A Perfumed Scorpion by Idries Shah

(Institute for the Study of Human Knowledge and California University)

The ‘perfuming of a scorpion’, referred to by the great Sufi teacher Bahaudin, symbolises hypocrisy and self-deception: both in the individual and in institutions. In A Perfumed Scorpion, Idries Shah directs attention to both the perfume and the scorpion – the overlay and the reality – in psychology, human behaviour and the learning process. read more

Formats: Audiobook, Ebook, Hardback, Paperback

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Crammed with illustrative anecdotes from contemporary life, the book is nevertheless rooted in the teaching patterns of Rumi, Hafiz, Jami, and many other great Oriental sages. It deals with the need for and the path to knowledge and information.

A Perfumed Scorpion was described by one reviewer as ‘... an invigorating and abrasive book, like jumping into icy water – hard to do, but you’re glad you have done it’.