Why is Rumi the best-selling poet in the US?

The provided episode is a collection of excerpts from a larger article that explores the lasting appeal of Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, a 13th-century Persian poet and Sufi mystic. The article highlights Rumi's enduring influence on Western culture, attributing it to his unique poetic style, his mystical teachings, and his themes of love, joy, and the search for meaning. The excerpts feature interviews with scholars, translators, and poets who discuss Rumi's life, work, and impact on contemporary readers. They also delve into the history of his poetry, its translation into English, and its significance within Sufi tradition.