This Too Shall Pass

This is a lovely Sufi story from The Way of the Sufi by Idries Shah.

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 himself confused and called the sages to him.
He said: 'I do not know the cause, but something impels me to seek a certain ring, one that will enable me to stabilize my state. 'I must have such a ring. And this ring must be one which, when I am unhappy, will make me joyful. At the same time, if I am happy and look upon it, I must be made sad.'
The wise men consulted one another, and threw themselves into deep contemplation, and finally they came to a decision as to the character of this ring which would suit their king.
The ring which they devised was one upon which was inscribed the legend:

This, too, shall pass.

I've often heard the phrase "This, too, shall pass." as advice when things are rough, but this story emphasizes that happiness, too, shall pass.

It seems to me that it highlights the importance of detachment and letting go. What do you think?


Related articles:
Living in the Moment
Five Steps to Surrender to Your Life Purpose


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