The Anecdotes and Sayings

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The Anecdotes and Sayings

• Of
• Saadi

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Saadi fortunate

• Wandering dervish, or holy man, without a home or
  belongings
• Lived in modern-day Iran, that was in a state of
  turmoil from Christian crusaders making war on
  Islamic peoples
• Practiced Sufism
• Saadis tomb

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Anecdotes and Sayings

• Seem simple and use plain language, but express
  Sufi wisdom
• Wide appeal ensures the continuation of Sufi
  beliefs

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Anecdote

• Short, simple story usually involving a simple
  incident, but it can illustrate a complicated
  idea about human behavior
• May have a broader meaning than is first apparent
• Example Dont cry over spilled milk
• Applies to multiple situations

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Saadis writings are notable because

• Simple, direct language makes them an ideal
  beginners textbook for learning the Persian
  language
• Considered some of the finest expressions of Sufi
  thought

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Sufism

• Religion, Philosophy, and a Way of Life
• Against attachment to possessions or places
• Unconcerned with time, money, and worldly
  achievement
• Concentrate on
• Development of the human mind
• Reaching a higher plane of understanding that can
  be gained though the senses alone

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• As they wandered, they would beg for a living and
  mediate on Gods love
• Reached out to share their knowledge with the
  world at large

• Believe higher knowledge can only be attained
  though gradual process of thought and practice
• Traditionally, Sufis withdrawal from the material
  world and devote themselves to a harsh, homeless
  existence