O soul: The definition of "Torment" is the soul's witnessing of that which is discordant and changing. And the definition of "Bliss" is the soul's witnessing of that which is harmonious, lasting, and eternally stable. The proof for this, O soul, is what you witness in the world of the senses; for the one who suffers the greatest anguish, fear, and submission is he who was in bliss, then lost it and transitioned into wretchedness. It has thus become clear, O soul: that Torment is discord and change, while bliss is harmony and permanence. Therefore, O soul, if you desire relief from torment, then move from the world of discord and change to the world of permanence and eternity.

O soul: Indeed, merchants do not display and adorn their wares so that the blind may see them, but so that those with sound sight may see. Likewise, storytellers and speakers address the public at the crossroads not so the deaf may hear them, but so those with sound, hearing ears may hear.

In the same way, the Sages do not utter wisdom or point toward meanings for the sake of souls traversing the rank of death; rather, they entrust wisdom and point toward the souls traversing the rank of life. This is because souls in the rank of life are those arriving and desiring meanings, whereas souls in the rank of death are those departing from and renouncing them. Contemplate this meaning, O soul, and know that vast is the difference between the one departing and the one arriving, and between the desirer and the renouncer.