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Aaadi Sankaracharya's Bhaja Govindam
This timeless composition is a reminder that the author, Adi Shankaracharya, who is often regarded as a stalwart advocate of the Jnana Marga (Jnana Yoga) or the "Path of Knowledge" to attain Mukti,yielded to none in appreciating, indeed enjoining the Bhakti Marga (Bhakti Yoga) or the "Path of Faith/Devotion" to the same goal,and as C. Rajagopalachari put in his commentary, "When intelligence matures and lodges securely in the heart, it becomes wisdom. When that wisdom is integrated with life and issues out in action, it becomes devotion. Knowledge which has become mature is spoken of as devotion. If it does not get transformed into devotion, such knowledge is useless tinsel." In this prayer, Adi Shankaracharya emphasizes the importance of devotion for God as a means to spiritual development and to liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The prayer leaves one in no doubt that the renunciation of our egotistical differences and surrender to God makes for salvation. Many scholars hold that this composition encapsulates with both brevity and simplicity the substance of all Vedantic thought found in whatever other works that Adi Shankaracharya wrote: The refrain "Bhaja Govindam" which defines the composition and gives it its name invokes the almighty in the aspect of Vishnu; it is therefore very popular not only with Sri Adi Shankaracharya's immediate followers, the Smarthas, but also with Vaishnavas and others.
112 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
151 people are currently reading
555 people want to read
About the author
Adi Shankaracharya
242 books226 followersAdi Shankara(788 CE - 820 CE), also known as Śaṅkara Bhagavatpādācārya and Ādi Śaṅkarācārya was an Indian guru from Kalady of present day Kerala who consolidated the doctrine of advaita vedānta. His teachings are based on the unity of the ātman and brahman— non-dual brahman, in which brahman is viewed as nirguna brahman, brahman without attributes.
Shankara travelled across India and other parts of South Asia to propagate his philosophy through discourses and debates with other thinkers. He is reputed to have founded four mathas ("monasteries"), which helped in the historical development, revival and spread of Advaita Vedanta. Adi Shankara is believed to be the organizer of the Dashanami monastic order and the founder of the Shanmata tradition of worship.
His works in Sanskrit concern themselves with establishing the doctrine of advaita (nondualism). He also established the importance of monastic life as sanctioned in the Upanishads and Brahma Sutra, in a time when the Mimamsa school established strict ritualism and ridiculed monasticism. Shankara represented his works as elaborating on ideas found in the Upanishads, and he wrote copious commentaries on the Vedic canon (Brahma Sutra, principal upanishads and Bhagavad Gita) in support of his thesis. The main opponent in his work is the Mimamsa school of thought, though he also offers arguments against the views of some other schools like Samkhya and certain schools of Buddhism.
AKA Śaṅkarācārya; Śaṃkara; Śaṃkarācārya; Ṣaṅkara Āchārya; Shamkaracharya; Çamkara; Śaṃkara-bhagavat-pāda; Shankara; Çankara; Ādi Śaṅkara; Shankarâchârya; Śaṁkarācharya; Sankara; Shang-chieh-lo; Shangjieluo; Śankaracharya; Adi Sankar; Āticaṅkarācārya Svāmikaḷ; Caṅkarācārya Svāmikaḷ; Adi Sankaracharya; Āticaṅkar; Āticaṅkarācāriyar; Āticaṅkarar; Adi Sankaracarya; Adi Shankaracharya; Camkaracarya
Shankara travelled across India and other parts of South Asia to propagate his philosophy through discourses and debates with other thinkers. He is reputed to have founded four mathas ("monasteries"), which helped in the historical development, revival and spread of Advaita Vedanta. Adi Shankara is believed to be the organizer of the Dashanami monastic order and the founder of the Shanmata tradition of worship.
His works in Sanskrit concern themselves with establishing the doctrine of advaita (nondualism). He also established the importance of monastic life as sanctioned in the Upanishads and Brahma Sutra, in a time when the Mimamsa school established strict ritualism and ridiculed monasticism. Shankara represented his works as elaborating on ideas found in the Upanishads, and he wrote copious commentaries on the Vedic canon (Brahma Sutra, principal upanishads and Bhagavad Gita) in support of his thesis. The main opponent in his work is the Mimamsa school of thought, though he also offers arguments against the views of some other schools like Samkhya and certain schools of Buddhism.
