Radio Rumi

In this episode, recorded last October, we connect Rumi and Einstein separated by centuries. They are astonishingly similar in their aspiration to make us see how connected we are with the universe -- neither separate from it, nor captive in it. They both see knowledge as healing and liberating. They both see that everything perishes except for love. And what we run after, often in circles, is much closer than we think. Dive deep within, Rumi says, strengthen your wings. Now fly out for you no longer need a ladder.

How can one speak of love in a world plagued by disasters like forced migration, starvation, hatred and war? Well, that depends on how we understand the concept of love. If it is defined as the happy and optimistic emotion we normally associate with love, the answer is "We cannot." In this program, I look at the ways in which Rumi understands love and what he wants us to do with it.

In Rumi's view, the entire universe is a cosmic movement animated with the force of love which is the force of change. So is our individual life. A turning from one stage to another, a moving forward. Moments are not linear repetitive pieces of time. They are instances of becoming (in Persian "shodan.")

We are alive in love, in knowing each other, in speaking and laughing together. It is in this openness to the world that transformation happens, continuous and ever changing.

Rumi often speaks about his visions, moments of elation expressed poetically. These are often uplifting poems with striking imagery. This program focuses on a night vision during which he compares the sky to a cosmic chamber where the Everlasting is being born.

Rumi's approach to understanding oneself in a deeper sense. At times, he looks beyond speaking, beyond describing us with words. He encourages us to explore the mystery of who we are, and through that, the mystery of the universe that houses and nurtures us. A wordless poetic journey!

Transcription: https://goo.gl/rjeFKD

The program starts with the significance of Rumi's poetry in Iranian culture and Fatemeh Keshavarz's encounter with this poetry from early childhood. Rumi's poetry and personality are described through anecdotes from his life and examples from his poetry.

Radio Rumi is hosted by Dr. Fatemeh Keshavarz at the University of Maryland. In this bi monthly series, Dr. Keshavarz explores Rumi's words and invites the listener to enter his vibrant universe and see with fresh eyes.

Radio Rumi is hosted by Dr. Fatemeh Keshavarz at the University of Maryland. In this bi monthly series, Dr. Keshavarz explores Rumi's words and invites the listener to enter his vibrant universe and see with fresh eyes.

These podcasts are gifts to those who wish to taste Rumi's words.
The purpose is not to analyze, theorize, or prove anything.
These are conversations meant to bring Rumi's poetry to life.
Invitations to enter his vibrant universe and see with fresh eyes.

Welcome to this Exploration




Keywords: Rumi, Introduction