Classroom Talk
Spring - Summer 2002 Archive
Third Year Studies Posted by Eddie on May 11, 2002 at 22:00:23:
THIRD YEAR STUDIES
One of the prominent Sufis of Central Asia was examining candidates who
wanted to become disciples.
“Anyone he said, “who wants entertainment, not learning, who
wishes to argue, not study, who is impatient, who wants to take rather
than to give –should raise his hand.”
Nobody moved. “Very good” said the teacher, “now you will come
and see some of my pupils, who have been with me for three years.”
He led them into a meditation-hall, where a row of people were
sitting. Addressing them, he said: “Let those who wish to be
entertained, not to learn, who are impatient and want to argue, the
takers and not givers –let them stand up.”
The whole row of disciples got to their feet.
The sage addressed the first group. “In your own eyes, you are
better people now than you would be in three years’ time if you stayed
here. Your present vanity helps you even to feel worthy. So reflect
well, as you return to your homes, before coming here again at some
future time if you wish, whether you want to feel better than you are
or worse than the world thinks you to be.”
A Veiled Gazelle
Idries Shah
Continue with Spring - Summer 2002 Classroom Talk or
Post a new discussion in the current Classroom Talk
Archived 08/26/2002