yad yad ācharati śhreṣhṭhas tat tad evetaro janaḥ
sa yat pramāṇaṁ kurute lokas tad anuvartate
yat yat — whatever;
ācharati — does;
śhreṣhṭhaḥ — the best;
tat tat — that (alone);
eva — certainly;
itaraḥ — common;
janaḥ — people;
saḥ — they;
yat — whichever;
pramāṇam — standard;
kurute — perform;
lokaḥ — world;
tat — that;
anuvartate — pursues
This verse teaches us about the importance of role models in society. It says that when a respected person does something, ordinary people are likely to follow their example. Just like how a famous athlete inspires fans to train hard or a popular leader encourages people to behave in a certain way, the actions of notable individuals can deeply influence the behavior of others.
For instance, imagine a teacher at school. If the teacher promotes healthy eating, but they themselves eat junk food all the time, students are unlikely to take their advice seriously. In contrast, if the teacher practices what they preach by eating nutritious foods and sharing why it matters, the students are more likely to adopt those healthy habits.
The verse also points to the responsibility of those who are seen as leaders, such as teachers, bosses, or community heads. They are expected to live by the principles they teach. If a leader tells others not to smoke, they should not smoke themselves. They set an example that others can look up to, which is what makes a leader influential.
This is why in spirituality and moral living, leaders must closely follow the teachings found in sacred texts or scriptures that guide societal behavior. They should not come up with rules that go against these established teachings. For example, the Manu-samhita offers a set of guidelines that are considered important for human conduct, and leaders should align their behavior with these principles.
Additionally, we can think about how people, particularly those who are innocent or less informed, look to these leaders for direction. Leaders like kings, fathers, and teachers are expected to know about moral and spiritual values because they guide others. If they don’t understand these values, they can lead someone astray. Therefore, it is crucial for leaders to be knowledgeable and to behave in ways that reflect positive morals and spirituality. By doing so, they not only uplift themselves but also help others improve and grow in their lives.