taken from DISCOURSES OF RUMI – (OR FIHI MA FIHI)
BASED ON THE ORIGINAL TRANSLATION BY
A. J. ARBERRY

Although kings were his followers, Rumi’s critics could never understand why Rumi’s greatest love and dedication went to what they called, “the tailors, the cloth-sellers, and the petty shop-keepers – uncouth and uncultured ruffians.” Yet even amongst these, his dearest companions, Rumi allowed no vanity.

The story is told that one day, while Rumi was in deep contemplation, surrounded by his disciples, a drunkard walked in shouting and stumbling. The man staggered toward Rumi, and then fell on him. To Rumi’s followers such a disgrace of their teacher was intolerable, and they rose as one to rush the ignorant fool. Rumi stopped them with his raised hand,saying, “I thought this intruder was the one who was intoxicated, but now I see it is not he, but my own students who are drunk!”
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