admin
@admin Dec. 15, 2024, 12:13 p.m.


New Video Posted: Who am I? - Mahmud Shabistari (Sufi Poetry)

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Who am I? - Mahmud Shabistari (Sufi Poetry)

Description: This time we feature the famous Persian poet Mahmud Shabistari and a section from his masterpiece "Gulshan-i Raz".

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admin
@admin Dec. 15, 2024, 12:11 p.m.


New Video Posted: Islamic Mysticism: An Introduction to Sufi Islam

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Islamic Mysticism: An Introduction to Sufi Islam

Description: An introduction to the history, practices, and beliefs of Sufi Islam. Sufism, or tasawwuf in Arabic, is practiced by many Muslims around the world, both Shia and Sunni, as a personal, mystical, or esoteric path to God. The video includes poetry by Mawlana Rumi and Ibn Arabi, and Mevlevi whirling dervish performances.

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admin
@admin Dec. 15, 2024, 12:10 p.m.


New Video Posted: Attar. (Quotes from Mantiq-ut-Tair widely known as 'The Conference of the Birds)

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Attar. (Quotes from Mantiq-ut-Tair widely known as 'The Conference of the Birds)

Description: A Persian poet, Sufi, theoretician of mysticism and hagiographer, was born in Nishapur (Nīšāpūr), a city in the northeast region of Iran.
Attar is one of the most famous mystic poets of Iran. His works were the inspiration of Rumi and many other mystic poets. `Attar, along with Sanai were two of the greatest influences on Rumi in his Sufi views.
Fariduddin Attar's Mantiq-ut-Tair widely known as 'The Conference of the Birds' or the 'Colloquy of the Birds' is considered to his best work. It was written about eight centuries ago. It is an allegorical poem in which this gated Sufi describes the quest of the Birds (symbolizing Sufi pilgrims ) to reach the Simurg (the Lord of Creation).
Rumi has mentioned both of them with the highest esteem several times in his poetry.

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admin
@admin Dec. 15, 2024, 12:09 p.m.


New Video Posted: Life-changing power of Attar's Conference of the Birds. Who are we? Where are we going?

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Life-changing power of Attar's Conference of the Birds. Who are we? Where are we going?

Description: Sholeh Wolpé speaks about Sufi mystic Attar's life-changing masterpiece, The Conference of the Birds. At the end of her talk, Sholeh wonders if she now understands what true Hell may be. Her modern translation of The Conference of the Birds was recently published by W.W. Norton and is available globally.

This video is part of a longer presentation at the Alphabet City, Pittsburgh, September 7, 2019. Videography courtesy of City of Asylum, Pittsburgh.

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admin
@admin Dec. 15, 2024, 12:08 p.m.


New Video Posted: Who is Rumi?

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Who is Rumi?

Description: Rumi is one of the most widely read poets in the world. But some are critical of the translations of his poetry, and the way he’s portrayed in the West, especially how he’s generally stripped of his Muslim identity. Rumi’s poetry is intense, spiritual and speaks right to the heart. But who is the real Rumi?

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admin
@admin Dec. 15, 2024, 12:04 p.m.


New Video Posted: Sheikh Attar: The Sufi Master Who Inspired Rumi

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Sheikh Attar: The Sufi Master Who Inspired Rumi

Description: "Discover the fascinating life and legacy of Sheikh Attar, one of Persia's most revered Sufi poets and mystics. This video explores his poetic works, spiritual journey, and profound influence on later figures like Rumi. Learn about his title 'Farid al-Din,' his profession as a healer, his use of the pen name 'Attar,' and his family's impact on his spirituality. Delve into debates surrounding his birth, death, and philosophy, while uncovering his connections to Sufism, mysticism, and Islamic thought. A must-watch for lovers of Persian literature and spiritual seekers alike."

Sheikh Attar, commonly referred to as "Abu Hamid" by scholars, earned the title "Farid al-Din," confirmed by numerous sources. He often used "Farid" and "Attar" in his poetry, with "Attar" reflecting his profession as a pharmacist. His father, Ibrahim, also a pharmacist, greatly influenced his spiritual journey. His mother, a devout ascetic, also shaped his mystical path.

Attar's birthdate is debated, though Jami's "Nafahat al-Uns" records it as 6 Sha'ban 513 AH. He lived around 70-80 years, dying in 618 AH during the Mongol invasion of Nishapur. Attar's works like Asrarnameh reflect his deep engagement with Sufism, though some suggest he was more of an independent mystic. A turning point in his life was an encounter with a dervish, which inspired his full embrace of Sufism.

