The King told the assembly: ‘Of what use is Medha if there is no zeal and no determination?’ There may be many who are highly talented. But if they have no Shraddha (earnestness) what can they accomplish with their talents? If they lack determination (firmness of purpose) what can they achieve? Only when they have Shraddha and Sthiratva (firmness) will they be able to develop the zeal for pursuing their objectives.

Hence asakthi (Zeal) is the first requisite. The next is Sthiratva (firmness of purpose). These ate the primary requisites for the Buddhi (intelligence) to function at its best.

If would be foolish on the part of man to depend only on his cleverness for leading a meaningful life. He has to develop a zeal for life and impart firmness to it. Then he will be able to accomplish any great undertaking. That is why the Vedanta has declared: Sraddhaavaan labhathe Jnanam (Only the man of earnest faith can acquire the higher knowledge), Without Shraddha, nothing can be achieved. If you have a small piece of burning charcoal, you can fan it and create a big fire out of it. If a man lacks Shraddha, he will allow even a blazing fire to die out. (D3 )