exalted poetry in Persian, has been called the greatest mystical poet of any age. Rumi embraced poetry, music,

and whirling as supreme expressions of the love and ecstasy of the human heart. He started and led a Sufi

community known popularly in the West as the "Whirling Dervishes" celebrated for its inspired music and

dance, and for a spirit of ecumenism and tolerance at the vanguard of its day. Barely known in the west ten

years ago, he has now become the best-selling poet in America. Rumi's genius touches every one of us and his

poems can be heard in churches, synagogues, Zen monasteries and other gatherings of the heart the world

over.  Rumi's inspired work transcends cultural, political and religious boundaries, and beckons us to dive

deeply into our own souls to discover the unity within all of life and humanity.