Weekly Reading Blog
Mentor
Note-taking Section
Rumi, a 13th-century Persian poet, is considered one of the greatest mystical poets ever. Born in what is now Afghanistan, Rumi later settled in Konya, Turkey. His popularity has transcended borders and has even reached contemporary pop culture, with notable figures such as Beyonce and Jay Z naming their daughter Rumi and artists like Madonna and Coldplay creating music inspired by him. A film about Rumi's life, potentially starring Leonardo DiCaprio, is also developing.
Rumi's life was marked by transformation and intense creative outbursts. He was initially a wealthy nobleman, theologian, and law professor, but his life took a drastic turn after meeting Shams, a wandering and wild holy man. This meeting led Rumi to become a passionate universal truth and love seeker. Although their time together was brief, it profoundly impacted Rumi's work, leading to the creation of nearly 70,000 verses of poetry collected in two epic volumes, Divan-e Shams-e Tabrizi and Masnavi.
Rumi's poetry encompasses a wide range of themes, from deeply philosophical and mystical expressions to passionate love verses filled with yearning and desire. His work also calls for the abolishment of fear-based religious orders and promotes a love-based doctrine free of guilt, fear, and shame. Rumi's poetry is not confined to any religion or culture but reflects the human condition, transcending boundaries and resonating with people from various backgrounds.
People connect with Rumi's poetry for various reasons. Some appreciate his words' emotional depth and heartfelt nature, while others are drawn to the multiple levels and layers in his poetry. Rumi's work often fosters a sense of unity and universal siblinghood, making him a friend and spiritual guide for many. His poetry also serves as a cultural bridge for Persians, Turks, Afghans, and Arabs, leading to a newfound acceptance in the Western world.
Reflection
The connection between Rumi's relationship with Shams and my bond with my mentor, Tabitha, emphasizes the transformative power of relationships that transcend conventional boundaries. Just as Rumi's life was forever changed by his encounter with Shams, my relationship with Tabitha has profoundly influenced my personal growth and development.
Tabitha is one of the most important in my life. Tabitha and I were not related, but she became like a sister over time. We first met through a connection between our mother, who was initially my English teacher. But over time, our conversations started casually but gradually deepened, allowing us to form a strong bond. Like Rumi and Shams, Tabitha and I come from different backgrounds, yet we found common ground in our shared experiences and lessons learned from each other. Rumi's transformation from a sober scholar to a passionate seeker of universal truth and love mirrors my journey of vulnerability and self-discovery, guided by Tabitha's wisdom and encouragement. Tabitha's mentoring has helped in my personal development. Our relationship taught me to be vulnerable and open about my feelings. She gave me a safe space to express myself and encouraged me to express my feelings honestly and authentically. It allows me to be more authentic in my interactions and grow as an individual. Our bond was strengthened through shared experiences like Thanksgiving camping trips and dinners. These moments contribute to the feeling of love and beauty in our relationship as they reflect the precious moments we have spent together and the memories we have created. One of the essential lessons Tabitha taught me was unconditional love. She showed me how to truly love someone even though they may not reciprocate that love and even hold negative feelings towards you. This essential lesson in empathy and compassion allows me to show love to others regardless of their actions or attitudes.
Another valuable lesson Tabitha learned was the importance of courage. With her support and guidance, I learned to face my fears and take risks, ultimately becoming more resilient and confident in my abilities.
Creative Sections.
In the garden of souls, where love transcends,
Two hearts converge, where the journey begins.
Tabitha's wisdom, like Shams' embrace,
Guides me gently through life's winding race.
A sister in spirit, a mentor so dear,
Through the darkness, she casts away fear.
Vulnerability blooming, like roses in spring,
Our bond flourishes, as the nightingale sings.
Thanksgiving memories, shared laughter and tears,
The canvas of life, painted through the years.
Unconditional love, a lesson we hold,
Like Rumi's verses, a story untold.
Empathy and compassion, we learn to express,
In a world full of judgment, we find tenderness.
