4
Knowledge by Way of the
Mahatmas, Great Souls

The presence of Krsna in all aspects of the creation
is perceived by the mahatmas, the great souls, who
are always engaged in the worship of Krsna. As Krsna
Himself states, these great souls are conversant with
the confidential knowledge found in the Ninth
Chapter of Bhagavad-gita, and they know Krsna to
be the source of all things.

mahat manas tu mam partha
daivim prakrtim asritah
bhajanty ananya-manaso
jiatva bhutadim avyayam

“O son of Prtha, 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.” (Bg. 9.13)

The great soul knows without a doubt that Krsna
is the Supreme Personality of Godhead and that He
is the origin of all emanations. The Veddnta-sittra
states, athato brahma-jijfiasa: Human life is meant
for inquiring about Brahman. At present we are
all engaged in studying temporary, small things.
Brahman means the greatest, but instead of concern-
ing ourselves with the greatest, we have become
enmeshed in trying to solve the animal problems of
eating, sleeping, defending and mating. These small
