CONFERENCE OF THE BIRDS

Our reading for today is Farid ud-Din Attar's THE CONFERENCE OF THE BIRDS.
THE CONFERENCE OF THE BIRDS is set in Persia, which encompasses modern-day Iran.The story is similar to the ARABIAN NIGHTS in that it deals with the Islamic world and is set within a frame. However, this particular sect of Islam, Sufism, is distinct and unique. Perhaps you've heard of whirling dervishes?



The idea here is to dance as a form of spiritual ritual, with the ultimate goal of achieving purification and reaching God.

Attar's influence extends through the years. In fact, the story of "The Princess Who Loved a Slave" may remind you of Shakespeare!

My Mistress's Eyes
William Shakespeare

My mistress's eyes are nothing like the sun;
Coral is far more red than her lip's red;
If snow be white, why then her breasts are dun,
If hair be wires, black wires grow on her head.
I have seen roses damasked, red and white,
But no such roses see I in her cheeks;
In some perfumes there is more delight
Than the breath with which my mistress reeks.
I love to hear her speak, yet well I know,
Music hath a far more pleasing sound;
I grant I never saw a goddess go;
My mistress, when she walks, treads on the ground.
And yet, by heaven, I think my love as rare
As any she belied with false compare.