Rumi

The story about the dog

Rumi was once walking on a narrow path and a dog came into his way, the surrounding area was muddy.

Rumi told the dog to step aside, the dog told him to step aside.


Then Rumi said, "You are a dog it doesn't matter if you get dirty."


The dog replied, "No, by stepping aside your clothes will get dirty and clothes can be washed, however if you force me to step aside, you might feel in your heart that you are better than a dog. Your heart hence will not be washable with water."


Rumi stepped aside and let the dog pass.




This was one of the events that opened the spiritual way to Rumi. Taken from Wisdom of the seekers.
http://www.tasawwuf.org/writings/wisdom_seeker/index.htm