Once, the great mystic Jalaluddin Rumi was walking through a dense forest when he caught a large, black partridge. As he pondered whether to roast or cook the bird, the partridge suddenly spoke, “Rumi, you’ve enjoyed so much meat in your life, yet your desire remains unsatisfied. Set me free, and I’ll give you three pieces of advice that will bring contentment and peace to your life.”
Jalaluddin Rumi (1207–1273) was a Persian poet, Islamic scholar, theologian, and Sufi mystic, widely celebrated for his profound spiritual insight and poetic brilliance. Born in Balkh (now in Afghanistan) and later settling in Konya (modern-day Turkey), Rumi’s work transcends religious and cultural boundaries, appealing to a universal yearning for connection and understanding. His masterpiece, the Masnavi, is a six-volume poem exploring the human soul’s journey towards unity with the divine. Rumi’s teachings focus on love, self-awareness, and inner peace, emphasizing the heart’s power to transcend ego. His legacy continues to inspire readers worldwide, making him one of the most beloved poets of all time.
Intrigued, Rumi agreed, saying, “Give me the first piece of advice while you’re still in my hands. If it’s of no use to me, I’ll take your life right here.”
The bird nodded and said, “Rumi, don’t be disturbed by the strange conversations of others. Let them be as they are. This will improve your life.”
Rumi paused, considering the wisdom in the bird’s words, and then asked for the second piece of advice.
The bird replied, “Release me, and I’ll give you the second piece of advice from that nearby tree branch.”
Rumi, curious to learn more, let the partridge go. It flew to a nearby branch and continued, “Rumi, you cannot change the past. So, enjoy the present and live for the future. But you have made a foolish decision; within my stomach lies a three-kilogram diamond. Had you known, your family would have been wealthy for generations.”
Stunned and enraged, Rumi ran toward the bird, determined to catch it once more. As he did, the partridge exclaimed, “Rumi, it seems you haven’t truly listened to my advice. I weigh barely two kilograms myself – how could I have a three-kilogram diamond inside me? You’re still reacting to absurd and unfounded claims! And remember, I’m now part of your past.”
Overwhelmed, Rumi stopped, humbled by his mistake, and asked for the final piece of wisdom.
The partridge replied, “Rumi, remember this: do not offer advice to everyone. Share it only with those who will listen and value it. Some things in life, like worn-out fabric, can no longer be mended.”
Through this encounter, Rumi received invaluable life lessons: let others be themselves, cherish the present, avoid regret over the past, and give advice wisely. These timeless pieces of wisdom can still inspire us today in our journey toward inner peace and fulfillment.