Rumi’s Secret: Book Launch

Come celebrate the launch of Brad Gooch’s new book Rumi’s Secret: The Life of the Sufi Poet of Love. Rumi, the thirteenth-century Persian poet and Sufi mystic, born more than eight centuries ago, has been compared to Shakespeare for his outpouring of creativity and to Saint Francis of Assisi for his spiritual wisdom. Yet his life has long remained the stuff of legend rather than intimate knowledge. The map of Rumi’s life stretched more than 2,500 miles. Gooch traces this epic journey from Central Asia, where Rumi was born in 1207, traveling with his family, displaced by Mongolian invasion, to settle in Konya, Turkey. Pivotal was the disruptive appearance of Shams of Tabriz, who taught him to whirl and transformed him from a traditional Muslim preacher into a poet and mystic. Their vital connection as teacher and pupil, friend and beloved, is one of the world’s greatest spiritual love stories. When Shams disappeared, Rumi coped with the pain of separation by composing joyous poems of reunion, both human and divine.

As part of the evening, Rana Gorgani, Persian dance master, will present mystical and traditional Sufi dancing popularly known as “whirling dervishes.” Ms. Gorgani, a member of The International Dance Council CID, Paris [UNESCO] lives in France. She leads workshops in Afghan and Iranian dance throughout the world. Rana Gorgani and her dancers will be accompanied by musicians Mehdi Darvishi and Hedayat Shafaee. The Cathedral is also honored to welcome Amir Alan Vahab, one of New York’s most celebrated and distinguished composer/vocalists of mystical music of the Middle East, including Persian, Turkish, Azeri and beyond.

Gooch will be joined in conversation by Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf.

This event is presented in partnership with Alwan for the Arts, Cordoba House, Auburn Theological Seminary, the Interfaith Center of New York, and the New York Open Center.











When: Tue., Jan. 31, 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Where: Cathedral of St. John the Divine
1047 Amsterdam Ave.
212-316-7540
Price: Free, RSVP requested
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Come celebrate the launch of Brad Gooch’s new book Rumi’s Secret: The Life of the Sufi Poet of Love. Rumi, the thirteenth-century Persian poet and Sufi mystic, born more than eight centuries ago, has been compared to Shakespeare for his outpouring of creativity and to Saint Francis of Assisi for his spiritual wisdom. Yet his life has long remained the stuff of legend rather than intimate knowledge. The map of Rumi’s life stretched more than 2,500 miles. Gooch traces this epic journey from Central Asia, where Rumi was born in 1207, traveling with his family, displaced by Mongolian invasion, to settle in Konya, Turkey. Pivotal was the disruptive appearance of Shams of Tabriz, who taught him to whirl and transformed him from a traditional Muslim preacher into a poet and mystic. Their vital connection as teacher and pupil, friend and beloved, is one of the world’s greatest spiritual love stories. When Shams disappeared, Rumi coped with the pain of separation by composing joyous poems of reunion, both human and divine.

As part of the evening, Rana Gorgani, Persian dance master, will present mystical and traditional Sufi dancing popularly known as “whirling dervishes.” Ms. Gorgani, a member of The International Dance Council CID, Paris [UNESCO] lives in France. She leads workshops in Afghan and Iranian dance throughout the world. Rana Gorgani and her dancers will be accompanied by musicians Mehdi Darvishi and Hedayat Shafaee. The Cathedral is also honored to welcome Amir Alan Vahab, one of New York’s most celebrated and distinguished composer/vocalists of mystical music of the Middle East, including Persian, Turkish, Azeri and beyond.

Gooch will be joined in conversation by Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf.

This event is presented in partnership with Alwan for the Arts, Cordoba House, Auburn Theological Seminary, the Interfaith Center of New York, and the New York Open Center.

Buy tickets/get more info now