VALENTINO St. GERMAIN

(SHAH RAM SHIVA)

Topics
> Valentino St. Germain's (Shahram Shiva) Biography
> Trivial Facts
> Discography
> Bibliography
> What inspired St. Germain (Shiva) to translate Rumi?
> Reviews
> Quotes
> Radio & Television Interviews
> Awards & Grants
> Performances & Workshops
> Theater & Film
> TV Programs
> Online

Valentino St. Germain, who publishes under the pseudonym (a yogic title) of Shah Ram Shiva, is an author of several books, poet, recording artist and award-winning translator and interpreter of Rumi. Valentino St. Germain is the founder of Rumi Network and one of the original translators and popularizers of Rumi.

Valentino St. Germain is an Ascension Master and teacher of advanced spirituality. In addition to books, he has written numerous articles for The Huffington Post and other publications.

Valentino St. Germain is known for rich and entrancing concerts and performances, captivating talks and powerful experiential workshops. For more information on past events, please visit the Wikipedia page.

Since 2009 Valentino St. Germain has expanded his repertoire to include new original lyrics and songs.

THE EMPOWERED SPIRITUALITY PRINCIPLE
Valentino St. Germain's Empowered Spirituality Principle focuses on consciousness expansion, self-empowerment, enlightenment, ascension and self-realization. It is an advanced technique for those who are ready for the next level of spiritual growth. It involves a balance between the mind, the spirit and a fit body. Val is gifted with healing energy and wisdom transmission, and that's one of the key reasons his workshops and retreats are popular. He is also a medium for third-eye activation, Kundalini awakening and past lives discovery.

"HAPPINESS IS LOVING YOURSELF"® MINI RETREAT
Your most important relationship is the one you have with yourself. Valentino St. Germain has launched a powerful new multistage experiential self-love mini retreat titled Happiness Is Loving Yourself®. This 2-hour mini retreat is suitable for both experienced practitioners and the spiritually curious (and everyone else in between). This is a popular Rumi-themed self-love event with practical teachings, several guided visualizations, unique affirmations and vision manifestation techniques. This workshop will help you to: discover a deeper understanding of who you are; enhance your self-awareness; experience self-acceptance and self-love; and expand your creative imagination.
We are now looking to bring this powerful self-love event to Ventura County, CA, including Malibu area, in 2024.
> Press for Happiness is Loving Yourself: Yahoo News | LA Times | Hoodline.
> Happiness is Loving Yourself Event and Sign Up Page at Rumi.net/happiness

POWERFUL MINDSET COACH & NEW AGE DISRUPTOR
Val has been a dynamic mindset coach for a long time with a focus on teaching his clients to not only recognize the causes of their blocks, and their relation to their childhood issues, but to turn those traumas into what he calls "emotional ammunition," a powerful tool to strengthen their inner core and grant themselves an edge to achieve their goals more easily. In addition, he specializes in reducing or eliminating anxiety and fear. Val is a New Age disruptor and a fitness, weight loss and nutritional expert. He works out and runs daily.

Starting as a young prodigy in the '80s, Valentino St. Germain has translated nearly a thousand Rumi poems collected in several books. Shiva's access to the original of these exquisite poems forms the basis for his memorable performances and supports his reputation as the most informed and passionate performer and interpreter of Rumi in the world today.

Valentino St. Germain's Rumi interpretations are quoted and referred to in a few thousand books in English and other languages.

Since 1992 Valentino St. Germain has been presenting concerts at the United Nations, Symphony Space, Smithsonian Institution, CAMI Hall, Memorial Hall, Chopra Center, Museum of Contemporary Art in San Diego, Cathedral of St. John the Divine, Omega Institute, Kripalu Center, Joyce Theater, LaMama Theater, New York Open Center, Yale, Columbia, New York universities, among many others.

In addition Valentino St. Germain has devised a new, breakthrough method in teaching the whirling movement, where he has been conducting large-scale workshops since 1995. This method, featured on CNN, is now being taught by a few of Shiva's whirling students, including Deepak Chopra. Also Robert Downey Jr., who was trained by Shiva, whirled in the movie Game 6 (2005).

