The Essential Rumi
The Essential Rumi
Book Brief
302
Book • Nonfiction
1995
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Essential Rumi by Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Balkhī, translated by Coleman Barks, compiles 13th-century mystical Persian poetry into 28 thematic sections addressing universal spiritual questions through vivid metaphors. The poetry reflects on emptiness, love, union, and human experience, influenced by figures like Jesus, Moses, and Mohammad, and encompasses Rumi's personal loss, friendships, and profound spiritual insights. Some content discusses death and separation.
Inspirational
Contemplative
Emotional
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
52,420 ratings
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Mixed feelings
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Review Roundup
The Essential Rumi by Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Balkhī is highly praised for its profound spiritual insights and evocative poetry that resonates across cultures and times. Readers appreciate its depth, lyrical beauty, and wisdom. Some critique the translation for not fully capturing the original Persian nuance, but overall, it remains a treasured collection for personal reflection and enlightenment.
Who Should Read The Essential Rumi?
A reader who revels in the mystical and spiritual depth of poetry, craves philosophical introspection, and appreciates timeless wisdom will enjoy The Essential Rumi. Comparable to the contemplative allure found in The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran, they seek profound truth and beauty in lyrical form.
52,420 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Essential Rumi is translated and edited by Coleman Barks, who played a significant role in popularizing Rumi's poetry in the English-speaking world through free verse translations.
Rumi's poetry, as featured in The Essential Rumi, is renowned for its mystical and spiritual themes, often transcending religious boundaries and attracting a diverse global readership.
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302
Book • Nonfiction
1995
Adult
18+ years
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