Whirling Dervishes

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Whirling Dervishes

• Also known as the Mevlevi Order,
• or Sufi Muslims

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The Whirling Dervishes / Mevlevi Order was
founded byJalal Al-Din Rumi in the 13th
century.

• Born in 1207 in present day Afghanistan
• Moved at a young age to present day Turkey
• According to many scholars, one of the greatest
  poets that ever lived

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• At age 37, Rumi met Shams, a wandering beggar.
• Shams was very vocal during his worshipping he
  would also dance, spin and shout!
• Rumi and Shams believed that they were spiritual
  partners, and never left each others sides for
  nearly 3 years.
• The people of Turkey thought Shams was crazy and
  did not accept his friendship with Rumi.
• Then one day, Shams disappeared forever.

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• It is believed that Shams was murdered by some of
  Rumis jealous pupils
• Rumi was devastated by Shams disappearance
• To express his grief, Rumi turned to dance, music
  and writing, and continued worshipping in the
  expressive way that Shams taught him

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• Dealing with his grief, Rumi also compiled over
  70,000 verses of poetry after Shams
  disappearance
• It is believed by many scholars that Rumi is one
  of the greatest poets of all times some even
  compare him to Shakespeare and Dante
• His works are still studied throughout the world
  and have been translated into many of the worlds
  languages
• His work is performed during public readings,
  concerts, dance performances, and other artistic
  creations
• And theyre still whirling!

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• Rumis work is so popular around the world
  because
• It seems to transcend time and all religions
• It sends messages about love, passion and peace

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Most of Rumis poetry is written in free
verse. We will look at Odes Quatrains
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What is free verse?
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Free verse Poetry with no pattern or rhyming
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What is an ode?
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Ode a lyric poem with an irregular metrical
form sometimes written to be sung.
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What is a quatrain?
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Quatrain A stanza or poem of four lines, usually
with alternate rhymes
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Directions for activity Using the information
given to you in each stanza, make inferences
(guess, speculate) to decide which lines belong
in each stanza. Stick the appropriate lines in
each box. Whoever gets the most right wins a
prize!
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Didn't I tell younot to go to that place?It is
me, who is your intimate friend.In this
imaginary plain of non-existence,I am your
spring of eternal life.
16
Even if you lose yourself in wrathfor a hundred
thousand years,at the end you will discover,it
is me, who is the culmination of your dreams.
17
Didn't I tell younot to be satisfied with the
veil of this world?I am the master
illusionist,it is me, who is the welcoming
banner at the gate of your contentment.
18
Didn't I tell you?I am an ocean, you are a fish
do not go to the dry land,it is me, who is your
comforting body of water.
19
Didn't I tell younot to fall in this trap like a
blind bird?I am your wings, I am the strength in
your wings,I am the wind keeping you in flight.
20
Didn't I tell youthat they will kidnap you from
the path?They will steal your warmth,and take
your devotion away.I am your fire, I am your
heartbeat,I am the life in your breath.
21
Didn't I tell you?They will accuse you of all
the wrongdoings,they will call you ugly
names,they will make you forgetit is me, who is
the source of your happiness.
22
Didn't I tell you?Wonder not, how your life will
turn out,how you will ever get your world in
order,it is me, who is your omnipresent creator.
23
If you are a guiding torch of the heart,know the
path to that house.If you are a person of God,
know this,It is me, who is the chief of the
village of your life.