ভূমিকা
Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Gulistan of Sa'di Chapter VII: On the Effects of Education Story 1 A vezier who had a stupid son gave him in charge of a scholar to instruct him and if possible to make him intelligent. Having been some time under instruction but ineffectually, the learned man sent one to his father with the words: 'The boy is not becoming intelligent and has made a fool of me.' When a nature is originally receptive Instruction will take effect thereon.
No kind of polishing will improve iron Whose essence is originally bad. Wash a dog in the seven oceans, He will be only dirtier when he gets wet. If the ass of Jesus be taken to Mekkah He will on his return still be an ass.
Story 2 A sage, instructing boys, said to them: 'O darlings of your fathers, learn a trade because property and riches of the world are not to be relied upon; also silver and gold are an occasion of danger because either a thief may steal them at once or the owner spend them gradually; but a profession is a living fountain and permanent wealth; and although a professional man may lose riches, it does not matter because a profession is itself wealth and wherever he goes he will enjoy respect and sit in high places, whereas he who has no trade will glean crumbs and see hardships: It is difficult to obey after losing dignity And to bear violence from men after being caressed.
Once confusion arose in Damascus. Everyone left his snug corner. Learned sons of peasants Became the veziers of padshahs. Imbecile sons of the veziers Went as mendicants to peasants. If you wanted thy father's inheritance, acquire his knowledge Because this property of his may be spent in ten days. Story 3 An illustrious scholar, who was the tutor of a royal prince, had the habit of striking him unceremoniously and treating him severely.
The boy, who could no longer bear this violence, went to his father to complain and when he had taken off his coat, the father's heart was moved with pity. Accordingly he called for the tutor and said: 'Thou dost not permit thyself to indulge in so much cruelty towards the children of my subjects as thou inflictest upon my son.
What is the reason?' He replied: 'It is incumbent upon all persons in general to converse in a sedate manner and to behave in a laudable way but more especially upon padshahs because whatever they say or do is commented on by everybody, the utterances or acts of common people being of no such consequence.