Rumi: Soul Fury: Rumi and Shams Tabriz on Friendship

A seminal collection of poetry from the medieval Sufi mystic—the most popular poet in America—and his “soul friend,” Shams Tabriz, which illuminate the evocative and deeply spiritual dimensions of friendship and love, compiled by the foremost Rumi translator and author of The Essential Rumi, Coleman Barks.

In this stunning translation, Coleman Barks brings to light Rumi’s theme of “love as religion”—that to reach its most profound depths requires mindful practice—as well as love in its most meaningful form: soul friendship. These short poems by both Rumi and Shams Tabriz, rich in beauty and spiritual insight, capture the delight and the impermanence of these bonds that pierce deep into the human mind, heart, and soul.

Rumi’s poetry is honored and enjoyed by many traditions and cultures. Today, many people from all walks of life have moved beyond traditional notions of spirituality, embracing a sense of the sacred that transcends a singular religion, belief, or text. Rumi’s poetry speaks to them and nourishes their divine yearnings. Joyous and contemplative, provocative and playful, Rumi: Soul Fury is a sterling addition to the modern Rumi oeuvre, and is sure to be embraced by his wide and devoted readership.

This is how the heart sounds. Do not change the melody, this now, you and I, here together. Let this being with each other be heart-sound.

The evocative, spiritual poetry of thirteenthcentury Sufi mystic Rumi has inspired people for centuries, and Coleman Barks' stunning translations are unparalleled. This exquisite new collection speaks to the mystery of soul friendship, specifi cally between Rumi and Shams Tabriz, and universally in the relationships we all share.

Jelaluddin Rumi and Shams Tabriz met in 1244 and began a mystical, divine friendship, one not bound to time and space and despite their diff erences. Where Rumi was introspective, loving, and embodied peace and kindness, Shams was wild, brash, and honest—full of a fi ery passion Barks calls "soul fury." Together they shared an eternal friendship that resulted in Rumi's luminous quatrains and the wise Sayings of Shams Tabriz, giving language to the delight of true friendship.

“The mystical and soul-stirring friendship between Rumi and Shams Tabriz was built upon mutual exploration of crazy wisdom and dangerous truth that those who surrounded these men could not understand or appreciate. This kind of spiritual friendship... is described repeatedly in Soul Fury.” - Spirituality and Practice