necessitated the curse upon him for his lie, because he claimed gnosis of what he did not recognize and his claim was void."

The Indian said: "O my master, I want—may Allah support you—that you guide us to the gnosis of Allah, for we are seekers of His gnosis and solicitors of guidance from you." The youth said: "You have asked me for what I am not capable of." The Indian asked: "Is it as if we asked you for what you do not know?" He said: "I seek refuge in Allah from that! I am a gnostic of what you requested of me and asked me about; however, I am not capable of revealing what you requested of me." The Indian asked: "And why is that?" The youth said: "Because of my knowledge that in this world is one who is more learned than I." The Indian said: "Then guide us to the one who will guide us to the gnosis of Allah — Exalted Glory —." The youth said: "With love and honor! I shall answer you in that. Know—may Allah support you and guide you—that in this region is a magnificent valley, which is a place of beasts and is not reached nor traversed due to the abundance of beasts therein. In it are worshipers who have stripped themselves for worship, left the world, and are content with what Allah gave them of His favor. They have a sheikh from whom they hear and to whose word they return; he is vast in science, excellent in religion and understanding. So, travel to him, seek him out, and ask him about whatever you wish, for he shall answer you in that."

The Indian said: "We only came for that. Is there any fear for us from the beasts that they might reach us?" The youth said: "Take this letter of mine to him. If a beast appears to you on your path, show it to him and he will not dare [attack] you." Then he wrote a letter, folded it, wrapped it, and sealed it. He said: "Walk straight ahead," and he showed us the path.

We walked until we reached the beginning of the valley. No sooner had we drawn near than the beasts approached us and intended [to strike] us. We showed the letter; when the beasts saw it, they sat upon their tails and turned away from us. We walked until we reached the bottom