I Heard God Laughing: Poems of Hope and Joy Kindle Edition

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

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.

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.

As a Christian, I find this Sufi mystical master’s poetry to be very transferable to our contemplation upon our own faith; with help of the Holy Spirit and a baptized imagination. I can’t believe it took me so many years to discover this 14th century wisdom. I guess it was time.

Simple, easy to read and leaves you with a nice feeling. I recommend.

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?

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.

I never seem to be able to keep this book; that is, to own it, because I always end up giving it to someone that I think needs it. I sent it to my daughter's friend in college who was having a rough time. She said it changed her life. She gave it to her mom. I left it at my boyfriend's house and he said it touched him and spoke to him when he was in a despairing mood. It is a very uplifting book. Maybe it's because it's short, maybe because it's Hafiz speaking more directly about happiness. All I know is that this is a gem and worth giving or (trying to ) keeping. I need to order a new copy today in fact. It's good for a daily morning meditation.

Lovely book in beautiful condition, the perfect gift for my friend.

I read one or two poems every day - generally upon waking and/or before bedtime. This is my first book of poems by Hafiz. I am totally delighted and find the poems heartfelt and inspiring.

je ne sais pas lequel receuil de Hafiz est mon préféré, je les adore tous.. mais celui ci est un pur délice,

I've always been a mad person for literature books, coming across Rumi and Shams I've been mad for the olden time poetry and this book, this book is beyond words, just a beautiful complilation of Shams poetry by Daniel. Defo must read

Der Schreibstil ist etwas gewöhnungsbedürftig, aber es ist halt aus einer andren Zeit. Ich denke, es ist sehr schön übersetzt und berührt einen sehr. Das Büchlein wirkt sehr besonders und schön gearbeitet.