Hafez: A Poetic Portal into the Soul

Lecture Description

Hafez: a mystical poet for the soul

Hafez is among the greatest mystical poets to have ever lived. Born in 14th‑century Iran, he stands with Rumi and Saadi as a timeless voice of the soul. His poetry carries the music of eternity into the hearts of the seekers.

It is till this day a common practice to randomly open the Divan‑e Hafez —his collected book of poetry—for guidance much like the Tarot or the I Ching. Choosing a poem is like witnessing a sunrise. 

Arash Golnam, born in Iran and trained as a Jungian analyst at the C. G. Jung Institute Zürich, brings a rare depth of insight to the poetry of Hafez. Farsi is his mother tongue and he has a lifelong immersion in Persian literature, which was nurtured by his father who taught it for over four decades. His early encounter with Hafez left a lasting imprint on his soul.

Arash’s translations of Hafez honor the poetry’s many layers. They bring forward the depth‑psychological currents woven through the verses and their timeless power to stir the soul.

This talk is not an academic lecture. It is an invitation—an invitation to experience Hafez rather than merely know about him. It comes from one who feels privileged to have walked under the light of his guidance, to have witnessed the psychological impact of his verses, and the healing they bestow upon the soul.

Through poetry, music, reflection, and symbolic depth, Arash guides us into the atmosphere where Hafez is alive—not as a figure of history, but as a presence that stirs the depths of our soul.

Join us on a reflective journey into the mystical poetry of Hafez—an experience that may touch and transform the soul.

This lecture is ideal if:

• You are drawn to mystical poetry of Iran and wish to experience Hafez’s verses in a new depth.
• You are interested in exploring the relationship between Jungian psychology, mysticism, and Sufism.
• You seek a reflective and transformative space to deepen your inner journey through poetry, symbolism, and soul work.
• You are a student, scholar, or lover of Persian culture and literature.
• You wish to discover how timeless poetry can serve as guidance and healing in contemporary life.