Manuscript Viewing at the Library of Congress

Join us Monday morning to view original manuscripts of sacred texts from the Library of Congress' collection. This is a FREE event that is part of our Seeking the Light illumination series taught by NY-based artist Behnaz Karjoo. We will view sacred texts and manuscripts of poetry by Mevlana Rumi, Hafez, and more with a focus on the illumination styles. Limited space so register if you are interested!

Be sure to register for the illumination workshops Feb 7 and Feb 8 to fully appreciate this viewing.

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Quatrian by Rumi

Saqi bi-ghamm-i tu 'aql u jan raft / May dah ka takalluf az mayan raft / Shud tab u tavanam andarin rah / Man ham baravam agar tavan raft

(Oh) wine-bringer, because of (my) grief for you, (my) mind and spirit left / Give (me) wine so that (my) pride may disappear. / My patience and ability are spent in this way, / I too would vanish, if only I could.

Mir 'Ali. Quatrain by Rumi. to 1550, 1500. Manuscript/Mixed Material. https://www.loc.gov/item/2019714681/.

The Reed Society for the Sacred Arts (RSSA) cultivates a global network of artists and musicians to preserve and promote the cultural, intellectual, and spiritual wisdom woven into sacred art forms and connect to contemporary art practices. The Reed Society's work serves not only as a platform for cultural preservation but also as a source of healing and reconnection for diverse populations, particularly diaspora communities, immigrants, and refugees seeking to engage with their heritage.

In collaboration with leading artists and institutions, our organization curates a rich array of multidisciplinary programming including Arabic and Ottoman calligraphy, Islamic illumination (tazhib/tehzib), sacred geometry, and traditional music forms like Qawwali and Sufi-inspired vocal traditions through hands-on workshops, immersive retreats, musical performances, academic lectures, and exhibitions.

The Reed Society has partnered with organizations such as the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art, The Walters Art Museum, The Kennedy Center, and major universities including Harvard, George Washington University and Stanford.

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For questions or to register, please contact: admin@reedsociety.org