Souls On Fire

Over the break, I had the chance to read Elon Musk by Ashlee Vance, and Elie Wiesel’s classic Souls On Fire, Portraits and Legends of Hasidic Masters. 

I keep wondering what is the common thread among Rumi and Shakespeare, Mozart and Beethoven, Edison and Musk, who all seem to have connected to a source I understand intellectually but struggle to experience practically. Who are these people and what source are they connected to that allows them to live fearlessly and channel knowledge most of us are not tapped into? 

Reflecting on these lives, I am reminded of Neil Diamond’s quote “It’s better to burn out than to fade away.” In fact, this is the essence of the classic Sufi analogy of the moth and the flame: get too close and you burn by merging into the flame; maintain a safe distance and you miss out on the essence of life.

May we all lead fearless and passionate lives in the year ahead. May we tap the source and merge with the flame. May we find the strength to tell truth to power, give more than we take, and lead meaningful lives.

— Sina.

“This being human is a guest house.

Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,

some momentary awareness comes

As an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!

Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,

who violently sweep your house

empty of its furniture,

still treat each guest honourably.

He may be clearing you out

for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,

meet them at the door laughing and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,

because each has been sent

as a guide from beyond.”

— Rumi.