The first year I traveled to Tehran I was 25 years old and lived in an area called Sangelaj. During the days, I would occasionally pass by the bazaar. My state of detachment toward everything had caught the attention of one of the jewelers there and led him to believe that I was in possession of alchemy. One day, he greeted me warmly and invited me into his shop; when he learned I was fasting his curiosity was piqued even more. A few days later, he once again invited me into his shop and said: 'Sir, won't you grant me a share'—he was referring to alchemy.' His reasoning was as follows: 'Your detachment and nobility compel me to believe that you are in possession of the philosopher's stone.' At any rate, he was quite persistent. So one day I finally said to him: 'I will reveal the secret of alchemy to you on one condition.' He became quite happy and said: 'Any condition you set, I will accept wholeheartedly.' I said the condition is this: 'That you truly renounce anything your [imperious] self desires. After a while I will test you, and if you are able to fulfill this condition I will reveal the secret of alchemy to you.' He thought for a moment and replied, 'But sir, if I renounce my desires, why would I want alchemy?' I then counseled him and explained that what others say is deceptive: 'The key to true alchemy lies in the hands of the Lord, and He only grants it to those who will not use it.' When a person becomes detached and seeks nothing from God but His satisfaction, he or she will have everything, for God does not begrudge anyone and gives each person what is good for him. (Words of Truth)