The literal translation of Mahatma, the name which the people of India gave to Gandhi, is “the great Soul,” maha, great ; atma, soul. The word goes back to the Upanishads, where it is used in speaking of the Supreme Being, and, through communion of Knowledge and Love, of those who be come One with Him:
- “He is the One Luminous, Creator of All, Mahatma,
- Always in the hearts of the people enshrined,
- Revealed through Love, Intuition, and Thought,
- Whoever knows Him, Immortal becomes…"
Tagore, on a visit to Ashram, Gandhi’s favorite retreat, quoted this stanza, referring to the Apostle.
