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Quote by Idries Shah

“The Way of the Sufis cannot be understood by means of the intellect or by ordinary book learning.”

Quote by Idries Shah

Work

This book delves into the rich history, practices, and teachings of Sufism, offering insights into its philosophical and spiritual dimensions. It examines the lives of Sufi mystics and poets, and explores the various Sufi orders and their contributions to Islamic thought and culture. more

Author

Idries Shah was a renowned author known for his dissemination of Eastern philosophy and wisdom. His works blend Sufism, Eastern mysticism, and Western philosophy, aiming to promote human wisdom and inner growth. Shah's books include 'The Sufi Path of Love' and 'The Power of Silence'. more

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“The secret of Sufism is that it has no secret at all'.”

Book:Learning how to Learn: Psychology and Spirituality in the Sufi Way

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“Anybody or anything may stand between you and knowledge if you are unfit for it.”

Book:Learning how to Learn: Psychology and Spirituality in the Sufi Way

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“Learn to be as analytical about things of which you are credulous as you are of those which you criticise.”

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“If you are uninterested in what I say, there's an end to it. If you like what I say, please try to understand which previous influences have made you like it. If you like some of the things I say, and dislike others, you could try to understand why. If you dislike all I say, why not try to find out what formed your attitude?”

Ifs Trying Made Ends Attitude Influence Please Why Not Dislike You Like It Uninterested

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Source: Reflections

“One can give or withhold in a manner far more effective, sophisticated, useful, which is quite invisible to people who think that giving or withholding is done by external assessment. If you seek some mark of favour or 'promotion', know that you are not ready for it. Progress comes through capacity to learn, and is irresistible. Nobody can stand between you and knowledge if you are fit for it.”

Source: Learning how to Learn: Psychology and Spirituality in the Sufi Way

“You are adrift while you still think that a means is an end.”

Thinking Mean Stills Ends Adrift

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“If the path has been laid down, why the successive appearance of different teachers? Why would anyone reinvent the wheel, if everything were as cosy and sequential as primitive longing so easily convinces us?”

Ifs Has Beens Different Path Teacher Longing Appearance Wheels Convince Primitive Cosy Convince Us

Book:Sufi Thought and Action

Source: Sufi Thought and Action

“When the Higher Man does something worthy of admiration, it is an evidence of his Mastership, not the object of it.”

Men Doe Objects Higher Evidence Worthy Admiration

Book:Thinkers of the East: Studies in Experientialism

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“But one may say something and yet not be able to do it. Try, for instance, lifting yourself up by the bootstraps.”

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Book:Sufi Thought and Action

Source: Sufi Thought and Action

“Trying to force something is the best way to stop it happening.”

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Book:The Commanding Self

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