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.
या निशा सर्वभूतानां तस्यां जागर्ति संयमी । यस्यां जाग्रति भूतानि सा निशा पश्यतो मुनेः ॥
जेथ समस्त भूतें निजलीं । तेथ जो जागा प्रकाशलीं । आणि जेथ जीव जागे जाहले । तेथ निजला जो ॥
"Where all beings are asleep, there he is awake and enlightened; and where all beings are awake, there he is asleep."
Where all beings are asleep (in ignorance), the sage is awake (in enlightenment). Where all beings are awake (in material pursuits), the sage is asleep (detached).
In this verse, Dnyaneshwar Maharaj interprets the Bhagavad Gita's concept of spiritual awakening. He explains that what is 'night' (ignorance) for ordinary beings is 'day' (enlightenment) for the self-controlled sage. The sage is awake in the realm of the Self, which is invisible to the common man. Conversely, the material world that people are 'awake' to and deeply involved in is like a night or a dream to the sage, as he remains detached and indifferent to its transient nature.
In daily life, when everyone around you is distracted by temporary trends, gossip, or negativity, staying focused on your inner peace and long-term goals is the practical application of this wisdom. Example: Staying calm and focused on your work while others are wasting time on trivial matters.
Dnyaneshwar Maharaj describes the state of a Sthitaprajna (a person of steady wisdom) regarding their awareness of the Self versus the material world.
जेथ हे विषय-विष सांडिजे। आणि आत्मसुखें धाली होईजे। तेथ सहजेंचि विसरिजे। इंद्रियग्रामु॥
"Where this poison of sensory objects is cast off, and one becomes satiated with the bliss of the Self, there the group of senses is naturally forgotten."
When the poison of sensory objects is abandoned and one is satisfied with the bliss of the Self, then the group of senses is naturally forgotten.
In this verse, Saint Dnyaneshwar describes the natural detachment that occurs when one experiences the bliss of the Self. He compares sensory pleasures to poison ('visha'). When the soul is satiated with the supreme joy of self-realization, the entire 'village' or group of senses is naturally forgotten. It is not a forced suppression but a spontaneous transcendence because a higher taste has been found. This is the hallmark of a steady mind.
When you find a deeper purpose or passion, minor distractions lose their power over you. For example, a dedicated artist becomes so absorbed in their creation that they forget hunger or external noise.
Saint Dnyaneshwar describes the natural state of a person who has attained inner bliss and how sensory attractions fade away.