Rumi and the Religion of Love

  Mathnavi is a universal love hymn. On the 750th anniversary of his death, the mythical poet, sage and spiritual master Rumi (30 September 1207, Belh region – 17 December 1273, Konya) is one of the most read poets in the West. Leili Anvar attributes it to his sublime spiritual poise that transcends all religious norms. She is known for her scholarly translations, her profound knowledge of mystical Persian literature, and life and spiritual personality of Rumi.  In the preface of her book Rumi, the Religion of Love , she describes the epoch he lived in Anatolia. Rumi lived in

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Dante, Sommo Poeta

Italy is marking the 700th anniversary of the departure of Sommo Poeta — the Great Poet, Dante Alighieri  (1265 Florence-1321 Ravenna), and his masterwork, The Divine Comedy. He wrote this monumental epic at the age of 35 when he was exiled from his hometown of Florence to spend the rest of his life in Ravenna, until his death. In this timeless book, Dante sets out on a voyage to the other world where souls embark upon terminating life on earth. Depending on their merit earned on earth, they were to reside in one of these realms :  Inferno, Purgatorio, or

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The Secret of Divine Wisdom

“It is human affliction and not pleasure which contains the secret of the divine wisdom. In general, we must not wish for the disappearance of any of our troubles, but grace to transform them. For men of courage, sufferings are often a test of endurance and of strength of soul. ” The French philosopher and social activist  Simone Weil (1909-1943) who lived in the midst of the world wars in Europe was described by many as a saint-like personality. Learned in ancient Greek, Latin and Sanskrit, she studied the sacred texts of the major religions and encountered mystical love during

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