The Fire Within

A Subhashita, a well-known saying, is found in the Udyog Parva of the Mahabharata.

एवमेव कुले जाताः पावकोपमतेजसः ।

क्षमावन्तो निराकाराः काष्ठेऽग्निरिव शेरते ॥

Evameva kule jātāḥ pāvakopamatejasaḥ | 

Kṣamāvanto nirākārāḥ kāṣṭhe’gniriva śerate || 

This means that ‘A regular log of wood looks completely dormant and cold on the outside, though it holds the potential to create an immense blaze. Nobody fears or notices the cold wood, but the moment it catches fire, its true heat and energy command everyone’s attention.’

Many of us have incredible talent, sharp intellect and immense internal strength. However, we let this lie dormant within us because of fear or insecurity. If we choose to keep our capabilities hidden, the world would inevitably overlook us and even dismiss our value altogether.

So to achieve greatness and command the space that we belong in, we must ignite the spark within ourselves and confidently showcase our skills, just like a log of wood, we must allow our inner fire to burn brightly for all to see.