Though Attar criticized philosophy, he was knowledgeable in various sciences, preferring religious teachings. His poetry often references Quranic verses and hadith, with his works covering themes of divine wisdom, spiritual struggle, and mysticism. Despite owning a pharmacy and possibly agricultural land, his focus remained on spirituality and intellectual pursuits.

Attar's influence on Rumi is significant, with Rumi drawing from Attar’s works like *Mantiq al-Tayr*. However, the depth of their intellectual connection is debated. Attar's death occurred during the Mongol massacre of Nishapur, marking the end of his profound legacy in Sufi literature.

1. *From *Khosrownameh*:*
"Three years have passed since I secluded myself in asceticism,
sitting quietly in a corner. I wrote no poetry."

2. *From Attar’s *Diwan*:*
"Beneath the soil, you lie sleepless, O Attar,
do not sleep, for your life has reached halfway through sixty."

3. *From *Mukhtarnama (multiple references to 30 years):**
"For nearly thirty years, I gave dust to the wind,
until I found the way to the soul, and the body followed."

"For thirty years, I've been running with thought,
until I recognized myself."

"For thirty years, you gave yourself to the dust,
Alas, you didn't raise your head from the soil."

"For thirty years, I sought the beloved with my soul,
I lost myself and never found Him."

"I intended to open this sphere in thirty years,
but a hundred more spheres and a thousand others appeared."

"For thirty years, we fed this lamp oil,
until the flame burnt all the oil clean."

4. *From *Tazkirat al-Awliya (quoted usage of "thirty" as a metaphor):**
"Sheikh said, 'One must walk in sincerity for thirty years,
Place your head on the lap of sorrow, and only then will you know the way of the men.'"

5. *Khaghani's poem (referenced as a comparison):*
"After thirty years, this meaning became clear to Khaghani,
that true sovereignty lies in poverty and poverty in sovereignty."

6. *Rumi’s *Divan-e Shams*:*
"After thirty years of wandering, the body has turned,
don't turn thirty into forty."

"Every soul that looks towards guidance,
sees madness after forty years."

"After forty, one sees a sun
that shines from every atom of light."

7. **From *Mukhtarnama***:
"For fifty years, I destroyed myself without doubt,
Now, I must shape the bow with sixty."

"At sixty, my weakness shows,
When sixty is done, my back becomes a bow."

8. **From *Mukhtarnama***:
"When we turned to fifty and sixty,
We held our heads high like the cypress.
We gained what we should not have,
In the end, we faced defeat."

9. **From *Ilahi Nama***:
"O sixty-year-old, in darkness lost,
How could you fit these six days into a sack?"

10. **From *Asrar Nama***:
"When I reached sixty years, there was no loss,
If I shape the bow with sixty."

11. **From Attar's *Diwan***:
"For thirty years, we cooked in the fire of desire,
Then we burned for another thirty."

"For thirty years, we ran through countless troubles,
For another thirty, we circled your door.
We reached your path,
Only to find the dawn drummer on the roof,
But never saw the sunrise."

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admin
@admin Dec. 15, 2024, 10:38 a.m.


New Video Posted: Quatrain 73 from Rubaiyat of Rumi

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Quatrain 73 from Rubaiyat of Rumi

Description: My beloved came, drunk and utterly alone,
With languid, beautiful narcissus eyes.

I sought to steal a kiss from her lips,
She cried out in alarm, "Robbery! Robbery!"

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admin
@admin Dec. 14, 2024, 5:45 p.m.


New Video Posted: Quatrain 72 from Rubaiyat of Rumi

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Quatrain 72 from Rubaiyat of Rumi

Description: O Lord, I am repentant for what has passed,
Will You accept the excuse of a broken-hearted lover?

This mine of regret, of sorrow, and of injustice,
O Lord, forgive, forgive, forgive.

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admin
@admin Dec. 14, 2024, noon


New Video Posted: Quatrain 71 from Rubaiyat of Rumi

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Quatrain 71 from Rubaiyat of Rumi

Description: Mansur was that master who, on God's path,
Tore away the garment of the soul from the cotton of the body.

Where was Mansur when he said, "I am the Truth"?
Where was Mansur? It was God who was God.

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admin
@admin Dec. 14, 2024, 11:58 a.m.


