One morning Bahauddin Naqshbandi came to the Bukhara bazaar with a long pole in his hands. He began to shout in a hoarse voice until a crowd gathered, amazed at such behavior of a man of such reputation and dignity. When hundreds of people gathered, wondering what to think or do, Bahauddin raised his pole and began to overturn the trays of goods, and soon he was surrounded by piles of vegetables and fruits. The Emir of Bukhara sent a messenger to Bahauddin's house, asking him to immediately appear at the palace and explain his behavior.
Bahauddin replied:
- Order a gathering of lawyers, senior courtiers, ministers, military leaders and the most noble merchants of the city!
The emir and his advisers decided that Bahauddin had gone mad. Deciding to indulge his whims until they could send him to the Abode of Health, they sent for people named Bahauddin. When everyone had gathered, Bahauddin entered the reception hall.
“There is no doubt,” said the emir, “that you, most revered Bahauddin, understand why you are here.” You also know why everyone else is here. So please tell us whatever you have to say.
Bahauddin replied:
— O Highest Gate of Wisdom! Everyone knows that a person’s behavior is taken as an indicator of his worth. It has reached such a degree among us that in order for a person to be welcomed and approved, he only has to behave in a certain way, regardless of what his inner state is. Conversely, if a person simply does something that is considered blameworthy, he himself becomes blameworthy.
The ruler said:
“We still don’t understand what you’re trying to teach us.”
Bahauddin replied:
“Every day and every hour there are thoughts and inconsistencies in every person, which, if given vent, will manifest themselves in actions as harmful as my actions at the bazaar. My teaching is that these thoughts and imperfections, due to insufficient understanding of them, harm and retard the development of society and man as if he behaved unbridled, and even more.
- What is the solution to the problem? - asked the ruler.
“The solution,” said Bahauddin, “is to realize that people must be improved internally, and not simply restrained by custom from being rude and destructive, or rewarded for not showing them.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru