The scriptures say death is a characteristic of the soul's nature, yet also that saints conquer death. How can both be true?

Chapter 43 presents a nuanced view to resolve this. While it states that 'Death is a characteristic of the soul's nature' and is inseparable from birth, this applies to the conventional state of being. However, for enlightened saints who are 'alert in their true form,' this reality is transcended. They are said to 'place their feet on the head of Time' and essentially kill death. The text clarifies this by distinguishing the body from the self. Death is the nature of the body, which is just an adjunct. For saints who identify with the eternal Supreme Brahman, death becomes a 'false imagination' and is like dust before them, holding no power.