AKA Śaṅkarācārya; Śaṃkara; Śaṃkarācārya; Ṣaṅkara Āchārya; Shamkaracharya; Çamkara; Śaṃkara-bhagavat-pāda; Shankara; Çankara; Ādi Śaṅkara; Shankarâchârya; Śaṁkarācharya; Sankara; Shang-chieh-lo; Shangjieluo; Śankaracharya; Adi Sankar; Āticaṅkarācārya Svāmikaḷ; Caṅkarācārya Svāmikaḷ; Adi Sankaracharya; Āticaṅkar; Āticaṅkarācāriyar; Āticaṅkarar; Adi Sankaracarya; Adi Shankaracharya; Camkaracarya
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 26, 2020
The book by Chinmaya Mission is a must-read translation and commentary by Swami Chinmayananda himself on Adi Sankara's Bhaja Govindam song. The book is an easy translation of 31 slokas that make the work along with Swami's commentary in English.
June 20, 2019
Beautiful book.
Book is written in Sanskrit with English translation. Enlightening book it was.
Book is written in Sanskrit with English translation. Enlightening book it was.
May 17, 2021
पुनरिप जननं पुनरिप मरणं पुनरिप जननीजठरे शयनम्।
इह संसारे बदुारे कृ पयाऽपारे पािह मुरारे॥(२१)
पुनः अिप – once again; जननं – birth; पुनः अिप – once again; मरणं – death;
पुनरिप – (and) again; जननीजठरे – in the mother’s womb; शयनम् – lying; इह
– here; संसारे – in this saṁsāra (process); ब-दुारे – (saṁsāra) which is
very hard to cross over; अपारे – (saṁsāra) which has no end; कृ पया –
through Thy infinite kindness; पािह – save; मुरारे – O Destroyer of Mura;
भज – seek; गोिवं – Govinda
21. Again birth, again death and again lying in mother’s womb – this
saṁsāra process is very hard to cross over. Save me, Murāri (O destroyer of
Mura) through Thy infinite kindness.
इह संसारे बदुारे कृ पयाऽपारे पािह मुरारे॥(२१)
पुनः अिप – once again; जननं – birth; पुनः अिप – once again; मरणं – death;
पुनरिप – (and) again; जननीजठरे – in the mother’s womb; शयनम् – lying; इह
– here; संसारे – in this saṁsāra (process); ब-दुारे – (saṁsāra) which is
very hard to cross over; अपारे – (saṁsāra) which has no end; कृ पया –
through Thy infinite kindness; पािह – save; मुरारे – O Destroyer of Mura;
भज – seek; गोिवं – Govinda
21. Again birth, again death and again lying in mother’s womb – this
saṁsāra process is very hard to cross over. Save me, Murāri (O destroyer of
Mura) through Thy infinite kindness.
August 12, 2015
Bhaja Govindam is a song for life, one should know its meaning and read or listen it very often. For this song Swami Chinmaya's commentary investigates the depths of this song. I recommend listening(with meaning understandable to you) the song everyday, and refer this book often.
July 30, 2019
Not better than 'O mind, relax please!'. However, not without some pearls of wisdom.
March 20, 2019
Excellent guide for spiritual evoluation
Another gem in philosophical texts of Jagat guru Shri Adi Shankaracharya. The commentary of Swami Chinmayananda is excellent and very useful to arrive in correct understanding
Another gem in philosophical texts of Jagat guru Shri Adi Shankaracharya. The commentary of Swami Chinmayananda is excellent and very useful to arrive in correct understanding
December 10, 2020
A simple poem with a basic, timeless message of Shankara's argument for asceticism produced beautifully. Not much more to be said here.
Read
April 27, 2020Tremendous Tour de force. Jai Gurudev
Humility showers Grace, singing is the key, Bhaja Govindam is sung by so many, that is the real wealth of Bharat.
Humility showers Grace, singing is the key, Bhaja Govindam is sung by so many, that is the real wealth of Bharat.
January 4, 2017
This is one of the smallest works of Shankara Acharya, with just 31 verses. The first 12 verses were composed by Shankara himself; the next 15 by his 14 disciples. Then Shankara finished it with 4 more verses of his own. Bhaja Govindam, widely accepted as the essence of the Vedanta is often called "Moha Mudgara" (remover of delusions).