New Video Posted: Rumi - The Most Famous Sufi Poet in the World | Rumi Lifestory

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Rumi - The Most Famous Sufi Poet in the World | Rumi Lifestory

Description: Rumi - The Most Famous Sufi Poet in the World, Journey with us into the mystical world of Rumi, an exploration of the life and poetry of the most renowned Sufi poet to have ever graced the Earth and Rumi's Impact on Modern Sufi Poetry. Rumi's words are a timeless source of inspiration and enlightenment. In this video, we delve deep into Rumi's Spiritual Philosophy and Legacy and captivating life story, unveiling the secrets of his profound wisdom and enduring influence that have made him the most celebrated Sufi poet globally and Rumi's Influence on Contemporary Poets.
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Discover the essence of Sufism and how Rumi's verses have transcended borders and languages, touching hearts across cultures. The Enduring Relevance of Rumi's Poetry explores his spiritual insights, philosophical musings, and his unique perspective on love, unity, and spirituality that continue to resonate with millions. We will unravel the significance of Rumi’s poetry and its relevance in today's world, shedding light on why Rumi's words continue to be a wellspring of wisdom for seekers everywhere.
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Join us on this soul-stirring journey through the life and legacy of Rumi, and witness how his poetry still sparks the flames of inner awakening. If you're drawn to the beauty of poetic expression and the profound teachings of Sufism, this video is a treasure trove of inspiration. Subscribe, like, and share this video to partake in our exploration of the world's most famous Sufi poet, Rumi.

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admin
@admin Dec. 14, 2024, 11:54 a.m.


New Video Posted: Ghazaliat of Hafez Ghazal 076

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Ghazaliat of Hafez Ghazal 076

Description: Ghazal 076 from Divan of Hafez

Except for your threshold, I have no refuge in the world,
My head has no place to turn but to this door.

When the enemy draws his sword, I will drop my shield,
For our sword is nothing but a moan and a sigh.

Why should I turn away from the tavern's alley?
For there is no better custom or path in the world than this.

If time sets fire to my harvest of life,
Tell it to burn, for I am worth no more than a blade of straw.

I am the slave of the captivating narcissus of that slender cypress,
Who with the wine of her pride gives no glance to anyone.

Pursue no harm and do whatever you wish,
For in our religion, there is no sin other than this.

Rein in your horse, O king of the realm of beauty,
For there is no path on which there is no seeking of justice.

Seeing traps on every side of the path,
There is no refuge better for me than the protection of her locks.

Do not give the treasure of Hafez's heart to curls and moles,
For such deeds are not the limit of every darkness.

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admin
@admin Dec. 2, 2024, 5:41 a.m.


New Video Posted: Ghazaliat of Hafez Ghazal 075

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Ghazaliat of Hafez Ghazal 075

Description: Ghazal 075 from Divan of Hafez

The dream of your captivating narcissus is not without something,
The allure of your disheveled locks is not without something.

I said the liquid flowing from your lips was honey,
This sugar-coated salt of yours is not without something.

May your life be long, for I know for certain,
In the bow of your eyelashes' arrows, there is no deficiency.

Afflicted by the grief of sorrow and the pain of separation,
O heart, this wailing and lament of yours is not without something.

Yesterday, the wind passed through her neighborhood to the garden,
O flower, this tear in your collar is not without something.

Though the pain of love hides the heart from people,
Hafez, this weeping eye of yours is not without something.

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admin
@admin Aug. 22, 2024, 6:13 a.m.


New Video Posted: Ghazaliyat of Hafez Ghazal 006

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Ghazaliyat of Hafez Ghazal 006

Description: Ghazal 006 from Divan of Hafez

Who will carry this prayer to the sultan's servants?
That in gratitude for his kingship, he might not ignore the beggar.

I seek refuge in God from my evil-hearted rival.
Perhaps that piercing comet will send help from God!

If your dark eyelashes hint at our blood,
Beware of their deceit, my love, and do not err.

You burn the hearts of a world with your snow-white cheeks.
What good does it do you to show no mercy?

All night I hope that the morning breeze,
Will bring tidings of my beloved to my beloved.

What a doomsday it is, my dear, that you have created for lovers!
My heart and soul are sacrificed to your face, reveal your face to us.

By God, give a sip to the early-rising Hafez,
So that his morning prayer may have an effect on you.

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admin
@admin Aug. 22, 2024, 2:12 a.m.


New Video Posted: Ghazaliyat of Hafez Ghazal 005

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Ghazaliyat of Hafez Ghazal 005

Description: Ghazal 005 from Divan of Hafez

My heart is slipping from my grasp, O pious ones, for God's sake!
Alas, what secret can remain hidden forever?

