By Elowen Gray
Parviz Shahbazi is a modern-day multilingual expert in Persian mystical literature and the founder of the spiritual program Ganj e Hozour (Treasure of Presence). He was born on August 3, 1946, in Shiramin, East Azerbaijan Province, Iran.
Over 20 years, his work has centered on providing accessible explanations of Sufi poetry and philosophical concepts, particularly those of Jalal al-Din Muhammad Balkhi (Rumi). His broadcast, launched in late 2004, has produced more than 1,040 live episodes as of 2025 and remains the primary platform for a wider movement.
Shahbazi’s upbringing in Shiramin provided the earliest backdrop for the cultural and literary influences that would later appear in his work. His educational background included studies in engineering and philosophy.
Although he had an intellectual background in Persian, his work appeared in a diasporic and international context. This position enabled Shahbazi to engage with Farsi-speaking and global audiences. This situated Rumi’s teachings outside of Iranian literary tradition and explored a broader conversation on psychology, ethics, and human development.
The concept now referred to as the “Treasure of Presence” did not begin as a gradual extension of Shahbazi’s teaching method. Before the broadcast went live, Shahbazi’s focus was on the idea that ancient poetry could serve as a mirror through which individuals could observe their thoughts, emotional patterns, and behaviors.
This framework first reached a public audience through the launch of Ganj e Hozour in late 2004. The program centered on the conviction that understanding Rumi’s poetry requires context, patience, and active engagement rather than passive listening. The decision to create hours-long episodes was therefore intentional, designed to create a suitable environment for contemplation and explanation.
Shahbazi’s interpretive method consists of systematic reading, layered commentary, and comparative reference to psychological experiences reported by viewers or listeners. Each broadcast typically begins with a textual passage (often from Rumi) and proceeds into line-by-line or verse-by-verse interpretation.
Viewers and callers contribute questions that often shift the discussion from abstract theory into practical examples. Contrary to many spiritual speakers who summarize mystical literature with short quotations, Shahbazi often emphasizes precise linguistic understanding, arguing that poetry’s metaphors and symbolic language require close attention to avoid misreading.
His background in engineering (which demands methodical structure) arguably informs this approach, grounding what could otherwise be intangible concepts in a sequential framework. Through more than 1,040 recorded episodes, the show has proven to be a successful teaching platform and an archival record.
The longevity of the program reflects sustained interest in interpreting mystical literature in modern life. What began as a traditional television broadcast now exists across multiple channels, in archived repositories, and on mobile applications. Listeners from different countries often form informal study groups and use recorded sessions as reference material.
Apart from the oral and broadcast media, Shahbazi’s teachings have been preserved in print. Three Farsi-language volumes compile selected interpretations delivered across episodes. Additionally, English translations of the first 100 episodes were published to make content available to non-Farsi-speaking audiences.
Shahbazi’s contribution is situated within a wider history of intellectual figures who have attempted to reinterpret spirituality for their time periods. In a global environment where individuals increasingly seek frameworks for introspection, the Treasure of Presence framework presents one example of how classical literature can be translated for a modern audience.
It is also part of a broader contemporary trend that views Rumi as a historical poet and a source of psychological insight. Shahbazi’s work shows that spirituality can coexist with rational reasoning rather than oppose it. Therefore, his role is not limited to being an author or broadcaster. It also involves developing an interpretive culture in which questions, doubt, and dialogue are part of spiritual practice.
Over more than 25 years, the body of work connected to Shahbazi and the Treasure of Presence movement has shifted from single-format teaching to a multi-platform archive. Its impact may be understood not solely by its audience size, but also by its preservation of interpretive methods for future generations interested in Persian mystical poetry.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute spiritual, psychological, medical, or professional advice. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult qualified professionals where appropriate.
