Hafiz: The Scent of Light [Abridged, Audiobook] [Audio CD]

Hafiz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 2002

In modern day Persia, the 14thcentury poet Hafiz remains the most treasured voice of his homeland-a place where his work outsells Rumi, and even the Koran. Yet only recently have Westerners come to know this wild Sufi mystic's astonishing verses on love and spiritual longing. Now, with Hafiz: The Scent of Light, listeners join Daniel Ladinsky-the acclaimed translator of The Gift-to revel in more than 30 of Hafiz' most stirring works. Offered here in the manner that Hafiz composed them, spoken or sung spontaneously amid companions and inspired music, each of these exquisite love songs (ghazals) shimmers with a nuance, depth, and passion rarely captured in previous translations. Music by Stevin McNamara and friends. Read by Nataraja Kallio.

Editorial Reviews

Book Description

Born in 1320 as Shams-ud-din Muhammad, the most beloved poet of Persia was thought to have written an estimated 5,000 poems by the time he died in 1389, of which only 500-700 have survived. This unprecedented audio presentation of Hafiz's poetry, as translated by Daniel Ladinsky, is interwoven with musical accompaniment by music artist Stevin McNamara. Abridged. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Hafiz (1320 - 1389) is the most beloved poet of Persia. He was born and lived in Shiraz where he became a famous spiritual teacher. When he died he was thought to have written an estimated 5,000 poems, of which 500 to 700 have survived. Hafiz' poems have been admired by such diverse writers as Goethe, Emerson, Nietzsche, Pushkin, Turgenev, and Garcia Lorca.

Translator Daniel Ladinsky was born and raised in the Midwest. For six years he made his honme in a spiritual community in western India, where he worked in a rural clinic free to the poor, and has published three volumes of Hafiz' poetry in translation: THE GIFT, THE SUBJECT TONIGHT IS LOVE, and I HEARD GOD LAUGHING.

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Product Details

• Audio CD
• Publisher: Sounds True, Incorporated; abridged edition edition (March 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1564559580
• ISBN-13: 978-1564559586
• Product Dimensions: 5.6 x 5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #888,962 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gorgeous, luminous, humorous,, January 3, 2004

By 

Cinza "Cinza" (West Coast) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hafiz: The Scent of Light (Audio CD)

The poetry of Hafiz is beautiful, delicate and hits you right between the eyes.
I came to Hafiz via Rumi and while I can't easily tell you that one or the other is better, it is Hafiz I go back to most often for his purity, love, enthusiasm, humor, grit and how he can grab you when and where you dont expect.
The poems on this CD are read with a seductive love that suits the content, every poem convincing me more and again that it is by love we see the face of God, in anything.
Obviously, I love this CD. Not all Rumi fans are so easily shifted in their loyalty... but it's worth the time to find out how you feel about Hafiz.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exquisite!, February 11, 2007

By 

S. Divine - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hafiz: The Scent of Light (Audio CD)

Beautiful beyond my expectations! When this arrived I popped it into the CD player to check it out (I took a chance on buying it) - I immediately realized it wasn't for casual listening, so I sat down to REALLY listen - and appreciate. It was worth every minute! When you are feeling quiet (or want to be) - treat yourself to this - it's very Heart-Centering!

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A most delightful experience!, August 13, 2007

By 

Liz O (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hafiz: The Scent of Light (Audio CD)

I ADORE this CD!!!

Immersing oneself in Hafiz's verse this way is such a perfect way to experience the beauty of his poerty. I have listened to this CD about 25-30 times now and yet each time a new depth in my heart is touched.

This CD is most likely not for everyone. It speaks only to those ripe and ready to open to the ancient and estatic wonders of Hafiz's poetry.

I implore the creators to PLEASE DO MORE of these wonderful CDs and make sure Nataraja Killio is "THE VOICE." His is the perfect voice for Hafiz's works.