
On one occasion, a relative visited Nasruddin and brought him a goose as a gift. Nasruddin cooked the bird and shared it with his guest.
Before long, one guest after another began arriving, each claiming to be a friend of a friend “of the man who brought you the goose.” Naturally, all of them expected food and lodging at the expense of the famous goose.
Eventually, Nasruddin could not take it any longer. One day, a stranger came to his house and said, “I am a friend of the friend of your relative who gave you a goose.” Like all the others, he sat down at the table, expecting to be fed.
Nasruddin placed before him a bowl filled with hot water.
“What is this?” asked the man.
“This,” said Nasruddin, “is the soup of the soup of the goose that my friend gave me.”
“Sometimes one hears of people who have become disciples of the disciples of the disciples of a man who has had a personal experience of God.
It is absolutely impossible to send a kiss through a messenger.”
Anthony de Mello is referring to the idea that each person should approach the spiritual experience of God personally, rather than through other people called disciples, who cannot provide the direct experience that one so deeply longs for.
Bibliography:
de Mello, Anthony. «The Song of the Bird».
If you enjoy what I do and would like to support my work, you can buy me a coffee here:
Your support helps me continue creating and sharing content. Thank you!


