Posts Tagged ‘Ego’

Program 39: Egos that have turned into dragons

As election, politics, and power are on our minds, I look at Rumi’s understanding of the concept of power and his approach to it. As a well-known and respected figure, Rumi received attention from the wealthy, the noble, and the politically powerful people of his time. How he handled these delicate situations, and what he recommended to his followers are remarkable.

Program 11: Rumi, the Storyteller: the Lion, the Rabbit, and the Elephant


Storytelling is humanity’s oldest and most favorite way to connect with one another. Those who tell their life story well are no longer strangers to others. In good stories, complicated thing become clear and palpable. Rumi is a great storyteller. He makes his thoughts accessible. In one story, he tells us about an elephant who goes to a pond to drink water. Seeing his reflection in the water for the first time, he is so scared that he runs away. Rumi’s point? We do not look at our shortcomings because you we know will be scared. But we see the shortcomings in others easily and blame them. “Look at yourself, and see the good and the bad” he says. “It will encourage you to fix it — and to be kinder when you see it in others.” There are many more stories to listen to.

Episode transcript