Join with Sádi and his Reflection of Magical Words

همانا که در فارس انشای من چو مشک است بی قیمت اندر ختن

گل آورد سعدی سوی بوستان به شوخی و فلفل به هندوستان

In Persia, my writings are, doubtless, thought nice;

As musk is in Cathay esteemed beyond price.

To the garden brought Sádi, with boldness, a rose,

As they do spice to India, where spice freely grows.

Bustan, a literary masterpiece by the renowned Persian poet Musleh al-Din Bin Abdallah Saadi Shirazi, is a collection of stories that showcases the poet's exceptional eloquence and mastery of the Persian language. Saadi's moral principles and Gnosticism have earned him worldwide fame as one of the greatest classical Persian poets of all time, and his unique style and ideas have yet to be replicated. His works have been translated into various European languages, leading some to credit him as the introduction of Persian literature to Europe.

Bustan, written during Saadi's travels, comprises 183 stories in ten chapters. Each chapter revolves around virtues such as justice, kindness, love, modesty, freedom, generosity, satisfaction, and happiness, and the practices of Darvish conscience that apply to all for a better and happier life. The stories in the book vary in terms of complexity and structure, with some featuring a more complex fictional structure and many events and characters, while others are simpler and straightforward. The book serves as a moral and educational guide, in which Saadi describes his utopian vision.

The translation in this book is by G.S. Davie M.D. in 1882. Translating poetry from one language to another is a challenging task, and this is especially true for classical Persian poetry, which often loses its meter, rhyme, and literary devices such as imagery, metaphor, and puns in the process.

Bustan is a valuable resource for students of the Persian language and literature, as it not only improves language skills but also provides a deeper understanding of Persian culture and literature.

As Ralph Waldo Emerson said: ‘The word Sádi means “fortunate”. He inspires in the reader a good hope.’

Published by:

Persian Learning Center

www.persianbell.com