The Works of the Persian Poet and Mystic Rumi Still Resonate, No Matter Who You Are
Life is messy. We don’t always get everything right, do we? The struggle, the joy, the deep well of longing that we all carry inside—it doesn’t matter where you’re from, how old you are, or what you believe. That’s why I’ve always thought there’s something universal in the words of Rumi, a 13th-century Persian poet and mystic who somehow manages to reach through the centuries and touch people, even now, as if he’s speaking directly to us. I’m not a literary scholar, just a California businessman, but I know when something resonates. And Rumi resonates.
Rumi wasn’t simply some ordinary man rambling about love and spirituality from the distant past. On the contrary, his words remain alive and vital even today, cutting through the noise of our modern daily grind, and reminding us of the deep truths we tend to forget as we go about our busy lives. I’ve always thought that reading his work is like watching a beautiful dance from a classically trained ballerina. It’s a graceful weaving together of emotions, beliefs, and ideas, presented artfully. Absorbing his work often causes me to lose myself but in the best way imaginable.
But there’s more that makes Rumi special. Through his writing, he has an ability to speak to anyone, no matter where they come from. There’s something so raw and real in the way he talks about love, connection, and longing. One of the major themes he repeatedly explores is the intangible inward eye—the inner vision we all need to tap into if we want to see the world around us for what it truly is. That was the case in the 13th century just as it’s the case today, and addressing that subject is part of what makes Rumi’s work so enduring. His poems are not confined to some specific time or place. Instead, they speak to something much deeper, something universal.
And let’s talk about the longing and yearning inherent to his writing. Rumi wasn’t some philosopher sitting in an ivory tower scribbling notes about abstract ideas. No, he lived life to its fullest. His relationship with Shams of Tabriz, a wandering dervish and spiritual guide, was something that changed his worldview. It was a bond so powerful that it transformed him, turning him from a preacher into a fully-fledged mystic. But when Shams disappeared, it left Rumi in pieces emotionally. So, what did he do? He poured his heart into his poetry. He wasn’t afraid to feel, to be vulnerable. As a result, his poems are full of passionate love, a deep connection with the divine, with the universe, as well as with life itself.
You don’t need to be a scholar to feel the effects of his work—in fact, I think that’s part of what makes it so appealing. Whether you live in a busy metropolis or a quiet country town, whether you’ve spent your life searching for answers to life’s great mysteries or are just trying to get through this crazy experience called life, Rumi’s words offer a kind of comfort, a sense of understanding that cuts through the chaos. His poetry isn’t about religion or ideology or even individuality, it’s about trying to understand the core truths of the human experience. And in the end, isn’t that what we’re all trying to do? Just trying to make sense of this unpredictable world that we have created for ourselves?
Even now, in 2024, Rumi remains one of the best-selling poets in the United States, which is a great testament to the poignancy and universality of his work. His words transcend cultural and temporal boundaries, continuing to resonate with readers across continents and generations.
So, if you haven’t already, I recommend that you take a moment and read a few of Rumi’s lines. Let them wash over you. They may make you think about life in a different light, and you might find that his ancient wisdom is more relevant than ever, no matter who you are or what your background is.
