In Persian Sufi literature, the peacock serves as a dual symbol of beauty and pride. Originating in Sana'i's Hadiqat al-Haqiqah, the contrast between the peacock's beautiful feathers and its ugly feet is used to illustrate how external blessings (feathers) can lead to vanity, while inherent flaws or reminders of mortality (feet) serve as necessary correctives to curb pride. This metaphor was later expanded by Rumi in the Masnavi to describe how worldly talents and wealth can become enemies of spiritual life if they lack the grounding of self-restraint.