"Once in the city of Saba, there was a glut of wealth. Everyone had more than enough. Even the bath-stokers wore gold belts . . . Everyone was fat and satiated with all the extra. There were no robbers. There was no energy for crime, or for gratitude. And no one wondered about the unseen world. The people of Saba felt bored with just the mention of prophecy. They had no desire of any kind . . . This over-richness is a subtle disease . . . The city of Saba can not be understood from within itself! But there is a cure, an individual medicine, not a social remedy: Sit quietly, and listen for a voice within that will say, 'Be more silent.' As that happens, your soul starts to revive. Give up talking, and your positions of power. Give up the excessive money. Turn toward the teachers and the prophets who don't live in Saba. They can help you grow sweet again, and fragrant and wild and fresh and thankful for any small event."
Jelaluddin Rumi
Photo: Tiger lilies at sunset, Redwood National Park, CA, August 1, 2011. This rich lighting lasted only about one minute.
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