El self is an ocean that has no shore; if you mistake it for mere water, there is no remedy.

This powerful couplet by Allama Iqbal speaks profoundly about self-identity and potential. The 'ocean' (bahr) represents the limitless, boundless nature of the self—a depth that knows no shore. If one misunderstands this infinite self as merely a small 'pond' (aabzu), they fundamentally misunderstand their own capacity. The message is a call to realize the vastness of your own being and never limit your ambition or spirit.