Shankara Acharya, better known as "Adi Shankara", was an 8th century AD Hindu philosopher and Vedic scholar. Consolidating the principles of Advaita Vedanta (non-dualism), his substantial works stand out from the other Vedanta texts. As a staunch proponent of non-dualism, he went on spiritual expeditions with his disciples, all over the Indian mainland. In his short life, he founded four Mathas (monasteries), established the 'Dashanami' monastic order and unified the Shanmata tradition of worship. Born in Kerala, this spiritual giant left his body in present-day Uttarakhand, ending his 32-year long adventurous ascetic life - a Karmayogi.
The backdrop in which this jewel of Bhaja Govindam was born, is very insightful. As a part of his spiritual expeditions, he once met an old man at Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh (Bharat). The man was religiously studying Sanskrit grammar, from the works of Panini. Disheartened at the agony of the old man, Shankara advises him not to run behind material accomplishments. Berating our ignorance, he scoffs at the trifles that our lives are.
All 31 verses are said to be extempore recitals. I'll try to put forth their messages in my own words:
1. Mere intellectual achievements won't come to your help when death arrives.
2. Get rid of your desires for wealth. Cultivate good thoughts. Stay contented.
3. Don't lust for women.
4. Life is unstable.
5. Once you get old, everyone loses interest in you.
6. After death, all bodies decay.
7. No one contemplates on the meaning of life.
8. Who are you - do ponder upon it.
9. Foster good relationships.
10. All sorrows end when one realizes the ultimate truth.
11. Don't take pride in your youth and wealth - time takes away everything.
12. Desire sorrows man.
To these 12 verses, his 14 disciples [Padmapada, Thodaka Acharya, Hastaamalakan, Subodhan, Sureshwara Acharya, Nityananda, Aanandagiri, Drudabhakta, Nithyanadhan, Nithyanadhan, Surendran, Medhaatidhi, Medhaatidhi, Bhaarati Vamsan, Sumati] added their verses (in that order). It is generally accepted that the number of disciples was 14, but attributions have been given for 15 verses, two disciples - Nithyanadhan and Medhaatidhi - having two verses each to their credit. Whether it was that one of them wrote 2 verses or were they different people with same names, is not known. Anyways, the last 4 verses are again by Adi Shankara, thus concluding his counsels.
Despite it's size and "simplicity", Bhaja Govindam has a noteworthy place in the spheres of Advaita Vedanta.
P.S. Beautiful bhajans of Bhaja Govindam are available in YouTube.
Shankara Acharya, better known as "Adi Shankara", was an 8th century AD Hindu philosopher and Vedic scholar. Consolidating the principles of Advaita Vedanta (non-dualism), his substantial works stand out from the other Vedanta texts. As a staunch proponent of non-dualism, he went on spiritual expeditions with his disciples, all over the Indian mainland. In his short life, he founded four Mathas (monasteries), established the 'Dashanami' monastic order and unified the Shanmata tradition of worship. Born in Kerala, this spiritual giant left his body in present-day Uttarakhand, ending his 32-year long adventurous ascetic life - a Karmayogi.
The backdrop in which this jewel of Bhaja Govindam was born, is very insightful. As a part of his spiritual expeditions, he once met an old man at Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh (Bharat). The man was religiously studying Sanskrit grammar, from the works of Panini. Disheartened at the agony of the old man, Shankara advises him not to run behind material accomplishments. Berating our ignorance, he scoffs at the trifles that our lives are.
All 31 verses are said to be extempore recitals. I'll try to put forth their messages in my own words:
1. Mere intellectual achievements won't come to your help when death arrives.
2. Get rid of your desires for wealth. Cultivate good thoughts. Stay contented.
3. Don't lust for women.
4. Life is unstable.
5. Once you get old, everyone loses interest in you.
6. After death, all bodies decay.
7. No one contemplates on the meaning of life.
8. Who are you - do ponder upon it.
9. Foster good relationships.
10. All sorrows end when one realizes the ultimate truth.
11. Don't take pride in your youth and wealth - time takes away everything.
12. Desire sorrows man.
To these 12 verses, his 14 disciples [Padmapada, Thodaka Acharya, Hastaamalakan, Subodhan, Sureshwara Acharya, Nityananda, Aanandagiri, Drudabhakta, Nithyanadhan, Nithyanadhan, Surendran, Medhaatidhi, Medhaatidhi, Bhaarati Vamsan, Sumati] added their verses (in that order). It is generally accepted that the number of disciples was 14, but attributions have been given for 15 verses, two disciples - Nithyanadhan and Medhaatidhi - having two verses each to their credit. Whether it was that one of them wrote 2 verses or were they different people with same names, is not known. Anyways, the last 4 verses are again by Adi Shankara, thus concluding his counsels.