A Proponent of Authentic Rumi Interpretations
For a few years in early 2000's Rumi became the most widely read poet in America. Mr. St. Germain says, "I began translating Rumi in 1988, and publishing, sharing and performing his poetry in 1991. I never thought that he would become so popular in the West in such a short time." Due to Rumi's sudden popularity in the US, publishers rushed to putout any book with Rumi in the title. Therefore, it's very rare to find interpretations of Rumi that are authentic, since almost all such books are written by those with no knowledge of the Persian language, its culture and mystical traditions.

Valentino St. Germain's aim has always been to provide authentic translations of Rumi's work. For example his most unique and award-winning 1995 book Rending The Veil: Literal and Poetic Translations of Rumi, provides 252 poems of Rumi is 4 versions. 1. Original Persian calligraphy. 2. Transliteration. 3. Word-for-word translation. 4. Literal, or close to the original, English translation. Sample pages of this book are available here.

In addition to the unique Rending The Veil--a recipient of the Benjamin Franklin Award, Valentino St. Germain's (as Shahram Shiva) translations and interpretations of Rumi have been published in several books. His latest book about Rumi is Rumi's Untold Story. Valentino St. Germain's Rumi interpretations are quoted and referred to in about 300 books in English and other languages.

Valentino St. Germain's (as Shahram Shiva) lyrical Rumi renditions are also available in two groundbreaking music albums: "Rumi: Lovedrunk" and "Love Evolve" an album of original songs and Rumi poems. Valentino St. Germain is a master Rumi presenter and the voice of Rumi for the 21st Century.

Additional Personal Information
Valentino St. Germain's whole life has been deeply devoted to his spiritual growth and in pursuit of self-realization. In his 20's he was a serious practitioner of yoga and Eastern philosophies.

However, his views of personal growth have vastly evolved over the years. He no longer endorses the old belief that to grow spiritually one must give up all. Your diet or choice of beverage has little to do with being a whole, fulfilled human.

Your aim should be to free yourself from a dogmatic, fear-based life. And dogmatic lifestyles can be found especially in spiritual communities, where they try to dictate your thoughts and actions.

He now believes in a balanced living and does not consider any form of extremism a healthy choice for life.

He believes that self-acceptance, self-reliance, loving oneself and freedom from hypocrisy are the keys to a fulfilled life.

About Valentino St. Germain (Shahram Shiva) on Artist Direct
The words of early-13th century Persian mystic and poet Rumi come to life through the performances of poet, actor, and author Shahram Shiva. The only major performer to present Rumi's poetry in both English translations and the original Persian, Shiva was described by avant-garde composer Philip Glass as a "wealth of new and quite beautiful translations," and composer and performer Robert Arthur Fish's debut album, Fish on the Desert, included the line "Shahram speaks with the fervor of ancient Sufi master Rumi." A longtime devotee of Eastern mystical traditions, Shiva began translating Rumi's poetry in 1988 and presented his first public performance four years later. From April 25 to May 5, 1998, Shiva's opera Until the Next Whirl was presented at La Mama in New York, with Shiva in the lead role. Shiva is the author of six books. ~ Craig Harris, Rovi

Trivial Facts

1. Valentino St. Germain is a professional photographer with numerous images in print.

2. He has coined the following phrases:

"Rumi Blues." All today's love songs (and torch song / songs about heartache) are inspired by Rock music which started in the '50s and '60s, they in turn are based on the Blues. The Blues, an African American experience, receive their inspiration from the love verses of the classic Persian poets and philosophers such as Rumi.

"The Beloved is You." Toward the end of his life, Rumi summed up his search into an elegant phrase that at the end he discovered that he was searching for himself all along and that the Beloved was none other than himself.

"The Prophet is You." See above.

"Clarity of Intention." The key to manifesting your desires is to have a laser-focused goal, or clarify of intention.

"Yoga Without Dogma." A mandate to remove all superstitions from teachings of yoga. This includes removal of all deities and religions rituals.

"Intelligent Singularity." A concept, offered by Mr. St. Germain, that the intention (or the force) behind the creation of this universe is intelligent. However, it's totally hands off. Hence, it's neither random nor by design.

"Soul Evolution." We are all in the process of soul evolution, that's the only reason for our existence.

"Deity Swap." Refers to naïve seekers of spirituality who by swapping one deity for another simply assume that they have progressed spirituality, where in fact they have only taken a lateral move (sideways).

"Emotional Ammunition." Although abuse on children is never welcomed, but if and when it does happen, the victim has a chance to use that experience as an Emotional Ammunition to help make them stronger and give them an edge. If they allow that negative experience to hold them down, then the perpetrator has doubly won.

