Bhaja Govindam | Realize the reality of life and know how to get moksha
Bhaja Govindam
Once, when Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya was walking along the streets of Varanasi, he saw an elderly scholar immersed in reciting Sanskrit grammar rules. Feeling compassionate, Adi Shankaracharya advised him to divert his attention from mere grammar to chanting the divine name of Govinda — hence the timeless work, *Bhaja Govindam* ("Chant Govinda").
Essence of Bhaja Govindam
In this stotra, Adi Shankaracharya conveys two major messages:
1. The Reality of Life
2. The Path to Moksha (Liberation)
Life Lessons from Bhaja Govindam
- Skills and knowledge used for earning will not help at the time of death. Don’t waste life chasing only money and worldly learning.
- Both genders are made of flesh and bones. Don't be trapped in bodily attraction.
- As long as we breathe, people inquire about us. Once breath stops, even loved ones fear the body.
- Don’t take pride in wealth, support, or strength — everything can vanish in a moment.
- Childhood is wasted in play, youth in desire and earning, and old age in suffering — life passes meaninglessly.
- People seek pleasures but end in pain. Despite knowing about death, many keep committing sins.
Path to Liberation (Moksha)
After revealing the harsh truths of life, Jagadguru tells us what to do:
- Stay in the company of noble, God-loving people.
- Reduce attachment to the world; this leads to peace and clarity.
- Study and live the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.
- Worship Lord Vishnu’s divine feet with faith.
- Practice pranayama, control senses (pratyahara), japa, and meditation.
- Attain oneness with the Supreme – Brahma Sthiti.
- Believe in your Guru, follow the teachings sincerely — and moksha shall be yours.
🕉️ Chant Govinda, Seek Truth, Attain Peace. 🙏
