A rich introduction to the work of Rumi by the foremost scholar on the great mystical poet, featuring leading literary translations of his verse by Coleman Barks, Robert Bly, Andrew Harvey, Kabir Helminski, Camille Helminski, Daniel Liebert, and Peter Lamborn Wilson. nRumis poems are beloved for their touching perceptions of humanity and the Divine. To display the major themes of Rumis work, each of the eighteen chapters in this anthology are arranged topically, such as The Inner Work, The Ego Animal, Passion for God, Praise, and Purity, uncovering a deep and timeless understanding of Sufism and mysticism. Also included is a biography of Rumi by Andrew Harvey and an introductory essay by Kabir Helminski on the art of translating Rumis work into English. n nThe Spiritual Surgeon nCan the water of a polluted stream nWash away the dirt? nCan human knowledge sweep away nThe ignorance of the sensual self? nHow does a sword fashion its own hilt? nGo, entrust your wound to a surgeon, nFor flies will gather around the wound nUntil it cant be seen. nThese are your selfish thoughts nAnd all you dream of owning. nThe wound is your own dark hole. nMathnawi I, 3221-3224 n(translated by Kabir Helminski and Camille Helminski)n