"Ego is Good." Ego is the most important soul protector on your journey. That's why the controlling elements (religions, spiritual groups, all so called churches and gurus, the ruling elites and so on) are all hellbent on taking it away from you.

"Universal Spiritual Hierarchy." The process of Soul Evolution is infinite and it consists of numerous levels of spiritual growth. Anyone who preaches limited number of ascension levels (AKA densities or dimensions) is either trying to fool you or hasn't a clue. The growth doesn't end by stage 7 or 11, it has no end and it's only limited by your imagination.

"Self-Guided-Destiny." This is the highest form of personal growth and self-empowerment, where you shed your control conditioning and superstitions and realize the greatness in your own being. You are God.

"Alpha Addiction." The people on this planet have been programmed to kneel and bow down and to keep themselves small. This is a form of addiction that few can shake.

"Lovedrunk." Being drunk on love.

"Love Evolve." Evolve through love.

"Performance Poet." A poet who performs his or her work.

"Empowered Spirituality." Spirituality guided by our own inner light, by one who is independent from any and all outside conditioning and superstitions.

"Soulmates, Twinflames or Hormones." Almost all love affairs on this planet are hormonal attraction or are motivated by control or gaining an advantage.

"Yoga Generation," referring to the new mainstream popularity of yoga in the US.

"Spirituality 101," "Spa Spirituality," "Feel-Good Spirituality" and "Yogurt & Granola Spirituality," all as the current level of teachings of spirituality in the West.

"Programmed Biological Androids." And "Fast Decaying Biological Shells that are Chemically Dependent." Both as references to our human bodies.

3. He is a 9/11 survivor. During that time he lived in lower Manhattan only one block from the fallen twin towers. He was evacuated for a week and lost many of his belongings due to damage by the heavy dust. He is grateful to FEMA for their incredible support.

4. Deepak Chopra was so taken by Valentino St. Germain's (as Shahram Shiva) concerts that he not only invited him to conduct several high-profile events but also borrowed St. Germain's band to accompany his own talks on stage.

5. He is a recipient of the prestigious Merchant Ivory Foundation grant. This is the movie production team that created Room With A View and Howard's End.

6. His book "Rending The Veil: Literal and Poetic Translations of Rumi" is the only such book in Rumi's 800 year history. It presents 252 quatrains of Rumi (out of 2000 available) in 4 stages. It is a recipient of the Benjamin Franklin Award.

7. He is a serious film buff and is very knowledgeable about film history.

8. He is extremely tech savvy.

9. He is an expert level, lifelong motorcyclist.

10. He credits the iconic comedians Lenny Bruce and George Carlin as inspiration.

11. He is a supporter of the Mozart Effect. He believes listening to Mozart on regular basis can expand your mind, make you more aware and smarter.

Valentino St. Germain's
The Ascension Prophecies:
The Secret Guide to Unlocking Your Superpowers and Mastering Your Soul's Mission on the Path to Ascension
is on Amazon Kindle , Paperback , Hardcover

Rumi Network 2024

The Ascension Prophecies is a masterclass, be prepared to experience a shift. The Ascension Prophecies will shake your belief system and tear away the veil of secrecy on the true power of you. You are the savior that you seek and the god that you worship. You will inhabit and fully absorb this message, of your limitless self, by the end of this book.

If you choose to take charge of your own destiny instead of being a follower. If you want to find out what's under the surface and discover the real meaning of things instead of being swayed by the mainstream at all times. If you dust your belief system from time to time and reevaluate your likes and dislikes. If you have managed (or seriously trying) to undo your childhood programming. If you're hungry for wisdom and to push yourself higher at all times. Then this book is for you.

Although the terms self-empowerment and ascension are commonplace in the world of personal and spiritual growth, very few actually understand the process or even desire it. Real spirituality is not depended on any base religion. Real spirituality is not about submission, it's about self-empowerment. This is a key secret teaching in mysticism. Yet, all so-called spiritual movements in the world are just an extension of some religion; demanding a slave mindset from their followers to participate in their doctrine.

It is the intention and the mission of this book to cut through centuries old haze of disinformation that has existed about the true power of the self and real spirituality, and to inspire, guide and help you to keep on expanding and ascending.

