Coleman Barks
Leading scholar and translator of 13th-century Persian mystic Rumi, author of numerous Rumi translations and longtime student of Sufism, featured here discussing translation, grace, and friendship.
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Mar 5, 2026 • 1h 2min
[ENCORE EPISODE] Coleman Barks: Rumi, Grace, and Human Friendship
Coleman Barks, celebrated translator of 13th-century mystic Rumi and longtime student of Sufism, reflects on translation, grace, and friendship. He describes entering a trance to render Rumi into American free verse. He explores the transformative bond between Rumi and Shams, the spiritual atmosphere of friendship, and collaborating with cellist David Darling on Rumi-inspired music.
