Loving The Mirror

I do not love or bow down to the Amir on account of worldly considerations, for his rank, learning or achievements. Others love him for  those reasons, not seeing the Amir’s face, but only his back. The Amir is like a mirror with precious pearls on its back, with gold inlaid. Those who love gold and pearls look at the back of the mirror, but those who love life always look upon the mirror, and love the mirror for itself. They do not grow weary of the fair beauty they see. But those with a hideous face full of blemishes see in the mirror only ugliness. They quickly turn the mirror and look for those precious stones.

Fihi Ma Fih - Discourse 18