Page 27 - The Book of Rumi

level of consciousness. I have personally made a ritual of reading a few
verses of the Masnavi every morning before I begin my day to help me face
the assault of the Internet and other modern-day forms of instant commu-
nication. If I can manage to practice yoga after reading from the Masnavi, I
know that I will be guaranteed a serene and balanced mind and body to wel-
come the new day. The value of ritual, though, is in adhering to it, following
it passionately, and not breaking the fl ow; this persistence in the practice of
ritual is the greatest challenge. Reading one Rumi short story per day could
easily become anyone’s ritual.
To gather together a collection of stories that suits the taste of every
reader is an impossible task. Yet in Rumi’s stories, we come across such a
vast and impressive spectrum of subjects, each with its unique appeal, that
modern-day readers from diverse backgrounds and dissimilar walks of life are
bound to fi nd something of interest within. I’m confi dent that every reader
will succeed in fi nding not one but many stories by Rumi to satisfy their curi-
osity for meaningful spiritual lessons, often sprinkled with sly humor.

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