40. Whenever anything is supposed to have a cause, it is thought also to be subject to the will of that cause; and wherever there is no supposition of a cause, there is no apprehension nor capability of its alteration also. (i.e. The world is both as changeable as well as unchangeable, according as it is believed to be made by or selfsame with its Maker).
41. Like vibration in air, the world existed as first in the ideal of the Divine Mind; and as it was an unsubstantiality before, so it continues ever still.
42. They who amass for themselves, the merits or demerits of their pious or impious deeds; reap accordingly the good or bad rewards or results thereof in this life. There are others who are crushed under a thousand calamities, falling upon them like showers of hailstones or the thunderbolts of heaven.
CHAPTER CL.
Transcendental Admonitions.
Argument:—Conversation of the impossibility of the departed soul, to reenter into the former body.
The house keeping sage then said as follows:—It was by this kind of reasoning, that my sagely guest expostulated with me, and made <me> acquainted with whatever was worth knowing.
2. I then restrained my guest, to remain longer with me by entreaties; and he consented to abide at mine, which resembled the abode of a dead (ignorant) person. (Those that are dead to reason, are called dead people).
3. The sage that spake to me those edifying words, which were as bright and cooling as moonlight; behold him to be the venerable personage, that is now sitting beside you.
4. He said without my request the following speech, for removal of my ignorance; as if the sacrificial god rose out of fire, being pleased with my sacrifice.
5. Hearing these words of the sage, the huntsman was confounded with wonder; and could not know the sage that expounded the theory of dreaming, now sitting confest before me.