Quotes from Idries Shah

Christian scholars often say that Sufi theories are close to those of Christianity. Many Moslems maintain that they are essentially derived from Islam. The resemblance of many Sufi ideas to those of several religious and esoteric systems are sometimes taken as evidence of derivation. The Islamic interpretation is that religion is of one origin, differences being due to local or historical causes.

From a personal experience and the examination of literature, I feel that we cannot take for granted that a dialogue, without information and perhaps without understanding, is possible between any individuals or groups on all levels. So the prerequisite is information.

Because sugar is not arsenic, many graves are full.

If it is dark enough, one candle is plenty.

Practise your knowledge, for knowledge without practice is a body without life

There is no wisdom where there is no common sense: it cannot under those conditions find any expression.

Words have to die if humans are to live.

All approaches to a study or an individual may start with a desire for attention. However they start, they must never end up in this manner.

Stages First I thought that a Teacher must be right in all things. Then I imagined that my teacher was wrong in many things. Then I realised what was right and what was wrong. What was wrong was to remain in either of the first two stages. What was right was to convey this to everyone. (Ardabili)

THE BIRD AND THE WATER A bird which has not heard of fresh water Dips his beak in salt-water year after year. (Anwar-i-Suhaili)

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

None meets harm who knows his capacity.

A solved problem is as useful to a man's mind as a broken sword on a battlefield.

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'.

Fettered feet in the presence of friends is better than living in a garden with strangers.

Better the demon which makes you improve than the angel who threatens.

Definitions from Mulla Do-Piaza Truthful man: He who is, secretly, regarded by everyone as an enemy.

Man has less than he suspects of: Time, Friends, Hopes, Qualities. Proverb

Definitions from Mulla Do-Piaza Wisdom: Something you can learn without knowing it.

Assume that you are part-hypocrite and part heedless, and you will not be far wrong.

However fast you run, or however skilfully, you can't run away from your own feet.

To say "yes" to the Sufi way is to say "no" to imagined escapes.

There is no purpose in hammering cold iron.

Angels are the powers hidden in the faculties and organs of man