The Simurgh Is an Ancient Symbol in the Culture and Literature of the Iranian Lands and a Visual Manifestation of Perennial Wisdom

The Simurgh is an ancient symbol in the culture and literature of the Iranian lands and a visual manifestation of perennial wisdom; the Simurgh symbolises consciousness and wholeness.

To understand the place of the Simurgh in rebirth and the lessons we can learn from it, we must first understand the hoopoe, because the journey toward the Simurgh begins with the hoopoe.

In Attar’s story of the hoopoe and the birds, the birds seek the king of birds to guide them toward greatness, unaware that each of them carries a hidden Simurgh within.

The wise hoopoe tells them that the Simurgh, king of birds, dwells beyond Mount Qaf, while warning them that reaching Mount Qaf is perilous and exhausting. The birds, who initially appear eager, each begin to offer an excuse for not undertaking the journey. Each bird symbolises one of the characteristics and weaknesses of human beings.

The hoopoe occupies the heroic position without which the journey cannot begin. It believes in itself, and through that self-confidence is certain that it is worthy of the journey toward the Simurgh.

Guided by the hoopoe, the birds cross the seven valleys of love. At the end, only thirty birds remain from among the thousands, and each, in its own individuality, becomes a Simurgh.

Link to the video on the YouTube channel “Steps in Light”:

https://youtu.be/lIefv_ajmDA