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 become 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.