Seven Valleys

“We have to cross seven valleys covered with forests,” replied the Hoopoe. “After the seventh valley will be discovered the seat of the Simurg. No one can say how many miles it is from this place, because no one who has gone there has ever returned. All those who have entered this road have gone astray for ever. How can you, then, expect any one to give you any information of the path?”

These are the seven valleys:
The first is the valley of the Quest.
The second of Love.
The third of Knowledge.
The fourth of Independence and Detachment.
The fifth of Unity.
The sixth of Bewilderment and Stupefaction.
The seventh of Poverty and Annihilation.

Fariduddin Attar - Conference Of The Birds