The Conference of the Birds (Penguin Classics)
Like Rumi and Hafiz, the name Attar conjures up images of passionate attraction to the divine. Attar was a Persian Sufi of the 12th  century and his masterpiece isThe Conference of the Birds, an epic  allegory of the seeker's journey to God. When all the birds of the world convene  and determine that they lack a king, one bird steps forward and offers to lead  them to a great and mighty monarch. Initially excited, each bird falters in  turn, whereupon the leader admonishes them with well-targeted parables. These  pithy tales are the delight of this 4,500-line poem, translated deftly into  rhymed couplets. What is your excuse for not seeking God? Your life is fine  already? You prefer material pleasure? You are holy enough? You have pride, lack  courage, or are burdened with responsibility? Attar has an answer to encourage  you on the path to the promised land. And when you get there, the king may not  be what you'd expect, but you must make the journey to see.--Brian Bruya