“Imagination Does Not Exist,” by Hafez, translated by Daniel Ladinsky.
 published in a book titled, “The Gift” (Penguin Compass, 1999).

 

The
Great religions are the
Ships,
Poets the life
Boats. 

Every sane person I know has jumped

Overboard.

 

That is good for business

Isn’t it

Hafez?

“The Great Religions,” modern renderings of Hafez’s sentiments by Daniel Ladinsky,

 published in a book titled, “The Gift” (Penguin Compass, 1999).

 

Described by Emerson as the “poet’s poet.” Translated by Goethe, adored by Thoreau. 

Although Hafez was not much acclaimed in his own day and often exposed to the reproaches of orthodoxy, he greatly influenced subsequent Persian poets and has become the most beloved poet of Persian culture. It is said that if there is one book in a house where Persian is spoken, it will be the Dīwān of Hāfez.

His collected works (Divan) are to be found in the homes of most Iranians, who learn his poems by heart and use them as proverbs and sayings to this day. His life and poems have been the subject of much analysis, commentary and interpretation, and have influenced post-Fourteenth Century Persian writing more than any other author.

Though Hāfez’s poetry is influenced by Islam, he is widely respected by Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, and others. The Indian sage of Iranian descent Meher Baba, who syncretized elements of Sufism, Hinduism, Zoroastrianism and Christian mysticism, recited Hāfez’s poetry until his dying day. October 12 is celebrated as Hafez Day in Iran.