02 March 2009

The Bustan of Saadi


The Bustan of Saadi

Saadi Shirazi (1200 - 1292)




This is a prose translation of the Bustan of Sadi, originally published as part of the Wisdom of the East series in the early 20th century, and long out of print. This little book is full of practical spiritual wisdom. Sadi doesn't lean on allegory as much as other Sufi writers of the period; most of the stories in this collection have a pretty obvious moral lesson.
Born in Shiraz, Iran, in 1184, Sādi (pseudonym of Muslih-ud-Din Mushrif ibn Abdullah) is considered one of the major medieval Persian poets. He traveled widely, through regions of what is today Syria, Turkey, Egypt and Iraq. Vignettes of gritty caravan and street scenes give life to his tales. In old age he returned to Shiraz, and composed his two best-known works, the poetic Bustan, or Orchard (in 1257), and the prose Gulistan, the Rose Garden (in 1258). He died in 1283 or possibly 1291.


The Bustan of Saadi

Title Page

Contents

Editorial Note

Introduction

Prologue

Chapter I. Concerning Justice, Counsel, and the Administration of Government

Chapter II. Concerning Benevolence

Chapter III. Concerning Love

Chapter IV. Concerning Humility

Chapter V. Concerning Resignation

Chapter VI. Concerning Contentment

Chapter VII. Concerning Education

Chapter VIII. Concerning Gratitude

Chapter IX. Concerning Repentance

Chapter X. Concerning Prayer

Notes



THE GULISTAN OF SAA'DI


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