Once I started reading Rumi and writing about him everyday, I was “burnt and then I as cooked,” as he once said. His words, his tenderness, and his teachings pierced my soul to its depths. I felt his truths in my core: We are here on this planet for our own and others’ soul-growth. Forgiveness, compassion, and love for all of the human family must be our goal; identifying and committing to the contribution we’re here to make is our greatest privilege. “Love is the religion, a

As translated by Coleman Barks, Rumi says: In the last hour before morninglover and beloved awakeand take a drink of water. She asks, “Do you love me or yourself more?Really, tell the absolute truth.” He says, “There’s nothing left of me.I’m like a ruby held up to the sunrise. Is it still a stone, or a world made of redness?It has no resistance to sunlight.” This is how the ancient Sufi sage Hallaj said“I am God,” and told the truth. Therefore be courageous and discipline you

Today is the 740th anniversary of Rumi’s death. He called it his “wedding day with the Beloved.” Rumi is one of the great souls, the wise ones who teach us that there is nothing to fear in death. As one who has visited the other side and found unfathomable beauty there, I honor Rumi for his profound teaching. Through years of immersing myself in his ecstatic poetry (as translated by Coleman Barks), my life was forever transformed. His wisdom permeated my selfishness, my fear