The Bald Parrot, the Grocer, and the Discernment of Spiritual Essence | Chapter 4 of The Masnavi
Outward Appearance vs. Inner Truth in Rumi’s Tale of the Bald Parrot and the Grocer | Chapter 4 of The Masnavi (Book One) Chapter 4 of The Masnavi presents one of Rumi’s most memorable comedic parables: the story of a grocer’s talkative parrot who, after an unfortunate mishap, becomes bald and falls silent. Although humorous on the surface, this narrative opens the door to a sophisticated spiritual critique about false comparisons, superficial judgments, and the dangers of equating divine realities with mundane experience. This lively tale uses humor not merely to entertain but to illuminate essential Sufi principles. It challenges readers to reconsider how they discern truth, evaluate spiritual teachers, and understand the profound differences between outward forms and inner essence. To deepen your understanding of the layers within this story, watch the complete chapter breakdown: The Parrot’s Mishap and Comic Misunderstanding In Rumi’s tale, a grocer owns a clever parrot...