ترجمه و مترجم

The Conference of the Birds is a Persian Ṣūfī poem in which Farīd al-Dīn ‘Aṭṭār (1145?-1220) describes seven stages leading to the divine in one’s heart. ‘Aṭṭār’s allegory embodies the paradox of a path with no destination. A flock of birds sets out to find a divine bird called the Simurgh, but in the end realize that the word “simurgh” means “thirty” (si) “birds” (murgh). After traversing these seven valleys they figured out that there was really nowhere to go.

1. Valley of the Quest

This valley represents the first step in a pilgrim’s search for greater meaning in life. One may feel very alone in this quest and grieve for years, never knowing after how long – if ever – this stage will end. Great patience is required, and one may even come upon new misfortunes. ‘Aṭṭār advises that a seeker must not become downhearted even if he or she searches for 100,000 years. Traversing through this valley expands the seeker’s heart.

2. Valley of Love

In the second valley, the pilgrim finds a trace of the traceless, catching a hint of the fragrance of the invisible world. One experiences ecstasy where the sun shines so brightly that the intellect flees, the heart is burnt, and the spirit is cleansed. One finds no remedy for this love. One risks all to enter here, and feels the pain of absence from the Beloved.

3. Valley of Insight into Mystery

The third valley is like an uncharted sea, through which each pilgrim takes a different route. ‘Aṭṭār advises the seeker to stay awake, so as not to drown. Knowledge comes of the hidden essence of things, and doubt gives way to certitude. On this stage of the spiritual path,

4. Valley of Detachment

The experience of deep serenity emerges during this fourth stage of the spiritual path, and new insight dawns. The world appears as a vast passing dream wherein the whole is contained in the smallest part. The seeker feels as though heaven and earth can be seen in a single grain of sand.

5. Valley of Unity

On the fifth stage of the path, the pilgrim perceives pure unity. Things in the world appear transient like a wax toy. Crossing the fifth valley involves realization of nonduality where self and other are indistinguishable. There is no plurality here.

6. Valley of Bewilderment

The pilgrim experiences bewilderment, grief, and discontent. Everything is a new, momentary creation. The perception of unity fades and what seemed like certain knowledge fades. In this sixth valley the seeker even doubts doubt itself. One’s heart feels both full and empty of love.

7. Valley of Poverty

Crossing this seventh and final valley, the pilgrim feels as if lame and deaf – unable to move or speak. The seeker gains the insight that though things in the world may outwardly appear to be separate, they have the same essence. ‘Aṭṭār uses the metaphor of ash that comes from twigs and incense. One feels like a drop in an ocean with no shores.

Return!

In the end, thirty birds survived the trip across the seven valleys. Upon arriving at their destination, they thought they had found nothing special after all. They could not find the divine Simurgh. The birds began to feel hopeless. … But ‘Aṭṭār says love gave them courage. Suddenly the veils blocking their perception drew back, and the seekers experienced the inner light of light. The thirty birds saw that they were none other than simurgh -- “thirty birds.” They became silent realizing the divine had been with them all the time.