Bhaja Govindam... (1)

[Guest guest]

I was approached by Gopi Krishna to comment on his interpretation

of Bhaja Govindham. I have requested him to send postings of

Bhaja Govindam to our list once or twice a week.

 

This is is the first posting............

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" Gopi Krishna " <gopi

 

Pranams and Love to You.

 

" .... I felt like knowing and at the same time writing meanings of Bhaja

Govindham

for my own consumption, benefit and spiritual upliftment. I know my

limitations very well and I do not have that kind of knowledge either in

English or in Sanskrit. "

 

I also add that:-

 

" I would like to submit in all humility and respect, as you may be aware,

that I am neither a scholar nor a well-read person. It was a kind of

inspiration. That is all. "

 

Love and regards

 

Gopi Krishna.

 

Om Sri Ganesaya Namaha

Om Namo Venkatesaya

Om Sri Adi Sankaraya Namaha

Om Sadguru Sri Sainathaya Namaha

 

BHAJA GOVINDAM

 

INTRODUCTION:

 

The basic purpose of human existence is to realise the Self. Soul is

considered as the representative of God in the human body, which is made of

Pancha Tanmatras, i.e., Sabda, Sparsa, Rupa, Rasa and Gandha. These Pancha

Tanmatras are represented in our body by Pancha Jnanedriyas, i.e., Eyes,

Ears, Nose, Tongue and Skin. If these gross aspects are properly used for

the service of others with Nishkama Bhavana and for self-advancement

spiritually, then one can overcome the innate sense-habits of

body-identification and develop intuitive perception and discrimination.

Discrimination is distorted by the limitations of sense impressions. The

only way out of getting entrapped in this quagmire or quicksand is to raise

oneself above the body-consciousness. There are several ways for it. Of

them, the most important are Bhakti, Jnana and Karma Yogas. Yoga means to

unite; to unite one with the chosen God or Goddess following one of the

three paths identified above, depending upon one's temperament and taste.

One of the minor compositions " Bhaja Govindam " of Jagatguru Sri Adi

Sankaracharya, shows the way to achieve this.

 

to be continued.....