Tag Archives: Rumi

Ramadan Came to the Heart’s Temple

By Robin Bates | Published: May 28, 2017

In this poem Rumi captures the meaning of Ramadan, which began this past week. Although the fasting causes stress, that only serves to cleanse the body and liberate “the invisible treasure of the heart.”

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Break Your Fast with Joy

By Robin Bates | Published: July 2, 2016

This Rumi poem celebrates the end of Ramadan, which occurs Wednesday. Drawing on stories that are familiar to Jews and Christians, he talks about the light that has broken in.

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Celebrate! The Month of Fasting Is Come

By Robin Bates | Published: June 4, 2016

In this Ramadan poem by Rumi, the month of fasting is compared to a friend, an intoxicant, “a beautiful fortune,” a secret illumination, a plentiful harvest, and a silk outfit than one dons.

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During Lent, Don’t Avoid the Knife

By Robin Bates | Published: February 13, 2016

To use a horticultural analogy, Lent is a time to nurture the insights, to prune the tree, that come with Epiphany. This wonderful Rumi poem captures what is at stake.

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No Room in This House for Two “I”s

By Robin Bates | Published: June 28, 2015

A Rumi parable speaks to the recent killings in Kuwait City and Charleston. It shares certain themes with Barack Obama’s Friday eulogy to Reverend Pinckney.

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The First Day of the Feast Has Come

By Robin Bates | Published: July 27, 2014

A Rumi poem capturing the joy that is represented by the Ramadan feast.

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A New Song Comes out of the Fire

By Robin Bates | Published: June 22, 2014

A Rumi poem for Ramadan, which begins next Saturday.

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Sacrifice Ram of Pride, Not Isaac

By Robin Bates | Published: November 4, 2012

Rumi honors the Muslim holiday of Eid Al-Adha, which centers on the story of Abraham and Isaac.

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The Spirit’s Table Has Arrived from Heaven

By Robin Bates | Published: July 22, 2012

In this Ramadan poem by Rumi, fasting is seen as a way of escaping the body.

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