Ancient Wisdom Atlas

Motif

Ineffective verbal formula contrasted with action

ineffective_verbal_formula_contrasted_with_action

A motif of the Sacred Knowledge and Wisdom family, within the sub-family Magic Through Speech and Name. Every row below is a tagged passage; each rests on a quote in its source text.

1 occurrences

1 traditions


sufi

  • Mystics and Saints of Islam CHAPTER VIII / CHAPTER IX / CHAPTER X / CHAPTER XI; lines 3108-3198 confidence: high

    Ghazzali says true fear of God is not shallow emotion but fear that prevents sin and instills obedience; Satan laughs at empty pious ejaculations.

    The lion-and-fortress example contrasts saying 'I take refuge' with actually moving to safety, paralleling verbal piety without obedience.

    read in the book