Kabir says: "O soul! Why are you afraid? God
is your protector.
If you are riding on an elephant, what harm can the
barking dogs do?"
Kabir’s Assurance of Divine
Protection
Kabir offers reassurance to the soul, addressing its fears and uncertainties by affirming God’s protective presence. He asks, "O soul! Why are you afraid? God is your protector."
In these lines, Kabir emphasizes that there is no need for fear when one is under the divine guardianship of God.
The soul, often
troubled by anxieties and worldly dangers, is reminded of the unwavering
support and shelter provided by the Divine.
To further illustrate this point, Kabir presents a vivid analogy: "If you are riding on an elephant, what harm can the barking dogs do?" Here, the image of riding an elephant symbolizes the immense power and security that comes from being aligned with God.
The barking dogs represent the various threats, distractions, or criticisms encountered in life.
Just as dogs cannot harm
someone seated high upon an elephant, worldly troubles lose their power to
intimidate or injure when one is protected by God.
This metaphor reinforces Kabir’s message that faith in God’s protection dispels fear.
The
soul, shielded by the Divine, can move forward with confidence, undisturbed by
external challenges or opposition.
