But the great souls (mahātmās), O Partha, who take shelter in the divine nature, worship Me with undivided mind, knowing Me as the imperishable origin of all beings.
Synthesis
But the great souls (mahatmas), taking shelter in divine nature, worship Krishna with undivided mind, knowing Him as the imperishable source. This verse presents the positive counterpart to the previous warnings. Shankara sees the mahatmas as those established in Self-knowledge. Ramanuja celebrates their complete devotion to the Supreme Person. The bhakti tradition defines greatness as wholehearted devotion. Madhva explains that mahatmas truly understand God's supreme nature — their devotion is rooted in knowledge. Abhinavagupta sees them as those who have recognized their identity with universal consciousness. Vallabhacharya celebrates them as recipients of the highest pushti — worship becomes their natural state. Tilak reads them as exemplifying the integration of knowledge and action. Vivekananda defines the mahatma as one whose soul has expanded to embrace the universal — what one has achieved, all can achieve.
Commentaries 8 traditions
Shankara describes mahātmās as those whose minds have expanded to identify with the universal Self. They see Brahman as the origin and essence of all beings and worship through the knowledge of non-duality. Their 'divine nature' is sattva-predominant, purified through spiritual practice and self-inquiry.
Apply This Verse
Personal Growth
True greatness of soul (mahātmā) is defined not by fame or achievement but by the quality of your inner focus. Cultivating an undivided mind — a clear, single-pointed dedication to what truly matters — is the mark of genuine spiritual maturity.
Questions this verse answers
- ?"What does it mean to be a great soul?"
- ?"How do I develop an undivided mind?"
- ?"What would single-pointed spiritual focus look like for me?"
- ?"How do I take shelter in my higher nature?"