Page 1 - November 2025

Jäko Räkhe Säiyäð: Steadfast in Storms

few months ago, on the 17-Mile Drive in California, I came
A across the Lone Cypress at Pebble Beach. Perched
1
precariously on a granite ridge, the tree, shaped by wind and
ocean spray for centuries, stood in solitary splendour. By all
natural reasoning, it should not exist. The earth beneath is fragile,
and the winds are unrelenting. Yet, against all odds, it survives.
In that moment, Kabir Dasji’s celebrated couplet flashed
through my mind: jäko räkhe säiyäð mära sake na koya – he whom
the Lord protects, none can harm. The tree’s survival was not
accidental; it was a matter of endurance, a beautiful testimony
to His grace. At first, Sant Kabir’s words appear as a promise of
divine protection. But they go deeper. Protection is not only
something that comes from outside; it emerges from remaining
true to one’s nature, until even wind, rain, and sea become allies
rather than enemies.

This eternal wisdom is preserved in Manu Smriti – dharmo rakñati
rakñitaù – dharma, when protected, protects. When we cultivate
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virtuous values and cheerfully carry out our responsibilities,
when we live in harmony with dharma, when we surrender with
faith and devotion to the Divine will, the world appears less
hostile. Storms do not disappear – they carry us; winds do not
subside – they help us grow and stand taller.
True protection is not the absence of difficulties; it is in the
inner fortitude that comes from living in alignment with one’s
principles. Once we are established in righteousness, tribulations
lose their sting – they become the very trials that shape
and strengthen us. Then dharma itself becomes our
unbreachable armour, guarding us through life’s
challenges and relentless storms – illuminating
our path like sunlight piercing a turbulent tempest. Editorial

1 Featured on our cover.
2 Manu Smriti, Chapter 8, Verse 15.

Tapovan Prasad 7 November 2025