A Bi-Weekly Podcast with host Fatemeh Keshavarz
In this program, I connect a recent personal experience with the two mystical concepts of ” being trapped in oneself,” and “being free from oneself.” I’ll discuss Rumi’s comparison of these two key states of awareness, then, share another poem explaining the lover/beloved attempt to reach that freedom in a rare game of polo!
Rumi shows great recognition of the fact that we may be in full peace one instance and agitated the next. These changes are often caused by being too focused on what we are afraid of loosing: control. If we come to terms with who we are, and stop being obsessed with ourselves, he tells us, the whole world will look different. More importantly, we will stop and see the world. That is why in the middle of a verse, as we think we are gaining full control of what he speaking about, he’ll introduce a whole new topic. Surprise is what he likes to keep alive in us. The ultimate goal is to see that we are not one thing but many, light and smoke at the same time. Free yourself of unchanging definitions, he would say, tear down the house that can become your prison.
Radio Rumi is a gift to those who wish to taste Rumi’s words.
The purpose is not to analyze, theorize, or prove anything. These are conversations meant to bring Rumi’s poetry to life.
Invitations to enter his vibrant universe and see with fresh eyes.
Welcome to this exploration.
Radio Rumi is hosted by Dr. Fatemeh Keshavarz, Director and Professor at the University of Maryland. Keshavarz is author of award-winning books including Reading Mystical Lyric: the Case of Jalal al-Din Rumi (USC Press,1998), Recite in the Name of the Red Rose (USC Press, 2006) and a book of literary analysis and social commentary titled Jasmine and Stars: Reading more than Lolita in Tehran (UNC Press, 2007). She has also published other books and numerous journal articles. Keshavarz is a published poet in Persian and English and an activist for peace and justice. Currently, she directs the School of Languages, Literatures and Cultures as well as Roshan Institute for Persian Studies at UMD.
Opening song: Arayesh e ghaliz, Homayun Shajarian
Producer: Sogand Seirafi
Graphic Designer: Amaal Yazdi
Editorial Consultant: Faezeh Lotfalian
Project Manager: Samar Ata
Audio editing: Tommy Hegarty
Technical assistance is provided by the Center for Innovation in Teaching at Learning, University of Maryland