The Conference of the Birds is a timeless allegorical masterpiece of Sufi literature written by the Persian poet Farid ud-Din Attar. The poem’s unique structure, with various birds representing different human qualities and aspirations, allows Attar to explore the complexities of the soul’s journey. The title is taken directly from the Qur’an, 27:16, where Sulayman and Dawud are said to have been taught the language, or speech, of the birds.
Attar’s magnum opus is a testament to his mystical beliefs and the importance of seeking spiritual enlightenment. The birds’ journey to find their king, Simorgh, is a metaphor for the soul’s journey to find God. The poem’s message is universal and has been interpreted in many different ways, making it a timeless work of literature that continues to inspire readers today.
In this article, we will explore The Conference of the Birds in depth, examining its themes, symbolism, and historical context. We will also look at some of the different interpretations of the poem and how it has influenced literature and culture throughout the centuries.
Author Background: Farid ud-Din Attar
Farid ud-Din Attar was a Persian poet and mystic born in Nishapur, Iran in the 12th century. He was known for his works of Sufi poetry, which explored spiritual themes and often used allegory to convey complex ideas.
Attar’s most famous work, “The Conference of the Birds,” is considered a masterpiece of Persian literature and Sufi poetry. It tells the story of a group of birds who embark on a journey to find their king, the Simurgh, and along the way must overcome various obstacles and challenges.
Attar’s poetry often explored themes of love, mysticism, and spiritual transformation. He was deeply influenced by Sufi philosophy and teachings, which emphasized the importance of inner knowledge and spiritual enlightenment.
Attar’s works have had a lasting impact on Persian literature and Islamic culture. His poetry continues to be studied and admired by scholars and readers around the world.
Overview of ‘The Conference of the Birds’
‘The Conference of the Birds’ is a Persian poem by Farid ud-Din Attar that tells the story of thirty birds on a quest to find their ideal king, the Great Simorgh. The poem is an allegory that explores the Sufi concept of self-realization and the journey to find the truth.
In the poem, the birds must overcome various obstacles and challenges as they travel through seven valleys, each representing a different stage of spiritual development. The valleys are the Valley of the Quest, Love, Understanding, Independence and Detachment, Unity, Astonishment, and Poverty and Nothingness.
The poem is structured as a series of stories told by the birds, each one representing a different aspect of the human condition. The stories are rich with symbolism and metaphor, and they explore themes such as the nature of love, the search for meaning, and the challenges of the spiritual path.
‘The Conference of the Birds’ has been praised for its beautiful language, its complex symbolism, and its profound insights into the nature of the human soul. It remains one of the most celebrated works of Persian literature and a masterpiece of Sufi poetry.
The Allegorical Journey
The Conference of the Birds by Farid ud-Din Attar is an allegorical masterpiece of Sufi literature. The story follows the journey of thirty birds who embark on a quest to find their ideal Sovereign, the Great Simorgh. The journey is an allegory for the spiritual journey of the soul towards enlightenment and union with the divine.
The birds travel through seven valleys, each representing a stage in the spiritual journey. In the valley of the quest, the birds undergo a hundred difficulties and trials. In the valley of love, they learn that love is the key to finding the divine. In the valley of understanding, they gain knowledge and wisdom. In the valley of independence and detachment, they learn to let go of their ego and attachments. In the valley of unity, they experience the oneness of all things. In the valley of astonishment, they are filled with wonder and awe at the beauty of the divine. Finally, in the valley of poverty and nothingness, they achieve union with the divine.
The seven valleys represent the stages of this journey, each one building on the previous one. The journey is not an easy one, and the birds face many difficulties and trials along the way. However, through perseverance and faith, they are able to achieve their goal and find union with the divine.
The Seven Valleys of Quest
The Valley of Quest
The first valley that the birds encounter in their journey towards the Great Simorgh is the Valley of Quest. In this valley, the birds undergo a hundred difficulties and trials to reach their goal. The valley represents the initial stage of the spiritual journey, where the seeker is filled with curiosity and a desire to know the truth. The valley of Quest is a test of the seeker’s determination and perseverance.
The Valley of Love
The second valley that the birds encounter is the Valley of Love. In this valley, the birds learn the true meaning of love, which is to love God above all else. The valley represents the stage where the seeker is filled with love for God and is willing to sacrifice everything for His sake. The valley of Love is a test of the seeker’s devotion and loyalty.
The Valley of Knowledge
The third valley that the birds encounter is the Valley of Knowledge. In this valley, the birds acquire true knowledge and wisdom. The valley represents the stage where the seeker gains a deeper understanding of the truth and the nature of reality. The valley of Knowledge is a test of the seeker’s intellect and ability to comprehend the mysteries of the universe.
The Valley of Detachment
The fourth valley that the birds encounter is the Valley of Detachment. In this valley, the birds learn to detach themselves from material possessions and worldly desires. The valley represents the stage where the seeker is free from the distractions of the world and is able to focus solely on the spiritual path. The valley of Detachment is a test of the seeker’s ability to let go of attachments and to surrender to God.
The Valley of Unity
The fifth valley that the birds encounter is the Valley of Unity. In this valley, the birds experience the unity of all things in God. The valley represents the stage where the seeker realizes that everything in the universe is connected and that there is only one reality. The valley of Unity is a test of the seeker’s ability to see beyond the illusions of the world and to perceive the underlying unity of all things.
The Valley of Wonderment
The sixth valley that the birds encounter is the Valley of Wonderment. In this valley, the birds are filled with wonder and amazement at the beauty and majesty of God’s creation. The valley represents the stage where the seeker is filled with awe and reverence for God and His works. The valley of Wonderment is a test of the seeker’s ability to appreciate the divine beauty and to recognize the hand of God in all things.
