In this sohbet, Ayberk Efendi begins with the blessed invocation “Bismillahir‑rahmanir‑rahim,” reminding us that every breath of existence is stamped by Allah’s mercy. From the loftiest heavens to the humblest grain of sand, each thing carries a purpose and an intrinsic worth that no human eye can erase.
The Parable of the Shining Stone
Ayberk Efendi illustrates this principle with a vivid story. A young seeker is handed a bright stone and instructed to discover its price by asking every merchant he meets. First he asks a greengrocer, who offers five kuruş; then an electrician, who says ten; next a shopkeeper declares fifty. Finally the seeker arrives at a jeweller, who looks beyond the surface, holds the stone aloft, and pronounces it priceless—the true value lies not in any coin but in the hidden brilliance that only a master eye can perceive.
The lesson is clear: value is a matter of perspective. When we dismiss someone as “worthless” or label an object “not worth a penny,” we are, paradoxically, assigning it a concrete (though low) valuation. The act of naming creates a value; the act of seeing beyond creates the possibility of infinite worth.
Spiritual Jeweller: The Role of the Shaykh
In Sufi terminology the one who discerns this hidden brilliance is called the spiritual jeweller—the shaykh whose insight pierces illusion and reveals the divine spark within each soul. Ayberk Efendi points out that Sheikh Mehmed Efendi and Sheikh Bahauddin Efendi embody precisely such treasure. Their teachings, like polished gems, illuminate the path for every seeker who approaches with humility and reverence.
Recognizing Divine Treasure in Our Lives
The sohbet reminds us that all creation was brought into being with a purpose. A simple cup, an ordinary stone, or a fellow human being each carries a unique, God‑ordained value. When we honor the worth of others, we echo Allah’s original decree and participate in the ongoing act of recognizing divine treasure.
Conversely, when we judge hastily or assign low worth, we sow confusion and disconnect from the very harmony that the prophets and the early companions exemplified. The true measure of a person is not how loudly they are praised by the world but how deeply their inner light shines before the master’s discerning eye.
A Gentle Invitation
May this teaching inspire us to look beyond surface assessments, to seek the priceless within every heart, and to cherish the guidance of those—like Sheikh Mehmed Efendi and Sheikh Bahauddin Efendi—who embody the divine treasure we all strive toward.
For further reflections on this theme, explore our digital library where additional talks and writings are archived: Royal Ottoman Society Library.
