Opening the Heart Through Ecstatic Poetry: Coleman Barks at TEDxUGA

For 30 years, until retirement in 1997, Dr. Coleman Barks taught poetry and creative writing at the University of Georgia. As a professor emeritus, Dr. Barks still resides in Athens and writes and publishes under his own imprint, Maypop Books, as well as HarperCollins, the University of Georgia Press, and others. In addition to several poetry collections and books, Dr. Barks is the author of numerous translations of Rumi and has been a student of Sufism since 1977. His work with Rumi, a Persian mystical poet, was the subject of an hour-long segment on Bill Moyers's Language of Life series on PBS, and he is a featured poet and translator in Bill Moyers's poetry special, "Fooling with Words." Dr. Barks makes frequent international appearances and is well-known throughout the Middle East. His work has contributed to an extremely strong following of Rumi in the English-speaking world. Dr. Barks received his Ph.D. in English from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, an honorary doctorate from Tehran University in 2006, and in March 2009 was inducted to the Georgia Writers Hall of Fame.
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[@bradlouttit5004]

I don't need to tell you how this poetry has healed me. You were there.

[@DervishBeats]

Greetings Brad, hope your healing journey continues! Keep researching into a the great Rumis life and you will discover even more wonderful things in more accurate translations

[@user-wf8eo9xn6y]

It's a blessing to have such people like Rumi, Barks & Darling on earth 🌍.

[@creativelife8]

What a beautiful performance. I saw CB in Tallahassee, FL probably 20 years ago and have never forgotten the essence of that evening. I will also savor this time listening to him and David Darling’s playing and singing. I lived in Chattanooga, TN for 13 years and just now learned that is where CB grew up. Thanks so much for sharing your gifts with us.

[@maireid]

Coleman Barks' voice is sublime. And David Darling's playing and sing is sublime.

[@FiazKhan-sk3dl]

Thank you Mr. Barks. Your life's work is a gift to all of us.

[@DervishBeats]

Greetings! Unfortunately he has appropriated The Great Rumis work and has distorted a lot of the meanings.

[@alihasanamu]

True!

[@alihasanamu]

And it's called deislamisation of a predominantly muslim poet... or making him american...

[@jackry1011]

I love this man and his work. Nothing I've experienced has touched me as deeply as his Rumi translations have.

[@syedahmed1227]

@wearealltubes his "interpretations" leave out the entire Islamic aspect of Rumi's actual poetry. His "translations" are nothing more than white-washing a Muslim poets words so that Western people can consume them.

[@merlijnhermsen4423]

@@syedahmed1227 what translation do you reccomend? here for the poems

[@qfriedman3063]

I totally agree! I savor his translations of Rumi they are so beautiful....

[@tabrazbaloch]

According to persian scholar Omaid Safi, his translations are wrong. He doesn't know Persian.

[@DervishBeats]

@syed Ahmed well said

[@raybonemusic52]

Thank you, Coleman, for all your wondrous work! You have helped so many of us in so many ways through bringing Rumi into our lives.

[@christopherpecora5565]

What you done Mr. Barks will never be forgotten and will continue to be heard over the roof tops. Love is a fast moving river the rapids unable to be held back by any hatred. You're work has put words to unknown feelings and show me the path back home. Its so unbelievable how close I feel to Rumi and even that wild hafiz. we are from the same stalk.

[@TangoCat303]

This is the most beautiful piece on KZbin. Thank you.

[@jeffreeskewes3313]

OH CB you make and keep it real. For this all who are touched by such exquisite ness are forever inspired. Thankyou.

[@yrazlan]

Poetry and music are the lovers of the universe

[@kadambarichowdhary7337]

He comes across as so humble. Respect 🙏

[@moniquehersh7053]

I love this man! What a gift he has given us.

[@kent6867]

Thank you, Mr. Barks. I don't know how to thank you, but thank you.

[@babybokjoy]

It has been many years since I saw you and listened to you and your Rumi poetry. I am so happy to find you, again! As you say each poem, it is as though there's a current or electricity running through your words. I find that I am now just as enlivened and amazed as I was the first time I heard you speak. Thank you for being here in 2014, and I wish you many blessings in the future.

[@ature6]

Thanks Coleman Barks, from the depth of my Heart.

[@charlesmugleston6144]

Beauty awakens Beauty - Light delights in Light - Genius awakens Genius. thank you Coleman. Chales Mugleston Omar Khayyam Theatre Company

[@hectorluken4542]

Thank you for your genius and for your genuine sincere message.

