The words of the Sufi mystic poet Rumi. I find myself
travelling on the Seattle to Victoria clipper. Snowcapped mountains rise straight out of the Puget Sound. And I’m listening to my new love – Krista Tippet and the wonderful speaking of faith program on American Public Radio. Since Padraig introduced me to the wonder of Krista I’ve listened to the programmes with John O’Donohue, Elie Wiesel and Karen Armstrong. Today I’m listening to the Ecstatic Faith of Rumi with Fatima Keshavarz of Washington University.
Rumi was a 12th century Sufi mystic and poet who wrote in Persian and his influence is huge. He inspired the whirling dervishes by spinning around a column as he recited his poems. He also wrote some amazing sensual poetry. Fatima Keshavarz describes him as someone who saw human love as a mirror of the divine. His poetry is simultaneously in praise of God and also a more earthly love. He said everything is quickened or whirling in the face of love and there is no boundary between the two.
“How did Jesus raise the Dead. Kiss me on the lips. That is how.”
Longing itself is redemptive. Valuing perplexity – not knowing is a way of learning and propelling us forward. Rumi says we can never be done.
“Stay bewildered in God and only that.”
And perhaps finally something for our own fundamentalist age.
“Out beyond ideas of right doing and wrongdoing is a field. I will meet you there.”
The full programme is fantastic. Click on the title above to go straight to the Speaking of Faith website. I really believe it is the best thing on public radio. So check it out. It could be the start of a beautiful friendship.
M
7 comments:
Ah Mark, I'm delighted that I've managed to share the delight of SOF with you.
Rumi has another one I'm fond of - "closer to you than yourself to yourself".
See you soon. We had a Tuesday group last night where you were mentioned, but at no point were you mentioned disparagingly.
Something's wrong.
Padraig introduced you to Krista and me to Rumi - through a book lying in the 'lovely room' at a silent retreat - so he could easily open an Introduction Agency!
Yes...Pad is correct - your name was uttered with affection (what else!!?)...and we missed you loads last night ...
take care and blessings xmox
hey mark. good post. i don't know rumi very well. must get aquainted! have you read the gospel of thomas? if not it is really worth a look. hat you said about divine love and the more earthly love really reminded me of it. i love the jesus of the gospel of thomas.
i'll take that advice...
loved that podcast :)
ah, beautiful friendships.....
now my dear chap are you still on that bloody boat??
No I'm back. So when are you coming for a visit then ?
that is a good question my friend - i don't have much annual leave left. there is Gb and then i am off to Palestine with Gb and Amos in October....it maybe next year now (sob sob) - you well? I spoke the Dr last week...
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