A number of would-be disciples came to the Mulla one day and asked him to give them a lecture.
"Very well," he said, "follow me to the lecture hall."
They lined up obediently behind Nasrudin, who mounted his donkey back to front, and moved off.
At first the youths were confused, but later they remembered that they should not question even the slightest action of a teacher. Finally they could not bear the jeers of the ordinary passers-by.
Sensing their unease, the Mulla stopped and stared at them.
The boldest of them all approached him.
"Mulla, we don't understand. Why are you riding that donkey face to tail?"
"Quite simple," said the Mulla. "You see, if you were to walk in front of me, this would be disrespectful to me. On the other hand, if I had my back to you, it would be disrespectful toward you. This is the sole possible compromise."
