Discourses of Rumi

FIHI MA FIHI V 151“Don’t make a long story of it,” the black creaturesaid. “You’re my prisoner. You won’t escapeunless you give me the right answer. Nothing elsewill save you.”“Ask on,” said the man.“Where is the best place?” the creature asked.“I am a prisoner and helpless,” the manreflected. “If I say Baghdad or some other place, Imight insult his own hometown.” Then he spokealoud, “The best place to live is wherever we feelat home. If that is in the bowels of the earth, thenthat’s the best place. If it’s in a mouse hole, thenthat’s the best place.”“Well said, well said!” cried the creature.“You’ve escaped. You’re one in a million. NowI’ve let you go, and set free the others on accountof your blessing. From this time forward I’ll shedno more blood. I bestow this gift on all the peopleof the world out of love for you.”Then he gave the people of the caravan waterto satisfy their needs.The purpose of this story is contained in itsinner meaning. We can tell the same meaning inanother form, but the lovers of traditional formswill accept this version. It is difficult to speak with