The Conference of the Birds, pgs. 120-166 Summary

When a bird complains of bad luck, the hoopoe calls this arrogance and tells of a man advanced in the Way who refuses sherbet lest it turn him bitter. Hardships are signs of God's love. A kind king shares an apple with his slave who does not complain about its bitterness because it is a gift. A Sufi must keep courage until he dies, thinking about the narrow bridge over hell rather than seeking meaningless happiness. Mahna's sheikh tells a sad old woman that meekness is the only cure and Junaid recommends discovering the heart if one wants happiness. A bat, longing for the sun, surrenders to the Way.

A bird who accepts the hoopoe's guidance is praised. Those who refuse guidance suffer like dogs, while the rest suffer meritoriously and...