[@katejones2183]

Finding food for this phase of the journey with Trump in the seat of care-taking democratic principles --- I am grateful for Rumi & Dr. Barks --- keeping our hearts open and vital and capable of non-violent action.

[@highhorse313]

Dr. Coleman Barks' voice was made for Rumi's words. The Universe opens up and expresses itself beautifully through this combination.

[@janeiversen5824]

thank you.

[@TheDennyZone]

🌹for decades I have listened to you, Coleman Barks, and recommended your work especially audio to many looking to touch the untouchable because of your gift to make this work palpable. Through the very breath you blow it into life that others may breathe it into their hearts. Thank you for the love you have given. It has been received by many.🌹

[@ginaesrar9945]

Colman Barks is one of my heros! He brings such magic to the poetry!

[@UjioSatashi]

Wow.. that's beautiful.. for a moment the dreadful ever-ticking clock stopped and in waves of bliss your connection was felt by mine, with eerie longing i weave you this rhyme, from sky soo high you weave me mine

[@radhadevries2339]

UjioSatashi 🙏

[@Project-Shift]

One of the best nights I ever had was wrestling with the meaning and power of poetry with the great Coleman Barks. Collaborating with Coleman and Robert Bly will always be with me.

[@onedirectionlover08]

It is sublime and soothing and so beautiful. God bless you guys and the great master Rumi.

[@hermesnoelthefourthway]

Music plucked at beginning of video : opening movement from Bach's cello suite number one. "A taunt string produces a beautiful note , whereas a slack string is worse than useless". Pythagoras, discoverer of the scale of octaves

[@zonbelle]

I am really touched. And Iove David Darlings final son !

[@jazmineellemoon7475]

Incredibly beautiful 🙏

[@ahmedsredy2429]

Mr Coleman ,a dedicated Rumi lover and one of the few Americans who have made Rumi's poetry public and more familiar to the American people. With his white beard he might take after the Turkish mystic since the poet was of white and fair looks like Mr Coleman.

[@aaquibtayyabi]

Coleman didn't know any Persian nor did he study it. He has interpreted Rumi's work to his own desires and understanding. Not to forget the total removal of Islam from his works that is now widely presented to us. Shame on him and various other interpreters

[@greciaalvarado9724]

This made me cry, thank you

[@suzypeace8]

Much gratitude

[@DelilahZoe]

Who...David Darling sings out gorgeously at the end! #surprise!

[@richardmeyers5220]

This is extraordinarily beautiful!

[@saucylight]

Great to revisit you, Coleman, after so many years. Always a great movement of the heart when I hear you...

[@harryschultz6951]

I love that “a great movement of the heart”

[@OmarKacimi]

thank you

[@JadorrionChimurenga]

That was awesome!

[@michaelhogan4103]

Thank you, Coleman, for opening your heart to us.

[@vita4017]

This is so beautiful 😍 thank you

[@aniccadance13]

Omg this is so beautiful❤️

[@kimujin6]

so powerful thank you

[@silverapples75]

That was quite beautiful.

[@SusanKuhn]

This is the best Coleman Barks video I have found..perhaps his age and his apparently ill health have opened him up even more...I feel such great peace even recalling this video. I can't recommend it highly enough...I am only sorry so few people have viewed it.

[@atiqrahman7289]

Susan Kuh

[@gloriamitchell3518]

Beautiful presentation!

[@harryschultz6951]

This is extraordinary

[@ricardoe.jaramillo8871]

Thank You!

[@canimou]

This is so beautiful 😍🙏

[@drcunda1]

Here is a short statement: The heart is entirely a gaze, a sight. The language of the heart is spoken only in silence. 💚 RUMI

[@aWorkInProgress11]

So beautiful! I only wish it was longer

[@luanneallgood5396]

Wow! So good!

[@philcapitano3889]

Check out Rumi's Big Red Book...awesome!!!

[@salutsoleil3682]

Extraordinaire.

[@VITASartproductions]

This is brilliant.

[@RCS_FencingPoet]

Peaceful...

[@TheBassHeavy]

What is the song the cellist sings?

[@Hephtalites]

Mr Barks, You introduced the greatest gift of the creator to all English speaking folks. Rumi or Balkhi or Neither...He belongs to all mankind. He is a gift of the creator to all us. He offers a simple root to connect with the creator through our own hearts without any medium.

[@drphalange8654]

I'm grateful to be persian because of him.

[@josvandenberg-timm5686]

So beautifull, thank you

[@Yodano11]

I NEED IMMEDIATELY - Coleman Barks (eliminate Robert Bly) - I need RUMI TRANSLATION FROM COLEMAN BARKS entitled WHEN GOD LAID DOWN TO MOSES. NOW!

