Love transformed Rumi, a conservative theologian, into a liberated, euphoric mystic poet and teacher who fervently fell in love with the Divine Creator and the whole universe. When Rumi threw off his turban and robe and started to dance jubilantly, the most beautiful and meaningful poetry poured from his lips. A thirteenth-century Persian mystic poet, Rumi has become a best-selling poet in the United States. On Rumi’s 805th birthday, Dr. Majid Naini, one of the world’s foremost Rumi scholars, will present a brief history of Rumi’s life, teachings and wisdom through recitation of Rumi’s poetry in Farsi with English translations and interpretations. The event will also include a performance of Persian classical and fusion music by the Sibarg Ensemble. Established in 2008 by Hesam Abedini, Sibarg was the first fusion ensemble in Tehran Music School. 

From the dawn of human civilization numerous types and forms of organizations and governments have been tried, but none have been successful in bringing peace and tranquility to the world. Peace and harmony, Dr. Naini maintains, is more dependent on each individual and his/her state of mind and attitude toward himself/herself and others than any particular system.

Organized by Hossein Hashemi (Electrical Engineering) and the Persian Academic & Cultural Student Association (PACSA).

For further information on this event:
visionsandvoices@usc.edu