" A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops";
— Henry Adams
Dr. Parviz Sahabi (May 22, 1942 – October 17, 2022)
Scholar, Rumi Expert, Artist, Poet, Writer, Architect, and City Planner
Dr. Parviz Sahabi was a scholar, artist, and renowned authority on Molana Jalal ud-Din Rumi’s masterpiece, the Mathnawi. With over forty years of dedicated study and teaching, he offered a unique and systematic framework for exploring the profound depths of this multifaceted work. His visionary approach earned him widespread recognition among students and scholars alike.
Born in Hamadan, Iran, Dr. Sahabi grew up in an intellectually rich and diverse environment that nurtured his lifelong passion for learning. He pursued his higher education at the University of Tehran, where he studied mathematics, philosophy, educational sciences, and architecture, culminating in a PhD in City Planning. Alongside his academic pursuits, he attended Mathnawi classes taught by some of Iran’s most esteemed teachers, including Ostad Mohammad-Taghi Jafari.
Dr. Sahabi’s multidisciplinary expertise—spanning the precise logic of mathematics and philosophy, the structured creativity of architecture, and the expressive beauty of Persian poetry—enabled him to present Rumi’s teachings in a remarkably accessible and tangible way. His profound grasp of the Mathnawi was deeply influenced by his mastery of the hermeneutic circle: the interplay between the text as a whole and its individual parts, as well as the dynamic relationship between self-understanding and the perception of the world.
As a pioneer in applying cybernetic principles to interpreting Rumi’s masterwork, Dr. Sahabi uncovered the intricate, systematic nature of the Mathnawi. He encouraged his students to embrace paradoxical thinking, transcending dualistic thought patterns and discovering intellectual and spiritual possibilities beyond conventional logic. Through his distinctive teaching style, he conveyed the boundless joy and transformative love expressed in Rumi’s work, continuing the tradition of the great master himself.
In 2004, under Dr. Sahabi’s guidance, Zavieh Mystical Study Center was established in Vancouver, Canada, as a non-profit organization founded by his students. Zavieh was the realization of Dr. Sahabi’s vision—a space dedicated to the study of Rumi’s teachings and the enrichment of his students’ lives. His dynamic lectures and heartfelt discussions became the essence of Zavieh, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of learning from him.
Dr. Sahabi’s legacy extends beyond his scholarly contributions; it is reflected in the countless lives he touched through his teachings, writings, and artistic creations. A master teacher, he devoted his life to spreading knowledge and inspiring others to find deeper meaning in life through Rumi’s timeless wisdom.
Dr. Parviz Sahabi’s profound work continues to illuminate hearts and minds, and his enduring influence remains a source of inspiration for his students and all those who had the privilege of coming into contact with him.