-14%

Hafiz's Little Book of Life — Occult Philosophy

📖 Have you read this book?

Your review can inspire others to read it

🕯️ Occult Philosophy −14%

Hafiz's Little Book of Life

Name: Hafiz's Little Book of Life
Price: 17.95 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781642970463

✍️ Hafiz, Erfan Mojib, Gary Gach, Ari Honarvar

Reader Score

4.6

(1 review)

$17.95 ~~$21.00~~ Save $3.05 (14%)

In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days

📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

This exquisite collection unveils over 250 lyrical gems from Hafiz, Persia's most cherished mystic poet. Revered globally alongside literary giants, his work offers profound insights into divine love and the human experience. Beyond the timeless verses, this volume includes a captivating biographical sketch, insightful translator's notes, a comprehensive glossary, and a unique section exploring Hafiz's role as an oracle. Masterfully re-rendered by award-winning translators, it’s an ideal gateway to his soaring poetic fancy and enduring life lessons.

🕯️

Occult Philosophy

Praise for this book

“This is a great book of poetry. The prose introductory materials by Mojib place the poet neatly in both the Persia of the 1300s and the present living cultural tradition of the Mideast. The poetry translations show how much Hafiz deserves to be alive in another language so long after these poems were written, and these translations into American English are miracles in themselves.”

— J. P. Seaton, translator The Poetry of Zen and Wine of Endless Life

🏛 Hampton Roads Publishing Company 📅 2023 📖 244 pages 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781642970463

Fun Fact

This edition of Hafiz is a triumph, offering a vibrant entry into the master's profound world. The translators perfectly capture his unique blend of mystic insight, earthly delight, and playful wit. While those seeking a strictly academic translation might find it too free, this rendering excels in conveying the spirit and emotional resonance that make Hafiz so beloved. It's an essential volume for spiritual seekers.

📝 Description: Hafiz's Little Book of Life

Silver Winner, Focused Topic-Translation, Nautilus Book Awards "Delicate and tough, a crafted danger, full of wit as well as abandon, Hafiz's lyric is one of the rare mysteries of world literature."--Coleman Barks, author and translator of The Essential Rumi I have this gem and it's looking for a beholder Hafiz of Shiraz (also known as Hafez) remains the most beloved name in all of Persian literature. Indeed, his mystic, lyric poetry is cherished as one of the great achievements of world literature, on a par with Dante, Goethe, and Shakespeare. Hafiz's Little Book of Life is a lush collection of more than 250 selections from his lifework. Also included is a vivid portrait of his life and times, translators' notes, an extensive glossary, a bibliography, and an appendix on Hafiz as an oracle. Here are classic soaring flights of fancy and solid life lessons--made new by two award-winning translators. This is the perfect introduction to Hafiz for all lovers of poetry and seekers of love, spirituality, and wisdom. Let the unforgettable words of Hafiz shine through you with their love, profundity, wit, and celebration of life. "This is translation as a real 'carrying-across, ' as art, not artifact . . . this one drops the reader/listener directly into their own soul-struggle. Immerse yourself and be transformed!" --Neil Douglas-Klotz, author of The Sufi Book of Life and A Little Book of Sufi Stories "From the first page, you are invited to settle into a sublime sanctuary and partake in enchantment until you feel the Beloved inside your beating heart and running through your veins." --Ari Honarvar, author of A Girl Called Rumi

