Discourses of Rumi

76 V DISCOURSES OF RUMIand powerful. And don’t say a word, so that youwon’t be exposed?’ How shall I recognize himthen?”“Keep silent, yield to his form as it is, and waitwith patience,” her mother answered. “Sooner orlater some word will leap from his mouth. Or if itdoes not, from your own heart some words willspring forth unconsciously, or into your mindsome thoughts or ideas will spring up, so that outof those thoughts you will know him for what heis. For this is how he has affected you. This is areflection of his true self and his real feelings thathave sprung up inside of you.”Sheikh Sar-razi was seated one day amongst hisdisciples. One of the disciples had a longing forsome roasted sheep’s head. The Sheikh called tohis servant, saying, “Bring him some roastedsheep’s head.”“How did you know that he wanted roastedsheep’s head?” the disciples asked.“Because it is now thirty years since suchdesires have filled me,” the Sheikh answered. “Ihave cleansed and purified myself of all desiresand have become clear as a polished mirror. When