The Ghazali Children's Project

Stories from the Thirty Birds • From “I” to Him – Hasan Kerim Guc

Hilal Tokat

$22.95

JUST PUBLISHED. NOW AVAILABLE!

Stories from the Thirty Birds From “I” to Him

By Hasan Kerim Guc Translated by Hilal Tokat

In Attar’s renowned 12th century Sufi classic, The Conference of the Birds, the many types of human beings and their various spiritual aptitudes are represented by a multitude of birds. This vast company sets off to encounter the Great Simurgh – a majestic Bird Who represents the Lord of the Worlds – the Divine Source of Being. But of all those who embark on this journey, only 30 stay the formidable course and are able to overcome the enormous challenges and attendant trials. Only thirty birds made it to the august Threshold.

Kerim Guc, whose grandmother’s stories helped form his spiritual life, most imaginatively and effectively shares tales told by these 30 birds, each of which help to open the Magnificent Gate bit by bit. The stories, selected from various cultures and epochs, help to clarify 30 “realizations” needed by any seeker in his or her final Return to the One. These Wisdom Teachings underscore the Universality and Timelessness of what is encountered in the spiritual life. Kerim Guc’s stories are unforgettable and immediately affect the awareness and inner practice of the reader – young or old.

Cover art by Rafar Anwer, Creative Studio Simorgh. Exhibition of Seven Minatures, Lahore, 2021

Product Description

 

CONTENTS

PREFACE……………………………………………………………………………………….9

SPECIAL THANKS…………………………………………………………………………13

THE JOURNEY FROM “I” TO “HIM”…………………………………………………17

MY GRANDMOTHER’S STORIES……………………………………………………..19

THE GUIDE…………………………………………………………………………………..21

THE JOURNEY………………………………………………………………………………25

THE STORY OF HOW THE DOOR WAS FINALLY OPENED …………………….29

1- THE HOOPOE’S STORY – GOODNESS………………………………………………………..31

2- THE FLAMINGO’S STORY – HARMONY……………………………………………………34

3- THE SWAN’S STORY – FLOW……………………………………………………………………39

4- THE SEAGULL’S STORY – POINT OF VIEW……………………………………………….47

5- THE ROBIN’S STORY – ONENESS……………………………………………………………..53

6- THE DOVE’S STORY – LOYALTY……………………………………………………………….58

7- THE EAGLE’S STORY – JUSTICE………………………………………………………………..63

8- THE PHEASANT’S STORY – THE ORDER OF UNITY…………………………………68

9- THE HAWK’S STORY – INDEPENDENCE FROM THE WORLD ……………………73

10- THE PARTRIDGE’S STORY – SACRIFICE………………………………………………….76

11- THE HUMMINGBIRD’S STORY – FRIENDSHIP………………………………………..80

12- THE STORK’S STORY – TEMPORARINESS………………………………………………83

13- THE OWL STORY – WISDOM…………………………………………………………………..87

14- THE PIGEON STORY – SERVICE………………………………………………………………91

15- THE FALCON’S STORY – FREEDOM………………………………………………………..95

16- THE PEACOCK’S STORY – RELATIVITY……………………………………………….. 101

17- THE EAGLE OWL, PUHU’S STORY – PERCEPTION…………………………………107

18- THE PELICAN’S STORY – OVERCOMING ARROGANCE ………………………… 114

19- THE RAVEN’S STORY – BEING AT THE CENTER…………………………………..118

20- THE FINCH’S STORY – COMPASSION……………………………………………………123

21- THE CANARY’S STORY – HUMILITY…………………………………………………….128

22- THE HUMA BIRD’S STORY – WEALTH………………………………………………….132

23- THE SWALLOW’S STORY – STRUGGLE………………………………………………….137

24- THE KITE’S STORY – SURRENDER……………………………………………………….. 141

25- THE CRANE’S STORY – UNITY…………………………………………………………….. 147

26- THE FALCON’S STORY – MERIT……………………………………………………………151

27- THE ALBATROSS’S STORY – SUSPICION……………………………………………….155

28- THE CROW’S STORY – VIGILANCE……………………………………………………….160

29- THE NIGHTINGALE’S STORY – FORGIVENESS……………………………………… 167

30- THE PARROT TUTI’S STORY – SINCERITY……………………………………………171

FINAL CURTAIN…………………………………………………………………………. 175

AFTERWORD: THE STORY OF HOW THESE STORIES CAME TO BE PUBLISHED

IN KENTUCKY!………………………………………………………………………….. 179