"A new English translation with Persian text and explanatory notes". "Originally published by Penguin Books as "Spiritual verses : The first book of the Masnavi-ye Ma'navi"--<Book One> title page verso. Includes bibliographical references and indexes.
Contents:
Book 1. Preface -- Chronology -- Introduction -- Further reading -- Note on the translation -- English translation of The 'Masnavi' Book One "The Opening of the Path" -- Rumi's preface -- The Poem -- Notes to Rumi's preface -- Notes to The Poem -- Appendix : Analytical index of the stories and discourses of 'Masnavi' Book One -- Index of proper names, terms and selected themes -- Persian Text of The 'Masnavi' Book One, edited by Mohammad Este'lami. Book 2. Preface -- Chronology -- Introduction -- Further reading -- Note on the translation -- English translation of The 'Masnavi' Book Two "The Ending of the Self" -- Rumi's preface -- Notes -- Appendix : Analytical index of stories and discourses of 'Masnavi' Book Two -- Index of proper names, terms and selected themes -- Persian text of The 'Masnavi' Book Two, edited by Mohammad Este'lami.
Summary:
Jalaloddin Rumi's 'Masnavi-ye Ma'navi', or 'Spiritual Couplets', composed in the 13th century, is a monumental work of poetry in the Sufi tradition of Islamic mysticism. For centuries before his love poetry became a literary phenomenon in the West, Rumi's 'Masnavi' had been revered in the Islamic world as its greatest mystical text. Drawing upon a vast array of characters, stories and fables, and deeply versed in spiritual teaching, it takes us on a profound and playful journey of discovery along the path of divine love, toward its ultimate goal of union with the source of all truth. In Book 1 of the 'Masnavi', the first of six volumes, Rumi opens the spiritual path towards higher spiritual understanding. Alan Williams's authoritative new translation is rendered in highly readable blank verse and includes the original Persian text for reference, and with explanatory notes along the way. True to the spirit of Rumi's poem, this new translation establishes the 'Masnavi' as one of the world's great literary achievements for a global readership. Translated with an introduction, notes and analysis by Alan Williams and including the Persian text edited by Mohammad Este'lami.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.