“Your wife, our mistress, is acting suspiciously. She is in her apartment with a huge chest, large enough to hold a man, which belonged to your grandmother. It should contain only a few ancient embroideries. I believe that there may now be much more in it. She will not allow me, your oldest retainer, to look inside.”

Nuri went to his wife's room, and found her sitting disconsolately beside the massive wooden box. “Will you show me what is in the chest?” he asked.

“Because of the suspicion of a servant, or because you do not trust me?”

“Would it not be easier to just open it, without thinking about the undertones?” asked Nuri.

“I do not think it is possible.”

“Is it locked?”

“Yes.”

“Where is the key?”

She held it up, “Dismiss the servant and I will give it to you.”

The servant was dismissed. The woman handed over the key and herself withdrew, obviously troubled in mind.

Nuri Bey thought for a long time. Then he called four gardeners from his estate. Together they carried the chest by night unopened to a distant part of the grounds and buried it.

The matter was never referred to again.

This Sufi spiritual story is from the book Tales of the Dervishes by Idries Shah. It is a delightful book full of Sufi spiritual stories.

If you liked this story, you'll love this! We've compiled a list of the top spiritual stories that our readers love. You can read them here.

What Is the Spiritual Moral / Meaning of the “Ancient Coffer of Nuri Bey” Story?

The story weaves a profound tale about trust and suspicion. It invites us to reflect on the balance between trust and doubt in our lives. Suspicion can cloud our judgment, causing us to question the intentions of those around us. However, it also raises the question: when is trust warranted, and when should one heed suspicion? This moral nudges us to contemplate the delicate interplay between trust and skepticism, urging us to navigate this balance with wisdom and discernment.

Additionally, the story emphasizes the complexity of human relationships and the challenges of communication. It highlights the need for open, honest dialogue in relationships, free from the shadows of suspicion. Misunderstandings and suspicions can strain even the most intimate connections. It encourages us to foster open lines of communication and understanding to prevent mistrust from overshadowing our relationships.

Furthermore, the narrative touches upon the theme of intuition and inner knowing. Nuri Bey's decision to bury the chest without ever opening it reflects an intuitive response to a situation fraught with suspicion. It suggests the significance of trusting one's instincts and inner guidance, even in situations where the truth remains veiled. This aspect of the story encourages us to honor our intuition, recognizing its wisdom in guiding us through uncertain circumstances.

Moreover, the tale sheds light on the power of silence and discretion. Nuri Bey's decision to bury the chest and never address the matter again underscores the potency of silence in resolving conflicts or suspicions. Silence can sometimes be a sanctuary, offering solace and resolution without escalating tensions or creating discord. It suggests that choosing silence in certain situations can be a dignified way to diffuse tensions and preserve harmony.

Ultimately, the story hints at the enigmatic nature of secrets and hidden truths. It acknowledges that some secrets are better left untouched, veiled in mystery. The decision to bury the chest unopened signifies a respect for privacy and a recognition that some truths may not need to be unraveled. It suggests that respecting boundaries and allowing certain mysteries to remain untouched can preserve peace and harmony in our lives.

In essence, this story, through its layers of trust, suspicion, intuition, communication, and secrecy, offers a reflective journey into the complexities of human relationships and the mysteries that often linger beneath the surface. It beckons us to contemplate the delicate dance between trust and doubt, the value of intuitive wisdom, and the significance of silence in maintaining peace and understanding. It serves as a gentle reminder to approach suspicions with discernment and to honor the sanctity of silence when necessary, embracing the mysteries that enrich our lives.

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When the Master of Ceremonies saw him in his ragged cloak, he seated him in the most inconspicuous place far from the great table where the most important people were being waited on hand and foot.

Nasrudin saw that it would be an hour at least before the waiters reached the place where he was sitting, so he got up and went home. He dressed himself in a magnificent sable claok and turban and returned to the feast.

