A Servant In Baghdad – Spiritual Story by Osho

A rich merchant in Baghdad sent his servant one day to the marketplace to buy food. But after a few minutes the servant returned looking panic-stricken.

“Master!” he cried. “You must lend me your best horse immediately, so that I may flee to Damascus and thereby escape my fate.”

“Whatever is the matter?” asked the merchant.

“I went to the marketplace and I saw Death standing there among the stallholders!” exclaimed the servant. “He made a hostile gesture at me and started walking towards me.

I beg you, lend me your best horse so that I may flee to Damascus and escape.”

The merchant was a kind man and he did as his servant asked. Then he himself walked down to the marketplace to see if the story was true. Sure enough, Death was standing in the crowd.

“Why did you make a hostile gesture at my servant?” asked the merchant.

“I made no gesture of hostility,” replied Death. “I was simply very surprised to see him, for I have an appointment with him tonight… in Damascus.”

You cannot escape. Wherever you go you will find your death waiting for you. Yes, it can be prolonged, postponed, but what is the point? Rather than postponing, why not use this opportunity of becoming aware of death — that it is approaching, that it is on the way, that any moment you will be in its grip. Don’t ask for the horse and don’t try to go to Damascus. You cannot escape. The only way is to transcend, not to escape.

– Osho

What Is the Spiritual Moral / Message of the “Servant In Baghdad” Story?

This story speaks volumes about the universal dance between fate and destiny, between the inevitability of life's journey and the choices we believe steer us away from it. It's a poignant reminder that in our quest to evade the inevitable, we often unwittingly hasten towards it.

In the grand tapestry of existence, each of us is entwined in a cosmic design, where every thread is woven with purpose and intention. Our paths intersect with forces beyond our comprehension, nudging us towards encounters, experiences, and moments that shape our journey.

The merchant's servant, confronted by the apparition of Death, embodies the human inclination to evade, to flee from what is perceived as a looming threat. Yet, in his frantic escape to Damascus, he unwittingly hastens towards the very fate he seeks to avoid. The merchant, in his compassion, accedes to the servant's plea, only to confront Death himself and realize the inevitability of the appointed meeting in Damascus.

The spiritual significance embedded within this tale invites introspection into the nature of our existence. It prompts us to ponder the illusions of control and the delicate balance between fate and free will. It nudges us to recognize that our attempts to outrun destiny often propel us closer to its embrace.

At its core, the “Servant in Baghdad” parable illuminates the interconnectedness of all beings, the intricate tapestry of life where each thread, each encounter, and every moment is purposefully woven into the fabric of our journey. It whispers to us about the futility of evasion and the wisdom of acceptance, urging us to embrace the inevitability of life's unfolding, knowing that every twist and turn is part of a greater design.

It beckons us to surrender to the flow of life, to release the illusion of control, and to trust in the divine orchestration of our existence. It invites us to contemplate the deeper spiritual truths that underlie our experiences, reminding us that our encounters with fate and destiny are not mere chance but orchestrated movements in the symphony of our lives.

In essence, this story serves as a spiritual mirror, reflecting back to us the intricate dance between fate and choice, inviting us to embrace the wisdom of acceptance and surrender. It calls upon us to navigate life's journey with grace and mindfulness, knowing that in the grand tapestry of existence, every encounter, every moment, and every choice serves a purpose in the divine unfolding of our souls' journey.