[@UjioSatashi]

does anyone know what song he is playing at 17:30?

[@TangoCat303]

UjioSatashi I think it may be Cancion al arbor del olvido (Ginastera), and I think Mr Darling may be a counter tenor. But I'm not sure of either. Utterly beautiful whatever it is. Amazing presentation, and wonderful Comments.

[@SueLyons1]

❤ 'let the beauty of love be what we do' ❤ ❤ 'there is a shimmering excitement in form itself' ❤ ❤ conversation symbolises 'generosity and modesty and strength and handsomeness and eloquence' ❤ ❤ 'surely the opening of the heart is the way out of it [sectarian violence]' ❤

[@debrajorgensen2730]

Such a beautiful surprise to come upon this talk. Thank you so much from a lover of Rumi’s poetry ✨🙌💫🙏💚

[@BenorCindyBennett]

I didn't know Coleman Barks translated Persian?? I thought 1st Persian to Turkish by Abdul Baki Golpinarli, 2 nd Turkish into English by Nevit Ergin, and thirdly English into California English by Coleman Barks...

[@gcaussade]

Correct, Barks uses Ergin's work. Maybe others as well, not sure.

[@saucylight]

He doesn't. He writes his own versions of Rumi based on other people's scholarly translations, many by John Moyne

[@saucylight]

...meaning he doesn't translate direct from the Persian.

[@Rellesofsaturn]

At 20:01 amazing

[@mrnomad1737]

Rumis poetry is simply Quranic poetry. Those who are versed in Quranic message will know, it reads like a letter - a conversation. Just as we use hearing faculty to understand when a message is recited. So is the Quran, constantly asking to reflect within oneself and the surrounding for the realisation that there is none but God who envelopes all that is within us and around us and whose signs are there for all to see.

[@chrispecora6223]

I just wrote so much about my man Coleman but lost it but it's ok we all dance together 🌹😘

[@shawn7933]

The volume is so low :(

[@noufgha]

‏2:36 وتحسب أنك جرم صغير، وفيك إنطوى العالم الأكبر!!

[@clarisnovshadian3588]

❤️☮️

[@I-QUAN]

2:00

[@Indiegirl007]

So, not going to lie. I was kinda zoning out for half of the video. But when he started to speak/sing Rumi's poetry, with such a sweetness....I stopped the doodling I was doing, and listened. Powerful.

[@chrispecora6223]

It's God's will brother and don't you forget you are apart of history 🌹😉🤫🤪❤️

[@nicolehorlorzealmetal9890]

*

[@hyderalihimmathi4457]

it's great to read English Rumi poetry because of ( colman barks) usually person can get self theatrical experience by doing self reading , it's not about listening to outer music but reading quietly and listen to our inner music quietly, at certain point ull notice it's just like playing with our inner music instrument. ( our.inner.conscience)

[@drujacey4899]

this is beautiful. How does a Presbyterian from Chattanooga get involved with the poetry of one of the greatest sufi mystics of Islam?

[@thesiluresscribe567]

Coleman Barks was unparalleled on Rumi translation and appreciation. The best!

[@user-cw1dx8yh7p]

😮😮

[@joshualapointe4239]

In this life be homeless.Claim only poverty as your allowance,so that you must beg to give others the wealth of self.Death finds all life taxing,and none are pardoned from exemption.Therefore, how can wasted moments be afforded,when there is no currency to bargain with time?

[@joshualapointe4239]

Me.

[@joshualapointe4239]

Thank you, I'm glad you thought so.

[@tomcw8989]

Did you write this?

[@esmaeilheravi4509]

Allah . Allah . Allah . Allah . The most gracious and the most merciful . In the name of Allah the most gracious and the most merciful . Allah . Allah .

[@theraiyyan]

Beethoven secret 5

[@adambrawijaya]

Beautiful how Rumi talks about the wonders of Allah (as he was a muslim), and another how he tells about doing a salah/t.

[@moeelali1011]

So basically, take Islam out of Rumi’s poetry to satiate your appetites? This is cultural appropriation of the highest order. When a Rumi talks about love, he is talking about his love for God or the Love God has for us. When he talks about intoxication and wine, it is a metaphor for the ecstasy one experiences in their worship of God. It’s really sad to see beautiful words written in homage to God being used so vainly.

[@merlijnhermsen4423]

what translation o you reccomend? here for the poems

[@luisa7270]

@@merlijnhermsen4423 Follow @rumiwasmuslim and @persianpoetics on instagram, they show their own translation, the original poems and also compare with Barks’ translations.

