mahātmānas tu māṁ pārtha daivīṁ prakṛitim āśhritāḥ
bhajantyananya-manaso jñātvā bhūtādim avyayam
mahā-ātmānaḥ — the great souls;
tu — but;
mām — me;
pārtha — Arjun, the son of Pritha;
daivīm prakṛitim — divine energy;
āśhritāḥ — take shelter of;
bhajanti — engage in devotion;
ananya-manasaḥ — with mind fixed exclusively;
jñātvā — knowing;
bhūta — all creation;
ādim — the origin;
avyayam — imperishable
In this verse, Krishna talks about what makes someone a great person or a 'mahatma.' These great souls have a strong connection to a higher spiritual power, and they don’t get caught up in the problems of the physical world as much as others do. They rely on what is called divine nature, which means they have a deep understanding and relationship with spiritual teachings and the Supreme Being, or God.
So how does someone become this great? First, the verse hints that it starts with surrendering oneself to God, Sri Krishna. This means letting go of the ego, worries, and false identity that usually hold people back. It’s like realizing that there's something more important than just our daily struggles and pleasures. When someone chooses to trust and follow Krishna, they are said to be freed from the troubles of material life. This is a key point because it indicates that true peace and wisdom are found not by clinging to worldly desires, but by recognizing a greater purpose in life.
When a person achieves this freedom, they are guided by what's called 'spiritual nature.' This is a higher level of consciousness and understanding, where they see things more clearly and feel more connected to others and the world around them. This divine perspective allows them to act with love, compassion, and purpose, leading to true happiness and fulfillment.
As these great souls continue their journey by serving and loving God, they become more established in this divine nature. They are said to be engaged in 'devotional service,' which is a way of living that puts God and spiritual values first. This service can take many forms, such as prayer, meditation, selfless acts, and a commitment to a life of goodness and righteousness.
In summary, becoming a 'mahatma' or a great soul involves turning to God, trusting in His guidance, and dedicating oneself to a life of devotion and spiritual growth. This journey not only benefits them but also brings a positive impact on those around them.