Rumi Network's
The Essential Rumi Quotes
Top 300 Most Inspiring
is on Amazon Kindle , Paperback , Hardcover
(Rumi Network, 2023)

The Essential Rumi Quotes, offers the reader a collection of the most powerful, passionate, endearing, and inspiring quotes of Rumi, selected from our decades-long love affair with Rumi’s work. These beautiful quotes have been categorized in four sections:
1. The Power of Love
2. Beauty, Music & Dance
3. Hope, Recovery & Death
4. The Ascended Master, The Teachings

Valentino St. Germain's
The Prophet Is You:
The Secret Guide to Unlocking Your Own Powers and Discovering Your Soul's Mission on the Path to Ascension
is on Amazon Kindle , Paperback , Hardcover
(Rumi Network, 2024)

You are the savior that you seek and the god that you workshop.

If you choose to take charge of your own destiny instead of being a follower. If you want to find out what's under the surface and discover the real meaning of things instead of being swayed by the mainstream at all times. If you dust your belief system from time to time and reevaluate your likes and dislikes. If you have managed (or seriously trying) to undo your childhood programming. If you're hungry for wisdom and to push yourself higher at all times. Then this book is for you.

Although the terms self-empowerment and ascension are commonplace in the world of personal and spiritual growth, very few actually understand the process or even desire it. Real spirituality is not depended on any base religion. Real spirituality is not about submission, it's about self-empowerment. This is a key secret teaching in mysticism. Yet, all so-called spiritual movements in the world are just an extension of some religion; demanding a slave mindset from their followers to participate in their doctrine.

It is the intention and the mission of this book to cut through centuries old haze of disinformation that has existed about the true power of the self and real spirituality, and to inspire, guide and help you to keep on expanding and ascending.

Val St. Germain's
Your Cosmic Ascension
The Secret Guide for the Gen Z to Unlock their Superpowers and Discover their Soul's Mission on the Path to Ascension

is on Amazon Kindle , Paperback , Hardcover
(Rumi Network, 2024)

The Power to Transform the Reader
YOUR COSMIC ASCENSION is a masterclass for the Generation Z; be prepared to experience a shift. Your Cosmic Ascension will shake your belief system and tear away the veil of secrecy on the true power of you. You are the savior that you seek and the god that you worship. You will inhabit and fully absorb this message, of your limitless self, by the end of this book.

Zero Fluff
Most of what’s being pushed as media (books/podcasts/video) on spiritual growth are all fluff and simple copy and paste of texts from old books or just a rehash of Spirituality 101 base knowledge. Val St. Germain’s books are pure content with the power to transform the reader.

12 Secret Laws of Self-Realization:
A Guide to Enlightenment and Ascension by a Modern Mystic

(Rumi Network, 2020)

Shahram Shiva's latest book is now available on Amazon Kindle and Paperback.

This book also includes, The 4 Stages of Soul Evolution.

If you choose to take charge of your own destiny instead of being a follower. If you like to think and feel your way through life. If you want to find out what’s under the surface and discover the real meaning of things instead of being swayed by the mainstream at all times. If you dust your belief system from time to time and reevaluate your likes and dislikes. If you have managed (or seriously trying) to undo your childhood programming. If you’re hungry for wisdom and to push yourself higher at all times. Then this book is for you.

For those focused on mental and spiritual growth and breaking personal barriers, there has never been a better time. We’re living in an era of accelerated experiences and heightened reality.

The holy grail of personal growth, spirituality and yoga is self-realization. For those truly seeking self-empowerment and enlightenment there is no greater mission.

It is the intention and the mission of this book to cut through centuries old haze of disinformation that has existed about the power of real spirituality and to inspire, guide and help you to keep on expanding and ascending.* * * *

Rumi's Untold Story:
From 30-Year Research
(Rumi Network, 2018 - 2nd Ed '20))

Shahram Shiva's Rumi's Untold Story: From 30-Year Research is now available on Amazon Kindle & Paperback.

Rumi's Untold Story is written from 30-year research by award-winning Rumi translator, scholar and author Shahram Shiva. It provides a clear record of highlights of Rumi's life and clarifies certain aspects of his very colorful history which have been kept secret from public until now. It covers Rumi's unconventional relationship with his mentor Shams and Sham's controversial and doomed marriage to Rumi's daughter Kimia.

