Description
Book SynopsisIn Attar's renowned 12th century Sufi classic, The Conference of the Birds, the many types of human beings and their various spiritual aptitudes are represented by a multitude of birds. This vast company sets off to encounter the Great Simurgh—a majestic Bird Who represents the Lord of the Worlds—the Divine Source of Being. But of all those who embark on this journey, only 30 stay the formidable course and are able to overcome the enormous challenges and attendant trials. Only thirty birds made it to the august Threshold. Kerim Guc, whose grandmothers stories helped form his spiritual life, most imaginatively and effectively shares tales told by these 30 birds, each of which help to open the Magnificent Gate bit by bit. The stories, selected from various cultures and epochs, help to clarify 30 "realizations" needed by any seeker in his or her final Return to the One. These Wisdom Teachings underscore the Universality and Timelessness of what is encountered in the spiritual life. Kerim Guc's stories are unforgettable and immediately affect the awareness and inner practice of the reader—young or old.
Table of Contents
- Contents Preface.....9
- Special Thanks.....13
- The Journey From "I" To "Him"...17
- My Grandmother's Stories.....19
- The Guide.........21
- The Journey....25
- The Story of How the Door Was Finally Opened.......29
- 1- The Hoopoe's Story-Goodness..31
- 2- The Flamingo's Story - Harmony..34
- 3- The Swan's Story - Flow..39
- 4- The Seagull's Story - Point Of View..47
- 5- The Robin's Story - Oneness....53
- 6- The Dove's Story - Loyalty..587- The Eagle's Story - Justice..63
- 8- The Pheasant's Story - The Order Of Unity..68
- 9- The Hawk's Story - Independence From The World..73
- 10- The Partridge's Story - Sacrifice..76
- 11- The Hummingbird's Story - Friendship..80
- 12-The Stork's Story - Temporariness..83
- 13-The Owl Story - Wisdom..87
- 14-The Pigeon Story - Service..91
- 15- The Falcon's Story - Freedom..95
- 16- The Peacock's Story - Relativity..101
- 17- The Eagle Owl, Puhu's Story - Perception..107
- 18- The Pelican's Story-Overcoming Arrogance..114
- 19- The Raven's Story - Being At The Center..118
- 20- The Finch's Story - Compassion..123
- 21- The Canary's Story - Humility..128
- 22- The Huma Bird's Story Wealth.* * *..132
- 23- The Swallow's Story Struggle.* * *..137
- 24-The Kite's Story - Surrender..141
- 25-The Crane's Story - Unity..147
- 26- The Falcon's Story - Merit..151
- 27-The Albatross's Story - Suspicion..155
- 28-The Crow's Story - Vigilance..160
- 29-The Nightingale's Story - Forgiveness..167
- 30-The Parrot Tuti's Story - Sincerity..171
- Final Curtain...175
- Afterword: The Story Of How These Stories Came To Be Published in Kentucky!.... 179
