Attar describes love as a tyrannical force that destroys the ego. In one quatrain, he writes (translated loosely): "In love, the first condition is to lose your mind. / The second is to forget your own name. / The third is to realize that what you seek is seeking you." Love is not sentimental; it is a surgical knife cutting away false identity.
Sometimes, the Book of Secrets hides inside larger compilations. Look for PDFs titled "The Collected Works of Attar of Nishapur" or "Attar: A Selection of His Poems" (edited by Afkham Darbandi). These often include the most famous chapters of the Asrar-Nama, even if the title says "Conference of the Birds."
The Book of Secrets by Attar of Nishapur is not a book to be studied so much as a fire to be entered. Its parables resist neat interpretation because their purpose is to short-circuit the rational mind. The secret at its heart is both simple and terrifying: you are not who you think you are, and the path to truth lies through the bonfire of your own identity. To read Attar is to receive an invitation—not to a library, but to a funeral. And in that immolation, he promises, is the only resurrection that matters.
If you are looking for a specific PDF for academic or personal reading, I recommend checking trusted digital repositories such as:
I am happy to help you locate a legitimate translation (e.g., by John O’Kane or Dick Davis) or analyze a specific passage if you provide the text directly.
Asrār-nāma (frequently called the Book of Secrets or Book of Mysteries) is a foundational masterpiece of Persian Sufi literature. Composed by the legendary poet Farid al-Din Attar of Nishapur, this work serves as an essential bridge between asceticism and the ecstatic divine love popularized by his successor, Rumi. 🕯️ The Core Philosophy of the Asrār-nāma
While Attar's later work, The Conference of the Birds, focuses on an allegorical journey of human souls, the Book of Secrets takes the form of a deeply concentrated meditation on spiritual principles. It avoids a unified overarching storyline in favor of shorter, piercing parables and discourses.
The Illusion of Ego: Attar warns that self-obsession and material attachment are the primary barriers to the Divine.
The Primacy of Love: He famously rejects dry, purely rational philosophy in favor of ishq (divine, consuming love) as the only vehicle to experience ultimate Truth.
Death and Resurrection: The book continuously demands that the reader meditate on their mortality to awaken their spiritual soul before physical death arrives.
Gnosis (Irfan): True knowledge is not book learning, but an experiential realization where the seeker eventually realizes that they and the Divine are one. 📜 About the Author: Farid al-Din Attar
The Master of Rumi: Attar's influence on Persian literature cannot be overstated. Jalal al-Din Rumi famously stated: "Attar has roamed through the seven cities of love while we have barely turned down the first street."
The Perfume Pharmacist: His pen name, Attar, translates to "perfumer" or "apothecary." He ran a prosperous pharmacy where he treated hundreds of patients daily, listening to their problems and gaining a vast understanding of human psychology.
Tragic Death: Attar was violently killed in 1221 CE during the brutal Mongol sack of Nishapur. 🔍 Locating the Text & PDF Resources
Because of the historical shift in naming conventions and transliterations, finding digital copies or physical prints can sometimes be tricky.
Searching for the Title: "Book of Secrets" is a descriptive English translation. To find academic papers, direct translations, or community-uploaded scanned copies in digital libraries, you will have much better success searching for its original transliterated Persian title: Asrar Nama or Asrar-nameh.
Language Considerations: Note that comprehensive, complete English translations of the Asrar-nama are notoriously rare compared to his other masterpieces. For digitized public domain copies of the original manuscript text, you can locate the digitized scanned book of the Asrar Nama on the Internet Archive.
Alternative Works: If you are looking for free English PDFs of Attar's accessible narrative masterpieces, you can easily access the translated text of his prose hagiography Attar's Memorial of God's Friends on the Sufi Path of Love platform or the poetic masterpiece Ilahi Nama on Sufi Path of Love.
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Do you require the text specifically in English, or is the original Persian useful to you?
Would you be interested in exploring his more widely translated masterpieces, like The Conference of the Birds? Asrar Nama : Naishabori Shiekh Attar - Internet Archive
Unveiling the Mysteries of the Book of Secrets: A Look into Attar of Nishapur's Spiritual Masterpiece
Introduction
In the realm of Sufi literature, few works have captivated the imagination of spiritual seekers as much as the "Book of Secrets" (also known as "Mojzat-e Attari" or " Secrets of the Quran") by the renowned Persian poet and Sufi mystic, Attar of Nishapur. Written in the 12th century, this seminal work is a treasure trove of spiritual insights, poetic wisdom, and mystical teachings that continue to inspire and guide those on the path of self-discovery. In this blog post, we'll embark on a journey to explore the significance of the "Book of Secrets" and provide a brief overview of its contents.
