Until You Die

Until You Die

Until You Die. The President of the World gave gold to those who kept silent. A lawyer couldn't—nothing was given. He pretended to be an invalid—still nothing. Until you die: the ego must die before the gift is given. Silence is the condition—not just not speaking, but being silent within. The ego that pretends gets nothing.

Judge Ye Not

Judge Ye Not. A young man said Sufis were wrong. Dhun-Nun gave him a ring: 'Sell it at the market.' One silver piece. 'Now to a jeweller.' A thousand gold pieces. Judge ye not: the market can't value the gem—only the jeweller can. Don't judge the master by the marketplace's standards. Truth is valued by truth-seekers, not by the crowd.

Walking Without Crutches

Walking Without Crutches. A man hurt his leg, used a crutch. Taught everyone. Schools opened. Those who walked without were considered scandalous. Walking without crutches: the crutch is the mind, the belief, the method. Use it when needed—then drop it. Don't make the crutch a way of life. Walking without support is the goal.

Straight To Freedom

Straight To Freedom. Bahaudin told a man to leave. The visitor remonstrated. A bird flew in—Bahaudin clapped and it flew straight out the window. Straight to freedom: when the clap comes (the master's shock), fly straight. Don't dart around. The open window is freedom—don't hesitate. The master removes barriers, not adds them.

Truth Is Not Veiled

Truth Is Not Veiled. 'I fasted and prayed for thirty years—no understanding.' 'Even a hundred years won't be enough—your selfishness is the barrier.' Truth is not veiled: truth is not hidden—your eyes are closed. The veil is on you, not on truth. Selfishness is the veil. Drop it and truth is right there.

Man Carries The Seed

Man Carries The Seed. A sack of gold on a bridge—the debtor walked past without seeing it. Man carries the seed: the treasure is right there but the man doesn't see it. He's blind to opportunity because his mind is elsewhere. The seed (potential) is within—don't walk past your own treasure.

Knowledge Is Dangerous

Knowledge Is Dangerous. A doctor told a woman she'd die in forty days—she stopped eating. She didn't die—she became fertile. Knowledge is dangerous: the false knowledge (you'll die) cured the real problem (infertility). Not all knowledge liberates—some imprisons. The doctor used a lie as medicine. True knowledge is awareness, not information.

This Too Will Pass

This Too Will Pass. A king wanted a ring that makes him sad when happy and happy when sad. The inscription: 'This too will pass.' This too will pass: the ultimate wisdom in four words. When happy, remember—this will pass. When sad, remember—this will pass. Impermanence is the great equalizer. Don't cling—everything changes.

Almost Dead With Thirst

Almost Dead With Thirst. A thirsty dog at the water's edge—frightened of his reflection. Finally he leapt in—the reflection disappeared. Almost dead with thirst: the obstacle was himself. The barrier between you and what you seek is your self. Leap in—the barrier vanishes. The dog showed Shibli the way.

A Rose Is A Rose Is A Rose...

A Rose Is A Rose Is A Rose... Jews, Christians, Muslims each claimed Maruf as their own. 'What must we think of you?' 'Some don't understand me and revere me. Others don't either, so they revile me.' A rose is a rose: the sage belongs to no religion. People project their own beliefs onto him. Don't try to categorize the uncategorizable. The sage is beyond all labels.