Rating: 
Summary: a spiritual eye openner
Review: Jalal Al-Din Rumi was one of the pioneers of "sufi-ism" or islamic mysticism. In every religion, there are three categories of followers: the clergy, or the stereotypical fundamentalists who stress the FORM of the religion rather than its essence, secondly the masses, who follow a little of the form and a little of the essence, and thirdly those who focus on the ESSENCE of faith, and consider the form as a secondary, and sometimes even dispensible entity. Rumi belongs to the third class of people. Most of his poems have roots in historical facts, sayings of religious/historic figures, mostly from islamic traditions. Rumi re-narrates these stories, bringing into light the spriritual vibes that reverberate underneath the materialistic form of an actual incident. peoms like "Mohammad and the Huge Eater" is one of my favourites in this regard. His narrations should not be taken as historical facts. Those who are well-versed in islamic traditions would know that his versions of the narrations aim to highlight the spiritual aspects and not the physical details of the actual occurances. Then again, some of his stories are purely fictional. His lightness regarding description of taboo subjects like indulgence in wine and women in a conservative islamic background is also very intriguing. But the stories in his poems evaporate, leaving the reader with only with the message that he wishes to convey. Coleman Barks has done an excellent job at translation. He has done humanity a great good by making this ocean of spiritual knowledge available for diving into for those who wish to undertake such a task.
Rating:
Summary: Illuminating, funny, deeply spiritual
Review: Coleman Barks has done a masterful job of translating and assembling tis incredible anthology. Rumi's extacy for the sacred, his relentless quest for what is holy and his wry and generous perspective are timeless and profound. I laugh, I cry, I swoon and I read the poems again and again.
Rating:
Summary: Stunning Contemporary Rendering of a Spiritual Master
Review: Rumi is, simply, one of the greatest spiritualists ever. If you are not a Muslim (and I am not one, either), do not be dismayed; Rumi's mystical, spiritual wonders are not exclusively "Islamic", but are rather universal and attuned to the spirituality of all three great monotheistic traditions. Reading Rumi, you will discover ways of looking at yourself, of thinking about yourself, and your relation to the world and God which will open new spiritual horizons for you. Rumi will help you drill down within yourself, and lift up beyond yourself, in strinkingly fresh, subtle, beautiful ways. You will experience God in your life in ways that you never previously noticed. If there is one book you buy this year, buy this one -- you will not be disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best spiritual guides ever...
Review: When I visited Konya, Turkey last year, I had only vaguely heard of Rumi. After seeing the impressive tomb and mausoleum dedicated to him in Konya, I was left with many questions. Who was Rumi? Why was he so important to so many Muslims? As a student of Asia, how could I not have been exposed to him earlier in my studies? After I returned to the United States, I learned of Rumi's rising popularity in the West- much of that due to the translations of Coleman Barks. Eventually, I invested in this compilation and found myself intoxicated with the beauty and wisdom of Rumi's poetry. Whether you like what Barks has done with Rumi or not, I personally am grateful to him for doing his best to expose the West to everything that Rumi has to offer. This book occupies a permanent place on my nightstand. Trust me, given my high esteem for books, this is prime real estate!
Rating:
Summary: The Essential Rumi
Review: Coleman Barks with John Moyne have done a fine job in bringing the innermost feelings of Rumi. To understand the true inner meaning, one has to read his work over and over again. It is not something you pick up and say this is the true meaning. Alas if this is true then we will not have so many avid readers with different thoughts on this matter. To understand Rumi is to undertand the inner meaning and think of oneself - putting oneself in his work and thought. Wiser than wise is Rumi. Fine work brings about fine poetry with endless meanings to his work. Read once - that is not enough. Keep reading - and then you realise how he brings about the true love, affection and to the nonbeliever maybe bring him/her closer to the creator. That is all I can humbly say about this great Poet.
Rating: 
Summary: Good but not Magnificent
Review: Coleman Barks "Essential Rumi" deserves praise - but as to whether it is truly "essential" is of question. Barks does a good job translating the already translated work. But by changing the language, much of the mysticism Rumi was trying to evoke on the reader is lost. For example here is a Rumi poem in both Farsi(or Persian -English word for Farsi) and English - Jumla ma'shuq ast-o 'aashiq pardah' i Zenda ma'shuq ast-o 'aashiq mordah'i All is the Beloved and the lover is a veil The Beloved is alive and the lover is dead If you read the Farsi (even if it doesn't make sense to you) you can tell that the words not only rhyme but they have a distinct rhythm to them, aside from that, the vocabulary Rumi uses is ingenious. Like another review I read, Barks is "translating translations", Barks mereley takes work already translated and retranslates them into a more readable structure. The 6 books of the Mathnavi were put in a special order but Barks just chooses from here and there. Barks was even told by Bawa Muhayadeen (sufi saint) that "In order to understand a master, he would have to become one" Which he explains he didn't do, but he said that he frequently did meet with Bawa. Nevertheless Coleman Barks does deserve much credit for bringing Rumi into Western culture. Jalaludin Rumi was an ecstatic lover of Allah (SWT). His Mathnavi is considered by many the greatest book ever written by a human being. It would be to everyones benefit to read through it and see how a 13th Century Mystic, from Afghanistan but lived most of his life Konya, Turkey, had everything and everyone in this world figured out. For a better idea of Rumi read E.H. Whinfield's TEACHINGS OF RUMI.
Rating:
Summary: La'illaha il'Allahu
Review: Yes, it's true that Barks did not translate Rumi directly from the Persian originals and that some concepts of Islamic faith are not translatable. However, in the end it is not about words or translations. If your understanding of an experience transforms you, gives you a glimpse of the more immediate reality, makes you feel more subtly, that is what is of importance. This book moves me each time I read it. Much of what I read doesn't yet connect, and some connects light lightening. The Great Spirit moves through everything, including translations of translations.
Rating:
Summary: A Pleasure For All The Senses!
Review: I must start off with one word - Wow! I had heard of Rumi for several years but never read his works until just recently. I was totally floored! How can a man who lived over 700 years ago know me so well? I was immediately caught up in the simple wit, humor, and frankness Rumi displayed, and identified with many of his characters. I never knew I was dying of thirst until I drank from this fountain! Anyone who understands metaphysical and New Age principles will find this book to be a delightful journey. Poets and writers who love blending emotions and intellect will be inspired by it. I wish I had discovered Rumi years ago. I will keep this book by my bed for a long, long time!
Rating:
Summary: The Essential Rumi
Review: The reading of this book has led me on many wonderful journeys. I found myself having to read slowly as the words were jumping from the lines, and I could spend hours journaling where they led. Love and lonliness, passion and pity, a hunger for God that both consoles and consumes, are all visited in this book. Read it slowly.
Rating:
Summary: An excellent introduction to Rumi!
Review: Those who are familiar with the Pesrian language know that a proper translation can be next to impossible, especially from Rumi. However, Coleman Barks does an exceptional job of introducing Rumi's poetry into the English language. A fine work of art and a pleasure to read!
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