296 SKETCH OF THE 



What is the passion of a Fakir ? — Knowledge of God. 



What is the power of an Ascetic?. — Impotence. 



What is Wisdom? — Devotion of the heart to the Heart's Lord. 



How are the hands of a Fakir employed ? — To cover his ears. 



Where are his feet ? — Hidden, but not hampered by his garments. 



What best becomes him ? — Vigilance, night and day. 



In what should he be unapt ? — Immoderate diet. 



In what should he repose ? — In a corner ; seclusion from mankind, and meditation 

 on the only True. 



What is his dwelling ? — God's creatures. 



His Kingdom ? — God. 



What are the lights of his mansion ? — The Sun and Moon. 



What is his couch ? — The Earth. 



What is his indispensable observance? — Praise and glorification of the Cherisher of 

 all things, and the needer of none. 



What is suitable for a Fakir ? — La, none ; as La Allah, &c. there is no God but God. 



How passes the existence of a Fakir ? — Without desire, without restraint, without 

 property. 



What are the duties of a Fakir? — Poverty and faith. 



Which is the best religion ? — -Verse, " The Creed of the lover differs from other 

 Creeds. God is the faith and creed of those who love him, but to do good is best for the 

 follower of every faith." Again, as Hafiz says — 



The object of all religions is alike, 



All men seek their beloved, 



What is the difference between prudent and wild, 



All the world is love's dwelling, 



Why talk of a Mosque or a Church. 



With whom should the Fakir cultivate intimacy ? — With the Lord of loveliness. 



To whom should he be a stranger ? — To covetousness, anger, envy, falsehood, and 

 malice. 



Should he wear garments or so naked ? — The loins should be covered by those who 

 are in their senses — nudity is excusable in those who are insane. The love of God does 

 not depend upon a cap or a coat. 