As soon as the heralds of the Emir, his host, saw this splendid sight they started to beat the drum of welcome and sound the trumpets in a manner consonant with a visitor of high rank.

The Chamberlain came out of the palace himself, and conducted the magnificent Nasrudin to a place almost next to the Emir. A dish of wonderful food was immediately placed before him. Without a pause, Nasrudin began to rub handfuls of it into his turban and cloak.

Your Eminence, said the prince, I am curious as to your eating habits, which are new to me.

Nothing special, said Narudin; the cloak got me in here, got me the food. Surely it deserves its portion?

This spiritual story is from the book The Exploits of the Incomparable Mulla Nasrudin by Idries Shah.

The post Food of the Cloak – Spiritual Story By Idries Shah appeared first on Spiritual Growth Events.

The King considered that a lawful request, so he let the woman bring her husband a prayer rug. The prisoner was thankful to get the rug from his wife, and every day he faithfully did his prostrations on the rug. Much later, the man escaped from prison, and when people asked him how he got out, he explained that after years of doing his prostrations and praying for deliverance from the prison, he be an to see what was right in front of his nose.

One day he suddenly saw that his wife had woven into the prayer rug the pattern of the lock that imprisoned him. Once he realized this and understood that all the information he needed to escape was already in his possession, he began to make friends with his guards. He also persuaded the guards that they all would have a better life if they cooperated and escaped the prison together.

They agreed since, although they were guards, they realized that they were in prison, too. They also wished to escape, but they had no means to do so. So the locksmith and his guards decided on the following plan: they would bring him pieces of metal, and he would fashion useful items from them to sell in the marketplace. Together they would amass resources for their escape, and from the strongest piece of metal they could acquire, the locksmith would fashion a key.

One night, when everything had been prepared, the locksmith and his guards unlocked the prison and walked out into the cool night where his beloved wife was waiting for him. He left the prayer rug behind so that any other prisoner who was clever enough to read the pattern of the rug could also make his escape. Thus, the locksmith was reunited with his loving wife, his former guards became his friends, and everyone lived in harmony.

This Sufi spiritual story is from Thinkers of the East by Idries Shah. His book is a delightful collection of short spiritual stories.

What Is the Spiritual Moral / Meaning of the “Story of the Locksmith”?

The spiritual essence encapsulated within this story echoes the truth that sometimes the solutions to our deepest challenges lie right within our reach. It's a powerful reminder that amidst our struggles, we may possess the keys to our own liberation. Often, we search externally for answers, failing to recognize that the wisdom and resources required for our freedom may already exist within us or in the fabric of our circumstances. This narrative invites us to introspect, encouraging us to look inward for the solutions we seek in our lives.

Moreover, the tale underscores the transformative power of perception. The locksmith's realization that his prayer rug bore the pattern of the lock symbolizes a profound shift in perspective. It illuminates the spiritual truth that our perceptions can evolve, revealing hidden truths and unlocking doors to our liberation. It inspires us to view challenges not solely as impediments but as opportunities for deeper understanding and transformation.

Additionally, the story speaks to the potency of unity and collaboration. By befriending his guards and enlisting their cooperation, the locksmith fostered a collective effort towards freedom. This collective endeavor highlights the spiritual significance of unity in navigating life's trials. It emphasizes the power of cooperation, demonstrating that when individuals come together for a shared purpose, they can achieve extraordinary outcomes, transcending barriers that seemed insurmountable.

Furthermore, the narrative touches upon the theme of empowerment through knowledge and resourcefulness. The locksmith's ability to fashion tools from the metal pieces brought to him represents the spiritual concept of harnessing one's skills and resources to navigate adversity. It underscores the transformative potential of utilizing our talents and capacities to create pathways to freedom and empowerment, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Moreover, the act of leaving the prayer rug behind as a guide for other prisoners symbolizes an altruistic gesture. It signifies the locksmith's desire to extend a helping hand to those who might discern the hidden message within the rug, offering them a chance at liberation. This selfless act echoes the spiritual principle of compassion and service, reminding us of the profound impact of extending support and guidance to others on their journeys.

