Nasruddin's Breath

One of Nasruddin's neighbors loved to listen to Nasruddin speak about the spiritual life. "Your words are so moving!" he would say. "So inspiring!"

"You must experience the life of the spirit," replied Nasruddin, "not just talk about it. The spirit isn't just words carried by the breath, but fire in the heart."

The neighbor nodded but did not understand.

Then one day the neighbor shouted. "Come here, Nasruddin! Help me blow on this charcoal to keep the fire going."

Nasruddin replied, "My breath is at your disposal. Come here and take as much of my breath as you need."

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Inspired by: Sacred Laughter of the Sufis by Imam Jamal Rahman
Notes: This story is on p. 18 of the book.