A Hermeneutical Investigation of Coleman Barks' Reading of Metaphysical Themes in Masnavi-ye-Ma‘navi

Document Type : Original Article

Author

• Mohammad Hossein Kiani

Assistant Professor of Ahl al -Bayt International University, Tehran, Iran.

10.22067/epk.2025.90907.1388

Abstract

Coleman Barks’ interpretations of Rumi’s poetry have played a significant role in introducing this eminent philosopher to the English-speaking world. However, an essential question arises: how can the nature and consequences of Barks’ reading of the metaphysical themes in Masnavi be analyzed through a hermeneutical approach? This article, using an analytical-critical method and based on hermeneutical frameworks, examines Barks’ reading from three perspectives: first, anomalous interpretations have led to the separation of Rumi’s thought from its Islamic-philosophical foundations; second, the interpretive approach revolves around aligning the verses with secular culture and New Age spirituality; third, the consequences of this reading have not only resulted in a misrepresentation of Rumi for Western audiences but have also distorted the Islamic-philosophical thought. Thus, the findings of the study show that, although Barks’ interpretations have played an important role in introducing Rumi’s poetry to new audiences, this effort simultaneously diverges from Rumi’s authentic worldview and, influenced by the New Age culture and subjective presuppositions, has ultimately led to a distortion of Rumi’s fundamental ideas.

Keywords

• Rumi’s poetry
• translation approach
• New Age
• anomaly
• philosophical themes

Main Subjects

• Islamic Philosophy and Kalam

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References

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Transliterated  Bibliography

Qurān-i Karīm.

Sharīfī, Aḥmad; Hāshmī, Muḥammad Riżā va Maḥmūd Futūḥī Rūdmaʿjanī. “Barrisī  Sipihr Guftimān dar Tarjamah-yi Barks az Ashʿār  Masnavī Mawlānā”. Muṭāliʻāt  Zabān va Tarjamah, no. 23 (2019/1397): 1-81.