Customer Reviews

Rumi: In the Arms of the Beloved

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This Rumi book ranks, to me, with Coleman Barks translations -- clear, lovely, insightful, beautiful. Star has great translation skills (as evidenced by several of his other books), and his selection of Rumi poems are exceptional. I have given many copies of this book away as gifts -- from weddings and showers to graduations and birthdays -- and I consistently hear back from people that this book has become one of their favorites, too. And the packaging is nearly as exquisite as the content. Highly recommended.

Jonathan Star (and Rumi!) did a fantastic job with this book. There are so many great books about Rumi's writings, but I suggest you pick up this one for an introduction to his brillaint poetry. It includes a brief overview of Sufism, the mystical branch of Islam that was founded in part by Rumi. It also includes a brief overview of his life. Another useful feature is the explanation of selected terms and symbolism in the back of the book.

My favorite poem in the book is "This Eternal Play."
Here are the opening lines:

"At dawn the Moon appeared in the sky.
It floated down and looked at me.
Then, like a hawk snatching it's prey,
it grabbed hold of me
and dragged me across the sky."

Stunning, magical work! I would call it a "version" instead of a translation. I checked it against a more word for word translation from the 19th century, and it's quite different. However, Mr. Star's editorial choices do not get in the way of Rumi's message. Yes, changes have been made, but I enjoy these versions.

Order it and enjoy!

This is such a soft and uplifting experience in the form of a book. The poems are lyrical. My Brother begins each day by opening this book to one random page, reads it, contemplates it and experiences it all day. I find it quenches my dire thirst and each poem grows and changes as you do...WITH you. It's a must, indeed.

ari

I have been looking for an easy to read and inspiring collection of Rumi's poetry for sometime, and this book is it -- it lives up to the title 100%: "Rumi: In the Arms of the Beloved". The collection goes straight to the heart and is a wonderfully accessible treasury of Rumi's poetry. The following brief excerpt from one poem succinctly gives the gist of the entire book: "People turned away from dogma and empty rituals, and went crazy after love!"

The poems are catagorized by topic to make reference to them easier. Along with the poetry, the end resources are great: Terms and Symbolism; Sources; and, Index. Also, this book is an essential addition to a series of books called the Tarcher Cornerstone Editions (each available for only $10 list price) that "highlight the foundational works of ancient and modern spiritual literature."

The prayers are easy to understand and reading the book is delightful.
The prayers are so fun you don't even feel like you are paying any dues... but you are.

I started this book without much exposure or understanding of Rumi. For one who is searching for universal truth, this is a must. There is such profound beauty in the words of Rumi that it is almost foolishness to try to discribe. Two of my favorite selections are: The Dome of the Inner Sky, and Better than Cabbage Soup. This is a fairly quick read that will come back to you time and time again. The value of reading this book is inestimable. The only regret I have is that I can't read the original in Arabic.

I actually haven't read the English version of this book, but I am a fan of the author and I've read some of his Persian works. I am concerned that some of your readers might consider "Rumi" as an Arabic poet and writer. He is Persian and he is one of our most famous pioneers in spirituality from almost 8 centuries ago.As a matter of fact, after Arab invasion to Iran 14 centuries ago, our language and literature were effected by them. That's why a lot of writers and scientists of that time have some books in Arabic.

I have one comment. I wish the translators of Rumi's works would know a little more about the language, history, and culture in which Rumi has created his works. I think this helps translation. Rumi's work is not just text books in mystics or others. It is a result of a civilization, understanding, and Love. Let's learn that.