I Heard God Laughing: Poems of Hope and Joy Paperback – September 26, 2006

I often select a poem from this book as a read-aloud to a group for a spiritual reflection. I like the book so much that I gave purchased it four or five times to give as a gift, and for myself, have become something of an afficionado of Hafiz poems, mostly rendered by Daniel Ladinsky.

Item in Excellent condition, prompt service

I love these poems, they are amazing if you are into bhakti or on a spiritual path

I've read other translators of Hafiz, Rumi, etc. and while I do not speak the original language, I cannot imagine a more truthful and present-time translation of Hafiz totally in keeping with the spirit of his words. I am a poet myself and the good ones make meanings that transcend their own words. Ladinsky taps into Hafiz's meanings and the joy that bubbles up from it is contagious. Every single poem makes Hafiz's spirit come alive garbed in bright shiny eyes and compassionate heart -- looking right at you. It is said that in Arab countries the average person on the street can and will quote Hafiz by heart. You need crucial images to do that. A humdrum or more accurate interpretation in English will not stick to the ears nor the heart. How's this for memorable lines:"You better start kissing me -- or else!""You don't have to act crazy anymore --We all know you were good at that.""The stars get clearly drunkAnd crazy at nightAnd throw themselvesAcross the sky.""I know the way you can getWhen you have not had a drink of Love.""Do you know how beautiful you are?I think not, my dear.Yet Hafiz could set you upon a StageAnd worship you forever!""I have a thousand brilliant liesFor the question, How are you?"And finally,"A poet is someoneWho can pour Light into a spoon,Then raise it to nourishYour beautiful parched, holy mouth."If God is the Light and Hafiz is the spoon, then Daniel Ladinsky is the one holding you upright to receive the gift.

The author has managed to capture the ecstasy in the Sufi poet Hafiz. I was lifted up to new heights and even felt like dancing for the first time in years! Thank you for this glimpse of the Beloved.

Landinsky has been described as a reinterpretor of Hafiz' poetry, and that these represent more his own writings than any of Hafiz's compositions. Yet the book is also presented as a representation of Hafiz's writings. This is an important LEGAL question, because we, the readers, are left without information about whether it is permissible to quote these writings in print of public performance. If they are the writings of Hafiz, they are about 650 years old and public domain. If they are Landinsky's own words, decorated with the Hafiz name for status, then it's altogether a different matter. Landinsky, you haven't made this easy. We need to know if this is YOUR work, or Hafiz's. Carify, could you?

Hafiz is such a treasure, he brings spirit into the love and joy of earthly of life. I love Rumi as well, but Hafiz lifts my spirits, makes me glad to be alive. I've bought this book to gift a couple times, it's nice, but smaller and lighter than I expected. I own the old version of this book, which is much more beautiful and substantial, it's too bad that version is out of print. But it's the words that matter, and they're wonderful.

Possibly the best 14th century book most people will read. Transcendental poetry, easy to read and enjoy. Surprisingly warm with humorous tone. But I think "....Daniel Ladinsky's extraordinary renderings..." got in the way. Apparently Persian poetry to English is a tough translation, but I think the translator's use of modern works and contemporary colloquial expression actually obscured the text at times. Other translations not easily available, as far as I can tell.