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.
तरी कर्माचेनि आधारें । कर्मचि सांडिजे निधारें । जैसें नावेचेनि द्वारें । पैल पाविजे ॥ १२३ ॥
"Thus, with the help of action, action itself should be renounced decisively; just as by means of a boat, the other shore is reached."
Just as one must take the support of a boat to reach the opposite bank of a river, one should certainly renounce action through the support of action itself.
In this verse, Saint Dnyaneshwar explains the essence of Nishkama Karma Yoga. He states that to be free from the bondage of actions, one must use action itself as a tool. Just as a person uses a boat to cross a river and leaves it behind upon reaching the other bank, a seeker should perform prescribed duties without attachment to the results. Such selfless actions purify the mind and eventually lead to liberation from the cycle of karma. Renunciation of action does not mean stopping work, but giving up the sense of 'doership' and the 'craving for results'.
In daily life, perform your duties joyfully without treating them as a burden. For example, if an athlete plays for the love of the game rather than just the obsession with winning, they remain free from the sorrow of defeat and the bondage of the sport.
Saint Dnyaneshwar explains how to attain the state of actionlessness through the performance of selfless actions.
म्हणोनि उचित जे कर्म । आणि आचरतां जे सद्धर्म । तेचि करीं तूं मनोधर्म । राखूनियां ॥ ८६ ॥
"Therefore, perform that duty which is appropriate and which constitutes righteous conduct, keeping your mind steady."
Therefore, perform the duty that is appropriate and righteous, while maintaining control over your mind.
In this verse, Dnyaneshwar Maharaj emphasizes that since action is an inherent part of human existence, one should focus on 'Uchit Karma'—actions that are appropriate to one's role and situation. These actions must align with 'Saddharma' (righteousness). He advises that such duties should be performed by maintaining a steady 'Manodharma' (mental state), implying that the internal attitude of detachment and focus is as important as the external action itself.
In professional life, instead of working half-heartedly, one should perform their assigned tasks with integrity and focus, treating work as a form of worship.
Saint Dnyaneshwar explains the necessity of performing one's natural and righteous duties with a balanced mind.