* * * * * * *

Transformative Whirling : Shahram Shiva's Unique & Proven 4-Step Method to Whirling
(Rumi Network, 2018)

Shahram Shiva's book "Transformative Whirling: Shahram Shiva's Unique & Proven 4-Step Method to Whirling" is now available as Amazon Kindle & Paperback.

Shahram Shiva has invented a unique new breakthrough technique that makes it possible for all to whirl comfortably, competently, without any dizziness or discomfort. The beauty of this system and key to its success are in its simplicity.

Since 1995, Shahram Shiva has helped tens of thousands of people to whirl comfortably and competently. Some of his whirling students, including Deepak Chopra, teach this method in their workshops.

Shahram Shiva's guided group whirling has been featured on CNN, and he's taught it for many years at Kripalu Center, Omega Institute, NY Open Center among many other universities and institutions. He's worked with choreographers and stage directors for whirling shows. Also performed and has trained dancers to whirl at New York's Joyce and LaMama theaters. Furthermore he trained the actor Robert Downey Jr. to whirl in the movie Game 6.

* * * * * * *

Rumi, Thief of Sleep:
Quatrains from the Persian
(Hohm Press, 2000)

This paperback with a foreword by Deepak Chopra, contains selcetions of the best of the English translations that appeared in Shiva's award-wining book Rending the Veil.

* * * * * * *

Hush Don't Say Anything to God:
Passionate Poems of Rumi
(Jain Publishing, 1999)

A book of lyrical interpretations of Rumi. This selection catches Rumi in a rare mood and these are some of Rumi's most passionate and heart-felt expressions, each poem resonating with the intensity and fire rarely seen in English language before.

* * * * * * *

Rending the Veil is a recipient of Benjamin Franklin Award for best book in the religion category. It is groundbreaking translation that traverses the world by which Rumi is brought into English -- from calligraphic Persian, to phonetic Persian, to literal English translations, to his own finely-wrought poems.

Containing Rumi's odes and quatrains has been called the most beautiful translation of Rumi's poetry to date. This book has been translated into German. Several of the poems from this book have appeared in The Way of Passion, a book by Andrew Harvey. This book is currently being prepared for a re-release in 2001.

Cantecele_Iubirii_Rumi

Rumi was introduced to the Romanian language for the first time by Shahram Shiva and Rumi Network in 2020. This is a Romanian book of Shahram Shiva's Rumi interpretations.

Second Rumi Book for China

Rumi: The Beloved Is You

Shahram Shiva's "Rumi: The Beloved is You - My Favorite Collection of Deeply Passionate, Whimsical, Spiritual and Profound Poems and Quotes" has been released for the Chinese market. This is the second book of Rumi poetry, by Mr. St. Germain (Shiva) in Chinese, printed in China for their readers by our publishing partners. Rumi was introduced to the Chinese language by Rumi Network in 2016.

Rumi In Chinese

The first book of Rumi poetry in Chinese, printed in China for their readers. Rumi was introduced to the Chinese language by Shahram Shiva and Rumi Network in 2016. A Chinese book of Shahram Shiva's Rumi interpretations.

Das Lied Der Liebe

Rumi in German. This is a German release book on Rumi poetry based on Shahram Shiva's interpretations. Released 2005.

Rumi: Love Evolve

Shahram Shiva's
Rumi: Love Evolve -- 10 Favorite Rumi Songs
New Album Released on 11/11/23
Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music

RUMI: Love Evolve is Shahram Shiva's latest album of transformative songs. It is a multi-genre CD with mind-altering lyrics by Shiva.

Blending elements of rock, dance, chillout, ambient, electronic and acoustic with the hypnotic voice of Shahram Shiva (VSG), this beautiful and unusual album is an anthem for progressive minds and spirits that yearn to constantly evolve and an empowering experience of love, beauty, freedom, self acceptance, wisdom and joy.

RUMI: Love Evolve features new original lyrics and some of Shahram Shiva's favorite Rumi poems.

Love Evolve is Produced by the multiple GRAMMY nominee and GRAMMY Award-winner Danny Blume and Shahram Shiva. (Valentino St. Germain publishes under the pseudonym of Shah Ram Shiva,)

Rumi: Love Evolve is now available on all music channels.

Love Evolve

Love Evolve is Shahram Shiva's latest album of transformative songs. It features new original lyrics by Shahram Shiva, in addition to some of his favorite Rumi songs.

