Bakara is a metaphor for the nafs (the lower self) due to its authority to eliminate its own desires—which are considered its life—when one prepares for and begins ascetic discipline (riyāḍa). The state of the nafs before this stage is referred to as kebsh, while its state after embarking on the spiritual path (sulūk) is expressed with the term bedene. (Kāshānī, 38; Jāmiʿ, 78)
(See also: riyāḍa/riyāḍāt)