Despite it's size and "simplicity", Bhaja Govindam has a noteworthy place in the spheres of Advaita Vedanta.
P.S. Beautiful bhajans of Bhaja Govindam are available in YouTube.
December 29, 2021
Pranams to the great lineage of gurus of Bharatha Bhooomi.
If Bhaja Govindam is the flower from Shankara bhagavatpada's heart Swami Chinmayananda's bhashya (commentary) is like honey extracted from the flower. blessed are those who find clarity and bliss in such spiritual works. may Hari nama shine in all always
If Bhaja Govindam is the flower from Shankara bhagavatpada's heart Swami Chinmayananda's bhashya (commentary) is like honey extracted from the flower. blessed are those who find clarity and bliss in such spiritual works. may Hari nama shine in all always
April 6, 2021
Swami Chinmayananda was scholar in Advaita vedanta and the explanation he have given in this book for each sloka is truly awesome. Loved reading this book and would love to read more book by Swami Ji
January 7, 2015
i think it is nice book
May 8, 2023
An exquisite musical work of the foremost exponent of Advaita Vedanta, Adi Shankaracarya.
Bhaja Govindam contains practical instructions in 31 simple, musical verses, so that one can easily live amidst the melody of higher knowledge. The musical rhythm in these stanzas makes it easy to remember and repeat these pregnant verses. This book contains an English transliteration and word-by-word translation of the original Sanskrit verses, making it easy for anyone to follow the script.
A bouquet of fresh blooms is beautiful and rewarding even to look at from a distance. Similarly, even to hear these stanzas chanted is thrilling enough. Additionally, those who are capable of entering beneath the superficial joys of the metrical rhythm and thus delve deeper into the philosophical implications suggested in these verses, will find succinct instructions for daily life.
A sincere study of this poem can remove all delusions, and so the poem is also called as Moha-Mudgara (Delusion-Destroyer). This book provides a very useful commentary on each verse of the poem.
Bhaja Govindam contains practical instructions in 31 simple, musical verses, so that one can easily live amidst the melody of higher knowledge. The musical rhythm in these stanzas makes it easy to remember and repeat these pregnant verses. This book contains an English transliteration and word-by-word translation of the original Sanskrit verses, making it easy for anyone to follow the script.
A bouquet of fresh blooms is beautiful and rewarding even to look at from a distance. Similarly, even to hear these stanzas chanted is thrilling enough. Additionally, those who are capable of entering beneath the superficial joys of the metrical rhythm and thus delve deeper into the philosophical implications suggested in these verses, will find succinct instructions for daily life.
A sincere study of this poem can remove all delusions, and so the poem is also called as Moha-Mudgara (Delusion-Destroyer). This book provides a very useful commentary on each verse of the poem.
March 8, 2023
First book I was exposed to within Chinmaya Mission’s session for young adults. Despite other reviews, I personally did not consider this an easy read at all (1 chapter of about 3-4 pages typically takes an hour of debrief). Goes pretty deep within Vedanta teachings, best read & discussed within a group.
takeaways:
1. everyone/thing is actually made of unconditional love
2. everything is impersonal. preferences are slippery slopes that can control your life blindly
3. every action has a reaction (best is to let the event pass through you without judgement)
4. being a good person is not EASY considering your mind usually takes ur will hostage
5. being in the moment is harder than u think
6. should try not to be attached to the outcome of your goals. focus on the duty instead
7. your surroundings (ppl, places, media etc) matters
8. be childlike but not childish
takeaways:
1. everyone/thing is actually made of unconditional love
2. everything is impersonal. preferences are slippery slopes that can control your life blindly
3. every action has a reaction (best is to let the event pass through you without judgement)
4. being a good person is not EASY considering your mind usually takes ur will hostage
5. being in the moment is harder than u think
6. should try not to be attached to the outcome of your goals. focus on the duty instead
7. your surroundings (ppl, places, media etc) matters
8. be childlike but not childish
January 13, 2024
Based on Adi Sankaracharya’s famous devotional poem which that talks and nudges one to seek the Lord only, cause all else is vain.
bhaja govindam bhaja govindam
bhaja govindam müdhamate…
Leave the grammatical rules, leave the attachment to wealth, leave the lust all behind.
