Beginning or the End?

Some people see the beginnings of things, and some look to the end. Those who look to the goal are great and mighty, for although their eyes are fixed on this moment; still they look into the world beyond. 

But those who see the beginning are greater. They say, “Why look to the end? If wheat is sown in the beginning, barley will not grow. If oats are planted, you cannot reap corn.” So their gaze is fixed upon the beginning. 

Still there are others even greater yet, who look at neither the beginnings nor the endings—the start and finish do not enter their minds...they are absorbed in God. However, those who are absorbed in worldly things do not see the beginning or end either, but in their case this is out of extreme carelessness—they are the fodder of fools.

Fihi Ma Fih - Discourse 25