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 जे जे उचित । आणि अवसरेंकरूनि प्राप्त । तें कर्म आचरतां विहित । न सांडिजे गा ॥ १२१ ॥
"Therefore, whatever is appropriate and has come to you by occasion, do not abandon that prescribed duty while performing it."
Therefore, one should not abandon the performance of prescribed duties that are appropriate and have come naturally according to the occasion.
In this verse, Saint Dnyaneshwar emphasizes the importance of adhering to one's duties. He advises that whatever is appropriate ('Ucita') and whatever comes to us by the virtue of time or situation ('Avasare') should be performed as a sacred duty ('Vihita'). One should not abandon these actions out of laziness or confusion. Performing these duties with a sense of responsibility and without attachment to the results is the essence of Karma Yoga.
In professional life, if a task is assigned to you that falls within your responsibility, completing it with integrity instead of avoiding it is the practical application of this teaching.
Saint Dnyaneshwar explains the necessity of performing one's natural and prescribed duties without attachment.
जे जे आचरती थोर । तया नाम धर्मु ठेवती इतर । आणि तेचि मार्ग साचार । अनुसरती ॥
"Whatever the great ones practice, others call it Dharma; and they follow that very path truly."
Whatever great people do, others consider it as 'Dharma' (duty) and follow that same path faithfully.
In this verse, Saint Dnyaneshwar elaborates on the concept that the masses follow the lead of the elite or the wise. Whatever a great person does becomes the definition of 'Dharma' or righteous conduct for the common people. They don't necessarily read scriptures but observe the lives of those they respect. Therefore, leaders and elders have a moral responsibility to act rightly, as their path becomes the roadmap for society.
In a workplace, if a manager is punctual and honest, the team naturally adopts those values. For example, a leader's integrity inspires the whole organization to be ethical.
Shri Krishna explains to Arjuna how the actions of great men set a standard for the rest of the world.