Rumi and His Friends

Overview

Originally written by Ahmad Aflaki, a devoted follower of the grandson of Rumi, this translation relates anecdotes of the life of Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi, his father, wife, sons, and daughter and his relationship with Shams of Tabriz and other close companions and disciples. These stories are all based on the oral traditions of the early days of the founding of the Mevlevi Order and double as teaching stories that illuminate the way of the dervish. Spiritual seekers can benefit from this glimpse into the community surrounding Rumi and the wisdom conveyed through interactions with him. Many selections include beautiful passages from his poetry, and each selection is titled to assist in orienting the reader and enhancing comprehension of meaning.

Reviews

“Rumi is the most popular poetic voice in America today. But if he is the king of poetry, Shams of Tabriz is the power behind the throne. What Rumi points to, indicates, refers to, is here—in the words of his intimate friend and ruthless, infinitely mysterious master. Shams’ words shock and stun, amaze with their inspiration, tear apart the veils of our expectations about what spiritual life should be, bring us to the dazzling stillness that Rumi spun around in his longing. When you have found Shams of Tabriz, you know there is nowhere else you need to go.”  —Peter Kingsley, author, In the Dark Places of Wisdom, on Rumi’s Sun   

“Camille Helminski’s fresh translations strip time away for English-language readers, bringing us face to face with Meaning. Even the occasional browsers will be struck by the clarity and insight of this Message.”  —Michael Wolfe, author, One Thousand Roads to Mecca, on The Light of Dawn

“A valuable addition to Sufi literature and women’s spiritual studies. Camille Helminski awakens us to the important contribution of women to this mystical tradition.”  —Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee, PhD, author, Sufism: The Transformation of the Heart, on Women of Sufism

Author Biography

Camille Adams Helminski is codirector and cofounder of the Threshold Society and the author of The Light of Dawn, Rumi’s Sun: The Teachings of Shams of Tabriz, The Rumi Daybook, and Women of Sufism: A Hidden Treasure. She has cotranslated a number of volumes of Sufi literature, including the Sufi classic Awakened Dreams and Jewels of Remembrance. She lives in Watsonville, California. Susan Blaylock is a translator.