In this allegory from Attar's Asrar Nameh, a joyful madman questions a grocer who is waiting to sell his sugar and almonds. The madman asks why the grocer does not enjoy them himself, pointing out that whatever he buys with the money could not be better than what he already has. This narrative serves as a metaphor for the spiritual practice of Pas-i Anfas (guarding one's breath). Attar uses the tale to teach that every single breath contains hidden divine secrets, and one should not trade these precious, irreplaceable moments for worldly matters, but rather maintain constant mindfulness of God.