So many Greater Bay Area dojos and martial artists are lovers of the poetry of Rumi (1207 – 1273 CE). Often, Rumi’s poetry is read during classes to augment what the Instructor is teaching. And later, after training, conversations can find their way to include a favorite Rumi poem over a cold one at the local microbrewery.
Last Saturday I found a new edition of Rumi at the local independent bookseller in Sebastopol, Copperfield’s Books. (They also have a good selection of martial arts books). The book literally flew off the shelf into my hands.
It was a good blend and I caught it!
“Rumi THE BIG RED BOOK” is the collected translations of poems by the renowned Rumi scholar Coleman Barks. Barks has been featured on Bill Moyer’s shows on poetry and is the author of the popular “The Essential Rumi” and other collections of Rumi’s poetry.
Formally at the University of Georgia where he taught poetry, he now tours and lectures. I’ll be sure to post his next visit to the Bay Area.
The book includes detailed Notes and an index of the first lines of Rumi’s poems. As Rumi fans know, the first lines of Rumi’s poem are how they’re referred to since the poems don’t have titles per se and how best to find your favorite poem.
The Introduction outlines Rumi’s life and the various transformations he went through and Barks insights into the poet. He writes, “I want to try to say something about my sense of what it is like inside a Rumi poem….The lover in Rumi is the conductor who carries universal energy to the periphery. The youin this poetry is the center. ”
Barks continues, “’Anything anyone says is your voice,’ says the one speaking this poetry. The pronouns are the greatest mystery. Someone knocks on a door. Someone answers. The two become each other…this complex, lifelong process, the blending of soul essences, is the pervasive experience of Rumi’s poetry."
This is the same universe that a martial artist like O Sensei and other great masters saw and interacted with and is what those who follow the martial path work on obtaining through diligent training and a deep listening.
I highly recommend this new translation for both the dojo and the home.
“Rumi – THE BIG RED BOOK” by Coleman Barks, published by Harper One, ISBN 978-0-06-190583-4, Suggested retail price, $17.99
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