The Valley of Bewilderment: Conference of the Birds Essay

Introduction

Suffering is the main themes in The Valley of Bewilderment. In this valley, one will experience confusion, restlessness, and grief. One will wish for death. The poem says, "Each second you will sigh, and every breath, Will be a sword to make you long for death". In one's grief, they will not be able to tell how much time goes by (blinded by grief, you will not recognize the days and nights that pass your eyes). In the way, one will become frozen fire, or fried ice, expressing the confusion one will experience (in ice you fry, in fire you freeze). The sojourners will get lost, and so will their sense of time, self-awareness and everything they had acquired is lost (- the Way Is lost, with indecisive lost...the pilgrim will confess: "I cannot say; I have no certain knowledge anymore). Knowledge changes and leaves one bewildered. One is not sure what to do, and not do. The confusion is doubled when one is not sure what they feel and know (and do you flourish now or fade away...not Muslim, yet not heathen; who am I). Confusion is further highlighted in the poem when it says, "I doubt my doubt, doubt itself is unsure ;).

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Application of the valley of bewilderment lessons

In modern-day, the valley of bewilderment shows the changing perceptions of important and unimportant amongst people. Things were considered important suddenly lose their value and what looked stupid and unimportant become evidence of God's all-knowing nature. Everything symbolizes the existence of God and all the feelings of self-superiority are released. One sees God in oneself, and in everything around him. The seeker becomes conscious of the limitlessness and the magnificence of the creation.

These lessons are very familiar with what people who are seeking religious righteousness and fulfillment go through. They reach out to living life of a destiny of stability, significance, and identity. By finding themselves after getting lost in the worldliness, they go to great lengths to find a purpose for their lives. This enables them to live a life they feel they were destined to. By seeking God's guidance in their day to day life, they rid themselves of the confusion and wrong ways described in the valley of Bewilderment. This also keeps them from engaging in activities that are contrary to the inner peace they find once they find their true calling and God.

By admitting the greatness of God and his creations, people start considering what activities to engage in an attempt to fulfill their destiny. This also means that they view themselves as they view the other creations; rare, special and valuable to God. This improves self-respect and respect for the environment. Finding oneself spiritually also helps individuals to trust in God's sovereignty. This means asking him for guidance in whatever situations one is going through. It also means trusting on this deity to reveal to them the true passion and what they ought to do with their selves to attain eternity. Lastly, it is only after finding oneself that one can truly develop and use their natural talents.