Ultimately, this story encapsulates the spiritual journey of self-discovery, transformation, unity, and altruism. It invites us to recognize the potential within ourselves, urging us to shift our perceptions, collaborate, utilize our skills, and extend compassion. It beautifully illustrates that within every challenge lies an opportunity for growth, empowerment, and collective liberation. As we navigate the intricacies of life, may we remember that sometimes, the keys to our freedom are intricately woven within the fabric of our experiences, waiting to be discovered.

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So saying, he launched himself into the greenery. He had not gone very far, however, when he fell into a pit, where he lay reflecting.

It is not such a fortunate day, after all, he meditated; in fact it is just as well that I took this short cut. If things like this can happen in a beautiful setting like this, what might not have befallen me on that nasty highway?

This spiritual story is from the book The Exploits of the Incomparable Mulla Nasrudin by Idries Shah.

The post The Shortcut appeared first on Spiritual Growth Events.

Now, Nasrudin was very lazy; and, besides, he prided himself upon being a master of deduction. The cat had just streaked in, soaked through.

Master, he said, it is raining heavily.

The master spent some time getting himself arrayed in other finery, went out, and found that there was no rain. The cat had been soaked by someone throwing water at it to start it away.

Nasrudin got fired.

This spiritual story is from the book The Exploits of the Incomparable Mulla Nasrudin by Idries Shah.

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Nasrudin's companion, an ordinary man, thought: The Sufi is mad. I wonder what precautions Nasrudin will take? Nasrudin looked in a knapsack and took out a coil of rope. This he handed to his companion. Excellent, thought the companion, we will bind him up if he becomes violent.

The Sufi saw that Nasrudin meant: Ordinary humanity tries to find truth by methods as unsuitable as attempting to climb into the sky with a rope.

This spiritual story is from the book The Exploits of the Incomparable Mulla Nasrudin by Idries Shah.

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The Mulla assumed a threatening posture, eyes flaming and face working. He jumped up and down, and suddenly ran out of the building. The woman fainted. When she had come to, she waited for the Mulla, who returned slowly and gravely.

I asked you to frighten the boy, not me!

Dear Madam, said the Mulla, did you not see how afraid I was of myself as well? When danger threatens, it threatens all alike.

This spiritual story is from the book The Exploits of the Incomparable Mulla Nasrudin by Idries Shah.

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Nasrudin collected the whole crowd and started towards his house with them. When he was almost there, he said:

I'll go ahead and warn my wife: You just wait here. His wife cuffed him when he told her the news. There is no food in the house – turn them away.

I can't do that, my reputation for hospitality is at stake.

Very well, you go upstairs and I'll tell them that you are out.

After nearly an hour the guests became restless and crowded round the door, shouding, Let us in, Nasrudin. The Mulla's wife went out to them:

Nasrudin is out.

But we saw him go into the house, and we have been watching the door all the time.

She was silent.

The Mulla, watching from an upstairs window, was unable to contain himself. Leaning out he shouted:

I could have gone out the back door, couldn't I?

This spiritual story is from the book The Exploits of the Incomparable Mulla Nasrudin by Idries Shah.

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O people! This is a disgrace! Yesterday you were selling birds only half this size at ten times the price.

Someone interrupted him: Nasrudin, those were parrots – talking birds. They are worth more because they talk.

Fool! said Nasrudin; those birds you value only because they can talk. This one, which has wonderful thoughts and yet does not annoy people with chatter, you reject.

This spiritual story is from the book The Exploits of the Incomparable Mulla Nasrudin by Idries Shah.

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What are you doing? someone asked him.

Keeping the tigers away.

But there are no tigers in these parts.

That's right. Effective, isn't it?

This spiritual story is from the book The Exploits of the Incomparable Mulla Nasrudin by Idries Shah.

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