Words of Truth, Vol. I, Saying 1897

During my first year in Tehran when I was twenty-five years old, I lived in the area of Sangelaj that has since been ruined. From time to time, I would walk through the region where shopkeepers and merchants conducted business. As it happened, I became the focus of a jeweler’s attention, for he found me to be different than the others and detached from all things. This observation had led him to believe that I possessed the science of alchemy. One day, he greeted me warmly, invited me into his shop, and showed a great deal of hospitality towards me. His interest increased even further when I declined a glass of water and he realized that I was fasting.

A few days later he invited me into his store once again and said: “Sir, would you be so kind as to share your science with me.” He was referring to the science of alchemy. “Your attitude of renouncement and noble, detached behavior have led me to believe that you are in possession of the philosopher’s stone.” He was quite persistent. He truly believed that I had the secret of alchemy in my pocket and that I would readily give it to him. He was so relentless that I finally said to him one day, “I will reveal the secret of alchemy to you on one condition.” He was thrilled. "Whatever condition you set,” he said, “I will accept wholeheartedly." I said to him, "The condition is as follows: anything your imperious self desires, you must not want.” Then I added: "Soon, I will test you to see if you have fulfilled this condition. If you succeed, I will give you the science of alchemy.” After pausing for a moment he said, “If my imperious self cannot desire anything, what is the use of alchemy?” I replied: “Each time you succeed in dominating your imperious self, you obtain the alchemy of felicity.” I then explained that what was commonly said about alchemy was deceptive: “The key to true alchemy lies in the hands of the Lord Himself, and He only gives it to those who will not use it.”

When a human being succeeds in dominating his nature and is truly fond of God, wanting nothing but His satisfaction, he will have all that he could possibly desire, for God never deprives anyone of what is good for him.