Idries Shah Quotes - Page 2

The function of a nutrient is to become transmuted, not to leave unaltered traces.

Because there is a word for perfection, people will always imagine that they know it.

Before the antidote arrives from Iraq The man with snake-bite will be dead.

Sufis are those who have expunged from their minds the human tendencies of envy and enmity.

Man (and woman) has an infinite capacity for self-development. Equally, he has an infinite capacity for self-destruction. A human being may be clinically alive and yet, despite all appearances, spiritually dead.

If you assume that it is there, you will generally not be far off the truth.

Of whom can we think well when it is believed that if nothing bad is done to you, this has been a kindness?

Sufism is therefore not 'Do as I say and not as I do', or even 'Do as I do', but 'Experience and you will know'.

Knowledge gives nothing to a man until he gives everything to it.

Humility is a teacher of itself. It is learnt by means of its practise.

He who is fortunately enlightened [the Sufi]Knows that sophistry is from the devil and love from Adam.

Sufism," according to the Sufi, "is an adventure in living, necessary adventure.

If, from time to time, you give up expectation, you will be able to perceive what it is you are getting.

The teaching must, of course, work with the best part of the individual, must be directed to his or her real capacity.

Nobody can stand between you and knowledge if you are fit for it.

To Him who has sense, a sign is enoughFor the heedless, however, a thousand expositions are not enough.

Sufism is experience, and hence not to be defined – imprisoned – in perennial, static categories.

Definitions from Mulla Do-PiazaPatience: A support for the disappointed.

The would-be Sufi needs guidance precisely because books, texts, while telling you what is needed, do not tell you when.

Everyone does not know the secrets of TruthThe States of Truth are not evidential.

Knowledge is something which you can use.Belief is something which uses you.

Sufism, the "secret tradition," is not available on the basis of assumptions which belong to another world, the world of intellect.

Much smoke has been seen, and caused great fear of fire — even when no fire ensued.

ANDAKI:tEFFORT IS NOT EFFORT WITHOUT ZAMAN, MAKAN, IKHWAN (RIGHT TIME, RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT PEOPLE).

The word 'choice' is a fraud while people choose only what they have been taught to choose.

Sandals. The Sufi teacher Ghulam-Shah was asked what pattern he used in formulating his courses for disciples. He said: 'Barefoot until you can get sandals, sandals until you can manage boots.

If you really want to learn, do not be surprised if someone tries to teach you. And do not lightly reject the method.

If you want to strengthen an enemy and make him exult - hate him.

A book, for the Sufis, is an instrument as much as it is something to give information.

What is sometimes thought to be clever is, significantly often, merely an advanced form of foolishness.

If wine is the enemy of religion, I shall devour the enemy of religion.

Opinion is usually something which people have when they lack comprehensive information.

Brave is the thief who carries a lamp in his hand.

Inner Knowledge -- You want to become wise in one lesson: First become a real human being.

Imagination blocks you like a bolt on a door. Burn that bar. (Rumi)

The secret protects itself. It is found only in the spirit and practice of the Work.

From time to time ponder whether you are unconsciously saying:'Truth is what I happen to be thinking at this moment.

The donkey which brought you to this door must be dismissed if you want to get through it’.

Voice in the nightA voice whispered to me last night: 'There is no such thing as a voice whispering in the night!

Helping othersI order you to assist any oppressed person, whether he is a Moslem or not.

Feeling important is a vice, not a virtue, however concealed as participation in something noble.