Rumi: Soul Fury: Rumi and Shams Tabriz on Friendship

This is truly an incredible book, and has changed the way I look at friendship. For anyone fascinated by the soul, spiritual poetry, or friendship, especially by the friendship of Rumi and Shams of Tabriz, one of the greatest creative mysteries of all time, get your hands on this book! Reading about their relationship and the poetry they both penned, all incredibly presented and translated by Coleman Barks, who I believe is a genius, has allowed me to see connections in an entirely different way, as "soul friendships.”This compilation by Barks is truly a gift to all readers and lovers of Rumi! It is just as stellar as many of his other bestselling translations such as The Big Red Book, Bridge to the Soul, The Essential Rumi and The Book of Love, all of which I have read.Some of my favorite passages from Soul Fury are below. Half of the book is the words of Rumi, the other half from Shams of Tabriz. What a beautiful homage to their friendship.A warm, rainy day—this is howit feels when friends get together.Friend refreshes friend then,as flowers do each other,in a spring rain.Your soul knows all about everything,whether you say anything or not.We are a brush in the hand of the mysterythat is painting this soul-making universe.Your friends, the beloveds,all live within the circle of BE!The heart isa point of union—moresothan even the sky.I came here for the refuge of friendship.For someone with whom I can be true to myself,no hypocrisy, no pretending anything.Search within yourself. The great mystery is there.From this compilation, we can see clearly that the deepest union of souls can be in the freedom of friendship!

BARKS is a genius like no other at interpreting Rumi's age-old words into modern, relatable text. BARKS is to be credited for his contributions to preserving and spreading the legacy and message of Rumi, and Rumi is to be credited for having written words centuries ago in a completely different milieu that successfully penetrate our being today. Rumi is more than a poet or philosopher, and thankfully is not presented as a prophet. He is a super-bard of the highest order. "Soul Fury" burns with the passion of all passionate friendships. The only friendship that endures is the one based on the strongest of connections at the deepest core of our being: our spiritual center. Highly recommended.

Inspiring as always.

I love Rumi’s poems about his spiritual path and his love for God. Movement and dancing were important for the Shams. I wonder if the shams represent God’ s Oneness, Love and Spirit. I think it’s important to read other material outside my faith tradition and to expand the depth of God’s love for me.

I have "The Essential Rumi," also translated by Barks, which I have read cover-to-cover, and then some. This is an excellent addition to a collector of Rumi, as it is a departure in form from what is found in The Essential Rumi, but equally as wonderful and transformative.

Well written and informative

if you read no other Rumi - read this one

Coleman Barks has made a career whitewashing this amazing Poets work. The real Rumi is above & beyond the simplicity of this man.

rumi is the best

Full Price is Rs.399/- for this Indian edition and not as mentioned in Amazon.

Good book.

This one star is not for the content but for the book I received. It wasn't the book shown in the picture. The content was pretty good but the quality of the pages was poor.