💎 Expert review

“

💎

Esoterica Books editorial team

Occult literature desk

This exquisite collection serves as a masterful introduction to Hafiz, offering over 250 verses re-rendered by award-winning translators. The added value of biographical sketches, notes, and a glossary makes it highly accessible for newcomers to Sufi poetry. However, readers already deeply versed in Persian literature or those seeking strictly academic textual criticism may find the presentation too introductory or lacking in rigorous scholarly apparatus. It is best suited for general spiritual seekers rather than specialists. The inclusion of oracle insights broadens its appeal but might disappoint purists expecting only pure verse. Ultimately, it is a warm, inviting volume that successfully bridges the gap between Hafiz’s timeless wisdom and modern readers.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers seeking a profound yet accessible entry into the world of Persian mysticism will find this book to be an ideal gateway. It offers over 250 lyrical gems that celebrate divine love and life's joys, making it perfect for those who appreciate soaring poetic fancy without needing extensive prior knowledge. The inclusion of a biographical sketch, translator’s notes, and a glossary ensures that newcomers can grasp the context and nuance of Hafiz’s work. Additionally, the unique section on his role as an oracle adds depth for those interested in spiritual divination. This collection is designed to provide enduring life lessons and insights into the human experience, serving as both a beautiful literary artifact and a practical guide for spiritual reflection.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —

⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.6/5

★★★★★

If you are drawn to timeless poetry that speaks to the soul, seeking profound wisdom, spiritual insight, or a celebration of life's intricate beauty, this volume is an essential addition to your library. It offers an accessible entry point into the world of one of history's greatest lyric mystics.

Reader rating

4.6

Based on 1 reviews

Esoterica Books editorial team

This exquisite collection serves as a masterful introduction to Hafiz, offering over 250 verses re-rendered by award-winning translators. The added value of biographical sketches, notes, and a glossary makes it highly accessible for newcomers to Sufi poetry. However, readers already deeply versed in Persian literature or those seeking strictly academic textual criticism may find the presentation too introductory or lacking in rigorous scholarly apparatus. It is best suited for general spiritual seekers rather than specialists. The inclusion of oracle insights broadens its appeal but might disappoint purists expecting only pure verse. Ultimately, it is a warm, inviting volume that successfully bridges the gap between Hafiz’s timeless wisdom and modern readers.

❓ Frequently asked questions

This collection features over 250 selections, accompanied by a biographical sketch, insightful translator notes, a comprehensive glossary, and a special appendix exploring Hafiz's traditional role as an oracle. The award-winning translation brings fresh vitality to his enduring wisdom.

Absolutely. Designed as a perfect introduction, it presents a broad range of his work in an accessible format. The accompanying materials provide excellent context, making his profound spiritual and poetic insights readily available to new readers.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Divine Love and Ecstasy

Hafiz's poetry is a profound exploration of the intoxicating, all-encompassing love for the divine. He often uses earthly imagery and sensual metaphors to convey the spiritual yearning and ultimate union with the Beloved, dissolving boundaries between the sacred and profane in a joyous, often defiant, celebration.

Spiritual Wisdom

Beyond its lyrical beauty, this collection offers practical spiritual guidance. Hafiz masterfully weaves profound philosophical insights into his verses, encouraging introspection, resilience, and a deeper understanding of one's place in the universe. His lessons often arrive cloaked in wit and elegant simplicity.

The Human Spirit

The poet delves into the full spectrum of human experience – joy, sorrow, longing, and revelry. He champions authenticity and challenges conventional piety, inviting readers to embrace their own inner light and find spirituality in everyday existence, celebrating the profound beauty of being alive.

📜 Historical context

Flourishing in 14th-century Persia, Hafiz (Shams-ud-Din Mohammad Hafez-e Shirazi) stands as a towering figure in Sufi mysticism and world literature. His ghazals, renowned for their intricate structure and profound themes, elevate him to the stature of literary giants like Dante. He remains the most revered poet in Persian culture, with his verses often consulted for guidance.

📚 Glossary

Ghazal
Sufism
Oracle

📔 Questions to reflect on

How does Hafiz's embrace of both earthly pleasures and divine love challenge or expand your own understanding of spirituality?
Reflect on a time when you found profound wisdom or a 'life lesson' in an unexpected or seemingly mundane experience. How does this align with Hafiz's poetic insights?
Hafiz often speaks of the 'Beloved.' What does this concept mean to you, and how do you seek to connect with it in your daily life?