DER GREIS, DER NIE VERLIEBT WAR
by Friedrich Giese · from Türkische Märchen
Adapted Version
Master Ben was a very wise man. He liked to teach people good things. He was kind. He smiled often. He gave a talk in a big room. Many people listened to him. His words were very good. Everyone liked his talk. He taught them about life. He taught them about kindness. They learned much. His lessons were clear.
A man came into the room. He was a farmer. He walked to Master Ben. The farmer looked worried. His face was long. "Master," he said. "My donkey is lost." "Help me." He looked very sad. He needed his donkey.
Master Ben smiled. He was calm. He looked at the farmer. "Do not worry," he said. "I will help." "Wait here." He spoke softly. Master Ben talked again. He told more good things. The people listened again. They heard his words. The farmer waited quietly. He was patient.
Master Ben stopped his talk. He looked at the people. The room was quiet. He asked a new question. "Is there anyone here?" he asked. "Who never felt love?" "Stand up." Master Ben waited. His eyes were kind. He waited for an answer.
An old man stood up slowly. He was frail. He moved with care. He looked at Master Ben. "Sir," he said. His voice was soft. "I do not know love." "What is it?" "Please tell me about it." He looked confused. He seemed lost. He wanted to learn.
Master Ben pointed to the old man. He looked at the farmer. Master Ben's voice was clear. "Farmer," Master Ben says. "This is your donkey." "Take him." He looked surprised. His mouth opened. He did not understand. The old man looked surprised too. He blinked. He looked at the farmer. Master Ben smiled gently.
Master Ben showed a truth. This was a lesson. It was a deep truth. The old man did not know love. He was like a lost donkey. Love makes us truly human. Love fills our hearts. Without love, we are lost.
Original Story
29. DER GREIS, DER NIE VERLIEBT WAR
Der erhabene Heilige Bajezid Bistami hielt einst in der Moschee eine Predigt. Alle Anwesenden, groß und klein, waren von seinen Worten begeistert. Als die Begeisterung am höchsten war, trat ein Opiumraucher an seine Kanzel und sagte: „Meister, durch die Macht deiner glänzenden Rede führst du alle Welt auf den Pfad Gottes. Ich habe eine Bitte an dich. Mir ist mein Esel verloren gegangen, sage mir, wo er ist.“ Bajezid Bistami sagte: „Gedulde dich nur! Ich werde ihn finden.“ Darauf fing er wieder zu predigen an. Während der Predigt wandte er sich an die Anwesenden und fragte: „Gemeinde Muhammeds, ist einer unter euch, der nie verliebt gewesen ist? Wenn das der Fall ist, so stehe er auf.“ Da stand ein Greis auf und sagte: „O Scheich, in der Wissenschaft der Liebe bin ich ein Laie. Seit meiner Kindheit bis zum Greisenalter bin ich nie verliebt gewesen. Was Liebe ist, weiß ich nicht. Ich habe überhaupt keine Ahnung, was das ist, was du Liebe nennst. Sei doch so freundlich und erkläre es mir!“ Da sagte Bajezid Bistami zu dem Opiumraucher, der seinen Esel verloren hatte: „Mann, das ist der Esel, den du verloren hast. Nimm ihn mit!“
Story DNA
Moral
Those who have never experienced love lack a fundamental aspect of humanity and understanding, akin to an unthinking beast.
Plot Summary
The revered saint Bajezid Bistami delivers a captivating sermon. An opium smoker interrupts, asking the saint to help him find his lost donkey. Bajezid Bistami promises to help and continues his sermon, then asks if anyone present has never experienced love. An old man stands up, admitting his complete ignorance of love. The saint then points to the old man and declares him to be the lost donkey, implying that a life devoid of love is akin to that of an unthinking beast.
Themes
Emotional Arc
curiosity to revelation
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Bajezid Bistami (Abu Yazid al-Bistami) was a Persian Sufi mystic from the 9th century, revered in Islamic tradition. His teachings often involved paradox and profound spiritual insights.
Plot Beats (6)
- Bajezid Bistami delivers an inspiring sermon in a mosque, captivating everyone.
- An opium smoker interrupts the sermon, asking the saint to help him find his lost donkey.
- Bajezid Bistami assures the man he will find the donkey and continues his sermon.
- Mid-sermon, Bajezid Bistami asks the congregation if anyone has never been in love.
- An old man stands up, stating he has never known love and asks the saint to explain it.
- Bajezid Bistami then tells the opium smoker that the old man is his lost donkey.
Characters
Bajezid Bistami
A man of average height and build, with an aura of wisdom and spiritual authority. His movements are deliberate and calm, reflecting his inner peace and profound understanding.
Attire: Flowing, simple, yet dignified robes typical of a Sufi master or scholar in a historical Islamic context. Likely made of natural fabrics like linen or wool in muted, earthy tones, possibly with a simple, unadorned turban or cap.
Wants: To guide people on the path of God and impart spiritual wisdom.
Flaw: None explicitly shown, but perhaps his profound wisdom can sometimes be misunderstood by those less enlightened.
Remains consistent as a wise teacher, demonstrating his wisdom through a specific interaction.
Wise, insightful, patient, compassionate, and possesses a subtle, profound sense of humor.
The Opium Smoker
Likely appears somewhat disheveled or worn, reflecting his habit. His build might be slender or gaunt due to his lifestyle. He is direct and somewhat impatient in his manner.
Attire: Simple, possibly worn or stained clothing typical of a common person in the region, perhaps a loose tunic and trousers made of coarse fabric, in muted, earthy tones. His attire would lack refinement.
Wants: To find his lost donkey.
Flaw: His narrow focus on material concerns prevents him from appreciating spiritual wisdom directly.
Receives an unexpected answer to his problem through the Sheikh's wisdom, though he may not fully grasp the spiritual lesson.
Direct, impatient, focused on his immediate material concerns, somewhat oblivious to spiritual subtleties.
The Old Man
An elderly man, likely with a stooped posture and the physical signs of advanced age. His movements would be slow and deliberate.
Attire: Simple, modest, and well-worn clothing typical of an elderly commoner, perhaps a loose tunic and trousers in muted colors, made of sturdy, practical fabric. His attire would be clean but not new.
Wants: To understand what 'love' is, as he has never experienced it.
Flaw: His complete lack of understanding of human emotion, specifically love, which Bajezid Bistami equates with a lack of spiritual insight or 'donkey-like' existence.
Serves as the unwitting answer to the Opium Smoker's problem, highlighting Bajezid Bistami's metaphorical teaching.
Naïve, simple, honest, and completely devoid of romantic experience or understanding of love.
Locations
The Mosque
A sacred place where Bajezid Bistami delivers a sermon, filled with people of all ages. The atmosphere is initially one of spiritual fervor and enthusiasm.
Mood: Initially reverent and enthusiastic, later shifting to curious and slightly bewildered.
Bajezid Bistami delivers a powerful sermon, is interrupted by an opium smoker, and then reveals the location of the lost 'donkey' through a parable about love.