Who was Attar of Nishapur?
Attar of Nishapur (c. 1142-1220 CE) was a Persian poet, mystic, and spiritual teacher who lived during the golden age of Sufism. Born in Nishapur, a city in northeastern Iran, Attar was deeply influenced by the teachings of Sufism and the works of earlier mystics. He is best known for his masterpiece, the "Conference of the Birds" (Mantiq al-Tayr), a poetic allegory that explores the nature of spiritual quest and the unity of existence.
The Book of Secrets: An Overview
The "Book of Secrets" is a comprehensive spiritual text that comprises 40 chapters, each addressing a specific aspect of spiritual growth and self-realization. The book is written in a concise and aphoristic style, making it a rich source of wisdom and guidance for seekers of all levels. The contents of the book can be broadly categorized into several themes:
Key Takeaways
Some of the key insights from the "Book of Secrets" include:
The Book of Secrets Attar of Nishapur PDF
For those interested in delving deeper into the "Book of Secrets," a PDF version of the book is available online. However, it's essential to note that the text may vary depending on the translation and edition. Some popular translations include:
Conclusion
The "Book of Secrets" by Attar of Nishapur is a timeless spiritual masterpiece that offers profound insights into the nature of the self, the divine, and the path of spiritual growth. This concise and powerful text has been a source of inspiration for centuries, guiding seekers on their journey towards self-realization and union with the Ultimate Reality. Whether you're a seasoned spiritual seeker or just beginning your journey, the "Book of Secrets" is an invaluable resource that will continue to inspire and guide you.
Download the PDF
To access a PDF version of the "Book of Secrets" by Attar of Nishapur, you can try searching online libraries or digital repositories, such as:
Please note that availability and accessibility may vary depending on your location and the specific edition you're looking for. Attar describes love as a tyrannical force that
References
By exploring the "Book of Secrets," you'll embark on a transformative journey that will deepen your understanding of the self, the divine, and the world around you.
The Asrar-Nama, commonly translated as the "Book of Secrets" or "Book of Mysteries," is one of the most significant works by the 12th-century Persian Sufi poet Farid al-Din Attar of Nishapur.
Below are direct links to scholarly articles and resources available in PDF format concerning this work: Key Articles and Analysis (PDF)
Attar's Thoughts in Asrar Nama: This research article explores Attar's intellectual perspective within the Asrar-Nama, specifically investigating his views on the soul, the rejection of philosophy in favor of divine love, and the pursuit of self-knowledge.
Attar of Nishapur's Seven Valleys and Stages of Human Cravings: While primarily focused on The Conference of the Birds, this psychological analysis (available via ResearchGate) heavily references the Asrar-Nama to interpret Attar’s mystical views on human desires.
Hypertextuality in the Selected Anecdotes of Asrar Nama: An analytical paper examining how Attar uses symbolism and narrative expansion in the Asrar-Nama to explain complex Sufi concepts.
Asrar-Nama: A Sufi Manuscript Treatise: This paper describes a specific 18th-century manuscript version of the work and discusses its contents in the context of the "Unity of Being" doctrine. Source Texts and Collections
Asrar Nama (Persian Edition): A digitized version of the 1944 Persian publication available on the Internet Archive.
Fifty Poems of Attar: A collection that includes biographical details and selections from his major masnavis, including mentions of the Asrar-Nama. Historical Significance
The Asrar-Nama is particularly famous for its legendary connection to Jalaluddin Rumi. According to tradition, Attar met a young Rumi in Nishapur and gifted him a copy of the Book of Secrets, which profoundly influenced Rumi's later masterpiece, the Masnavi-ye-Ma’navi. Unlike Attar's other famous "frame narrative" poems like The Conference of the Birds, the Asrar-Nama is a "plotless" didactic poem composed of 18 chapters focusing on the unity and unknowability of God (tawhid). Asrar Nama : Naishabori Shiekh Attar - Internet Archive
The Book of Secrets (or Asrar-nama) is one of the earliest and most profound mystical poems by the 12th-century Persian Sufi master, Farid ud-Din Attar of Nishapur. Written in the masnavi style of rhyming couplets, it serves as a foundational text in Islamic mysticism, focusing on the soul's journey toward spiritual perfection and divine union. Core Themes and Significance
The work is characterized by its exploration of "theosophical" secrets—truths that cannot be grasped through rational philosophy but must be experienced through the heart.
