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Quote by Idries Shah

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Sufi Thought and Action: An Anthology of Important Papers

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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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“...todos los condicionamientos que el lenguaje lleve a la mente humana no son sino estímulos para la práctica, o sea para la realización de esa libertad. Es cierto que la posibilidad de pensar y, en consecuencia, de elegir, está obstruida por el sesgo que, desde instituciones o medios de comunicación, se nos ofrece el mundo. Pero ese sesgo jamás puede convertirse en necesidad.”

“Ah, Gulistan Jadu, what can I say of her, friends. Ten times more beautiful than her aunt Bahar; she had learnt sorcery from Bahar who had laid down her life in the great fight against Afrasiyab. Gulistan Jadu has created an ever-blossoming garden with flowers from all over the universe -gul daudi, gul andaleeb, gul-e-rana, babuk, benafsha, gulab, gul-e-nargis, gul-e-niloufar, gul-e-sumbul; but this was no ordinary garden for the flowers had deadly powers to kill, maim, stun or hypnotise. Like her aunt Bahar, her sorcery lay in the blooming, innocent flowers.”

“Instant Reading. A certain famous Fakir was claiming in the village that he could teach an illiterate person to read by a lightning technique. Nasrudin stepped out of the crowd: 'Very well, teach me – now.' The Fakir touched the Mulla's forehead, and said: 'Now go home immediately and read a book.' Half an our later Nasrudin was back in the market-place, clutching a book. The Fakir had gone on his way. 'Can you read now, Mulla?' the people asked him. 'Yes, I can read – but that is not the point. Where is that charlatan?' 'How can he be a charlatan if he has caused you to read without learning?' 'Because this book, which is authoritative, says: “All Fakirs are frauds”.”