Once a certain person reproachfully told Bayazid, the great mystic of the 9th century, that he had fasted and prayed for 30 years, but had never found in it the consolation that Bayazid promised. Bayazid answered him that even in 300 years he would not achieve anything.
“Why?” asked the seeker of enlightenment.
“Because your vanity prevents this,” said the sage.
- But how can I get rid of it?
- There is one remedy, but it will not suit you.
- And still name it.
Bayazid said:
“You must go to the barber and shave off your venerable beard, then take off your outer clothing, girdle yourself with a sash and put a bag of walnuts around your neck.” When you have done all this, go to the market square and shout at the top of your voice: “I’ll give a nut to the brat who hits me on the neck.” Then walk in front of the courthouse so that the city elders can see you like this.
“But I can’t do this,” the man begged, “I ask you, tell me about some other means.”
“This is the first and only possible step towards the goal,” said Bayazid. “But I warned you that you will not like this remedy, so you are incurable.”
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru