Saturday, May 29, 2010

Bhaja Govindam

You would probably have heard the famous verses by Adi Sankaracharya:
"Bhaja Govindam, Bhaja Govindam, Bhaja Govindam Mudha Mati"
The story goes that Adi Sankara once saw an old Sanskrit teacher in Kashi teaching his students the rules of Sanskrit grammar by rote. On seeing this, he composed the above verse:
"Worship God, Praise God, Adore God, you fool!
These rules of Sanskrit grammar are not going to help you in tough times"
The verse then goes on to amplify on this - turn the mind away from lust, from wealth, or from other worldly pleasures, towards the Lord.

The word "Bhaja" is normally translated in this context as "Praise" - or "Adore" or "Worship". However, Guruji mentioned in a knowledge tape that one of the meanings of this word in Sanskrit is to "share". Hence, I wonder if there's another layer of meaning in the first line: "Share God!" In other words: Spread this knowledge. Do God's work. Spread the light of the Divine around you. And that is what would help us in tough times - and indeed, when the time to depart comes.

Not sure if this interpretation is correct :) but works for me!

No comments:

Post a Comment