The Conference of the Birds (Penguin Classics)
In Farid Ud-Din Attar's The Conference of the Birds, a flock of birds sets out on a perilous quest for their king, the Simurgh, guided by the wise hoopoe. Through trials and tales, the poem unveils the soul's arduous journey toward spiritual awakening and divine truth in this enduring Sufi classic.
About This Book
The Conference of the Birds is a celebrated work of Persian literature by Farid Ud-Din Attar, a 12th-century mystic poet. It presents a symbolic narrative in verse form, drawing on Sufi traditions to explore themes of faith and enlightenment.
In the poem, the birds of the world gather under the leadership of the hoopoe, who urges them to seek the mythical Simurgh, their true sovereign. Each bird represents a human flaw or virtue, illustrating the challenges of the spiritual path.
Attar's storytelling weaves moral lessons through allegory, guiding readers toward self-discovery and unity with the divine. The work remains a cornerstone of Islamic mysticism and world poetry.
This Penguin Classics edition offers an accessible translation, preserving the essence of the original while introducing it to modern audiences interested in philosophical and literary depth.
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