Chapter 9 Text Mahatmas – the great souls. Activities of Mahatmas.

Text 13 mahätmänas tu mäà pärtha daivéà prakåtim äçritäù bhajanty ananya-manaso jïätvä bhütädim avyayam O son of Påthä, those who are not deluded, the great souls, are under the protection of the divine nature. They are fully engaged in devotional service because they know Me as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, original and inexhaustible.

Qualification to become great soul. Surrender to Krsna is the essential qualification to become Mahatma. Mahatma is not a rubber stamp for political leaders or even so called sober and nice people. The mahätmä does not divert his attention to anything outside Kåñëa, because he knows perfectly well that Kåñëa is the original Supreme Person, the cause of all causes. Such a mahätmä, or great soul, develops through association with other mahätmäs, pure devotees. Not even attracted to other expansions of Krsna.

Text 14 satataà kértayanto mäà yatantaç ca dåòha-vratäù namasyantaç ca mäà bhaktyä nitya-yuktä upäsate Always chanting My glories, endeavoring with great determination, bowing down before Me, these great souls perpetually worship Me with devotion.

Characteristics of Mahatma No other business but always engaged in chanting the glories of the Supreme Lord Kåñëa – thus not a impersonalist. Attractions to brahmajyoti – not a mahatma, but association with Supreme Lord in one of the 5 rasas. 5 rasas – Santya, Dasya, Sakhya, Vatsalya and Madhurya.

Following the acharyas Mahatmas strictly follow the determined rules and regulations by previous acharyas. E.g. following four regulative principles of not meat eating, gambling, intoxication or illicit sex. Following Ekadasi, fasting on auspicious occasions like appearance day of Lord and His great devotees. Visiting holy places from time to time. If possible regularly hearing from saintly people or reading literature like Gita or Bhagavatam.

No restrictions in social orders Mahatma can be in any social or spiritual order, kiba vibra kiba nyasi… Following the rules and regulations given by acharyas are susukham kartum… Guidance from a expert spiritual master can elevate an ordinary person to level of Mahatma. E.g. two pots of water used by gardner In any position and anywhere in the world one can perform devotional service (chanting Hare Krsna) and become Mahatma.