What is a “huma”?

The Huma Bird (pronounced Ho-ma) is an ancient Persian mythical bird that has characteristics that many of those familiar with Western mythology will recognize as similar to those of the Phoenix and a Griffin. Homa or Huma (سعادت) in English translates to happiness, bliss, felicity. However, the legend of the Huma bird accounts for an authentic understanding of just what a journey towards happiness looks like. 

The Huma Bird can be found in many ancient Persian texts including Hafez and Inayat Khan. In Persian Legend, Huma bird never lands on the earth, forever circling the heavens. Every 100 years the Huma bird catches fire and turns to ash. Its plumage is colorful and bright, often referred to as “The Bird of Paradise” and it has both male and female traits. The role of the Huma bird in Persian mythology was in establishing royalty; a gift from the Huma bird of its feathers established a person as royal. The mystic Khan in his teachings on Mysticism in Sound and words evolves this aspect of the legend; "The word Huma in the Persian language stands for a fabulous bird. There is a belief that if the Huma bird sits for a moment on the head of any body it is a sign that he will become a king. It's true explanation is, that when a man’s thoughts so evolve that they break all limitation, then he becomes as a king." [1]

The Huma bird is also tied into tales of good fortune, if its shadow is cast over you, you will be richly blessed. In other fables, the Huma bird would provide priceless gifts to those in need. However, catching or tricking the Huma bird, is disastrous. Those who catch it are said to die with in 40 days. Those who seek to take advantage of its generosity will suffer great consequences. In this way the Huma bird can be seen as a symbol of hope, compassion and justice. The Huma bird also plays an integral role with the dead; the Huma bird diet is of the bones of the dead, and it is said through this gourmandizing that the dead are able to reach Heaven. 

This is bird is one who embodies the eternal peace and hope within the cycle of birth and death. It is tied to stories that tell of unrelenting love, compassion, personal evolution and inner peace. The Huma bird and Simorgh who appears later in Persian mythology share common characteristics. The Simorgh is the Persian bird of Medicine predates the the Roman Caladruis, who has similar characteristics. The Simorgh was used as the symbol for medicine before the current caduceus. The Simorgh and Huma have similar and intertwined histories. In The Conference of Birds the birds are challenged to seek out the wisdom of the King of All birds (The Simorgh) who is described as having many characteristics similar to its predecessor the Huma bird. Through this journey, the birds that do decide to commit to the rigorous journey and survive discover they are all Simorghs; they all are have great value, wisdom, capacity for compassion and eternal hope. 

[1] From The Sufi Teachings of Hazrat Inayat Khan, Volume II, The Mysticism of Sound, Music, The Power of the Word, Cosmic Language. Section I, Part I: The Mysticism Of Sound, Chapter VIII, Abstract Sound.