A perfumed scorpion by Idries Shah

A perfumed scorpion by Idries Shah

The 'perfuming of a scorpion' referred to by the great Sufi teacher Bahaudin symbolizes hypocrisy and self-deception: both in the individual and in institutions.

Idries Shah, in these lectures and meditations, directs attention to both the perfume and the scorpion - the overlay and the reality - in psychology, human behaviour and the learning process.

Crammed with illustrative anecdotes from contemporary life, the book is nevertheless rooted in the teaching patterns of Rumi, Hafiz, Jami and many other great sages. It deals with the need for, and ways to, knowledge as well as information, understanding which comes beyond belief, perception as distinct from emotion, self-development, in addition to the desire for intellectuality.