I heard of a dervish who was sitting in a cave, having closed the door to the world, and kings and wealthy men held no grandeur or awe in his eyes.

Whoever opens the door of asking for himself

Will remain needy until he dies

Give up greed and be a king

The neck of the one without greed is held high

One of the kings of that region sent word that it is expected of the noble character of men that they partake of our salt (accept our invitation). The sheikh agreed, because accepting an invitation is a tradition. The next day, the king went to apologize for his arrival. The ascetic rose from his place, embraced him, showed kindness, and praised him. When he left, one of his companions asked the sheikh: 'This much kindness that you showed to the king today was contrary to custom, and we had not seen it before.' He said: 'Have you not heard what they have said:'

Whoever you sit at the table with

It becomes obligatory to rise in service to him

The ear can endure that all its life

It does not hear the sound of the tambourine, harp, and flute

The eye can refrain from gazing upon the garden

And be content without roses and sweet basil

And if there is no pillow filled with feathers

One can sleep with a clod of earth under one's head

And if there is no beloved to share the bed

One can embrace oneself

But this worthless, twisting stomach

Cannot bear to be content with nothing