They see the Simorgh – at themselves they stare
In this post, I discuss the way in which the flock of birds in Attar’s “Conference of the Birds” are illuminated by their journey. The birds are originally plagued by discontent and discord, and are in need of a leader who can resolve these issues. The hoopoe, who is the wisest of all the birds, suggests that they embark on a journey to find the Simorgh, an omniscient power who can enlighten and guide them. The hoopoe says, “Listen to me: I know of a King who has all the answers. We must go and find him.” The King that he refers to is the Simorgh and his lofty expectations are demonstrated by the idea that the Simorgh has all the answers. This perception changes, however, once a group of thirty birds finally reaches the mountain upon which the Simorgh dwells. Attar writes,
“And silently their shining Lord replies:
‘I am a mirror set before your eyes,
And all who come before my splendor see
Themselves, their own unique reality;
You came as thirty birds and therefore saw
These selfsame thirty birds, not less nor more;”.
This quotation is telling because it completely reconstructs the conception that the Simorgh will be the leader and the birds will simply be his followers. Rather, the King says that he is merely a reflection of the birds. Each of the birds has the power and illumination within himself to lead. This relationship between the Simorgh and the birds is symbolic of the relationship between God and his followers. Attar is expressing his belief that God is within all Muslims and in order to follow His word, they must become introspective and look within themselves.
This scene and revelation is what I decided to enter this project around. I made thirty origami birds to represent the thirty birds that successfully make the journey to the Simorgh. They are situated on a grassy garden, as one might expect to find in a heavenly place where the King would dwell. Furthermore, they are clustered around a mirror, which is representative of the Simorgh, as he shows the birds their reflections. The origami birds are seeing themselves in the reflection, as the birds in the story see themselves in the Simorgh, thus depicting the relationship between God and his Muslim followers.