Maulana Jalal al-Din Rumi
The Festival of Spring, from the Díván of Jeláleddín
Rendered in English Gazels after Rückert's Versions, with an Introduction and a Criticism of the Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám
"The Festival of Spring, from the Díván of Jeláleddín" by Maulana Jalal al-Din Rumi is a collection of mystical poetry written in the 13th century. This work presents a selection of gazels, which are Persian lyrical poems characterized by their interplay of love, spirituality, and nature. The poetry reflects profound themes of divine connection, the cyclical nature of life, and the pursuit of unity with the divine. At the start of the book, the introduction offers a homage to Rumi's status as a preeminent mystical poet. It highlights how his poetry interweaves beauty, spirituality, and deep philosophical insights, calling attention to the vibrancy of creation and the quest for divine love. The opening gazels delve into themes of light versus darkness, the essence of life and death, and the enchanting beauty of spring, all encapsulated in rich imagery and rhythm. These poems invite readers to awaken their hearts and embrace the transformative power of love and faith, setting the tone for a deeply reflective and inspiring poetic journey.