The Illuminated Hafiz: Love Poems for the Journey to Light

Description

The sublime 14th century Persian poet Hafiz is known for using a poetic form usually devoted to the pleasures of the flesh, the ghazal, and turning its imagery of inebriation toward spiritual ecstasy. Deeply revered in much of the Islamic world, he is becoming more familiar to Western audiences and is widely quoted on social media. The topic here is Love, from the carnal to the divine. The poems will describe an arc, a spiral shaped by love in all its forms. The book includes full poems, short verses, and brief prose pieces that unpack Hafiz's loaded metaphors, as well as an informative afterword on the poet himself.

Hafiz of Shiraz (c.1315-1390) known as "The Tongue of the Hidden Mysteries," was a Persian poet and mystic whose life and works reached the height of spiritual attainment. Hafiz has influenced generations of renowned writers and artists in the East and West with his verse devoted to revealing the mysteries of human and divine passion on the path to union with God.

"Savor every page of The Illuminated Hafiz. It will soothe your soul and heal the wounds inflicted by reason." --Deepak Chopra, MD "In these fractious times when the beauty of Islam has been obscured by a haze of misunderstanding, this collection lifts a lineage of loving-kindness, passionate devotion and perfected wisdom back into the light. The poems of Hafiz, exquisitely translated here and illuminated with the transformative power of Persian calligraphy and luscious imagery, are rooted in an ancient and yet perennial spiritual garden, offering a luminous remedy to the aching heart of humanity. Highly recommended." --Mirabai Starr, author of Caravan of No Despair and Wild Mercy "This is an exciting collection of the pearls of Sufi master Hafiz's poetry of yearning and realization. This book brings Hafiz to life. Here for the first time are a variety of prominent translators' renditions enhanced by the gorgeous illuminated art of Michael and Saliha Green." --H. Talat Halman, PhD, associate professor of religion, Central Michigan University "The Awakened Heart and clear wisdom of Hafiz rises from these pages as perfume through elegant translations and beautiful images. What a wonderful contribution to guide the unfolding of human compassion, integrity, service, and freedom." --Shabda Kahn, Pir (spiritual director) of the Sufi Ruhaniat International and co-author of Physicians of the Heart: A Sufi View of the Ninety-Nine Names of Allah. "Hafiz is a poet's poet, seer, and teacher, and The Illuminated Hafiz splendidly brings forth his sublime ghazals for us today--pollen from the heart's garden and pith heartwood of the tree of life. When I open my already well-worn copy, point my finger to what my eye falls upon, and listen--invariably, it's perfect guidance. Ubiquitous ambrosia." --Gary Gach, author of Pause Breathe Smile and The Complete Idiot's Guide to Buddhism; editor of What Book!? "We are living in a transitional moment in the life of our planet. It is clear we cannot continue doing business as usual, but what motivating force will lead us to make the deep, systems-level changes that are needed to benefit all living things, to regenerate the damage we have done all over the world, and restore planetary health? In The Illuminated Hafiz, we find profound inspiration in the poetry of great spiritual genius that can take us beyond our separate selves and our limited imaginations to the place in the heart where Love dwells. And in Love we discover connectedness and the true power to generate all the change we need." --Robert Smith, founder of Investment Community Visibility (ICV), member of the Sustainable Investing Advisory Board of the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) "The Illuminated Hafiz is so much more than a gorgeous new offering of faithful translations of the great poet of love. This book is alive. Light pours off each page in a sacred marriage of Hafiz's eternal words and Michael and Saliha Green's heart-exploding art. Even if you're familiar with others' works of Hafiz, open your eyes and be blessed to meet him once more, as if for the first time." --Janet Conner, author of Writing Down Your Soul and Soul Vows, and creator of the Praying at the Speed of Love podcast "Rare, indeed, when artistic image so passionately weds heaven-sent spirit word, but here it is! Michael and Saliha Green's exquisite illustrations make you pause in awe. Together in divine conspiracy with Hafiz's wisdom, we readers are catapulted into the seventh heaven." --Rebecca Alban Hoffberger, founder and director of the American Visionary Art Museum "Exquisite, essential, not only the indelible poems of Hafiz to settle and restore your soul, but images to awaken your deepest seeing. Feast upon this glorious book!" --Naomi Shihab Nye, Young People's Poet Laureate, the Poetry Foundation 2019-2021 "This exquisite volume encourages us to 'Be glad, because every perfect thing is on its way to nonexistence.' What a relief! The Greens and Barton have outdone themselves with a sublime blend of beauteous, universal, sacred imagery, translations, and commentary which convey what is 'a thousand times higher than the house of reason.' Hafiz asks, 'Is there a need for appeal when we're already with The Generous?' Hafiz further requests, 'Fill me with your love for being Awake.' Would that all of our hearts had no other desire but to be Awake! These souls, this group of Friends, in our age, who have translated the master, help us all to travel beyond 'the house of reason' back in to the arms of The One." --Gray Henry, an admirer from Fons Vitae "Michael and Saliha Green's The Illuminated Hafiz is intoxicating. They've created an alchemical blend of brilliant translation and transcendent illustration to be sipped slowly as you are surrendered into the arms of the Beloved and awake in, with, and as the One Who is All." --Rabbi Rami Shapiro, author of Perennial Wisdom for the Spiritually Independent "Knowing Michael Green's extraordinary catalogue of work, I was excited to receive a copy of The Illuminated Hafiz. This work is a transmission of the highest order, the images, poetry, and prose are love potions for the soul, healing, uplifting, and transforming. I cannot speak highly enough of the most beautiful art that is contained in this work; it is nothing less than a love letter from the divine, clearing and forgiving and inviting one and all into the eternal adventure of the Great Embrace. Michael Green, in collaboration with his artist wife, Saliha, and the translators have produced something of inestimable value that will be considered a 'family treasure' for all the years to come." --Ben Bowler, executive director, UNITY EARTH "The Illuminated Hafiz awakens our hearts to the magic and lyrical poetry of the great Hafez. Each page unveils a colorful world of pure delight and splendor, filled with images and words that stir our spirits to dance in utter joy. Saliha and Michael Green have created a magnificent book that is a true gift for all the senses!" --Mitra Rahbar, spiritual guide, healer, singer, and author of Miraculous Silence: A Journey to Illumination and Healing Through Prayer