What does the poet mean by dreary desert sand of dead habit in poem where mind is without fear?

The "dreary desert sand of dead habit" is a symbol of the stifling and unproductive routine that can trap people's minds and limit their potential. It represents a state of mental apathy and stagnation where people may feel stuck and unimaginative.

By referring to it as "dead," the poet emphasizes that this routine can lead to a loss of vitality, creativity, and inspiration. The association of this routine with a desert suggests a barren, lifeless environment devoid of growth or change.

In contrast, the "mind without fear" represents a state of freedom, courage, and liberation from the constraints that can be imposed by societal norms, traditions, or external pressures. The poet's aspiration is to create an environment where people's minds can be free to explore, question, and imagine, rather than being bound by the limitations of dead habits.

The image of the "dreary desert sand" thus serves as a potent reminder of the negative effects of staying stuck in a repetitive and unimaginative way of life, and highlights the importance of seeking liberation from such restrictive patterns to allow for personal development, creativity, and spiritual growth.