We are shipwrecked sailors, O stormy wind, arise!
Perhaps I shall see the face of a familiar friend.

The ten-day love of fortune is but a tale and a spell,
Count yourself lucky for the kindness of friends, O beloved.

Last night the nightingale sang sweetly in the circle of flowers and beauty,
“Bring the wine, bring the wine,” it called to the drunkards.

O generous one, as thanks for your well-being,
Grant a visit to this poor dervish.

The comfort of both worlds is summed up in these two words:
Kindness to friends, tolerance to enemies.

They have not allowed us passage on the road to a good reputation,
If you disapprove, change the decree.

That bitter wine, which the Sufi called “the mother of all vices,”
Is more delicious to us than the kiss of a virgin.

In times of poverty, seek pleasure and intoxication,
For this is the alchemy that can turn a beggar into a Croesus.

Do not be rebellious, for like a candle, you will burn from your zeal,
The beloved, in whose hand is wax, can turn stone hard.

Look at the mirror of Alexander, the cup of wine,
So that it may show you the state of the world's ruler.

Persian-speaking beauties are givers of life,
O wine-server, give tidings of joy to the pious revelers.

Hafez has not put on this wine-stained robe of his own accord,
O pure-hearted sheikh, please excuse us.

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admin
@admin Aug. 20, 2024, 6:42 a.m.


New Video Posted: The universe is indifferent to humans desire: Quatrain 26 from Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam

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The universe is indifferent to humans desire: Quatrain 26 from Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam

Description: This world is not run according to the wise, so it is not that important what the true nature of life is. Because ultimately we have to abandon many dreams and lie within earth, what is the worrying for? This is the message of quatrain 26 from Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam. Here is the original Persian poem, its translations and a brief analysis.

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admin
@admin Aug. 19, 2024, 6:35 p.m.


New Video Posted: Ghazaliyat of Hafez Ghazal 003

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Ghazaliyat of Hafez Ghazal 003

Description: Ghazal three from Divan of Hafez

If that Shirazian Turk were to capture my heart,
I would gladly give Samarkand and Bukhara for her Indian mole.

O wine-server, bring the eternal wine that you won't find in paradise,
Beside the waters of Ruknabad and the garden of Musalla.

Alas, these playful, sweet-natured, city-disturbing rogues,
Have stolen my patience like the Turkmen plunder the battlefield.

My beloved's beauty is quite independent of our incomplete love,
What need has a beautiful face for water, color, mole, or line?

From Yusuf's ever-increasing beauty, I learned,That love can draw
Zuleikha out from behind the veil of chastity.

If you insult me, or even curse me, I will still pray for you,
A bitter reply befits a sweet-lipped ruby.

Listen to advice, my dear, for the fortunate youth,
Cherish the counsel of the wise old man.

Speak of music and wine, and seek less the secret of time,
For no one has solved, nor will solve, this riddle with wisdom.

You've composed a ghazal and scattered pearls, come and sing joyfully,
Hafez,For the heavens will shower the Pleiades upon your verse.

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admin
@admin Aug. 19, 2024, 6:27 p.m.


New Video Posted: Ghazaliyat of Hafez Ghazal 002

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Ghazaliyat of Hafez Ghazal 002

Description: Ghazal two from Divan of Hafez Shirazi

Where is the path of righteousness and where am I, so lost and astray?See the vast difference between the wrong path and the right way.My heart grew weary of the monastery and the hypocrite's patched robe,Where is the tavern of the mystics and the pure wine, where?What connection is there between piety and the ways of a carefree soul?Where is the sermon and where is the melody of the lute?How can the heart of the enemy understand the face of the beloved?Where is the dead lamp and where is the candle of the sun?Since the kohl for our eyes is the dust of your threshold,Where should we go? Command us, from this lowly place, where?Do not look at the beauty of the beloved's dimples and forget the pitfall ahead,Where are you rushing, O heart, where?It is over!May the memory of that beautiful time of union be blessed,Where is that coquetry now, and where is that reproach?Do not expect peace and sleep from Hafez, my friend,What is peace? Where is patience and neglect it.

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admin
@admin Aug. 19, 2024, 1:45 p.m.


New Video Posted: Ghazaliyat of Hafez Ghazal 001

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Ghazaliyat of Hafez Ghazal 001

Description: Ghazal one from Divan of Hafez Shirazi

O wine-server, bring a cup and pass it round,
For love seemed easy at first, but now troubles abound.

The scent of musk that the breeze steals from her curls,
Has caused much bloodshed in hearts.

