I was once brought a partridge that loved the sound of the tanbour. Whenever I picked up the tanbour, she would sit beside me and soon became intoxicated with music, gleefully singing while gripping and pecking at my hand; she would become completely exhilarated. At night, she used to sleep on a shelf in my room. One early morning when I wanted to sleep, she began to sing and I hushed her to be quiet. She immediately lowered her head and fell silent. From then on, when she woke early in the mornings she would come to the edge of my bed, gently pull on the covers, and chirp. If I didn't say anything, after two or three attempts she would realize that I was asleep and would go away. Otherwise . . . I would say: 'Ah, what a lovely voice' . . . and she would start to sing. (Words of Truth)

* * *

Ethics comprise the very essence of spirituality: one must truly be learned in this realm. A few years ago a man by the name of Mr. 'K,' who was quite respected among his local community, was invited to a friend's home; I and a few others, including Mr. 'G,' were also present. A tanbour was handed to Mr. 'K,' and he played a few incomplete and unpleasant pieces. Mr. 'G,' who knew of my reputation as a tanbourist, insisted that I play as well. To avoid embarrassing Mr. 'K' I declined to play. Notwithstanding the fact that Mr. 'K' thought it was because I dared not play in front of him, I accepted that and refrained from playing, for had he heard my tanbour he would have certainly despaired. Be humble toward others and treat them with kindness and politeness. 'How easy to become learned, how difficult to become human.' (Words of Truth)