CONFERENCE OF THE BIRDS

And for sheer poetic perfection:

“I too am lost; I leave no trace, no mark;
I am a shadow cast upon the dark,
A drop sunk in the sea, and it is vain
To search the sea for that one drop again.” (pg. 213)

On the search of happiness:

“If in this world you seek for happiness
You are asleep, your search is meaningless-
If you seek happiness you would do well
To think of that thin bridge arched over hell.” (pg. 122)

On distractions:

“But if you sink to its swirl alone
Your head will some mill’s enormous stone ;
The least distraction will divert your mind
From that tranquility you hope to find.” (pg. 87)

Each bird represents a form of human weakness and perhaps, you can empathise with all of them. The finch is a coward, the nightingale is a lover, the duck is someone too comfortable on its own surroundings, to name a few examples.

The birds finally embark on the journey across the seven valleys: quest, love, understanding, detachment, unity,