In this ancient Persian epic, the seekers discover they are the destination all along.
In short: Farid ud-Din Attar’s 1177 masterpiece, The Conference of the Birds, follows a flock searching for their sovereign, the legendary Simorgh. After a perilous journey through seven valleys, only thirty birds survive. They eventually realize the truth: the name Simorgh literally means thirty birds, reflecting their own divine nature.
Written by the Iranian Sufi poet Attar of Nishapur, this mathnawi-form poem serves as a foundational text in Persian Sufi literature. The narrative begins with the birds of the world gathering to find a leader. Guided by the hoopoe—the wisest among them—they embark on a spiritual quest to find the Simorgh. Each bird in the flock represents a specific human fault that hinders enlightenment, and their collective journey symbolizes the arduous path toward divine truth.
The trek is fraught with danger. As the birds traverse seven valleys, many perish from heat, thirst, illness, or violence. Sholeh Wolpé, a modern translator, notes that the birds often tremble at the mere description of these trials. Yet, the poem is designed to be both instructive and entertaining, weaving didactic parables into its allegorical structure. These stories are intended to trigger deep memories and wisdom, which slowly permeate the reader’s heart over time.
Symbolism is the engine of the work. For instance, the destination of 'China' is not a geographical location but a metaphor for mystic experience. When the final thirty survivors reach the abode of the Simorgh, they find only a mirror. Looking into it, they see their own reflections, realizing that the majesty of the Beloved is like the sun reflected in a glass. Attar suggests that truth is not static; it evolves as the individual evolves, and those trapped in rigid dogma remain deprived of the journey toward what he calls the Great Ocean.
The poem’s influence has transcended centuries and mediums. It has inspired numerous translations, including those by Edward FitzGerald and Dick Davis, and has been adapted for the stage by Peter Brook and Jean-Claude Carrière. Whether through illustrated manuscripts from the 1600s or modern operatic and theatrical productions, Attar’s exploration of self-discovery and spiritual transformation continues to resonate across cultures.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: The Conference of the Birds
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