The Conference of the Birds

By: Attar, Sholeh Wolpé - Translated by

Narrated by: Fajer Al-Kaisi

"These lofty words are an antidote / for anyone sickened by extremism's poison."

Considered by Rumi to be "the master" of Sufi mystic poetry, Attar is best known for this epic poem, a magnificent allegorical tale about the soul's search for meaning. He recounts the perilous journey of the world's birds to the faraway peaks of Mount Qaf in search of the mysterious Simorgh, their king. Attar's beguiling anecdotes and humor intermingle the sublime with the mundane, the spiritual with the worldly, while his poem models the soul's escape from the mind's rational embrace.

Sholeh Wolpe recreates for modern audiences the beauty and timeless wisdom of the original Persian, in contemporary English verse and poetic prose.

©2017 Sholeh Wolpé (P)2021 Tantor

WONDERFUL

This is an amazing book, so much wisdom.
It is a book that you can reach out for time and again.
The narrator’s voice is a pleasure to listen to.
Please, do yourself a favor and get this book.
My thanks to all involved, JK.

Infuse Your Soul with Love and Understanding

Listen. Repeat. Repeat Again. Resign your soul and you will find understanding and love each and everytime you listen. This soulful poetry will give you calm and wisdom. Sholeh Wolpe's delicious inspiring translation and the erudite pristine voice of Rajer Al-Kaisi pull you in always. This gem by Attar, translated by Wolpe and read by Al-Kaisi - has become my daily companion. When I need calm, kindness, inspiration, and peace I randomly listen to the sublime poetry of Attar via these meaningful parables - The Conference of the Birds. Listen and repeat often. Peace to you.

Sufi experience

The Conference of the Birds is a classic Sufi poem by Farid ud-Din Attar. It tells the allegorical story of a group of birds searching for their true king, the Simorgh. The poem explores themes of self-discovery, the nature of reality, and the journey toward enlightenment.

Sublime masterpiece

A towering masterpiece of divine wisdom. No words. Really well narrated. Thank you very much!

Great Work of Spirituality and Storytelling

"Wayfarer, do not come
to this book for fancy poetic tales:
see it through the eyes of suffering
to understand an iota of my longing.
Do that and you've scored the goal." (348)
This is a great book about the spiritual process of coming to and unifying with the divine. The stories are entertaining and yet the true meaning of this book (i.e. a true spiritual understanding) must approach it with patience and contemplation. I've only listen once and have much to learn, but it is plain to see how important this book can be, especially if you are religious. Would recommend.