[@Chloe.zyxwvu]

It’s a shame that a metaphysical prophet , who used words to bridge grief and growth, to pass on passages of love without limits, or names, or opinions, comes to a head here, hundreds of years layers by those who seek to protect an inherited idea of self and culture, without even knowing what it means. A foreigner was so inspired and added a light to Rumi’s vestige, so needed by all in the world, and here you are, insatiably waiting to put it out.

[@moeelali1011]

@@Chloe.zyxwvu One man’s heart shattering experience and epic effort to place those experiences into words is not another man’s invitation to “be inspired” and rearrange somebody else’s furniture in their own house. You can be as poetic as you want about it, but it does not change the fact that Rumis heart was rooted in spirituality, specifically Islam. If that’s too heavy on your tongue, then you’ve completely missed Rumi’s point. Adding sugar to sugar does not make it sweeter.

[@petertheore668]

@@moeelali1011 “If you are irritated by every rub, how will your mirror be polished?” ― Rumi

[@karolinakristofova3051]

Coleman Barks was asked once why he removed Islam from the poetry of Rumi, to which he replied: “I was brought up Presbyterian,” he said. “I used to memorize Bible verses, and I know the New Testament more than I know the Koran.” He added, “The Koran is hard to read.”

[@syedahmed1227]

Coleman Barks knows nothing about Rumi or the language the poetry was written in. He whitewashed Rumi's quotes and took the entire Islamic aspect out of them, and then proceeded to profit off of them.

[@mmmhhhh6305]

Syed Ahmed I’m glad someone has bought this up, Coleman Barks is a bloody fraud when it comes to Rumi. Read Jawid Mojaddedi’s version of Rumi, it’s far more accurate than this faker.

[@aaliyahagwan]

You know nothing about Rumi & His teachings & this is quite evident in your attitude

[@psampodyle]

This person who hasn't studied Islam, sufism or Persian in particular, is glorifying himself for translating one of the greatest Persian poets, Maulana Rumi. Your half baked translation are ridiculous. Stop deislamisation of Rumi. Your word by word translations stand no where to the original poetry.

[@greyeyes2872]

Saddened by how this guy has come to be thought of as the most appropriate way to discover Rumi. You cannot remove Islam from Rumi's poetry just to appeal to the Western world; Cultural appropriation of the highest order.

[@jsphotos]

Rumi would disagree

[@bryanbieniek7731]

@@jsphotos this made me laugh out loud. The only appropriate response to that.

[@mohammedasif9724]

I regret that I don't know Persian. Nobody can translate feelings and emotions. Sorry, I don't believe it.

[@ratna1320]

wow people actually respect this man who's making money off Rumi - of the name / persona / imagined character of exoticness.......

[@elhaamjani115]

How Rumi Destroyed My life He captures the imagination and directs them toward a self-destructive path of giving away material pleasures and physical comfort through periods of fasting to cause hallucinations and dread and preys on your conscience and uses the guilt to guide people towards depression and hopelessness Rumi is a hiding behind dark love directed towards the divine He claims to represent tolerance and universal love He claims that the spirit of his love dwells in every human heart His teachings lead to intense hallucinations especially during periods of hardship such as physical pain or dehydration He hides behind faith and spirituality but his teachings are full of hubris. This is evident in his teachings through a lack of any sort of acknowledgement of mistakes He captures the imagination and directs them toward a self-destructive path of giving away material pleasures and physical comfort through periods of fasting to cause hallucinations and dread and preys on your conscience and uses the guilt to guide people towards depression and hopelessness Some might remember a bearded Uber drive in the DC area who introduced people to Rumi in ignorance. Saed Wasim Hashimi

[@IschiVezon]

if a dog shat in a white man’s mouth and you told him the dog was arabian but not islamic he’d give you a tip and five stars on yelp

[@nancymohass4891]

This is not a political comment: “ poet of Islam” is not a right recognition prof. If you speak about a poet in west would you say a poet of Christianity and so on ?! Rumi himself has many poetry that clears this point , he was not a believer of an organised religion , he just lived in that era.

[@abcdefg2591]

Imam Rumi is a beloved Muslim saint and you colonizer Westerners ruined his reputation and changed his values

[@AJayQDR]

This man is fraud. These are not translations, he made them up, you cannot find them in the original Farsi work.

[@ThePayola123]

Nice man, though his body and mind appear to be severely afflicted by the gross excesses of the American dietary and pharmaceutical regimes. Therefore we must question his mental clarity.