What is it about this 13th-century Persian poet and Sufi mystic that continues to captivate the world? R Rumi?s little Book of life is a beautiful collection of 196 poems by Rumi, previously unavailable in English. Translated by native Persian speakers, Maryam mafi and azima melita kolin, this collection will appeal to Rumi lovers everywhere. This collection of mystical poetry focuses on one of life?s core issues: coming to grips with the inner life. During the course of life, each of us is engaged on an inner journey. Rumi?s little Book of life is a guidebook for that journey. The poetry is a companion for those who consciously enter the inner world to explore the gardens within-out of the everyday ?world of dust?-through an ascending hierarchy that restores one?s soul to the heart; the heart of the spirit; and in finding spirit, transcends all. Divided into three sections ? soul, heart and spirit, this book more than answers her question. From playful to pastoral, from majestic metaphysical poetry to paeans to love, they show that Rumi?s God lay not in the mosque or temple, but within the soul.

About the Author

Rumi was a 13th-century Persian Muslim poet, jurist, theologian, and Sufi mystic. Maryam Mafi was born and raised in Iran. She went to Tufts University in the U.S. in 1977 where she studied Sociology and Literature. While reading for her Master’s degree in International Communications at American and Georgetown Universities she began translating Persian literature and has been doing so ever since. Reading Rumi’s poetry, she says, has led her to a ‘re-education’ in her own language and a new appreciation of her spiritual heritage. Azima Melita Kolin is a poet, concert pianist and an artist based in Hampstead, who studied in Rome and Geneva.