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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Barks reminds the reader about how often ______ is used as a piece of advice for calming one's self.

2. The _____________ who are there in the orchard do not matter, according to Rumi, along with the light and the wine.

3. When Rumi died, he was mourned by members of all of the following religious groups except _______.

4. When Rumi regained consciousness, he stated that _______ was the greater because he realized the breadth of God.

5. Rumi suggests that people listen to his message with the ear that is in the center of the _______.

Short Essay Questions

1. What doesn't matter in the midst of an orchard in the spring, according to the writings of Rumi?

2. What does Rumi do when he is so impressed with the depth of the knowledge of Shams?

3. What are the amazing things prophets have done, according to the writings of Rumi?

4. What does Zuleikha, an Egyptian woman in love with Joseph, do with the shirt that Joseph wears in the story?

5. What are some of the ways a person will be able to bring themselves into the present moment, according to Barks?

6. Who does Rumi say will not be able to wake to the truth, according to the writings of Rumi?

7. What do Barks and Rumi have to say about the rhythms and the way that a person breathes in their life?

8. What should a person do with their life instead of acting from fear, according to the writings of Rumi?

9. What is the story of Ramahrishna that Rumi tells at the start of this section of the book?

10. What will happen after the traveler's legs become tired during the journey?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The spirituality in these poems is apparent, even if it's not clear there is a specific dogma to which Rumi ascribes.

Part 1: Why do you think spirituality was so important to Rumi when he was writing his poems?

Part 2: Do you think that spirituality informs all writing or just poetry?

Part 3: How do you think the poems might have changed without the introduction of spirituality?

Essay Topic 2

Rumi says that the emptiness inside of a person is what allows for music to be sung and heard.

Part 1: What do you think Rumi means by the emptiness inside of a person?

Part 2: Do you agree that having emptiness is essential for creating music in one's life?

Part 3: How do you think a person can cultivate emptiness in order to create music in one's life?

Essay Topic 3

The new moon is used as a metaphor for patients and allowing for slowness in creation.

Part 1: Why do you think patience is so valuable when you are trying to create a stronger spiritual connection?

Part 2: Do you agree that patience is important in your life? How so?

Part 3: What do you think you could do in order to cultivate more patience in your life?

(see the answer keys)

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