Rumi in the Modern World

Rumi's influence reaches far beyond poetry. His view of love as a transformative force, his skepticism toward rigid doctrine, and his insistence that truth must be experienced rather than merely described all resonate with contemporary spirituality, psychology, and philosophy. Madonna, Jay-Z, and Coldplay have quoted him. Therapists use his parables about emotional growth. His poem "The Guest House" — which welcomes every emotion as a visitor — has become a standard text in mindfulness and acceptance therapy.