Move After Move

The external form is for the sake of the unseen form; and that took shape for the sake of another unseen (form). Count up these corollaries to the third, fourth, or tenth in proportion to (your) insight. As (for example) the moves in chess, O son: behold the result of each move in the next one. They made this (move) for the sake of that concealed move, and that for the next, and that (again) for such and such. Even so (proceed), having perceived reasons within reasons, one after the other, in order that you may arrive at victory and checkmate. The first is for the sake of the second, like mounting on the steps of a ladder; And deem the second to be for the sake of the third, (and so on) to the end, in order that you may arrive, step by step, at the roof.
The Masnawi - Volume 4, 2887