What peace can I find in my beloved's abode,
When the bell cries out every moment, "Seal up the palanquins!"

If the old Sufi tells you to stain your prayer mat with wine,
Know that the traveler is not unaware of the path and customs of the destination.

In this dark night, with fear of the waves and such a mighty whirlpool,
How can the carefree ones on the shore know our state?

All my actions, due to self-will, ended in disgrace,
Can a secret remain hidden when it becomes the topic of gatherings?

If you desire her presence, do not be absent from her, Hafez,
When have we ever found what we desired? Let go of the world and neglect it.

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admin
@admin Aug. 18, 2024, 4:41 p.m.


New Video Posted: Divan e Hafez Episode 16

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Divan e Hafez Episode 16

Description: This post discusses Ghazal 120 from the renowned Divan of Hafez. We will embark on a verse-by-verse exploration of this exquisite poem, examining each couplet in its original Persian form, followed by an English translation. To enrich our understanding, we will also engage in a line-by-line analysis, unraveling the depths of meaning and imagery woven into Hafez's poetic tapestry.

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admin
@admin Aug. 17, 2024, 6:56 p.m.


New Video Posted: A ruby tinted paradise: deciphering Omar Khayyam's quatrain 161

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A ruby tinted paradise: deciphering Omar Khayyam's quatrain 161

Description: Omar Khayyam, the renowned Persian poet and philosopher, has captivated readers for centuries with his profound and often enigmatic quatrains. One such verse, number 161 from the Rubaiyat, invites us into a world of contemplation on life, pleasure, and the pursuit of meaning.

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admin
@admin Aug. 16, 2024, 6:04 p.m.


New Video Posted: Divan e Hafez Episode 15, Ghazal 115

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Divan e Hafez Episode 15, Ghazal 115

Description: An Exploration of Ghazal 11
5Hafez, the symbol of sweetness of Persian poetry, has woven a blend of profound thoughts and emotions into his ghazals. Ghazal 115 is no exception, offering a rich blend of philosophical musings, romantic imagery, and spiritual aspirations. We examine each verse line, first in Persian, then its English translation and a brief analysis.

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admin
@admin Aug. 15, 2024, 2:02 p.m.


New Video Posted: A prison of existence: Omar Khayyam's yearning for liberation, Quatrain 165 from Rubaiyat

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A prison of existence: Omar Khayyam's yearning for liberation, Quatrain 165 from Rubaiyat

Description: Omar Khayyam, the renowned Persian poet and philosopher, is celebrated for his introspective quatrains that explores the complexities of human existence. His poetry often explores themes of mortality, fate, and the search for meaning. In Quatrain 165 from the Rubaiyat, Khayyam encapsulates a profound sense of disillusionment and a yearning for escape.

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admin
@admin Aug. 14, 2024, 6:09 p.m.


New Video Posted: Divan e Hafez Episode 14

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Divan e Hafez Episode 14

Description: Ghazal 110 by HafezHafez, the renowned Persian poet, often goes into the complexities of love and human experience. In Ghazal 110, he presents a beautiful exploration of age and desire. With characteristic lyrical beauty, Hafez reveals the unexpected turn of events when the passion of youth ignites within him during his twilight years. The old poet is in love and his hidden secret has been revealed.

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admin
@admin Aug. 14, 2024, 3:06 p.m.


New Ghazal Posted: At dawn, the nightingale told a tale to the morning breeze, Ghazal 130 by Hafez

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At dawn, the nightingale told a tale to the morning breeze, Ghazal 130 by Hafez

Description: English Translation:

At dawn, the nightingale told a tale to the morning breeze,
Of how the love of the rose's face has done to us.

From that color of her face, blood fell into my heart,
And from that rose garden, I became entangled with a thorn.

I am a slave to the spirit of that beloved,
Who did good deeds without show or hypocrisy.

I will not complain about strangers anymore,
For whatever they did to me, my familiar did.

If I had hope from the sultan, it was a mistake,
And if I sought loyalty from the beloved, it was cruelty.

Blessed is that morning breeze,
Which healed the pain of night-sitters.

It pulled back the rose’s veil and the hyacinth curl,
And untied the knot of the bud’s robe.

In every direction, the love-sick nightingale is wailing,
And the morning breeze finds pleasure in the midst of it.

Give tidings to the tavern-keepers,
That Hafez has repented of hypocritical asceticism.

Loyalty from the city's noblemen has brought me
The pinnacle of wealth and pious devotion.

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