Overview
Rumi and his poetry enjoy great popularity in today’s world, but the global understanding of Rumi is often incomplete and mixed with misconceptions. The Masnavi course is a Persian-language course that introduces you directly to Rumi and his poetry, gradually providing a deeper understanding of the poetry and thoughts of this global poet and thinker.
This course is designed for non-native Persian learners who have an intermediate level of Persian; those who can read Persian texts. However, it will also be beneficial for native Persian speakers. In general, the audience for this course are those who have always wished to become closely acquainted with the Masnavi and Rumi, and to be able to read and understand parts of it, but have not had the courage to do so on their own.
Historical Context & Authorship
The Masnavi of Rumi (Molana) is one of the most profound and influential works of Persian mystical literature. Written by Jalal al-Din Muhammad Balkhi, known as Rumi, in the 13th century, this six-volume poetic masterpiece is considered a cornerstone of Sufi thought and Persian poetry. The Masnavi is often described as “the Quran in Persian” due to its spiritual depth and wisdom, offering allegorical stories and mystical insights that guide seekers on the path of divine love and self-realization.
Rumi was born in 1207 in Balkh (present-day Afghanistan) and later migrated to Konya (modern-day Turkey), where he became a renowned scholar and spiritual teacher. Under the influence of his mentor, Shams of Tabriz, Rumi transformed from a traditional scholar into an ecstatic poet whose verses transcend time and culture. His Masnavi is a testament to this transformation, blending theology, ethics, philosophy, and storytelling into a poetic tapestry that continues to inspire readers worldwide.
Throughout the Masnavi, Rumi employs parables, fables, and historical anecdotes to illustrate profound mystical concepts. His storytelling is both engaging and deeply symbolic, inviting readers to look beyond literal meanings and seek the deeper truths hidden within the verses. This course will guide you through selected stories from the Masnavi, helping you understand their linguistic, literary, and spiritual dimensions.
Authenticity & Literary Excellence
The Masnavi of Rumi is widely regarded as one of the greatest masterpieces of Persian literature and Sufi mysticism. Unlike a conventional narrative or philosophical treatise, the Masnavi weaves together poetry, allegory, and parable to explore the human soul’s journey toward divine truth. What sets Rumi’s Masnavi apart is not just its spiritual depth but also its linguistic brilliance and innovative storytelling.
From a literary perspective, the Masnavi is a testament to the richness of Persian poetic tradition. Rumi’s use of rhythm, metaphor, and symbolic imagery creates a text that is not only intellectually profound but also emotionally captivating. He employs a conversational tone, directly addressing the reader as if engaging in a dialogue—sometimes instructing, sometimes teasing, and often inviting deep contemplation.
Moreover, the Masnavi is remarkable for its structural fluidity. Unlike rigidly structured epics, it unfolds organically, with stories flowing into one another like waves in an ocean. This nonlinear, dynamic structure mirrors the spontaneous nature of mystical revelation, making the Masnavi not just a book to be read but an experience to be lived.
Despite its seemingly simple storytelling, the Masnavi operates on multiple levels of meaning. Each verse can be understood both literally and metaphorically, allowing readers to uncover deeper layers of wisdom with every reading. This timeless quality is what has made the Masnavi a source of inspiration for poets, philosophers, and seekers of truth for over seven centuries.
Step into the mystical world of Masnavi, the monumental work of Molavi (Rumi), whose profound poetry explores the depths of human experience and spiritual insight. This interactive online course, hosted on Joy of Persian, offers an immersive learning experience for advanced students of Persian literature.
Audience
- Learners who have acquired an intermediate level of Persian and can understand simple conversations in Persian.
- Additionally, those whose native language is Persian and wish to deepen their understanding of Rumi and his poetry in the Masnavi.
- This course is suitable for individuals who have always longed to engage with Rumi’s Masnavi, read and comprehend parts of it, but have lacked the confidence to do so on their own.
- This course will help you familiarize yourself with Rumi’s method of expressing Sufi concepts and understand the allegorical system of his stories.
Benefits:
- Unveil the Spiritual Layers: Explore the deep philosophical and spiritual teachings in Masnavi, delving into themes of divine love, self-discovery, and the path to enlightenment.
- Authentic Classical Persian: Engage with the elegant and intricate language of one of the most revered works in Persian literature, experiencing the beauty and complexity of Molavi’s poetry in its original form.
- Grammar in Literary Context: Gain a deeper understanding of the grammatical structures and stylistic nuances of classical Persian, enhancing your ability to read and interpret ancient texts.
- Expand Your Literary Vocabulary: Learn and internalize over 250 essential words and expressions found in Masnavi, enriching your comprehension of both classical Persian literature and broader spiritual texts.
Course Developer
Leila Seyedghasem, PhD.
Leila brings a deep passion for Persian culture and language to her role as Course Developer & Instructor. With a PhD from The University of Tehran and 9 years of teaching experience at italki, she is an expert in crafting engaging and effective learning experiences.
Driven by a belief in Persian’s rich literary heritage and global beauty, Leila authored textbooks now used in teaching centers worldwide. Her research background in linguistics further cements her expertise. She finds immense joy in fostering connections through language, welcoming you to embark on a captivating journey into the world of Persian.
Hamideh Noohpisheh, PhD.
Hamideh brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her role as Course Developer at Joy of Persian. With a Ph.D. in Persian Language and Literature and a proven track record in teaching Farsi at various levels, Dr. Noohpisheh is an expert in creating engaging and effective learning experiences. Her academic achievements, including gold medals in the Iranian Olympiad, showcase her deep understanding of the language. Dr. Noohpisheh’s passion extends beyond the classroom; she has published research on rhetoric, classical Persian texts, and literary geography.
Fluent in Farsi and with proficiency in reading classical Arabic, Dr. Noohpisheh is dedicated to sharing the beauty and richness of Persian language and literature.
Instructional Designer: Abolfazl Ahani
Lessons (Stories)
Course Structure:
- Summary and mystical-symbolic interpretation of each story.
- Audio & Text Integration: Synchronized audio and text with diacritics on difficult words.
- Reading Guide 1: Including original Persian verses, simplified Persian text, and English translation by Reynold A. Nicholson.
- Reading Guide 2: Including prose narration of the story, a mini-dictionary with synonyms and English meanings of key Persian words, provided in the text margin.
- Practices: Language and comprehension exercises to enhance language skills.
- Comprehensive Vocabulary Lists: Review key words and phrases used in each section.
What awaits you:
Enrich your life by learning Persian and exploring its literary treasures, including Rumi’s Masnavi. Join us and discover how the language and poetry can broaden your horizons and deepen your appreciation for global culture.
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