10. What faith can I rely in this world which has nothing substantial nor pleasant, nor grand nor real in it; and yet I know not why my mind is deluded by it.
11. What is far from me (i.e. the object of sense), appears to be near me by my sensation of the same; and that which is nearest to me (i.e. my inmost soul), appears to be farthest from me (by my want of its perception). Knowing this I must abandon the outward (sensible objects), in order to see the inward soul.
12. This hurry of men in their pursuits, is as impetuous and transient as the torrent of a whirlpool. It precipitates them to the depth of their dangers, and is not worth the pain it gives to the spirit.
13. The years, months, days and minutes, are revolving with succession of our pains and pleasures; but these are swallowed up, by the repeated trains of our misery (rather than that of happiness).
14. I have well considered everything, and found them all perishable and nothing durable or lasting; there is nothing to be found here worthy of the reliance of the wise.
15. Those standing at the head of great men to-day, are reduced low in the course of a few days; what worth is there in giddy and thoughtless greatness, which is deserving of our estimation.
16. I am bound to the earth without a rope, and am soiled herein without any dirt (in my person); I am fallen though sitting in this edifice. O my soul! how art thou destroyed while thou art living.
17. Whence has this causeless ignorance over-powered my intelligent soul, and whence has this shadow overspread its lustre, as a dark cloud overshades the disk of the sun?
18. Of what avail are these large possessions and numerous relations to me, when my soul is desponding in despair, like children under the fear of ghosts and evil spirits.
19. How shall I rest any reliance in my sensual enjoyments which are the harbingers of death and disease, and what dependence is there on my possessions, which are fraught only with anxieties and cares?