In this section of Attar's Asrar Nameh, a respected seeker reflects on a lifetime of earnest spiritual exertion and complexity. He describes a profound paradox regarding his own state: when he becomes 'hidden' (likely in a state of spiritual absorption or self-effacement), he loses his individual identity, but when he becomes 'manifest' (returning to his ego and self-awareness), he finds his existence to be entirely futile and useless. This brief tale illustrates the Sufi theme that true spiritual fulfillment cannot be achieved through self-conscious striving, as the awareness of one's own ego renders the effort worthless.