Towards Enlightenment

Introduction

“Bhaja Govindam” (Sanskrit: भज गोविन्दम्, lit. ’praise/seek Govinda‘)^[1], also known as “Moha Mudgara” (lit. ’destroyer of illusion‘), is a popular Hindu devotional poem in Sanskrit composed by Adi Shankara. It underscores the view that bhakti (devotion) is also important along with jñāna (knowledge), as emphasised by the bhakti movement.^[2]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhaja_Govindam

This is a compilation of the meaning of some of the verses of Bhaja Govindam. This is neither a translation nor a formal writing of scripture. This writing purely represents the essence of this great work, as understood by me. The verses are in no formal order of the original Bhaja Govindam compilation, and this writing is aimed in extracting the essence to the best of my knowledge.

This compilation has been reviewed by my father-in-law who has a lot of interest, inclination and involvement in Hindu scriptures.

Foreword

In her quest for spirituality, Padma has been pursuing study of Hindu scriptures. As a result, she was able to present a garland of 100+ verses (titled Gist of Gita) that I called the Essence of Gita.

In this second venture, she has attempted to extract the essence of Bhaja Govindam composed by Sri Adi Shankara in 12 verses, as perceived by her. I am sure this will enable all discerning readers to know about the universal application of Sanathana Dharma.

D.S.R. Moorthy

Acknowledgement
Bhaja Govindam Commentary by Swami Chinmayananda
(Published by Central Chinmaya Mission Trust, Mumbai, 2000) 

Bhaja Govindam

Chant the name of Govinda Chant the name of Govinda
We need to seek with Lord our identity
With devotion and sincerity
Pursuit of mere worldly passion
Will not pave way to liberation (moksha)

Day and Night, Dawn and Dusk
Change of seasons, they are all repeats
But with passage of time, life ebbs away
Despite this fact, we cling to desires all the way

As age catches up, physique changes
Loss of hair and loss of teeth are some examples
A person may even need to depend on a walking stick
Despite this fact, none gives up worldly desires

As a youngster, one is attached to sports and games
As an adult, one is attached to worldly pleasures
As an old person, one is attached to anxiety
Amidst all this, no one finds time for Lord Almighty

When one is able and wealthy
Will be liked and surrounded by many
When one is aged, fragile and not an able person any more
No one would approach; this is human nature

Either one’s progeny or one’s spouse
In one’s journey of life they are all co-passengers
One has begun the journey (birth) alone
And one reaches the destination (death) alone

One needs to give up thirst for wealth
This does not mean renouncing wealth
‘Contentment’ and understanding the reality
Leading the life without being greedy

Developing too much attachment
Having too much hatred
These arise out of ignorance
When we differentiate us from others

Like a droplet of water floating on a lotus petal
Our life is so uncertain and unstable
We need to have a clear understanding
And beware of our life’s pain and suffering

Occurrence of Birth and death
Is like a loop that repeats
In order to get away from this vicious cycle
There is but one means, i.e. surrender to the Supreme