1.
Our being is like a mirror, vulnerable to the incoming dust. Every now and then, we are vulnerable to the dusts of feeling of anger, negative thoughts and so on. Yet, just like the ordinary mirror we can wipe the dust off. As to our being, we can wipe these negative dusts by taking dosage of tale with beautiful wisdom.
Today, I'm gonna give you a dose of that taken from one of the great masterpieces of all time, the book entitled "The Bustan of Saadi."
2.
One of the kings of Yemen was renowned for his liberality, yet the name of Hatim was never mentioned in his presence without his falling into a rage. “How long,” he would ask, “will you speak of that vain man, who possesses neither a kingdom, nor power, nor wealth?”
On one occasion he prepared a royal feast, which the people were invited to attend. Someone began to speak of Hatim, and another to praise him. Envious, the king dispatched a man to slay the Arabian chief, reflecting, “So long as Hatim lives, my name will never become famous.
The messenger departed, and traveled far seeking for Hatim that he might kill him. As he went along the road a youth came out to meet him. He was handsome and wise, and showed friendliness toward the messenger, whom he took to his house to pass the night. Such liberality did he shower upon his guest that the heart of the evil-minded one was turned to goodness.
In the morning the generous youth kissed his hand and said, “Remain with me for a few days.”
"I can not stay here any longer,” replied the messenger, “for urgent business is before me.”
“If you will entrust me with your secret,” said the youth, “I will not hesitate to help you.”
“O, generous man!” was the reply, “give ear to me, for I know that the generous are concealers of secrets. Perhaps in this country you know Hatim, who is of lofty mind and noble qualities. The king of Yemen desires his head, though I know not what enmity has arisen between them. Grateful shall I be if you will direct me to where he is. This hope from your kindness do I entertain, O friend!”
The youth laughed and said, “I am Hatim, see here my head! Strike it from my body with your sword. I would not wish that harm should befall you, or that you should fall in your endeavor.”
Throwing aside his sword, the man fell on the ground and kissed the dust of Hatim’s feet. “If I injured a hair on your body,” he cried, “I should no longer be a man.” So saying, he clasped Hatim to his breast and took his way back to Yemen.
“Come,” said the king as the man approached, “what news do you have for me?” Why did you not tie his head (Hatim's) to your saddle-straps? Perhaps that famous one attacked you and you were too weak to engage in combat.”
The messenger kissed the ground and said, “O, wise and just king! I found Hatim, and saw him to be generous and full of wisdom, and in courage superior to myself. My back was bent by the burden of his favors; with the sword of kindness and bounty he killed me.”
When he had related all that he had seen of Hatim’s generosity, the king uttered praises upon the family of the Arab chief and rewarded the messenger with gold.
3.
Look! the man was sent by the king to slay Hatim with a mighty sword, but returned weeping, slain by Hatim's overpowering kindness.
The hard hatred melted away by the heat of love.
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