When You Hear Hoofbeats Think of a Zebra

Shems Friedlander has studied with Sufi Shaykhs throughout the Middle East - in Makkah, Madinah, Cairo and Istanbul. Here he presents ancient Sufi teaching stories 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 lives. Through the re-telling of classical stories and his own 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 brief - accessible. Our spiritual potential as human beings is realised in "When You Hear Hoofbeats Think of a Zebra".

Shems Friedlander is a professor at the American University in Cairo and the author of Rumi: The Hidden Treasure, and Rumi and the Whirling Dervishes. He has had many exhibitions of his photography and paintings and has won more than 30 awards, including the Silver Award of the New York Art Directors' Club for graphic design. He has also directed and produced several short films including, Rumi: The Wings of Love. His films and books are available from Archetype.