Discourses (Fihi Ma Fihi)

Introduction

Unlike his poetry, the Discourses are Rumi's talks in prose, recorded and arranged by his son and disciples; the title, Fihi Ma Fihi, means 'In it is what is in it'. Most were given at gatherings in Konya, sometimes in answer to questions from princes, scholars or ordinary people, sometimes starting from some everyday matter. Here Rumi is plainer and more intimate than in his poems, speaking of prayer and action, love and knowledge, the limits of words, our task in the world, and of his relation with Shams. The book is the most direct entrance to Rumi's thought.