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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. Rumi tells the reader to start __________ on their own personal journey to enlightenment, according to one of the poems.

2. What season does Rumi say it always is within the human soul, according to his writing?

3. The spiritual journey discussed by Shams and Rumi is one in which one needs to break down the self to find the basic roots of _________ in humanity.

4. What is the game that Rumi and Shams played, according to Barks, which brought them closer together?

5. The poet says the he would die into _______, as clouds might disappear into the sun, according to his writings.

Short Essay Questions

1. What do the Sufis think about love and about its ability to help people, according to the book?

2. When Shams asks about if the drop stays still in the ocean, what does he tell Rumi to do?

3. What does Rumi think that cow might experience when they are in Baghdad?

4. What happens as the result of the spiritual journey that Shams and Rumi discuss?

5. What does Barks say that openings are a place for, according to his commentary in this section?

6. What is essential in the windows of one heart to another, according to the writings of Rumi?

7. What does Rumi have to say about the gamble of love and what does he urge the reader to do?

8. How does Rumi describe the person named David in his writings and poems?

9. What does the fragrance bring back to Rumi, when he's lost a connection to a loved one, according to the poem?

10. What did the poet's teacher teach him to do, according to the writings of Rumi?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Rumi is a man who asked a lot of questions, if the poems are to be believed as being his life retold.

Part 1: Why do you think it's important to ask a lot of questions?

Part 2: How do you think a person might learn in life if they don't ask any questions?

Part 3: Are you a person who likes to ask a lot of questions? Why do you ask a lot of questions or why don't you?

Essay Topic 2

Rumi often gives the reader warnings about paying attention to the world around them, lest they miss something more important or beautiful.

Part 1: Do you think you are able to focus on the things which are important in your own life?

Part 2: Why do you think Rumi wants the reader to focus on everything around them?

Part 3: How do you look at the world? Do you focus on tiny details or can you focus on the big picture?

Essay Topic 3

According to Rumi, anything or anyone that is loved reflects the lover's spirituality as love brings one closer to God.

Part 1: What kinds of love do you think Rumi feels are going to best bring someone closer to God?

Part 2: How do you think love brings one closer to God and closer to spiritual fulfillment?

Part 3: Is it possible for everyone to find love and thus to find spiritual fulfillment?

(see the answer keys)

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