The Inward Journey: Attar posits that the human soul is trapped in the "prison" of the body and worldly desires. The Book of Secrets outlines the path to freeing this soul through inward purification.
Knowledge of Self: A recurring motif is that true knowledge of God can only be achieved through self-knowledge. By stripping away the ego, the seeker discovers the divine spark within.
Love over Reason: Attar explicitly rejects dry logic and philosophy, arguing that divine love is the only vehicle capable of carrying a soul to the ultimate Truth.
Influence on Rumi: The Asrar-nama is famously the book Attar gave to a young Jalal ad-Din Rumi when they met in Nishapur. Rumi later credited Attar as his master, stating, "Attar has roamed through the seven cities of love, while we have barely turned down the first street". Structure and Content
Unlike Attar's most famous work, The Conference of the Birds, which follows a single narrative arc, the Asrar-nama is composed of 22 discourses. If you are looking for a specific PDF
Allegories and Parables: To explain complex mystical states, Attar uses a rich tapestry of stories, including anecdotes about historical figures, saints, and everyday life.
The Seven Valleys: While more famously detailed in The Conference of the Birds, the concept of the "Seven Valleys" (Quest, Love, Understanding, Independence, Unity, Astonishment, and Deprivation) is also present here as the stages of spiritual ascent. Accessing the Text
If you are looking for a PDF or digital version, it is important to note that the book is often titled as the Asrar-nama or the Book of Mysteries.
The Mysterious "Book of Secrets" of Attar of Nishapur: Unveiling the Spiritual and Philosophical Treasures of a Persian Sufi Master
In the realm of Sufi literature, few works have garnered as much attention and reverence as the "Book of Secrets" (also known as "Mantiq al-Tayr" or "The Conference of the Birds") by the renowned Persian poet and Sufi master, Farid ud-Din Attar of Nishapur. Written in the 12th century, this seminal work has been a guiding light for spiritual seekers and philosophers for centuries, offering insights into the nature of God, the self, and the path to spiritual enlightenment.
Who was Attar of Nishapur?
Attar of Nishapur (c. 1142-1220 CE) was a Persian poet, mystic, and spiritual teacher who lived during the golden age of Sufism. Born in Nishapur, a city in northeastern Iran, Attar was deeply influenced by the teachings of Sufi masters and the works of earlier Persian poets. He traveled extensively throughout the Islamic world, studying with prominent Sufi sheikhs and gathering spiritual knowledge that would later inform his writings.
The "Book of Secrets": A Spiritual Masterpiece
The "Book of Secrets" is a poetic masterpiece that explores the nature of spirituality, love, and the human condition. Written in rhyming couplets, the book consists of 72 chapters and over 1,700 verses, making it a rich and complex work that rewards close reading and contemplation. The text is an allegory that follows a group of birds, each representing a different aspect of the human psyche, as they embark on a journey to find the Simurgh, a mythical creature that symbolizes divine unity.
Themes and Symbolism
Throughout the "Book of Secrets," Attar employs a range of symbolic language and metaphors to convey spiritual and philosophical ideas. Some of the key themes and motifs include:
Influence and Significance
The "Book of Secrets" has had a profound impact on Sufi thought and literature, influencing generations of spiritual seekers and writers. The work has been translated into many languages and remains a beloved text in the Islamic world and beyond. Its themes and symbolism continue to inspire artists, writers, and thinkers, making it a timeless classic of world literature.
The Book of Secrets Attar of Nishapur PDF: Accessibility and Study
For those interested in exploring the "Book of Secrets" in more depth, a PDF version of the text is readily available online. This has made it possible for scholars, students, and spiritual seekers to access and study the work with greater ease. When studying the text, readers may find it helpful to keep in mind the following:
Conclusion
The "Book of Secrets" by Attar of Nishapur is a spiritual and philosophical treasure that continues to inspire and guide seekers on the path to enlightenment. This masterpiece of Persian literature offers insights into the nature of God, the self, and the human condition, making it a rich and rewarding text for study and contemplation. As a PDF version of the text becomes more widely available, it is likely that the "Book of Secrets" will remain a vital source of inspiration for generations to come.
I couldn’t find a specific verified PDF of a text titled Book of Secrets by Attar of Nishapur. Attar (Farīd ud-Dīn Attar, c. 1145–1221) was a celebrated Persian poet and Sufi mystic, best known for works like The Conference of the Birds (Manṭiq uṭ-Ṭayr) and Memorial of the Saints (Tadhkirat al-Awliyā). However, no major scholarly source attributes a work called The Book of Secrets (Kitāb al-Asrār) directly to Attar.
Possible explanations or related texts: