“ As with any other specialisation, teaching is a vocation, open only to those who are truly capable of discharging its functions. Idries Shah
“ The pathways into Sufic thinking are, it is traditionally said, almost as varied as the number of Sufis in existence. Idries Shah
“ At His door, what is the difference between Muslim and Christian, virtuous and guilty? At his door all are seekers and He the sought. Idries Shah
“ At His door, what is the difference between Moslem and Christian, virtuous and guilty? At his door all are seekers and He the sought. Idries Shah
“ It is necessary to note," says Rumi, "that opposite things work together, even though nominally opposed" (Fihi Ma Fihi). Idries Shah
“ And Rumi tells us, ‘Soul receives from soul that knowledge, therefore not by book nor from tongue’. Idries Shah
“ Q: How can I help myself?A: By remembering the proverb: ‘The Path is not to be found anywhere except in human service’, from Saadi. Idries Shah
“ The great poet Hafiz says that you should dye your prayer-carpet with wine if your teacher tells you to do so. Idries Shah
“ The skilled artisan uses the same iron to make a horseshoeAs he does for a polished mirror for the King. Idries Shah
“ Rumi himself once said that counterfeit gold is only to be found because there is such a thing as real gold to be copied. Idries Shah
“ Nothing can defile the Sufi, and he in fact purifies everything.” Abu-Turab al-Nakhsabi. Idries Shah
“ He who is fortunately enlightened [the Sufi]Knows that sophistry is from the devil and love from Adam. Idries Shah
