Then what is the “substance” and what is the “shadow”?
“Substance” signifies the means to God-realization, while “shadow” refers to the quarreling over philosophies that merely express distant and faint meanings in lengthy, showy, bombastic words and expressions—indeed, even such expressions as “God-realization.” “Shadow” also designates fighting over right or wrong customs, usages, or other principles of shariat, all of which fighting is far, far away from, and indeed quite contrary to, the original object and purpose with which these customs, usages, and principles were originally introduced.
Then leave off these knotty quarrels over words and explanations, over customs and usages, over rights and privileges: drop all of this, and follow the advice of those who have seen experience and realized God—in short, of those who have become one with God. Such persons who see and know everything in its depth are the ones who can advise and guide you rightly!
– “Meher Baba’s Tiffin lectures”, p52
31-May-1926; Meherabad