If that connection were lost—by some external factor cutting between them and separating the origin from the branch, necessitating the cessation of the "matter" (sustenance) from the branch—the branch would immediately corrupt and perish.

Envision this, O soul, and be certain of it. Know that you are returning to your Beginning, which is your Origin. Therefore, refine yourself from the impurities of nature and its burdens that hinder you from returning swiftly to your world and origin.

O soul: This is the realm of nature, and it is the abode of poverty, fear, humiliation, and sorrow; and that is the realm of the intellect, and it is the abode of wealth, security, glory, and joy. You have encountered them both and witnessed them both; so choose based on your experience. Know that you shall dwell in whichever of the two you desire, neither repelled nor barred.

Know that it is impossible for a man to be simultaneously wealthy and poor, fearful and secure, honored and humiliated, or joyful and sorrowful. If this is so, then it is likewise impossible for a man to combine the love of this world and the love of the Hereafter; rather, that is among the most impossible of impossibilities.

O soul: He who casts away his weapon, restrains himself, and surrenders to his enemy is destined for captivity.