Ganj e Hozour

Ganj e Hozour (translated as Treasure of Presence) is a long-running and highly popular television broadcast that aims to ponder, probe, and promote the significance of engaging with classical Persian Literature from an ethical and spiritual perspective in a bid to elicit, establish and communicate a coherent set of ethical and spiritual premises, principles and values underpinning this canonical corpus of literary texts.

The initiative was conceived and founded by Parviz Shahbazi, an Iranian-born scholar, who has been acting as the host for the program ever since its inception in late 2004. Notably, the program has aired over 1,037 live episodes as of 2025. Each session — often several hours in length — is delivered live by Parviz Shahbazi and typically consists of extended lectures dedicated to the reading and analysis of Persian classical poetry, mainly those by Mowlana. Each lecture is followed by real-time discussions with listeners from around the world.

Context and Content

For over two decades, Ganj e Hozour has served as a weekly program offering deep insights into the realm of spiritual knowledge. It is dedicated to the close reading and interpretation of classical Persian poetry, with a specific focus on the works of Mowlana Jalal-al-din Muhammad Balkhi (Rumi), the 13th-century Persian mystic and poet.

Although the program is conducted in Persian, selected episodes and excerpts have also been made available in English. While Mowlana’s poetry constitutes the core of the program, Ganj e Hozour also delves into the works of other prominent figures in classical Persian literature and culture, including Hafez, Attar, and Khayyam.

Taking the close reading of mystical poetry as its starting point, the program extends beyond textual meaning to explore the applicability of these teachings to contemporary life. It examines how the philosophical and psychological insights of the classics can help address modern-day challenges and questions, blending traditional wisdom with present-day relevance.

Core Teachings

Originating from the mystical philosophy of Rumi, Ganj e Hozour explores themes including:

• A transition from the false self (egocentric or constructed self) to a deeper knowledge of the true self.
• Awareness of the present moment (hozour) as the only true reality.
• A practical interpretation of Eastern mysticism within a modern context.
• Happiness and authentic joy — one that is not conditional, momentary or tied to external factors.
• Insight into establishing good relationships with others.

Philosophical Influence

The broadcast draws heavily on Eastern mystical traditions, especially the poetic and spiritual works of Rumi. Parviz Shahbazi is highly regarded for his efforts in presenting these profound concepts of Eastern mysticism in a rigorous yet accessible way. His approach highlights the connection between classical spiritual teachings and modern understandings of self-awareness, making these ideas meaningful for a global, contemporary audience.

Publications

In addition to the live broadcasts, three Farsi-language books have been published based on selected episodes. These volumes serve as valuable resources for those seeking a deeper understanding of Rumi’s teachings and the Treasure of Presence philosophy. English translations of the first 100 episodes are also available on Amazon.

Global Reach and Community

Ganj e Hozour has developed a devoted international following. Its universal themes and inclusive approach have attracted listeners from across continents. Many participants report profound personal growth and transformation. The live call-in feature further fosters a vibrant global community united in their pursuit of presence, love, and inner freedom.