A Sufi Folktale
A powerful king, ruler of many domains, was in a position of such magnificence that wise men were his mere employees. And yet one day he felt rather confused and called the wise men to him.
He said:
“I do not know the cause, but I feel a compelling urge to seek a certain ring. A ring that would enable me to stabilize my state of mind. I must have such a ring. And this ring must be one such that, when I am unhappy, it will make me joyful. And when I am happy, if I look at it, I should immediately feel sad.”
The wise men consulted one another and threw themselves into deep contemplation.
And they finally decided on the character of this ring that would suit their king.
The ring which they devised was one upon which was inscribed these words:
“THIS, TOO, WILL PASS”
– By Attar of Nishapur, a Sufi Master