The Theme of Perseverance in "The Valley of Detachment"

Introduction

The valley of detachment is one of the seven valleys in 'The Conference of the Birds.' In this valley, the desire to possess or discover is lost. Crossing this problematic valley requires one to be self-sufficient by separating oneself from apathy and renouncing all attachments. It is in this valley where the birds cast off what they assumed to be the reality to get a better understanding of their journey. This valley teaches us that it is necessary to separate ourselves from our past behaviors if we are to discover new things in the world.

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The most prevalent theme in this valley is perseverance. Perseverance is the act of accepting difficult consequences for the sake of a higher objective. Throughout the poem, the author mentions examples of incidents where individuals had to endure demanding conditions with the chief aim of achieving a greater good. Some of these incidents as identified in the poem include:

1. The author talks about the biblical story of Noah and the Ark in which many creatures died as the ship went through the vast tide. Only two animals of each species survived.
2. The author also mentions the biblical story of the cleansing of Moses. - those who persevered are those whose parents took precedent to ensure their survival
3. As many walked in willful heresy When Jesus saw Truth's hidden mystery - similarly only the most prepared persevered the trepidations of the ordeal.
4. As many souls endured their wretched fate Before Mohammad rose to heaven's gate- this is another case of the masses suffering for the sake of a key greater good.

All these lines in the poem describe situations where individuals had to endure severe conditions to achieve a result that was desirable to the broader population. The valley encourages individuals to be ready to deal with all the obstacles depriving them of success no matter how difficult it may seem. The main lesson learned from the valley is there is no gain without pain. The teachings of this valley are very relevant in the modern world. However, the limits that the author describes should not be taken literally as the consequences might be fatal.

In most current world situations, success does not come on a silver platter. A lot of hard work has to be put in, and conditions might not always be favorable. For example, the process of mining and processing minerals is a hazardous, difficult and tasking one that takes place in harsh climatic conditions. Mining is dangerous in many ways such as the danger of cave-ins, chemical leakages, inhalation of hazardous gases, the risk of heavy loads and many others. Some of these risks are life-threatening. However, individuals still have to persevere the many dangers posed by the mining activity to reap the rewards presented by the minerals extracted from the mine.

Conclusion

The activity of mining is a perfect example of the central teaching of 'the valley of detachment ' being applied. In a mining situation, individuals put their lives on the line knowing they will finally reap the rewards of their risks once they persevere. In "The Conference of the Birds," only thirty birds persisted to reap the rewards of their long risky and adventurous journey. However, for the birds, the awards were not what they expected.