The Valley of Poverty and Annihilation
The seventh and final valley that the birds encounter is the Valley of Poverty and Annihilation. In this valley, the birds experience the annihilation of the self and the realization of the true nature of reality. The valley represents the stage where the seeker is completely absorbed in God and has become one with Him. The valley of Poverty and Annihilation is a test of the seeker’s ability to let go of the self and to surrender completely to God.
Characters and Symbolism
The Hoopoe
The Hoopoe is the leader of the birds in the allegory. He is a wise and knowledgeable bird who guides the other birds on their journey to find the Simurgh. The Hoopoe is also a symbol of the spiritual guide or the Sufi master who helps the seeker on the path to enlightenment. His name is derived from the Persian word “hudhud” which means “hoopoe” and is also mentioned in the Quran.
The Birds
The birds in the allegory represent different human characteristics and personalities. Each bird has a unique story and personality that reflects a particular aspect of human nature. For example, the nightingale represents the lover who is always searching for the beloved, while the parrot represents the imitator who repeats what others say without understanding its meaning. The birds also symbolize the different stages of spiritual development that the seeker must go through to reach enlightenment.
The Simurgh
The Simurgh is the ultimate goal of the birds’ journey. It is a mythical bird that represents the divine or the ultimate reality. The name “Simurgh” is derived from the Persian words “si” meaning “thirty” and “murgh” meaning “bird”. It is said that the Simurgh is so old and wise that it has seen the world destroyed and recreated thirty times. When the birds finally reach the Simurgh, they realize that they themselves are the Simurgh and that the journey was a journey of self-discovery.
Themes in ‘The Conference of the Birds’
Spiritual Enlightenment
One of the primary themes in ‘The Conference of the Birds’ is spiritual enlightenment. The journey of the birds represents the journey of the soul towards enlightenment. The hoopoe, the most enlightened of all the birds, guides them on their journey towards the Great Simorgh, who represents the divine. The journey is a metaphor for the Sufi path towards spiritual enlightenment.
The Human Condition
Another theme in the poem is the human condition. The birds represent different aspects of the human condition, such as fear, doubt, and desire. The journey towards the Great Simorgh represents the human search for meaning and purpose in life. The poem also explores the concept of mortality and the inevitability of death.
The Sufi Path
The Conference of the Birds is a Sufi allegory, and as such, it explores the Sufi path towards spiritual enlightenment. The poem emphasizes the importance of self-knowledge and the need to overcome the ego in order to reach the divine. The journey of the birds represents the different stages of the Sufi path, such as the quest for knowledge, the purification of the soul, and the attainment of unity with the divine.
Literary Devices and Narrative Techniques
Attar’s masterpiece employs various literary devices and narrative techniques to convey its allegorical meaning. One of the most prominent literary devices used in The Conference of the Birds is symbolism. Attar uses birds to symbolize human beings and their spiritual journey towards enlightenment. Each bird represents a different aspect of the human psyche, and their journey through the seven valleys represents the different stages of spiritual awakening.
Another important narrative technique used in the poem is the use of metaphors. Attar uses metaphors to describe the various obstacles that the birds encounter on their journey. For example, the valley of the quest is described as a place of darkness and confusion, where the birds must navigate through a hundred different trials and tribulations. This metaphorical language helps to create a vivid and engaging narrative that draws the reader into the story.
Attar also employs repetition as a narrative technique in The Conference of the Birds. Throughout the poem, the birds repeat the refrain “Where is the Simorgh?” This repetition serves to emphasize the central theme of the poem, which is the search for enlightenment and the divine. The repetition also creates a sense of unity and cohesion within the narrative, as the birds work together towards a common goal.
Finally, Attar uses irony as a literary device in The Conference of the Birds. The birds are on a quest to find the Simorgh, but when they finally arrive at their destination, they discover that the Simorgh is not a separate entity, but rather a reflection of themselves. This irony underscores the central message of the poem, which is that the spiritual journey is not about finding something outside of oneself, but rather about discovering the divine within.
Influence and Legacy of the Poem
The Conference of the Birds has had a significant impact on Persian literature and Sufi thought. It has been translated into many languages and has been studied by scholars worldwide. The poem’s allegorical nature and its themes of spiritual enlightenment and the journey of the soul have made it a timeless masterpiece.
The poem has also influenced other works of literature, including Jorge Luis Borges’ short story “The Library of Babel,” which borrows heavily from Attar’s imagery and themes. The Conference of the Birds has also been adapted into various forms of art, including music, theater, and film.
The poem’s message of unity and the importance of seeking spiritual enlightenment has resonated with people of all backgrounds and religions. It has become a symbol of the universal human quest for meaning and purpose in life.
Overall, The Conference of the Birds is a testament to the power of literature to inspire and transform. Its enduring legacy continues to influence and inspire readers and artists around the world.
Modern Interpretations and Adaptations
In recent years, there has been renewed interest in Farid ud-Din Attar’s “The Conference of the Birds,” with many modern interpretations and adaptations emerging. One such adaptation is the graphic novel “The Conference of the Birds,” illustrated by Peter Sis. Sis’s adaptation brings Attar’s allegory to life with stunning illustrations that capture the essence of the story.
Another modern interpretation is the play “The Conference of the Birds,” adapted by Jean-Claude Carrière and Peter Brook. The play premiered in 1979 and has since been performed around the world. It features a minimalist set and a small cast, with actors playing multiple roles. The play captures the essence of Attar’s allegory and brings it to a modern audience.
In addition to adaptations, there have also been modern interpretations of Attar’s allegory. One such interpretation is “The Tao of the Birds,” by William A. Worden. In this interpretation, Worden explores the Taoist principles that underpin Attar’s allegory. He argues that “The Conference of the Birds” is a Taoist parable about the journey of self-discovery.