Sufi Wisdom

There once was a king who enjoyed spending his free time in the company of philosophers and friends, debating various subjects. One afternoon, the debate concerned where beauty lies. As they were talking together, the king and his friends could see their kids playing in the courtyard. The king summoned one of his servants, gave him a jewelled crown and asked him to place it upon the most beautiful child in the courtyard.

The servant walked out and firstly placed the crown on the head of the king’s son. He saw that it suited him well. The boy was handsome, but somehow the servant was not satisfied. He tried it on the head of another child, and another, until he came upon his own son, who was sitting in the corner. He placed the jewelled crown on his son’s head and found that it suited him wonderfully.

The servant then took his son by the hand and let him to the king, bowed his head and spoke. “Sire, I have found that of all the children, the crown suits this one best. Indeed, if I tell the truth, I must say this: I am ashamed to appear so bold, for this child is the son of my humble self.”

The king and those beside him laughed very heartily and thanked the servant, for they all thought his son to be very ugly indeed. The king walked over to the servant and said, “You have certainly told me what I wish to know: It is the heart that perceives true beauty.”

-          Sufi Wisdom