Strike at the Root

Strike at the root of a tree; it would bleed But still live. Strike at the trunk; it would bleed But still live. Strike again at the top; It would bleed but still live. The Self as life Supports the tree, which stands firm and enjoys The nourishment it receives. If the Self leaves one branch, that branch withers. If it leaves a second, that too withers. If it leaves a third, that again withers. Let it leave the whole tree, the whole tree dies. Just so, dear one, when death comes and the Self Departs from the body, the body dies. But the Self dies not.