It is said that a merchant once made a six-month journey from Africa to study with Jalaluddin Rumi. He rented a room in a caravanserai in Konya, sent a servant to announce his arrival and began to wait for a call from Maulana.
However, before the servant reached Rumi's house, the dervish serving in the kitchen of the caravanserai asked the merchant:
-What brings you here?
“I am here,” said the merchant, “to see the blessed image of our Master, Jalaliddin from Balkh.”
- How much did it cost you to overcome such a long distance, friend?
— More than a thousand gold coins.
“How surprising,” said the dervish, “for last night at Maulana’s I heard him say something that could concern you.”
The merchant was overcome with excitement and asked:
“Please tell me everything now, without leaving out any details.”
“He said the following,” said the dervish. “If only I had a thousand gold coins, such as some waste in the futility of travel, to give to someone worthy, I could spare the effort to send mystical power to a merchant in Africa who needs it.” But I am completely occupied with caring for the welfare of those in need. Even if this merchant were going to come here, he would not be able to receive Baraka (grace). Because if he came, he would undoubtedly be pleased with himself, proud of the journey and sacrifices, and believe that this constitutes spiritual progress.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru