Rumi

= Jalai ed-Din Rumi =

"O furious Wind, I am only a straw before you; How could I know where I will be blown next? Whoever claims to have made a pact with Destiny Reveals himself a liar and a fool; What is any of us but a straw in a storm? How could anyone make a pact with a hurricane?" //-from "Love is the Master"//


 * Sept. 30 1207 - Dec. 17 1273
 * Iranian mystic and poet
 * Founded his own religious order: Mevlevis
 * "Dancing Dervishes" - emphasized music in religion
 * Mysticism: connection to God through meditation; transcending ordinary understanding
 * Firmly reject violence in the name of religion
 * Fled to Konya from empire of Genghis Khan
 * In Nishapur, encountered the eminent poet Attar, who prophesied Rumi's greatness and gave Rumi his "Book of Secrets"
 * Remained in Konya for the rest of his life
 * Inherited his father's high position amongst the Seljuks
 * Inspired by Sufi mystic Shams ed-Din Tabrizi
 * Primary work: **Mathnawi**
 * Also wrote a shorter Diwan and "Fihi Ma Fihi" ("What Is Within Is Within")

The following link will direct you to a database of Rumi's poetry.
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