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.
म्हणौनि इंद्रियांतें जिणावें । मग मन स्थिरावेल स्वभावें । आणि आत्मबोधीं व्हावें । पात्रु गा तूं ॥ १९८ ॥
म्हणून तू इंद्रियांना जिंकावे, मग मन सहजपणे स्थिर होईल आणि तू आत्मज्ञानासाठी पात्र होशील.
"Therefore, conquer the senses; then the mind will naturally become steady, and you will become worthy of self-knowledge."
Therefore, conquer your senses; then your mind will naturally become steady, and you will become worthy of self-realization.
In this verse, Saint Dnyaneshwar emphasizes that mastery over the senses is the foundation for mental stability. When the senses are controlled, the mind naturally ceases its restless wandering toward external objects and becomes calm. This state of mental stillness is the essential qualification for receiving 'Atma-bodh' (Self-knowledge). Without this discipline, the mind remains a slave to external stimuli, preventing any deep spiritual realization. Only a steady mind can reflect the truth of the Self.
In daily life, practicing self-discipline—such as limiting distractions to focus on a specific task—helps build the mental strength needed for higher achievements and inner peace.
Saint Dnyaneshwar explains the necessity of sense control as a prerequisite for mental stability and spiritual enlightenment.
अथवा हें उचित । सांडूनि जरी तूं अच्युत । अधर्मचि अनुचित । आचरसी ॥ ३३ ॥
"Or if you, O Achyuta, abandon this proper duty and practice what is improper and unrighteous."
Or, O Achyuta, if you abandon this proper duty and instead practice what is improper and unrighteous...
In this verse, Saint Dnyaneshwar interprets Krishna's warning to Arjuna. He emphasizes that for a warrior, fighting a righteous war is 'Ucita' (proper duty). Abandoning this duty is not an act of compassion but an act of 'Adharma' (unrighteousness). The verse highlights that one must adhere to their professional and moral responsibilities regardless of personal emotions.
Avoiding one's core responsibilities leads to moral failure. For example, a student avoiding their studies during exams is neglecting their primary duty (Vidya-Dharma).
Lord Krishna explains the consequences of Arjuna abandoning his duty as a warrior in the middle of the battlefield.