The Illuminated Hafiz: Love Poems for the Journey to Light - Hardcover

Hafiz

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1683643429 ISBN 13: 9781683643425

Publisher: Sounds True, 2019

Synopsis

Experience the immortal poetry of the great Persian master paired with luminous illustrations

“There is this matter
of the light in my eyes.

If you want to know the Friend,
don’t expect elegant arguments!

Demand a blessing
from one who gives you joy.”
―Hafiz (tr. Barks)

“Hafiz is without peer!” exclaimed Goethe. Known as “The Tongue of the Hidden Mysteries,” Shams al-Din Muhammad Hafiz of Shiraz is the most revered of Persian poets. When the Sun of Infinite Reality dawned in his being, he poured forth mystic verse so sublime it touched the hearts of kings and commoners alike.

Hafiz’s poems of intimate divine love spread through the East in his lifetime, then into the West, influencing such luminaries as Emerson, Brahms, Queen Victoria, Nietzsche, and Garcia Lorca. Today, nearly 700 years after his death, the unmatched genius and bold wit of Hafiz continues to ignite hearts and intoxicate souls everywhere.

The Illuminated Hafiz brings together vivid translations by Coleman Barks, Robert Bly, Omid Safi, Meher Baba, Peter Booth, and others with the luminous art of Michael and Saliha Green, weaving them into a stunning contemporary presentation in the tradition of classical Persian illuminated manuscripts and unveiling the mysteries of the path of love.

Come, raise a cup! Join with Hafiz and his incomparable love poems in a holy revel on the journey into light.

About this title

About the Author

Hafiz of Shiraz (c.1315–1390) known as “The Tongue of the Hidden Mysteries,” was a Persian poet and mystic whose life and works reached the height of spiritual attainment. Hafiz has influenced generations of renowned writers and artists in the East and West with his verse devoted to revealing the mysteries of human and divine passion on the path to union with God.

Review

“Savor every page of The Illuminated Hafiz. It will soothe your soul and heal the wounds inflicted by reason.” ―Deepak Chopra, MD

“In these fractious times when the beauty of Islam has been obscured by a haze of misunderstanding, this collection lifts a lineage of loving-kindness, passionate devotion and perfected wisdom back into the light. The poems of Hafiz, exquisitely translated here and illuminated with the transformative power of Persian calligraphy and luscious imagery, are rooted in an ancient and yet perennial spiritual garden, offering a luminous remedy to the aching heart of humanity. Highly recommended.” ―Mirabai Starr, author of Caravan of No Despair and Wild Mercy

“This is an exciting collection of the pearls of Sufi master Hafiz’s poetry of yearning and realization. This book brings Hafiz to life. Here for the first time are a variety of prominent translators’ renditions enhanced by the gorgeous illuminated art of Michael and Saliha Green.” ―H. Talat Halman, PhD, associate professor of religion, Central Michigan University

“The Awakened Heart and clear wisdom of Hafiz rises from these pages as perfume through elegant translations and beautiful images. What a wonderful contribution to guide the unfolding of human compassion, integrity, service, and freedom.” ―Shabda Kahn, Pir (spiritual director) of the Sufi Ruhaniat International and co-author of Physicians of the Heart: A Sufi View of the Ninety-Nine Names of Allah.

“Hafiz is a poet’s poet, seer, and teacher, and The Illuminated Hafiz splendidly brings forth his sublime ghazals for us today―pollen from the heart’s garden and pith heartwood of the tree of life. When I open my already well-worn copy, point my finger to what my eye falls upon, and listen―invariably, it’s perfect guidance. Ubiquitous ambrosia.” ―Gary Gach, author of Pause Breathe Smile and The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Buddhism; editor of What Book!?

“We are living in a transitional moment in the life of our planet. It is clear we cannot continue doing business as usual, but what motivating force will lead us to make the deep, systems-level changes that are needed to benefit all living things, to regenerate the damage we have done all over the world, and restore planetary health? In The Illuminated Hafiz, we find profound inspiration in the poetry of great spiritual genius that can take us beyond our separate selves and our limited imaginations to the place in the heart where Love dwells. And in Love we discover connectedness and the true power to generate all the change we need.” ―Robert Smith, founder of Investment Community Visibility (ICV), member of the Sustainable Investing Advisory Board of the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF)

“The Illuminated Hafiz is so much more than a gorgeous new offering of faithful translations of the great poet of love. This book is alive. Light pours off each page in a sacred marriage of Hafiz’s eternal words and Michael and Saliha Green’s heart-exploding art. Even if you’re familiar with others’ works of Hafiz, open your eyes and be blessed to meet him once more, as if for the first time.” ―Janet Conner, author of Writing Down Your Soul and Soul Vows, and creator of the Praying at the Speed of Love podcast

“Rare, indeed, when artistic image so passionately weds heaven-sent spirit word, but here it is! Michael and Saliha Green’s exquisite illustrations make you pause in awe. Together in divine conspiracy with Hafiz’s wisdom, we readers are catapulted into the seventh heaven.” ―Rebecca Alban Hoffberger, founder and director of the American Visionary Art Museum

Edition details

• Publisher: Sounds True
• Publication date: 2019
• ISBN 10: 1683643429
• ISBN 13: 9781683643425
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 160
• Editor: Nancy Owen Barton
• Illustrator: Green Michael, Green Sally (Saliha)