Bhaja Govindam – Verse 26
Original (transliterated)
Kamam krodham lobham moham
Tyaktva atmanam bhavaya koham
Atma jnana vihina mudhah
Te pacyante naraka nigudhah.
English Translation
"Give up lust, anger, greed, and delusion. Reflect deeply: 'Who am I?' Seek to know your true Self. Those who remain ignorant of their real nature live in delusion and suffer as though trapped in a hidden hell."
Meaning
Adi Shankaracharya identifies four powerful inner forces
that keep people bound to suffering:
- Kamam
(Desire/Lust): Endless craving for pleasure, possessions, recognition,
or status.
- Krodham
(Anger): The emotional fire that arises when desires are blocked.
- Lobham
(Greed): Never feeling satisfied, always wanting more.
- Moham
(Delusion/Attachment): Mistaking temporary things for lasting
happiness and identifying completely with the body, wealth, relationships,
or ego.
After letting go of these tendencies, he asks the most
important question:
"Ko'ham?" – "Who am I?"
This is not merely an intellectual question. It is an
invitation to discover the Self beyond one's profession, social identity,
successes, failures, and possessions.
Without Self-knowledge, a person continues to suffer mentally and spiritually. The "hell" mentioned in the verse is not only a place after death; it also symbolizes the inner misery created by uncontrolled desires, anger, greed, and ignorance.
Modern-Day Relevance
This verse is remarkably relevant in today's fast-paced
world.
1. Consumerism and Endless Desire
Modern society constantly encourages people to buy more,
earn more, and compare themselves with others.
The result is often:
- Chronic
dissatisfaction
- Financial
stress
- Anxiety
- Burnout
The verse reminds us that happiness cannot come from endless wanting.
2. Social Media and Anger
Online platforms often amplify outrage.
People become angry over opinions, politics, comments, and
comparisons.
Unchecked anger damages:
- Relationships
- Mental
health
- Physical
health
- Decision-making
Inner peace is impossible without mastering anger.
3. Greed in Career and Business
Ambition is healthy.
Greed is different.
Greed says:
- "Nothing
is enough."
- "I'll
be happy after the next promotion."
- "I'll
rest after making more money."
Many achieve success yet remain deeply unhappy because greed has no finish line.
4. Attachment to Identity
People often define themselves entirely by:
- Job
titles
- Income
- Appearance
- Followers
- Reputation
When these change, their sense of self collapses.
Shankaracharya reminds us that our true identity is deeper than temporary roles.
5. Mental Health
Many modern struggles stem from:
- Constant
comparison
- Fear
of missing out
- Attachment
to outcomes
- Uncontrolled
desires
Self-awareness reduces emotional suffering.
Life Lessons
Know yourself before trying to conquer the world - External success cannot replace inner clarity.
Control desires before they control you - Every desire should be examined: "Do I truly need this, or am I simply chasing temporary pleasure?"
Respond instead of reacting - Anger usually harms the person carrying it more than its target.
Practice contentment - Contentment does not mean giving up ambition. It means not allowing ambition to destroy peace.
Don't mistake possessions for identity - You have wealth. You are not your wealth. You have a career. You are not your career.
Ask meaningful questions -
Instead of asking:
- "How
can I become richer?"
- "How
can I become more famous?"
Also ask:
- "Who
am I beyond these roles?"
- "What
truly gives lasting peace?"
- "What kind of person am I becoming?"
Importance of This Verse Today
This verse serves as a timeless guide for emotional
intelligence and spiritual growth.
In an age of distraction, comparison, and relentless
ambition, it teaches that lasting peace comes not from controlling the outside
world but from understanding the inner one. By recognizing and gradually
overcoming desire, anger, greed, and delusion, a person develops wisdom,
resilience, and freedom from unnecessary suffering.
Its message is universal: success without self-awareness
often leads to emptiness, while self-knowledge provides a stable foundation for
a meaningful and balanced life. The invitation to ask "Who am I?"
remains as relevant today as it was over a thousand years ago, encouraging
reflection that leads to greater clarity, compassion, and lasting fulfillment.