Saadi Shirazi: Wisdom and Stories from the 'Golestan' and 'Bustan'

Among the luminous stars in the sky of Persian literature, Saadi Shirazi holds a place of timeless honor. Born in the 13th century in the beautiful city of Shiraz, Saadi was not only a gifted poet but also a traveler, thinker, and teacher whose writings continue to resonate with audiences around the world. Best known for his two masterworks, the Golestan (“The Rose Garden”) and the Bustan (“The Orchard”), Saadi offers more than eloquent verses—he shares human wisdom dressed in poetic beauty.

Let’s step into Saadi’s garden of stories and wisdom.

A Life of Learning and Travel

Saadi was born around 1210 CE, during a turbulent time of Mongol invasions. He left Shiraz in his youth to study in Baghdad at the renowned Nizamiyya school, and then set off on a series of travels that took him through the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia. These journeys gave him first-hand experience with the people, cultures, and hardships of the world—experiences that deeply informed his writing.

By the time he returned to Shiraz later in life, Saadi had become a wise observer of human nature, and his works reflect a profound understanding of both earthly affairs and spiritual truths.

The Bustan: Ethics, Virtue, and the Scent of Sufism

The Bustan (1257 CE) is written entirely in verse and organized around themes such as justice, generosity, love, humility, and contentment. It reads like a guide to ethical living, flavored with Sufi mysticism.

Each chapter contains stories—some drawn from Saadi’s life, …