Rumi Group Monthly Meeting

The soul which cannot endure fire and smoke won't find the Secret. - Diwan - Ode 887

In these meetings we explore the words of Rumi and other Sufi poets, share sufi poems, stories and experience. The sessions are open to everyone no prior knowledge or experience is required, you can just turn up. Please bring poems and stories to share.

We are going to be reading Rumi's great epic Mathnawi, called as the 'Koran in Persian' by Jami, to celebrate the 800th anniversary of Rumi. We will be sharing the stories and experiences in the group every month. Rumi Group is facilitated by Nihat Tsolak.

Listen to this reed as it is grieving;
it tells the story of our separations.

'Since I was severed from the bed of reeds,
in my cry men and women have lamented.

I need the breast that's torn to shreds by parting
to give expression to the pain of heartache.

Whoever finds himself left far from home
looks forward to the day of his reunion.

I was in grief in every gathering;
I joined with those of sad and happy state.

Each person thought he was my bosom friend,
but none sought out my secrets from within me.

Rumi - Spiritual Verses Translated by Alan Williams , Penguin Classics 2006