“ Before garden, vine or grape was in the world," writes one, "our soul was drunken with immortal wine. Idries Shah
“ Of whom can we think well when it is believed that if nothing bad is done to you, this has been a kindness? Idries Shah
“ Sufism is education, in that it has a body of knowledge which it transmits to those who have not got it. Idries Shah
“ It is experience which teaches, not controversy based on supposed logic and assumptions of what is likely to be true. Idries Shah
“ Those who say ‘I am ready to learn’, or ‘I am not ready to learn’ are as often mistaken as they are correct in their surmise. Idries Shah
“ The aspirant has to be guided by a mentor. The stage at which this guidance can take effect is seldom, if ever, perceptible to the learner. Idries Shah
“ Debating whether one trusts or not is a sign that one does not want to trust at all, and therefore is still incapable of it. Idries Shah
“ Do not dwell upon whether you will put yourself into the hands of a teacher. You are always in his hands. Idries Shah
“ If you forsake a path, it is because you were hoping for conviction from it. You seek conviction, not self-knowledge. Idries Shah
“ Unbelief and belief are both marching on His road, while both are saying, ‘He is one and He has no associates’. Idries Shah
“ When you feel least interested in following the Way which you have entered, this may be the time when it is most appropriate for you. Idries Shah
