Symbolic flight of the birds: exploring the spiritual journey from Avicenna’s ʿAyniyyah Eulogy to Navā’ī’s Lisān al-Ṭayr

Throughout history, the symbolism of the bird has long served as a profound inspiration for philosophers, writers, poets, and intellectuals as they seek to explore the pursuit of perfection within the human spirit. However, this should not be regarded as a mere coincidence. Similarly, the attainment of the highest level of purity in the human spirit is only possible when one transcends the allure of worldly desires. In this comparative study, the author aims to investigate the significance of this topic by examining the similarities and differences in the works of seven authors. In addition, this article sheds light on the plotlines and peculiarities of Sīmurgh, the objectives of the writings, valleys of the spirit birds passed through, salvation of the spirit, union of the existence, and multiplicity of existence. The author has used diagrams to highlight the plotlines for comparative analysis, by revealing the clear similarities between the works. Each author created his own trajectory for Sālik (the bird of the spirit) based on his imagination, but the ultimate objective for all of them was Sīmurgh itself. The work of Avicenna introduced the initial idea, which further developed and culminated in Farīd al Dīn ʿAṭṭār’s profound gnostic work titled as Manṭiq al-Ṭayr. Likewise, the findings revealed that the authors were well aware of the works of their contemporaries and this awareness not only facilitated the perfection of their imagination and wisdom, but also enabled them to use the symbolism of bird’s flight. This symbolism represents the liberation of the human spirit, allowing it to return to its origin freely. In order to achieve this, the spirit must pass through various deserts, mountains, and valleys, undergoing purification along the way before reaching its ultimate goal. Therefore, the bird of the spirit cannot ascend to higher spiritual realms without embarking on a journey of motion and movement towards the truth. Avicenna and Suhravardī, with their philosophical and gnostic perspectives, approached the topic in a more analytical manner. On the other hand, the poets took a different approach, adorning it with artistic tones to enhance its beauty. Thus, the works indicated that despite residing in a material world, human beings should always remain connected to their spirits. They must traverse challenging and arduous valleys in the spiritual realm to witness the manifestation of truth.