Training in the Way
Shaikh David shared a story today, which he gave to Shaikh Kabir Helminski to publish in his book The Knowing Heart several years ago. Here's the tale as Shaikh David tells it, remembered from his time with Suleyman Hayati Dede. The word "chille" in the story means "training period", literally "ordeal", and traditionally lasted 1001 days in the old Mevlevi lodges... The following is a story told on several occasions in Dede’s house when visitors were present and there was much sohbet and discussion about the Way. The first part I recall as being complete in itself as a response to some question or comment put by a European guest, and which I translated, and was referred to several times over the years. Part II I recall being told by Dede when there were Turkish dervishes or mixed company visiting, and I several years later retold the story of Part I when we were having a good time; Dede then related the story in Part