As militant Islam does its level best to discredit the religion, it's important to remember that there are other voices within the faith. One such is the Sufis, a branch of Islamic mystics who live islam (submission), iman (faith) and ishan (awareness of G-d, "to act beautifully"). Idries Shah was certainly one such individual, and this story comes from him in the August 1977 issue of Human Behaviour magazine. As "Grand Sheikh of the Sufis" notes:
"There was a merchant in Persia who was to travel to India. Before he left, he said to his pet parrot, "I am going to India and I may see some of your relatives there. Is there any message which you wish me to convey to them?" The parrot thought and then he said, "Tell them that I am well, but that I live in a cage in a house."We've had great responses to this sort of question before, but this one's a bit more challenging. Sufi tales all contain multiple lessons, and they can be unpacked on multiple levels. What's this tale telling us? Here's a starting point: what does the parrot's cage represent?When the merchant returned, the parrot said, "Did you see my relatives?" And the merchant replied, "I did, but I am afraid they are not well. When I gave one of them your message, he collapsed and fell to the ground."
When the merchant said this, the parrot also collapsed and fell to the floor of the cage. Whereupon the merchant in great alarm picked up the bird and carried him to the window to get air. The parrot immediately recovered, flew out the window and escaped."
First of all, great blog, with many great comments.
"The Tale of the Parrot"
I was hoping someone else would break the ice, but I guess I'll have to take a swing at it first.
Level One:
The cage: Not only does the parrot (TP) note he lives in a cage, but the cage is in a house, and the house is in Persia, a fair distance (especially in pre-modern times) from India. This signifies being thrice removed from TPs original home. Merchants offer of bringing a message to TPs relatives (TPR). The outward appearance of "wellness" is tempered by separation from home and family.
Level Two:
Humanity is also separated from his/her (h/h) spiritual origins by several barriers. While material needs are met at several levels (food, shelter, enough wealth to keep and feed a pet, travelling long distances for trade) the spiritual needs of humans are lacking.
Level One:
TPR: TP's message was interpreted by the relative as a call for help, TPR knew that a direct request for freedom for TP would be ignored, so an oblique demonstration was required. TPR reasoned that the merchant, since he carried the message in the first place, would relay the reply.
Level Two: ??
Level One:
TP, realizing merchant's concern, repeats the relative's reaction, hoping to get the cage open as a first step towards freedom. The merchant complies, bringing TP to an open window, thinking the air would revive TP. Merchant is correct, but did not realize TP's desire to leave his comfortable home for the wilds of his natural habitat.
Level Two: When humans feel enclosed by cages and walls, no matter how much comfort is derived, the urge to escape (or the feeling of enclosure)is present, whether consciously or unconsciously. When the cage is openned (a sudden insight appears, via Scripture, words of a holy man, or from the subconscious) the spirit "escapes" its materially wealthy bonds to live in spiritual harmony, which, the teller of the tale believes is a better life.
This was a tough assignment. I'm sure I've missed a lot, but may have found a few nuggets. I hope we get more comments on this, because my curiosity is piqued.
Phil, that was outstanding. There's always more to be found in a Sufi tale, but this was a great start.
To build on Phil's comments about the way the Parrot's family helps the Parrot, it's been pointed out to me the the teaching was wholly indirect, by story and example, in order to create a behaviour in the Parrot that would give him an opportunity to be free if he chose to take it. That's very Sufi, and also a good reminder that much of a real teacher/guide's teaching is through example and conduct not words.
Anyone else out there with some thoughts?
Joe- Thanks for the comments.