Blending elements of rock, dance, groove based, ambient, electronic and acoustic and soaring female vocals with the hypnotic voice of Shahram Shiva, this beautiful and unusual album is an anthem for progressive minds and spirits that yearn to constantly evolve and an empowering experience of love, beauty, freedom, self acceptance, wisdom and joy.

Love Evolve is Produced by the multiple GRAMMY nominee and GRAMMY Award-winner Danny Blume and Shahram Shiva.

For more information, to listen or download or order please visit: loveevolve.com.

Rumi: Lovedrunk

Rumi: Lovedrunk is a groundbreaking audio project that features several talented musicians from Persia, Europe, Latin America and the U.S., and includes original compositions by Olivier Glissant and Michael Harrison. This album blends the exotic and the meditative with hip grooves and inventive arrangements and the deep, resonant and hypnotic voice of Shahram Shiva.

This meticulously composed and produced CD is much more than a “Spoken Word” project and can be listened to both for the beauty and power of Rumi’s words, as well as for the captivating and inspiring mood of the music and poetic images. It is the uncompromising artistic statement of three diverse and committed artists.

For more information, to listen or download or order please visit: lovedrunk.com.

What Inspired Valentino St. Germain (Shahram Shiva) to Translate Rumi?

I rediscovered Rumi when I was in my twenties in New York City. In Persia we learn of our great poets in grade school. So I knew of Rumi and had memorized a poem or two when I was in third grade. I moved to the States when I was in my teens, so it was several years after I moved here that I came across Rumi again and the connection was electric. I was listening to a Persian classical singer, signing Rumi and for the first time I felt an immediate connection to this poetry, I felt that I could hear every word, understand the meaning, the message and the mood behind every word. Looking back now, it was one of the most unique and powerful experiences of my life. I began translating Rumi a few days later, just for myself, because I felt I had to. I brought the words of Rumi into English initially just for myself. But within a short couple of years, I was published.

You see, Persian poetry has been the backbone of the Persian culture for the past 1000 years or so. All lyrics for Persian classical music is based on our great poets and Rumi happens to be one of many. He is considered to be the most mystical, and at the same time perhaps the most intellectual as well, hence he is hardly ever tapped for classical music lyrics.

I have had many dreams related to Rumi, and I wrote about them in my book Hush, Don't Say Anything to God. I remember the night before my very first recitation of Rumi in public, I had a dream that I was present in a shrine of a saint. It was a very vivid dream. I could see everything in that shrine, the color of the walls, the murals hanging on the walls and the green cloth covering the tomb. It was about a year later that I came across a picture of Sham's mausoleum, and everything immediately looked familiar. I understood then, that I was visiting Sham's shrine before my first recitation in 1991-1992. From then on every important step that I have taken to help expand the understanding and the experience of Rumi in the West, has been followed by an important acknowledgment from Rumi. --Shahram Shiva

I have been an avid reader of Rumi for years--his poetry has changed my life. I once thought that Coleman Barks did the only good translations, until I heard you at a Rumi Festival at UNC, Chapel Hill, 4/5 years ago. Two of your poems knocked me out--it was not only your translations but your inflection and cadence in your readings which do not come across in print. They were "You Worry Too Much" & "Lover Me." I read "You Worry Too Much" at least weekly which gives me great faith! I've been waiting years for your CD. Thank you!
Martin "Yusuf" Pioggia
North Carolina

"For the growing number of Rumi admirers, the appearance of Rending the Veil is an important and unique event, providing, as it does, not only a wealth of new and quite beautiful translations but real insight into how the translator goes about his work."
Philip Glass, composer

"The key to Rumi's quatrains, so faithfully rendered here, is to be found in his own words referring to this meeting that powerful and mysterious dervish, Shems Tabrizi. These words embody the very gist of Sufi philosophy."
Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan, spiritual leader

"Tune your ear to Shahram Shiva's studious translations. Books like this may carry us into a wiser, less avaricious, and hopefully more compassionate 21st century."
Andrew Shelling, poet and translator, chair of Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied poetics at the Naropa Institute.

