Hafiz: A New World
Photo: Family in Qajar Iran.
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Let's offer flowers, pour a cup of libation,
split open the skies and start anew on creation.
If the forces of grief invade our lovers' veins,
cupbearer and I will wash away this temptation.
With rose water we'll mellow crimson wine's bitter cup;
we'll sugar the fire to sweeten smoke's emanation.
Take this fine lyre, musician, strike up a love song;
let's dance, sing all night, go wild in celebration.
As dust, O West Wind, let us rise to the Heavens,
floating free in Creator's glow of elation.
If mind desires to return while heart cries to stay,
here's a quarrel for love's deliberation.
Alas, these words and songs go for naught in this land;
come, Hafez, let's create a new generation.
(Hafiz)
split open the skies and start anew on creation.
If the forces of grief invade our lovers' veins,
cupbearer and I will wash away this temptation.
With rose water we'll mellow crimson wine's bitter cup;
we'll sugar the fire to sweeten smoke's emanation.
Take this fine lyre, musician, strike up a love song;
let's dance, sing all night, go wild in celebration.
As dust, O West Wind, let us rise to the Heavens,
floating free in Creator's glow of elation.
If mind desires to return while heart cries to stay,
here's a quarrel for love's deliberation.
Alas, these words and songs go for naught in this land;
come, Hafez, let's create a new generation.
(Hafiz)
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Source and Recommended Reading:
'Spiritual Wisdom of Haféz: Teachings of the Philosopher of Love'
By Haleh Pourafzal (Author), Roger Montgomery (Author)
Purchase Book:
Amazon.com
Amazon.co.uk
Description:
An exploration of the Persian poet's spiritual philosophy, with original translations of his poetry.
• The perfect introduction to the man known as the philosopher of love
• Speaks directly to the cutting edges of philosophy, psychology, social theory, and education, from the wisdom of a mystic and heartfelt poet
For six hundred years the Persian poet Hafez has been read, recited, quoted, and loved by millions of people in his homeland and throughout the world. Like his predecessor Rumi, he is a spiritual guide in our search for life's essence. Hafez is both a mystic philosopher and a heartfelt poet of desires and fears. Haleh Pourafzal and Roger Montgomery invite you to savor the wit and passion of his words.
The Spiritual Wisdom of Hafez is the perfect introduction to the man known as the philosopher of love, whose message of spiritual transcendence through rapture and service to others is especially important as our troubled world enters the twenty-first century. His wisdom speaks directly to the cutting edges of philosophy, psychology, social theory, and education, and can serve as a bridge of understanding between the West and the Middle East, two cultures in desperate need of mutual empathy.
"Hafez has no peer."
(Goethe)
"Hafez fears nothing. He sees too far; he sees throughout; such is the only man I wish to see or be."
(Ralph Waldo Emerson)
"Only the most enlightened of beings can benefit from the deepest human joys because within such beings resides a unique force of freedom and rapture. Their awareness rests in the house of spirit and their soul mates with their awareness meaning that which is discovered through awareness emanates from their soul and that which shines in the soul is known with awareness. This unity of spirit and mind is the legacy of Hafez."
(Friedrich Nietzsche)
"This beautifully written and nicely presented discourse on his life and work honors the poet as a significant figure whose influence resonates still."
(NAPRA ReView)
"This book is an ideal introduction to the spiritual guidance offered in Hafez's verses."
(Bodhi Tree Book Review, Winter 1999 / Spring 2000)
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