Hekayats
Hekayat, a distinctive genre of Persian literature, typically consists of a concise narrative or a nugget of wisdom, often embellished with poetic verses. These short tales, rich in symbolism and moral lessons, have played a significant role in shaping Persian culture and storytelling traditions.
Hekayat 1 from Chapter 4 of Gplenstan of Saadi Shirazi
by @hamed
I said to one of my friends: “The reason I often choose not to speak is that when we speak, both good and bad can be said. And the eyes of enemies see nothing but the bad.”
He replied: "It is better that enemies never see any good."
For an …
Hekayat 28 from Chapter 3 of Gplenstan of Saadi Shirazi
by @hamed
I heard of a dervish who had secluded himself in a cave, shutting the door to the world. In his eyes, the splendor and majesty of kings and the wealthy held no significance.
Whoever opens the door of begging upon himself,
Will remain needy until the day he dies.
Let …
Hekayat 27 from Chapter 3 of Gplenstan of Saadi Shirazi
by @hamed
There is a story of a boxer who, frustrated by the hardships of life and overwhelmed by poverty, sought his father's permission to embark on a journey. He believed that by relying on the strength of his arms, he could grasp success.
"Talent and virtue go unnoticed until they are …
Hekayat 26 from Chapter 3 of Golestan of Saadi
by @hamed
A thief said to a beggar: “Aren’t you ashamed to extend your hand for a bit of silver to every mean person?”
The beggar replied:
"Extending a hand for a single grain of silver
Is better than having it cut off for a penny and a half."
Hekayat 25 from Chapter 3 of Golestan of Saadi
by @hamed
I saw a fat fool, wearing a precious robe, riding an Arabian horse, and with an Egyptian turban on his head.
Someone said: “Saadi! How do you see this fine silk on this ignorant animal?”
I replied:
“A donkey resembles a calf with a body that bellows.”
“A beautiful creation …
Hekayat 24 from Chapter 3 of Golestan of Saadi
by @hamed
A man with amputated hands and feet killed a millipede. A wise man passed by and said: “Glory be to God! Despite having a thousand feet, when its time came, it could not escape due to its helplessness.”
"When the life-taking enemy comes,
Death binds the feet of the running …
Hekayat 23 from Chapter 3 of Golestan of Saadi
by @hamed
A weak fisherman caught a strong fish in his net, but he did not have the strength to hold onto it. The fish overpowered him, took the net from his hands, and swam away.
It was like a servant sent to fetch water from the stream,
But the stream came …
Hekayat 22 from Chapter 3 of Golestan of Saadi
by @hamed
I heard of a wealthy man who was as famous for his miserliness as Hatim al-Tai was for his generosity. Outwardly, he was adorned with the riches of the world, but his inherent stinginess was deeply rooted. He would not give a piece of bread to save a life, nor …
Hekayat 21 from Chapter 3 of Golestan of Saadi
by @hamed
I heard of a merchant who had one hundred and fifty camels loaded with goods and forty servants.
One night on the island of Kish, he invited me to his room.
He did not sleep all night, talking incessantly about his worries: “This partner of mine is in Turkestan, and …
Hekayat 20 from Chapter 3 of Golestan of Saadi
by @hamed
They tell the story of a miserly beggar who had amassed great wealth.
One of the kings said to him: “It appears that you have boundless wealth, and we have an important need. If you assist us with some of it, it will be repaid when the revenue comes in, …
Hekayat 19 from Chapter 3 of Golestan of Saadi
by @hamed
One of the kings, along with a few of his close companions, was hunting in the winter and found themselves far from any habitation as night fell. They saw a peasant’s house.
The king said: “Let us spend the night there to avoid the cold.”
One of the ministers said: …
Hekayat 18 from Chapter 3 of Golestan of Saadi
by @hamed
I had never complained about the turns of fate or frowned at the revolutions of the heavens, except for the time when I was barefoot and could not afford shoes. I entered the mosque of Kufa, distressed, and saw a man who had no feet. I gave thanks for the …