Conference of Birds: v.1 (Ways of Mysticism) - Hardcover

Attar, Farid Al-Din

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0826450008 ISBN 13: 9780826450005

Publisher: Continuum International Publishing Group Ltd., 2000

Synopsis

This 12th century Persian poet's work tells of the journey of the birds to visit King Simorgh. Their journey is an allegory of the soul's search for unity with the divine. Sufic belief is that in such unity the distinctions between self and the divine fall away.

About this title

Review:

Like "Rumi" and "Hafiz", the name "Attar" conjures up images of passionate attraction to the divine. A Persian Sufi of the 12th century, Attar's masterpiece is the Conference of the Birds, an epic allegory of the seeker's journey to God. When all the birds of the world convene and determine that they lack a king, one bird stands forth and offers to lead them to a great and mighty monarch. Initially excited, each bird falters in turn, whereupon their leader admonishes them with well-targeted parables. These pithy tales are the delight of this four-and-a-half thousand line poem, translated deftly into rhymed couplets. What is your excuse for not seeking God--your life is fine already, you prefer material pleasure, you aren't holy enough, you have pride, lack courage or are burdened with responsibility? Attar has an answer to encourage you on the path. And when you get to the promised land, who is the king that you will find? It may not be who you would expect, but you must make the journey to see. --Brian Bruya

Review:

This felicitous translation is a classic and reaches the widest possible audience. David Azzolina, Assistant Professor, University of Pennsylvania"

"This felicitous translation is a classic and reaches the widest possible audience." -- David Azzolina, Assistant Professor, University of Pennsylvania

About this edition

• Publisher: Continuum International Publishing Group Ltd.
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0826450008
• ISBN 13: 9780826450005
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 160