All things must come to the soul from its roots, from where it

The words of Saint Teresa of Avila, “All things must come to the soul from its roots, from where it is planted,” are a meditation upon the origin of strength, faith, and identity. Just as a tree cannot bear fruit apart from its roots, neither can the soul flourish apart from its foundation. What nourishes us in silence, what anchors us unseen, determines the growth of all that is visible in our lives. Without roots, the tallest oak topples in the storm; without grounding, even the brightest spirit is scattered by the winds of the world.

The ancients too knew this truth. They taught that the man who forgets his origins is like a wanderer lost in the desert, drinking sand in place of water. To be planted in wisdom, in faith, in discipline, is to draw life from a source deeper than passing fashion or fleeting desire. Saint Teresa reminds us that the strength of the soul does not come from outward display, but from the hidden wellsprings that sustain it. All greatness, all holiness, all resilience begins in what lies beneath.

History gives us vivid witness. Consider the life of Mahatma Gandhi. His political action and spiritual leadership astonished the world, but his power did not spring suddenly into being. It was rooted in his soul, planted in the soil of nonviolence, prayer, and truth. Because he drew from those roots, he could withstand prison, humiliation, and despair, and still inspire millions to freedom. His outer deeds were the flowering of inner roots, deeply nourished and steadfast.

Yet there is also warning in Teresa’s words. If the roots of a soul are planted in bitterness, greed, or fear, then all that springs forth will carry the same poison. A corrupt foundation yields only withered fruit. Thus, the wise are vigilant over the soil of their spirit, for whatever feeds the roots will one day adorn the branches. The secret life of the soul is destiny concealed, awaiting its hour of revelation.

Let the generations remember this: tend first to the hidden places of the heart. Strengthen your roots in faith, in truth, in love, and from them will grow branches wide enough to shelter others and fruits worthy of remembrance. For all things—hope, endurance, and even holiness—must come to the soul from where it is planted. And he who tends his roots shall never wither, but endure like a tree beside living waters.