Contemplate…Who is your wife? Who is your son? Of whom are you? Who are you? Whence have you come? O brother, think of that truth here.
Who are you? Whom am I? Whence have I come? Who is my mother? Who, my father? Thus enquire, leaving aside the entire world which is comparable to a dream, and is essenceless.
Being devoted completely to the lotus-feet of the Lord, become released soon from the transmigratory process.
Thus, through the discipline of sense and mind-control, you will behold the Lord that resides in your heart.
June 14, 2022
well-phrased commentary, contemporary, without excessive moralising. Imagery is interesting.
March 22, 2016
The essence of life has been compressed in a nutshell. We seek peace and contentment in earthly pleasures while Adi guru directs us to the same in a simple and concise way involving no rigorous taxation on body and soul through unnecessary fasts nor pouring into illegible scriptures without comprehension. He essentially emphasises on the ephemeral human life and the need to free from the bonds of birth and rebirth by turning to preceptor's feet for asylum and chanting His name over and again. Once the ability to shed 'me, mine and myself' is acquired, one learns to tread the path of Holy Divine. A very good read if one is seriously keen on learning the ropes of life!
February 9, 2021
Govinda Govinda Govinda Govinda
The book explains in depth the innate values of spirituality.It's not mere repetition of some esoteric words.Dive deep into your self and witness the Lord dwelling in every human being.Parrot like repetition of Some quotes from holy books will not get any enlightenment. Look within.The key is with you.Wish you Good luck. Happy Union with Yourself.Bhaja Govindam.
The book explains in depth the innate values of spirituality.It's not mere repetition of some esoteric words.Dive deep into your self and witness the Lord dwelling in every human being.Parrot like repetition of Some quotes from holy books will not get any enlightenment. Look within.The key is with you.Wish you Good luck. Happy Union with Yourself.Bhaja Govindam.
June 28, 2021
Superb book everyone should read it
The ideas of Vedanta have been put forward in a beutiful manner
This book also provides a good introduction to why Bhaj Govindam came into existence : When Adi Shankaracharya along with his disciples saw an old man trying to learn Sanskrit , he spoke the following verses
The verses are divided into the following pattern
13, by jagadguru Adi Shankracharya
13 by his students
5 again by Jagadguru
They are very crisp and get profound
The ideas of Vedanta have been put forward in a beutiful manner
This book also provides a good introduction to why Bhaj Govindam came into existence : When Adi Shankaracharya along with his disciples saw an old man trying to learn Sanskrit , he spoke the following verses
The verses are divided into the following pattern
13, by jagadguru Adi Shankracharya
13 by his students
5 again by Jagadguru
They are very crisp and get profound
August 21, 2021
Way of life
Swami Parthasarathy has explained the verses in a way that most of us can understand and practice these principles. Be a family man in the usual ways of the world-study,play,earn,marry,children etc but practice aloneness keeping God in mind all the time and accept things as they are but not what you want them to be.
Swami Parthasarathy has explained the verses in a way that most of us can understand and practice these principles. Be a family man in the usual ways of the world-study,play,earn,marry,children etc but practice aloneness keeping God in mind all the time and accept things as they are but not what you want them to be.
June 9, 2020
Excellent book 😀🙏
Perfect book for the modern world
Encourages us to think about
The values we are having
The whole world is running after
Woman and gold
The book tells us to avoid the
Rat race of the world
Perfect book for the modern world
Encourages us to think about
The values we are having
The whole world is running after
Woman and gold
The book tells us to avoid the
Rat race of the world
February 13, 2021
Bhaj Govindam is first the seeker of eternal truth.It has 31 Verses which guides spritual seeker to attain ultimate goal .Atambhodh has 68 verses which enlighten seeker self realization or higher goal set on spritual path.
October 7, 2016
Timeless classic.
December 8, 2017
I started this book in my difficult times and to say in simple words it helped me and changed me for better
June 19, 2018
Beautiful book!
February 21, 2019
Pure bliss
Excellent knowledge and wisdom. Hard to put down in words. Experience Divine love in every aspect of life. Thanks a lot
Excellent knowledge and wisdom. Hard to put down in words. Experience Divine love in every aspect of life. Thanks a lot
January 2, 2020
A must read for those on the path of enlightenment.!
November 13, 2021
Poetic and deep philosophy. A gem with helpful analysis and interpretation notes.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews