Third Note

But of course, the main question which arises is the question of what comes after ‘death before dying’ given that one is actually still alive. The answer is “love.” Or “Eros.” Either love or Eros, or mania converts to depression and the depression will only get worse over time. Bouts of mania are characteristic of youth or young age. But as you grow older, depression comes into the picture, and it can only get worse unless it is offset by the whole process of “death before dying.” Hence, the idea or notion that ‘asceticism’ or Zuhd is the only way possible.