CHAPTER FIVE

O soul: The Intellect is nothing other than visualization and representation (Al-Tasawwur wa al-Tamathul). Any soul that lacks visualization and representation has, in truth, lost its very essence; and whoever loses his essence is dead.

O soul: Indeed, visualization and representation constitute the Intellect, which is Eternal Life. Conversely, taking pleasure and delight in the world is Eternal Death. Therefore, do not prefer the parting from Eternal Life over the parting from Eternal Death, lest you perish.

O soul: Why is it that all other non-rational natural substances are moved by nature toward their elements and their proper places? Truly, the nobility and glory of every substance lie in its return to its element and its abiding within its fountainhead and proper abode.

O soul: Do not all things formed from the earth, such as stones and the like, return through dissolution to the earth, which is their origin and source? Even if a piece of the earth were taken and raised high above its surface, then released, it would return swiftly through its natural motion to its element and its origin.

Likewise, you always see all waters naturally descending, moving and passing toward their greatest element, unless hindered by an obstacle—much like all springs that flow into rivers, and all rivers that flow into the sea, which is the element of water.