The Great Treasure Lies Within

There’s a Sufi story of a Baghdadi who dreamt of treasure in Cairo and embarked on an arduous journey there. Years later, upon reaching Cairo, a local tells him of having a similar dream of treasure in Baghdad. He recognised his own home in the description, returns, and finds the treasure there. This story mirrors our lives – we have a treasure within but don’t know it. Our journey begins with acquiring things and may advance to seeking enlightenment. At some point, we might turn inwards, realising that the treasure is within ourselves. The Baghdad to Cairo journey symbolises the progressive path, while the return, the inward search, is the Direct Path. Being at home, in oneself, where the treasure lies, is the Pathless Path. Is it necessary to journey to know oneself? We are always with ourselves. We start as being, practice as being, and end with being.

There’s a Sufi story of a Baghdadi who dreamt of treasure in Cairo and embarked on an arduous journey there. Years later, upon reaching Cairo, a local tells him of having a similar dream of treasure in Baghdad. He recognised his own home in the description, returns, and finds the treasure there. This story mirrors our lives – we have a treasure within but don’t know it. Our journey begins with acquiring things and may advance to seeking enlightenment. At some point, we might turn inwards, realising that the treasure is within ourselves. The Baghdad to Cairo journey symbolises the progressive path, while the return, the inward search, is the Direct Path. Being at home, in oneself, where the treasure lies, is the Pathless Path. Is it necessary to journey to know oneself? We are always with ourselves. We start as being, practice as being, and end with being.