Discourses of Rumi

FIHI MA FIHI V 267There was a certain Sheikh who kept his disciplesstanding with their hands folded in service.They asked him, “Sheikh, why do you not let thisclass sit down? This is not the practice of dervishes,this is the custom of princes and kings.” Hereplied, “No. Be silent. You must respect this wayto gain full benefit. Though respect lies within theheart, yet ‘the outer is the frontispiece of theinner.’”From the frontispiece of a book, people knowwhat it contains. From outward respect, bowingthe head and standing, can be seen what respectthey have inwardly, and their respect for God.