Simurgh

Hoopoe raised her wings again and began in a calm and confident voice, “O Birds of land and sea!  Your distress is justified. No sheep should be without a shepherd; no bird without a ruler. Every creature must seek its roots and find the mission of its existence.  You have come to the right source.  I have knowledge of your King!” she said, looking carefully at the audience. 

The birds remained motionless to hear Hoopoe’s message.       

“Your King has more names than the stars in the heavens.  I call him Simurgh. His mystical beauty transcends imagination.  He can neither be described, nor seen, nor touched. He is timeless, ageless.   He has no beginning, no end. He cannot be found in one single place since he is in all places at all times.  Nevertheless, beyond the Mountain Qaf, on the other side of the world, one may find a trace of Him.  It is believed that His feather is a symbol of divine reflections, and if lit in times of distress, it would bring peace and prosperity.  But we must face one truth: no one can seek Simurgh’s Court alone.   If you trust my wisdom, I shall be your humble guide in this holy quest.  I shall lead you to Him. Together, we can triumph, Hoopoe said dramatically.

The birds listened with such rapt anticipation and without moving that it seemed as if they had forgotten to breathe. 

Hoopoe continued, “The path to King Simurgh will take us through seven Valleys of discovery on seven continents of the world.  Each is a journey into abysmal gloom and foreboding obscurity.  It is a pilgrimage of faith, immolation, and love.  It is a test of courage, perseverance, and fortitude.   It is hopelessness and hope, all at once.  O Birds of land and sea!  Leave your worldly desires behind.  Forsake all possessions!  Renounce all attachments.  Cross the seven continents of the world to attain the Truth!   Seek Simurgh beyond the Mountain Qaf. There is more to life than you can see!   Beware though... the journey to his kingdom is long, perilous, and possibly, without return!”

Hoopoe paused.   A silence thicker than an early morning autumn mist filled the atmosphere.  All was so quiet that the stirring of leaves in the breeze could be heard.  

The birds were spellbound by the splendid notion to pursue their beloved King, a sovereign ruler whom they had all sought.  Hoopoe’s message hung in the air and the birds felt nothing but joy and praise for the Messenger, who knew discerningly how to guide them in this holy pilgrimage.

Slowly, the awesome task to attain the truth began to sink in.  The birds’ excitement disappeared.  Hoopoe’s last words began to affect all the birds: “the journey is long, perilous, and possibly without return.”   There was some commotion and twittering among the birds.  The inspiration to take the journey began to give way to disbelief and fear.  The birds could be seen with looks of shock, as they realized the danger.  Then they huddled together to question what was required of them and how it seemed insane to undertake such a precarious venture over seven continents to seek Simurgh.