There was once a big debate among gods about how humans can achieve the absolute. We know that there are almost as many gods as there are humans, or even more. So, when I say it was among gods, feel free to imagine where all of this happened. The god of compassion who is also in charge of creating space for new things by destroying the old was the first to propose the following.
He said, “I am one of the gods of antiquity. Since the beginning of time, for centuries and centuries, I have seen humans pray to me. I blame myself for answering to many of them because their prayers pleased me or their perseverance was worth it. Humans do not deserve our attention every time they pray. I believe that the knowledge of ancient divine texts is absolutely necessary.”
This caused a great stir among the gods, dividing them into factions: the first one agreed with him whereas the second adopted a different position, one focused on prayers and rituals. They mocked him loudly.
“This is said by the god who is surrounded by daemons, monsters and the worst of beings.”
“Do you know if daemons read the texts?”
“Praying is disrespectful? Have you ever read the texts?”
“Why read books that only describe our adventures? And misadventures?”
A third faction kept quiet and neutral.
The king of the gods raised his hand and said firmly, “Calm down. Calm down please.”
After order was restored, he invited another party to present its position.
“‘I want to remind you of something we proposed to humans. We told them that they should protect the texts and limit access to them. If a person has not read the texts, how can we expect them to reach the absolute? That is why we expect them to perform rituals.”
“Foolishness. I don’t remember saying that.”
“Who set that stipulation? Identify yourself. The gods belong to everyone.”
“Calm down please. Let’s not forget that the daemons will attack us if we manifest any division among ourselves.”
“Comedy at its best. Those who propose study are those gullible to daemons.”
“Who? Who said it?”
“Don’t hide in the crowd.”
“Order, order! Please.”
It took some time before the group calmed down. The king, turning his head in all directions, invited a few more to join the debate.
“What about those who study other texts or follow other rituals? Can they not reach the absolute?”
“Of course. A different absolute?”
“Absolutely.”
Everyone laughed, including those who had then proposed, “A potter who spends his entire life serving society by creating vessels. He spends his hours concluding without texts or rituals that the air inside a vessel is the same as the air outside. Shapes, dirt, and water. Doesn’t he already know the absolute and doesn’t he deserve to achieve it?”
A silence spread through the crowd.
“Of course.”
“That is exactly my point.”
“Having said nothing on the subject, the king raised his hand and said, ‘Let me tell you something that happened recently. I took human form and visited a merchant’s house. I knew he wasn’t expected to return until the next day. When the merchant’s wife opened the door, I said, ‘I’m your husband’s friend. Where can I find him?”
“My husband is traveling. I expect him to return tomorrow. Would you like to come in? Wait a minute, let me wash your feet.”
She poured water on my feet and dried them with a silk cloth. Then she led me to what was the most comfortable chair.
“Where are you from, dear guest?”
“From a town almost three days in the direction the sun sets these days for you.”
“Is there anything I can do for you?”
“I doubt it. I have some business to discuss with your husband. Is it possible for me to stay here waiting for him?”
“Of course. You are most welcome. I’ll be back shortly. Let me fetch you water and something to eat. You look tired. If you need anything, call me.”
She served me the best food I have ever had among humans. Her hospitality was impeccable. I wish all humans learn something from that kind and generous lady. At nightfall, while sitting in the courtyard and chewing areca nuts wrapped in a betel leaf, I reflected on her. I was very pleased.
After she had spread the sheets for me to lie on, she said, “I have prepared the bed for you. I hope it provides you with the rest you deserve. Is there anything else I can do for you?”
That was the moment I had been waiting for.
“Could you sleep with me?”
Without hesitation, the woman replied, “Of course. Could you give me some time to clean the kitchen? I will join you as soon as possible.”
The wife spent the night with me and satisfied all my desires without resistance. At dawn, when her husband returned, he saw us still in bed. The wife quickly got up and ran to wash her husband’s feet.
Once he was in the house, I introduced myself and informed him of his wife’s hospitality including everything that had happened between us in the night. He took a seat beside me; his kind expression did not change as he patiently listened to my story; he quickly cast a smile at his wife who now stood at the kitchen door, then asked me, “What would you like for breakfast, sir?”
Their demeanor enraged me. What is wrong with them, I wondered. What kind of humans are these? I raised my voice at them, “Did you not understand what I have just told you? Your wife satisfied all my desires.”
The couple bowed before me respectfully then the husband said, “We believe that every guest is a god. We serve each one with everything we have.”
All the gods shook their heads in agreement and laughed.
