single. He did not believed in any rules. His rules were his love to the world, to himself and us. All he just wanted to say is that there is something more than a materialistic life. Everybody who has not a background of the spiritual life especially in middle eastern countries will think of these poems as love to human, but Molavi believes that love is everything, and he himself is the God. When he says that God is here, just in me, it means that there is no conflict between loving myself and loving you. It is the same, we all love the same thing,God which is the whole existence of the world, everything you can imagine. Thanks to this team that tried to show the westerns that there is something more than fashion and this materialistic life. There are people who just live with their pure love to themselves and the whole and nothing more, and they are the happiest people in the world. Because they believe in that. I really loved this music, it reminded me of my country and my people and my history. Everytime I am trying to release myself from this prison which everybody is obliged to live in here, I listen to these gnostic songs. I am afraid that there is no special word for Erfan in English!

This is one of the most beautiful CDs out there. Put it on, close your eyes, and let your spirit soar. There seem to be two groups who have written reviews, those that analyze the music in terms of culture, commercial success, and character profiles of those involved, and those who open up to it as musical poetry and let it move them as a beautiful work of art. I am of the latter and it's really an incredible work. I would give it a five but one of the songs has a stressful/minor tone that doesnt belong with inspirational Rumi poetry. But I highly recommend this CD!

So much of the conflict I see in the previous reviews centers around whether or not Rumi and his poetry is used by Dr. Chopra in an "authentic" way.

What seems to me to be the central idea of many Eastern spiritual ways is to let go of the judgemental ways and surrender with tolerance and compassion. Most of us who have experienced our Ego's conditioning in this Western culture have a difficult time understanding the concepts and language of Eastern writing. There simply are not words to translate the concepts. Many may listen to this CD and feel it to be about romantic love. If one really listens though, it is obvious it is not. How else will Westerners be introduced to these ideas without meeting in the middle? Try introducing authentic Eastern Indian or other South Asian music or writings to an American and generally they do not find it enjoyable or understandable.

Thanks Dr. Chopra for bringing us halfway. I love this CD and find it excellent for morning commute time and arriving relaxed and feeling "Universal love" as my day begins.

As I sit in my tiny apartment, the music of Deepak & friends, includes Madonna, I listen with bated breath for the beauty of the words of love by the poet, "Rumi" as they are spoken over the group of up-to-date Indian music. The cd has tremendous warmth, pleasure, and eroticism. The first song to me is the most beautiful and romantic, almost to the point where you might want to cry but then Madonna speaks in her husky sexy voice and you just want to turn to your lover and kiss, hug, make love with candles and sandlewood incense all night! While I listened to this cd I was reading the last chapter of Anatomy of the Spirit by Caroline Myss and it was the most perfect complement to any stay alone evening. Too bad it was not longer ..... forever....

Deeply sensitive and spiritual poetry about love eloquently delivered to enchanting musical tracks. This CD is more than relaxing entertainment, it takes your soul on an uplifting spiritual journey. It explores the true meaning of love as we possibly could express it within the confines of words and music. I had to listen to this CD dozens of times just to get over my bewilderment with its entrancing powers. I am only now starting to scratch the surface for the deep meanings of its powerful insights into love. It could take an eternity to fully understand it, live it, and become it. But it would be worth it, because by then you wouldn't need anything else.

If you are seeker, get it. It has my highest recommendation.

As a wayfarer on the path, this CD has helped deepen my love and longing for God...I shed tears; my skin prickles as I shiver with deep knowing. The combination of the spoken word and music results in an intensified resonance which vibrates throughout my whole being. What a beautiful gift to us, Deepak...my heart thanks you!

A great musician is one who make angels dance, And a good listener is one who see dancing angels, When I just listen to the music, I saw them. Thank You