For more than a thousand years the Sufis have been using carefully constructed stories for teaching the mystical aspects of Islam. Though on the surface these stories often appear to be little more than fairy or folk tales, the Sufis hold that the characters, plots, and imagery enshrine patterns and relationships that nurture a part of the mind not reachable in more conventional ways. Here John Baldock explores the rich body of literature the Sufis have produced to guide spiritual travelers. While explaining the most significant teachings he illuminates the Sufis' fascinating perception of life, revealing it to be a process of the heart and not of the head. Along with an introduction, bibliography, and index, the book includes an afterword and two appendices with pathways to further study and reflection.