MONDAY MUSINGS SEASON 2 - EPISODE 327
18th August 2025
#InfinitePotential
Janmashtami Special – Treasures from Bhagavad Gita
This episode is posted early on a Saturday night as Janmashtami special. We are analysing a rather intriguing Bhagavad Gita sloka as part of our ‘Treasures from the Bhagavad Gita’ series. Happy Janmashtami wishes to all the readers.
As fire is enveloped by smoke, as a mirror by dust, as an embryo by the amnion, so this (knowledge of the Self) is enveloped by those (Kama and Krodha). (Bhagavad Gita 3.38)
The sloka mentions this and those and this is generally connected to Self and those to kama and krodha.
Fire, Mirror & Embryo – What connects them?
Fire, mirror and embryo are often used in management teachings, and hence this sloka must be signifying a great management philosophy indirectly.
Fire signifies potency. The phrase ‘fire in the belly’ means strong determination to succeed. Tamil poet Bharathiar celebrates fire by saying that a spark can devastate a forest and wonders if there is a difference between the courage of a raging fire and a tiny spark. Fire represents motivation and excitement (the "spark" that drives performance), but also crisis and urgent problem-solving (putting out fires). In essence, "fire" in management thinking encapsulates both the energy and excitement that drive success, as well as the challenges and crises that require immediate attention.
A mirror signifies the importance of self-reflection and self-awareness. It's about understanding one's strengths and weaknesses, as well as the impact of one's actions on others. This introspection is crucial for effective leadership, team management, and overall organizational success. The "mirror" is thus a metaphor for the process of looking inward, evaluating oneself honestly, and using that self-awareness to improve performance and achieve better outcomes.
Similarly, an embryo signifies growth potential, particularly in the context of new ventures, projects, or organizational changes. It represents the initial stage, full of possibilities, but also requiring nurturing and careful management to evolve into a successful outcome.
The connection is Infinite Potential
When Lord Krishna used these three analogies —fire covered by smoke, a mirror covered by dust, and an embryo covered inside the womb —he compared them to our infinite potential getting blocked by negative thinking, including self-doubts, fear of failure, etc.
But he very nicely indicated that our potential remains abundant despite our doubts. A fire does not lose its power because of smoke; a mirror does not lose its capability to reflect because of dust. Like a fire can be kindled any time and a mirror can be made to reflect well by cleaning the dust around it, and the embryo will eventually come out of the womb to realise its potential. Similarly, our self-doubts and fear of failure can be removed by thinking positively. Positive thinking can remove doubts and anxiety, helping us realise success.
Kindle the fire by fanning the smoke, brighten the mirror by removing the impurities around it and realise your infinite potential by kindling your confidence, removing self-doubts and fear of failure. An embryo requires nurturing and protection in the initial stages only and it can realize its potential only after it comes out of the womb. Embryo will die if it remains inside the womb beyond its time. Come out of your comfort zone and exploit your abundant potential. (Bhagavad Gita 3.38)
#FireManagementApproach
While not universally defined, "FIRE" can be used as an acronym to represent key elements of a proactive management approach:
· Focus: Concentrating on specific goals and priorities.
· Incentivize: Motivating and rewarding desired behaviors and outcomes.
· Repeatability: Establishing processes and systems that can be consistently followed.
· Execution: Ensuring that plans are implemented effectively and efficiently.
#MirrorPrinciple
Mirror Principle is a very popular and effective Leadership principle. What is a Mirror Principle?
The Mirror Principle is a simple yet profound concept that involves looking within ourselves and our organizations to identify the root causes of challenges. The process begins with self-reflection and expands to encompass various levels of the company hierarchy.
Could you wait a week to read step-by-step instructions on implementing the Mirror Principle effectively?
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#PositiveNewsPage
Adapted from https://thebetterindia.com/
Fire in the belly
In the small kitchens of Bihari homes, especially during the Chhath Puja, the air fills with the sweet, spiced aroma of thekua — a beloved snack made of wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee, fried until golden brown. For Guwahati-based Tilak Pandit, this festive treat wasn’t just a family tradition. It became the foundation of a business idea that would eventually reach customers across India.
At just 20, Tilak has transformed his mother’s homemade thekuas into a thriving food startup, ‘Desi Tesi’, proving that homegrown ideas, when paired with grit and passion, can go a long way.
Tilak realised the true potential of thekuas when he took his mother’s thekuas to a college festival. With a humble stall at the event, he decided to sell his mother’s homemade thekuas to the crowd. What happened next surprised him — the stock sold out in no time. And what’s more, people kept coming back, asking if they could order more.
That spark of interest was enough. Tilak knew he had something special.
Building a brand from scratch, with family by his side
With no formal business training or investors backing him, Tilak did what most would shy away from: he taught himself. From running an online store to handling logistics and packaging, he learnt every aspect of running a food business from the ground up.
Desi Tesi was launched straight from his home kitchen, with the support of his family. In the beginning, orders were few and far between. There was barely any funding, and growth was slow. But Tilak stayed focused, relying on word-of-mouth and consistency to build a loyal customer base.
Growing a community around a forgotten treat
Two years on, Desi Tesi is no longer just a home experiment. It receives regular orders from across the country. Customers who once had to wait for Chhath to enjoy thekua can now have it delivered to their doorstep. What makes Desi Tesi stand out is its deep connection to tradition. The recipes remain true to authentic Bihari flavours — something many miss when they move away from home. It’s not just a snack, but a taste of nostalgia and a connection to one’s roots.
Success without factories or investors
In a time when startups are often defined by funding rounds, celebrity endorsements, and large-scale operations, Tilak’s story is a refreshing reminder of what truly drives success: passion, resilience, and purpose, fire in the belly.
The journey continues
As Desi Tesi grows, Tilak hopes to expand his product range while continuing to stay true to the values that started it all: home, culture, and community.
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Conceived, compiled and posted as a weekly inspirational newsletter #MondayMusings every monday consistently for the past 327 mondays without missing a single monday by Jaganathan (www.authorjaganathan.com)