Sermon and Warning

Do you know, you cage of bones, that your soul is a bird whose name is breath? Once the bird leaves the cage and breaks its bonds, no effort of yours will catch it again. Seize the moment, for the world is only a breath; and to the wise, a single breath is worth more than a whole world. Alexander, who ruled over an entire world, when the moment came and he had to leave it behind, could not manage to give up that world in exchange for a single moment's reprieve. They all left, and each reaped what he had sown; nothing remained but a name, whether good or vile. Why set our hearts on this roadside inn, when our companions have gone and we are still on the road? After we are gone, this same garden will bloom, and friends will sit together as before. Do not tie your heart to the world's sweet charm, for it has never stayed with anyone without breaking that heart. When a man lies down in the dust of the grave, the Day of Resurrection will shake the dust from his hair. Lift your head from the collar of heedlessness now, so that tomorrow you are not left bowed down in regret. It is not like arriving in Shiraz, where you can wash the dust of the journey from your head and body. So you, dust-stained with sin, soon you will set out for a strange, distant city. Let a stream flow from the two springs of your eyes, and if any stain clings to you, wash it away yourself.