When You Hear Hoofbeats Think of a Zebra (Archetype)

Shems Friedlander

Paperback

9781901383195

'When You Hear Hoofbeats Think of Zebra' speaks in the idiom of the Sufi-tales and parables that instruct the inner self. This handbook of the perennial psychology is for those who seek to awaken to a life of clarity and meaning from the sleep of modern times." -Daniel Goleman, from the Introduction

Shems Friedlander has studied with Sufi sheikhs throughout the Middle East-in Makkah, Madinah, Cairo and Istanbul. In this time-honoured classic, he presents ancient Sufi teaching stories and parables rooted in the Islamic tradition. With common sense and insightful wit he addresses questions and problems of contemporary life and awakens our attention to the often overlooked moments that give importance and meaning to our days.

Through the retelling of classical stories and his running commentary, a pattern unfolds that helps to distinguish knowledge from information, reality from imagination, and makes what seems to lie beyond our perception, understanding and belief, accessible.