The Conference of the Birds
These are the seven valleys: The first is the valley of the Quest. The second of Love. The third of Knowledge. The fourth of Independence and Detachment. The fifth of Unity. The sixth of Bewilderment and Stupefaction. The seventh of Poverty and Annihilation.
Farid Ud-din Attar • The Conference of the Birds
“Listen to me, you perplexed creature,” said the Hoopoe. “Such is the condition of all in creation. If one would not trip, one would not lower his head in penitence. If all were godly, would there be any room for the prophets?”
Farid Ud-din Attar • The Conference of the Birds
Drawn by the ardour of Love, the enthusiastic pilgrim will plunge into these valleys like a mad man, precipitating himself like a moth into the midst of the flame. Impelled by his zeal, he will give himself up to the quest symbolized by this valley. He will ask the Eternal Cup-Bearer to give him a “draught of the wine.” After he has taken a few dro
... See moreFarid Ud-din Attar • The Conference of the Birds
other, provided it would show him the path leading to his longed-for goal.
Farid Ud-din Attar • The Conference of the Birds
“He who has become a lover should never think of his life. Your soul is an obstacle in your way. Sacrifice it. If you are required to sacrifice your faith also, together with your soul, do so by all means, and if anyone brands you as an infidel, tell him that love occupies a position more exalted than religion, and has nothing to do with faith or h
... See moreFarid Ud-din Attar • The Conference of the Birds
If you possessed the spiritual insight to penetrate the invisible world, the atoms of the visible world would also become unveiled to you, but if you regard these with the eye of intellect, you will never comprehend love as you should. Only one who has gone through the test and has become free can feel this spiritual devotion. You have not acquired
... See moreFarid Ud-din Attar • The Conference of the Birds
When from the place of sleep (the eyes) water flows ceaselessly, how can sleep find its way there?”
Farid Ud-din Attar • The Conference of the Birds
Seek until you lose yourself in the search and you lose even the idea of the search!
Farid Ud-din Attar • The Conference of the Birds
such is the virtue of penitence that a hundred worlds of sinfulness, standing as an impenetrable barrier between man and his Creator, disappear with a single breath of sincere repentance.”