Self-Negation beyond all feelings of greatness, pride or egoism
The real test of a mahatma or guru is not his miracles but experience on the path of realisation. The popular meaning of a mahatma as a great individual does not appeal to me. I would define a mahatma as the most insignificant being, or rather a neglected figure, beyond all feelings of greatness, pride or egoism, dwelling permanently in a state of complete self-negation.
Taken from the book "Complete Works of Ram Chandra, Vol. 1 (1st Indian edn., 1989)", Chapter "Way to Realisation (Role of the Guide)", pg. 365, by Babuji Maharaj