"Rumi's poetry is a direct line to the absolute. This is high-voltage material. Read with care."
Larry Dossey, MD, author of Recovering the Soul and Meaning & Medicine

"Shahram speaks with the fervor of ancient Sufi master Rumi."
R.A. Fish, composer and percussionist, quoted from his latest CD Fish on the Desert

"Listening to Shahram perform Rumi's poetry, I was transported to the world of Rumi."
Michael Harrison, composer and pianist

"Shahram Shiva embodies the culture, the wisdom and the history of Sufism in his very genes"
Deepak Chopra (2000)
author of several NY Times Bestsellers

"...These verses are not just meant for the libraries or the classrooms of academia. They are meant to be recited by human lovers and lovers of God. The passion of Rumi expressed in this book by Shahram Shiva will restore the exultation of spirit in your Being. This passion is holy and it will heal you..."
Deepak Chopra (1999)
author of How to Know God and several NY Times Bestsellers

"Rumi's poetry is ecstatic. Here, love of God, love of life and human love all merge into one passionate stream. These verses in A Garden Beyond Paradise have evoked my emotions and haunted my soul as nothing has for years."
Deepak Chopra (1992)
M.D., author of numerous best selling books including Quantum Healing

>> read more reviews...

Radio, Web & Television Interviews

Podcast Interview, Sivana Spirit, February 26, 2019

Podcast Interview, Sivana Spirit, February 12, 2019

YouTube & iTunes Podcast Interview, Liberate Hollywood,
December 4, 2018

WRPI-FM & WRPI.org, New York, December 29, 2016

WRPI-FM & WRPI.org, New York, November 10, 2016

WRPI-FM & WRPI.org, New York, September 22, 2016

WRPI-FM & WRPI.org, New York, December 17, 2015

BBC, Global, September 7, 2015

WRPI-FM & WRPI.org, New York, August 27, 2015

WRPI-FM & WRPI.org, New York, February 12, 2015

KUCI-FM, Irvine, California, January 19, 2015

Actors Entertainment Talk Show, August 21, 2014

WRPI-FM & WRPI.org, New York, August 7, 2014

WRPI-FM & WRPI.org, New York, May 13, 2014

WRPI-FM & WRPI.org, New York, November 14, 2013

Universal Energy Radio, October 9, 2013

WRPI-FM & WRPI.org, New York, July 11, 2013

Universal Energy Radio, June 19, 2013

Universal Energy Radio, February 27, 2013

WRPI-FM & WRPI.org, New York, February 21, 2013

WRPI-FM & WRPI.org, New York, September 27, 2012

WRPI-FM & WRPI.org, New York, May 31, 2012

WRPI-FM & WRPI.org, New York, February 23, 2012

WRPI-FM & WRPI.org, New York, November 10, 2011

WRPI-FM & WRPI.org, New York, August 4, 2011

WRPI-FM & WRPI.org, New York, May 12, 2011

WRPI-FM & WRPI.org, New York, February 17, 2011

WRPI-FM & WRPI.org, New York, December 9, 2010

WRPI-FM & WRPI.org, New York, October 14, 2010

WRPI-FM & WRPI.org, New York, December 3, 2009

WRPI-FM & WRPI.org, New York, October 8, 2009

WRPI-FM & WRPI.org, New York, April 2, 2009

WRPI-FM & WRPI.org, New York, January 22, 2009

WRPI-FM & WRPI.org, New York, August 7, 2008

RockOm.net interview and featured artist, July 22-28, 2008

WRPI-FM & WRPI.org, New York, June 5, 2008

WRPI-FM & WRPI.org, New York, March 6, 2008

WRPI-FM & WRPI.org, New York, December 27, 2007

BBC World Service, Global, December 2, 2007

WRPI-FM & WRPI.org, New York, November 15, 2007

BBC, Turkey, October 5-7, 2007

WNYC-FM (NPR), New York City, February 27, 2007

WRPI-FM & WRPI.org, New York, January 11, 2007

WRPI-FM & WRPI.org, New York, August 3, 2006

WRPI-FM & WRPI.org, New York, September 8, 2005

WNYC-FM (NPR), New York City, June 9, 2005

WBAI-FM, New York City, May 11, 2004

XETV-TV, "FOX 6 News in the Morning," San Diego, California, June 22, 2001

WRPI-FM & WRPI.org, New York, April 6, 2000

KKUP-FM, Northern California, September 26, 1999

WRPI-FM & WRPI.org, New York, July 16, 1999

WRPI-FM & WRPI.org, New York, May 8, 1999

WRPI-FM & WRPI.org, New York, October 12, 1998

WBAI-FM, New York City, August 28, 1998

WBAI-FM, New York City, November 1, 1997

WAMC-FM, Albany, New York, August 21, 1997

WBAI-FM, New York City, April 26, 1997

WNYC-FM, New York City, December 2, 1996 (New Sounds)

