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"The comparative study of Walt Whitman (1819-1892) and Jalal al-Din Rumi (1207-1273) is significant for several reasons. Firstly, Rumi�s Mathnawi is one of the most challenging mystical literary works in Persian literature as well as the Islamic world. In the same way, Whitman�s major work Leaves of Grass is considered one of the most challenging literary works not only in the history of American literature but in world literature. Secondly, Whitman sets forth a new concept of mysticism in poetry as a natural reaction to the material world while Rumi, on the other hand, postulates a traditional concept of mysticism in his rhymed poems as an internal response to the universe. Rumi and Whitman both admire the body and the soul, the  material as well as the spiritual, evil and good. Therefore, one can find elements from various  religions, non-religious and philosophical concepts in their literary works; elements of Hinduism,  Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Rumi�...

Wang Guowei in the early 20th century realizing as he writes in the classical style, that what he's saying doesn't match what he's thinking. The traditional poetry once had a vital social function, served as a means of refined expression, and was normally taken to be non-fictional. Now it corresponds to no reality whatever. It's become a heap of clich�s that don't align with the world he knows, an arabesque of refined wordgames. Lyrics to a Forgotten Tune Wang Guowei Translated by A.Z. Foreman Is there something real in the words to these new songs of yours? To maiden heads those fancy phrases are laughably soft-core* "Lamplight o'er a broken heart..." just who'd you write that for? Behind my desk I peer around at recent works of mine Then dim the lights and reckon out the joys of bygone times All trivial affairs of the heart where not one line aligns *...

"Despite the fact that Confucius and Rumi were born in different periods and places, both were born at a time of social upheaval and political turmoil. Consequently, both thinkers tried to provide the means for their people to overcome the times of difficulty, first by understanding, cultivating, and realizing their human potentialities, and then by transforming themselves, their families, and their societies. Interestingly, Rumi and Confucius share more in common than most people would think and their teachings are still meaningful and relevant to the modern world. The wisdom of Confucius and Rumi provides today�s readers with spiritual resources to overcome the challenges of our time and to build bridges of understanding and dialogue among different cultures and civilizations. This paper examines the core ideas of these two great thinkers and provides anthropocosmic insights into their ideas on nature, family and music." READ ENTIRE PAPER BELOW: Rumi and Confucius: Message...

By Wes Jamroz, excerpts from his new book, Shakespeare's Sequel to Rumi's Teaching "Jalaluddin Rumi and William Shakespeare are considered to be the greatest poets of Persian and English literature, respectively. However, there is much more in common between these two titans of poetry who lived some 350 years and 2,000 miles apart. In his Sonnets, Shakespeare acknowledged that his writings were inspired by Rumi�s poetry. He referred to Rumi as one of �Alien pens� whom he was asked to study. He described Rumi as �He of tall building, and of goodly pride�. Shakespeare admitted that Rumi�s verses were so powerful that they were stopping his thoughts before he was able to formulate them. Although Shakespeare was strongly influenced by Rumi�s poetry, it should be emphasized that his writings were not merely some adaptations of Rumi�s illustrations from an Eastern environment into the Western culture. Such understanding would greatly diminish Shakespeare�s role. Shakespeare wa...

Rumi and Shams' Silent Rebellion:  Parallels with Vedanta, Buddhism, and Shaivism "This book offers a paradigm shift and fresh interpretation of Rumi's message. After being disentangled from the anachronistic connection with the Mevlevi order of Islamic Sufism, Rumi is placed in the world of philosophy. A pyramidal model is proposed for the structure of Rumi's philosophy, covering the range of topics from the basics of human existence to the principle of an immutable truth beyond time and space. The book also aims to demonstrate the silent yet defiant rebellion of Rumi and Shams. Mostafa Vaziri discusses how the two figures challenged the unbending Islamic dogma and a prejudiced mindset toward non-Muslims, with the intent of fostering an inclusive universalist attitude. By taking a more inclusive look at thousands of verses, from sources including Rumi's Divan and Masnavi, Sultan Valad's poetry, and the Maqalat (Discourses of Shams), a much broader picture of R...

Rumi Paying Tribute To Fathers ~ My translation ~ Though a mother's love is filled with kindness, a father's harshness is God's amazing grace. Look at me, look at me as your father,  and not as the husband of your mother. Cherish your relationship with your father  while he is still alive and still around, not talking to him is a wrong thing to do. You won't become a righteous son by blaming all your failures on your father. Blaming him to hide your own bad choices will only make you stay in total denial.  Listen to your father since you are his son, and he considers you as his sultan and king. Give your father a hand, help him out until the break of dawn if you have to. See the divine beauty emanating from your father's ragged old face.  If you've become successful and prosperous, it's thanks to your father's constant prayers and  supplications to hundreds of saints and prophets. O the son of enlightenment,  learn from your devout fat...