How Can Bhaja Govindam Help In Spiritual Journey?
Bhaja Govindam," composed by the renowned Advaita philosopher Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century, is a profound spiritual hymn that provides guidance for those seeking a deeper understanding and connection with the spiritual path. This hymn is also known as the "Moha Mudgara," which translates to "Hammer to Delusion," symbolizing its role in dispelling ignorance and attachment. Here's how "Bhaja Govindam" can assist in one's spiritual journey:
1. Fostering Non-Attachment and Dispassion:
The central theme of "Bhaja Govindam" is the transient nature of worldly life and the importance of seeking eternal truth. The hymn repeatedly emphasizes the impermanence of material possessions and the futility of worldly pursuits. This fosters vairagya (dispassion) and encourages detachment from material desires and ego.
- Example Verse:
“नलिनी-दलगत जलमतितरलं तद्वज्जीवितमतिशयचपलम् | विद्धि व्याध्यभिमानग्रस्तं लोकं शोकहतं च समस्तम् ||”
"Like a drop of water on a lotus leaf, life is uncertain and fickle. Understand that the world is afflicted by diseases and ego, and is full of sorrow."
2. Emphasizing Devotion and Surrender:
The repeated urging to "worship Govinda" (Bhaja Govindam) underscores the importance of devotion (bhakti) and surrender to a higher power. This aligns the mind with divine consciousness and cultivates a sense of humility and devotion.
- Example Verse:
“भज गोविन्दं भज गोविन्दं गोविन्दं भज मूढमते | सम्प्राप्ते सन्निहिते काले नहि नहि रक्षति डुकृञ् करणे ||”
"Worship Govinda, worship Govinda, worship Govinda, O fool! When the time of death arrives, grammar rules (worldly knowledge) will not save you."
3. Encouraging Self-Reflection and Introspection:
The hymn prompts introspection by questioning the value of material wealth, social status, and sensory pleasures. It encourages seekers to reflect on the purpose of life and to prioritize spiritual goals over mundane pursuits.
- Example Verse:
“कुरुते गङ्गा-सागर-गमनं व्रत-परिपालनमथवा दानम् | ज्ञानविहीन: सर्वमतेन मुक्तिं न भजति जन्म-शतेन ||”
"One may travel to holy places, observe vows, and give away in charity. But without knowledge (self-realization), one will not attain liberation even in a hundred lives."
4. Guiding Toward Self-Realization:
Adi Shankaracharya's teachings in "Bhaja Govindam" are aligned with the Advaita Vedanta philosophy, which emphasizes the realization of the self's unity with the Supreme Consciousness. The hymn encourages seekers to transcend the ego and recognize their true nature as eternal, unchanging, and infinite.
- Example Verse:
“का ते कांता कस्ते पुत्र: संसारोऽयमतीव विचित्र: | कस्य त्वं क: कुत आयात: तत्त्वं चिन्तय तदिह भ्रात: ||”
"Who is your wife? Who is your son? Strange is this samsara (world). Of whom are you? Where have you come from? Reflect upon the truth here, brother."
5. Inspiring Simplicity and Contentment:
"Bhaja Govindam" advocates for a simple and contented life, free from excessive desires and complexities. This aligns with spiritual teachings that advocate for a life of simplicity and inner peace.
- Example Verse:
“सत्सङ्गत्वे निस्सङ्गत्वं निस्सङ्गत्वे निर्मोहत्वम् | निर्मोहत्वे निश्चलतत्त्वं निश्चलतत्त्वे जीवन्मुक्ति: ||”
"From good company arises non-attachment, from non-attachment arises freedom from delusion. From freedom from delusion arises self-realization, and with self-realization comes liberation while living."
6. Providing Practical Spiritual Guidance:
The verses offer practical advice on how to live a spiritually fulfilling life. This includes suggestions on renouncing superficial pleasures, practicing discrimination between the eternal and the ephemeral, and leading a life of righteousness and truth.
- Example Verse:
“यावद्वित्तोपार्जन-सक्त: तावन्निज-परिवारो रक्त: | पश्चाज्जीवति जर्जर-देहे वार्तां कोऽपि न पृच्छति गेहे ||”
"As long as one is attached to accumulating wealth, the family shows affection. But once the body becomes infirm, no one even inquires about his welfare."
7. Reminding of the Inevitability of Death:
The hymn frequently reminds the seeker of the certainty of death, urging them to make the most of their life by pursuing spiritual goals rather than getting lost in temporary pleasures.
- Example Verse:
“अङ्गं गलितं पलितं मुण्डं दशनविहीनं जातं तुण्डम् | वृद्धो याति गृहीत्वा दण्डं तदपि न मुञ्चत्याशापिण्डम् ||”
"The body has grown old, the hair has turned white, the mouth is toothless, and the old man walks with the support of a stick. Yet, he does not give up the bundle of desires."
Conclusion
In summary, "Bhaja Govindam" serves as a profound guide on the spiritual journey by urging individuals to focus on what is truly important—devotion to the divine, self-realization, and liberation from worldly attachments. Its timeless wisdom helps seekers navigate the complexities of life with a focus on achieving lasting inner peace and spiritual fulfillment.
This hymn's teachings are as relevant today as they were in Adi Shankaracharya's time, offering valuable insights for anyone on the path to spiritual enlightenment.