WNYC-FM, New York City, August 1, 1995

WTAB-AM, New York City, July 7, 1995

WBAI-FM, New York City, May 2, 1995

Awards & Grants

City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs

Pen America

Artist Relief

Artists League

Merchant & Ivory Foundation
by Merchant Ivory Productions
for Shahram Shiva's
"Rending the Veil: Literal and Poetic Translations of Rumi"

Benjamin Franklin Award (1996)
American Booksellers Association, Best Book in Religion Category
by Independent Publishers for
Shahram Shiva's
"Rending the Veil: Literal and Poetic Translations of Rumi"
(1995, HOHM Press).

Performances & Workshops

Kripalu Center for Yoga, MA, over 25 performances

New York Open Center, NYC, over 20 performances

Omega Institute, Rhinebeck, NY, over 10 performances

United Nations, NYC, 4 performances

Freer Gallery Auditorium, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC

Memorial Hall, NC

Valparaiso University, IN

St. Lawrence University, NY

Museum of Contemporary Arts, San Diego, CA

Chopra Center for Well Being, La Jolla, CA

Omega Institute's Conference in New York City

St. Peter's Church, New York City

Deepak Chopra's Millennium Event, Palm Springs, CA

Second Annual Rumi Festival in Chapel Hill, NC

Wainwright House, Rye, New York

Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina

CAMI Hall, New York City

Cathedral of St. John the Divine, New York City

Symphony Space, New York City

Exoterica Poetry Society, Riverdale, New York, 10 performances

Sufi Books, New York City, over 15 performances

Poetry Project, St. Marks Church, New York City, 2 performances

LaMama Theater, New York City

The Joyce Theater, New York City

The Abode of the Message, New Lebanon, New York, 12 performances

New York University, New York City

Columbia University, New York City

Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut

Theater & Film
(credits include Rumi related productions only)

8 Stones
Indie Feature, New York, 2007
Shiva plays a poet, limo driver who quotes Rumi.
It's a 10-min scene in this feature lenghth movie
that he helped develop and write.

Game 6
Indie Feature, New York, 2006
Robert Downey Jr. (coached by Shahram Shiva)
whirls in the movie "Game 6." This movie which also
stars Michael Keaton and Catherine O'Hara,
is directed by Mike Hoffman with
a script written by Don Delillo.

A Fusion of Modern Dance, Whirling & Rumi
The Joyce Theater, New York City, 2000
A very original modern dance performance, choreographed by Robin Becker. This avant-garde stage show fused the modern dance with choreographed whirling and Rumi. Shahram Shiva trained the dancers to whirl. He also played Rumi. He whirled and performed Rumi poetry in the original Persian.

Until the Next Whirl
LaMama Theater, New York City, April 25-May 5, 1996
An opera about the relationship of Rumi and Shams. It was based entirely on Shahram Shiva's translations. Shiva played Rumi. He also trained the acting troop to whirl and created choreographed group whirling scenes.

Moon Over Babylon
Short Film (15 min), J2W
Written, Produced & lead character by Shahram Shiva.
A film inspired by a poem of Rumi.

TV Programs

New York City

Shahram Shiva Performs Rumi, Weekly Video Series
Time Warner Cable, Spring 1996 - 2002

Rumi and the Persian Mystical Tradition, Bi-Weekly Video Series
Time Warner Cable, Spring/Summer 1995

Video Special, Channels 16 & 34
Time Warner Cable, 1993-94

Online

www.Rumi.net
The Rumi Network established in the Fall of 1998
to celebrate Rumi and Shahram Shiva's long time association with the poet.
Rumi.net is one of the most popular websites on Rumi.

www.ShahramShiva.com
Shahram Shiva main hub.

www.Lovedrunk.com
Established in 2003
to celebrate Shahram Shiva's CD, Rumi: Lovedrunk.

www.LoveEvolve.com
Established in 2011
to celebrate Shahram Shiva's CD, Love Evolve.

Facebook.com/ShahramShiva1
Face artist page set up in 2009.

Twitter.com/ShahramShiva
Twitter feed set up in 2009.