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Quote by Idries Shah

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

In 'Learning how to Learn: Psychology and Spirituality in the Sufi Way,' the author delves into the principles of Sufism, a mystical branch of Islam, to provide guidance on the psychological and spiritual journey of self-improvement. The book combines philosophical teachings with practical exercises, aiming to enhance the reader's understanding of the human mind and soul. more

Author

Idries Shah
Idries Shah

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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“When prayer, rituals and ascetic life are just a means of self-indulgence, they are harmful rather than beneficial. This is quite obvious to people nowadays, when it is widely recognised that fixations are not the same as valuable and laudable observances. One should not pray if that prayer is vanity; rituals are wrong when they provide lower satisfactions, like emotional stimulus instead of enlightenment; he or she should not be an ascetic who is only enjoying it.”

“If a pot can multiply. One day Nasrudin lent his cooking pots to a neighbour, who was giving a feast. The neighbour returned them, together with one extra one – a very tiny pot. 'What is this?' asked Nasrudin. 'According to law, I have given you the offspring of your property which was born when the pots were in my care,' said the joker. Shortly afterwards Nasrudin borrowed his neighbour's pots, but did not return them. The man came round to get them back. 'Alas!' said Nasrudin, 'they are dead. We have established, have we not, that pots are mortal?'.”