जेणे जेणे मार्गें। थोरु एकु निगे। तोचि लोकू मागे। अनुसरे॥
"Whichever path a great person treads, the common people follow in their footsteps."
💡 Meaning
Whichever path a great person takes, the common people follow that same path.
जेणे जेणे मार्गें। थोरु एकु निगे। तोचि लोकू मागे। अनुसरे॥
"Whichever path a great person treads, the common people follow in their footsteps."
Whichever path a great person takes, the common people follow that same path.
In this verse, Dnyaneshwar Maharaj emphasizes the psychological tendency of the masses to emulate leaders. He suggests that 'greatness' carries a social responsibility. When a person of high stature (a 'Thoru') walks a certain path, that path becomes the standard for the rest of society. This highlights the importance of 'Loka-sangraha' (welfare of the world) through personal example rather than just preaching. It is the Dnyaneshwari commentary on the Gita verse 'Yad yad acharati shresthas'.
If a CEO practices punctuality and integrity, the employees naturally adopt those values. For example, a teacher's behavior shapes the character of their students.
Saint Dnyaneshwar explains why leaders and great people must act righteously, as the masses follow their example.
नैनं छिन्दन्ति शस्त्राणि नैनं दहति पावकः । न चैनं क्लेदयन्त्यापो न शोषयति मारुतः ॥
हें शस्त्रें न तोडवे । अग्नीनें न जळवे । पाणीनें न भिजवे । वारा न शोषी ॥ २२३ ॥
"This cannot be cut by weapons, nor burnt by fire; it cannot be wetted by water, nor dried by the wind."
This soul cannot be cut by weapons, nor burnt by fire; it cannot be wetted by water, nor dried by the wind.
In this verse, Dnyaneshwar Maharaj emphasizes the eternal nature of the Self (Atman). He explains that the Soul is beyond the reach of the five elements. Weapons cannot cleave it, fire cannot consume it, water cannot drench it, and wind cannot wither it. This highlights that the core essence of a human being is transcendental and cannot be destroyed by any physical means, encouraging a shift from body-consciousness to soul-consciousness.
In daily life, understanding that our true self is indestructible helps us remain calm during physical illness or material loss. Example: Maintaining mental balance even when facing physical hardships, knowing they only affect the body and not the inner self.
Saint Dnyaneshwar explains the indestructibility of the Soul while commenting on the Bhagavad Gita.
म्हणोनि समर्थें जे जे कीजे । तें तें लोकीं प्रमाण मानिजे । मग सामान्येंही तैसेचि वर्तिजे । अनुसरूनि ॥
"Therefore, whatever the powerful (great) do, that is accepted as authority by the world; then the common folk also conduct themselves accordingly, following them."
Whatever a great person does, that is accepted as a standard by the world. Then common people also behave in the same way, following their example.
In this verse, Saint Dnyaneshwar emphasizes the profound impact of a leader's conduct on society. He states that whatever actions a great or powerful person performs, the world accepts them as the standard or benchmark. Common people do not often seek new paths but naturally follow the trajectory set by those they admire. Therefore, to ensure social order and moral integrity, it is imperative for leaders to act righteously, as their behavior becomes the blueprint for the masses.
In a corporate setting, if a CEO maintains a culture of transparency and hard work, the employees will naturally emulate those values. Leaders must lead by example to foster a positive environment.
Saint Dnyaneshwar explains Krishna's teaching to Arjuna about why leaders must perform their duties selflessly to set an example for society.