Islam, Sufiism and the Heart of Compassion – Living the Teachings of Muhyiddin Ibn 'Arabi

Readings from the Tarjumân
By Michael Sells, PhD
Dr. Sells will read from Stations of Desire, his translation of The Tarjumân al-Ashwâq, of which one reviewer said: “This small book of poems contains 24 new translations from Ibn 'Arabi's Tarjumân al-Ashwâq (Translators of Desires) by one of the best translators of early Arabic poetry around today.”

Taoufiq Ben Amor Michael Sells, PhD, is the John Henry Barrows Professor of Islamic History and Literature in the Divinity School at the University of Chicago. He studies and teaches in the areas of qur'anic studies; Sufism; Arabic and Islamic love poetry; mysticism (Greek, Islamic, Christian, and Jewish); and religion and violence. website

Tarjumân al-Aswâq: Poetry Written by Ibn ’Arabi
Performed in Arabic by Taoufiq Ben Amor
Performed in English by Aaron Cass
The Tarjumân al-Ashwâq, or “Interpreter of Ardent Desires,” by Ibn ’Arabi is acknowledged as one of the major works of Sufi literature, alongside those of the great Persian poets Attar, Jalaluddin Rumi, Hafiz and Jami. It comprises 61 love poems with full commentary on the esoteric meaning of human love.

Taoufiq Ben Amor is a Tunisian vocalist, percussionist and oud player. For the last decade, Taoufiq has been an active performer in the U.S. and Canada. Also an educator, Taoufiq has founded the Columbia Middle Eastern Music Ensemble and produces the music series at the Alwan for the Arts in New York City. Taoufiq is currently Professor of Arabic at Columbia University.

Aaaron Cass Aaron Cass is an actor, musician, composer and co-founder of the Vastearth Orchestra with whom he has produced two albums of classical Middle Eastern poetry set to music, “Green Bird” and “A Garden Amidst the Flames.” The music composed is based on and inspired by the readings from Ibn ’Arabi. The group performs nationally in the UK.

Tarab Ensemble
Tarab, founded in 1998, is a group of New York-based musicians who perform the classical Arabic repertoire, with a special emphasis on the Andalusi Muwashah and Sufi repertoire. Since its foundation, Tarab has performed at several venues which include Symphony Space, Cooper Union, The Joseph Papp Theater, and several universities. www.taoufiqbenamor.com

Musical Performance by Aaron Cass and the Vastearth Orchestra
New York area musicians join UK artist and musician Aaron Cass and his ensemble to play Ibn ’Arabi inspired music.

“Green Bird” is the second album by Vastearth Orchestra. The first, “A Garden Amidst Flames” (2003 Beshara Publications), comprised readings from Muhyiddin Ibn ’Arabi with musical backing. In “Green Bird” the musical content has developed with some of the texts set as songs and some purely instrumental pieces. The music is difficult to categorize as the players come from different traditions; jazz, classical, blues and reggae backgrounds are brought together by a shared and passionate interest in the source material. Vastearth Orchestra is an expanding group which performs in the UK and abroad. Vastearth Orchestra are: Chris Brierley, Violin, Viola, Piano, Vocals; Aaron Cass, readings, drums, percussion, piano; David Norland, bass, keyboards, effects, engineering; and Tim Roberts, guitars, E-bow, piano, vocals. Vocal performances on “Green Bird” include Eliza Cass, Narda Dalgleish, Louise Kleboe and Tunsi, with additional cello by Doris Earthling. www.myspace.com/vastearthorchestra

Saturday Evening, November 7
8:00 – 10:00 pm
Location: Columbia University's Altschul Auditorium, School of International and Public Affairs, 420 West 118th Street (at street level, off Amsterdam Avenue)

Film and Q&A with Director Nacer Khemir
Bab 'Aziz film poster

“Bab ’Aziz: The Prince Who Contemplated His Soul”
A visual poem of incomparable beauty, this masterpiece presents a radically different view of Islamic culture than the one usually depicted in our media. Filmed in Tunisia and Iran and filled with breathtaking images this profound fairytale shows us the tolerant, friendly, and loving aspects of open-hearted desert dwellers and their ancient storytelling traditions. (96 minutes)

09SSS15P
One Film: $9
(Included in conference fee. Also open to the general public.)

Note: There will be a French-English translator present for interpreting audience questions and the director’s answers.

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