BhajaGovindam An Introduction

By

Ramakantha Rao Chakalakonda
Bhjagovindam An Introduction ii





I pray Lord Vishnu, who has four arms and who is dressed in white clothes
and having a pleasant face, to remove all obstacles from my path, I also pray
Lord Ganesh, and my spiritual Gurus.
Bhjagovindam An Introduction iii
An Appeal

Dear Friends,

Jagath Guru Sri Adi Shankaracharya composed Bhaja Govindam, which is one of the
major musical compositions, teaches us that NaamaSmarana and refuge in the Lotus
feet of the Lotus eyed Lord is the only tool available with us to cross the ocean of
Samsara. Swami Sri Vidyaprakasanda, the great Guru from Sukabramhasram, Sri
Kalahasti, gave an excellent commentary on Bhajagovindam. Based on these works, I
have written a book on Bhajagovindam in Telugu, and this is an extract from my work
in Telugu, explaining the meaning of each verse. The copies of this book are available in
Cincinnati and Dayton Temples, can be procured with a small donation of 2$s to the
temple. The Telugu Text is being published in Vedanta Bheri, a monthly magazine from
Suka Brahma Ashram, you can procure the e-Text from me for a small donation to
SukaBrahma Ashram, contact me through my email below.

I gave the full rights on this book to publish and sell to Sukabramhasram, Sri
Kalahasti. The book is being published in their monthly magazine Vedantha Bheri.
But for the benefit of those away from India, I made an e-copy of this book. You can
procure this e-copy by seeding me an email. Please down load and read. If you like this
work and found it useful, kindly send not less than 5 $s to Sukabhramha Ashram to
the following address, towards cost of this e-Book. Sukabhramha Ashram is doing
excellent service to our community:

The Manager,Sukabrahmasramam Or you can send your contribution
Sukabrahmasramam PO- 517 640 , using PayPal Account, ID #
Sri Kalahasti, Chittor dt, AP, India SukaBrahma.Ashram@gmail.com

If you are generous enough, kindly send what ever you like to Sri Vyasasramam, which
is doing a lot of service not only religiously, but also to poor children in giving shelter,
food and education.

The Manager,Sri Vyasasramam,
Yerpedu 287528,Chittor Dt, AP, India

May God bless you.

Ramakntha Rao Chakalkonda,
Sri Venkataramaniyamu Welfare Society,
Email: SVSwamiSongs@gmail.com
Bhjagovindam An Introduction iv

L Lo or rd d S Sr ri i V Ve en nk ka at ts sw wa ar ra a




V Ve en nk ka at ta ad dr ri i s sa am ma am m s st th ha an na am m b br ra ah hm ma an nd de e n na as st th hi i k ki in nc ch ha an na a, ,
V Ve en nk ka at te es sa a s sa am mo o d de ev vo o n na a b bh hu ut to o n na a b bh ha av vi is sh hy ya at th hi i. .

" "T Th he er re e i is s a a w wo on nd de er rf fu ul l u un ni iq qu ue en ne es ss s a as ss so oc ci ia at te ed d w wi it th h L Lo or rd d
V Ve en nk ka at te es sw wa ar ra a, , a an nd d H Hi is s a ab bo od de e, , V Ve en nk ka at ta ad dr ri i. ." "
Bhjagovindam An Introduction v
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Shruti Smruti PurANAnAM AlayaM KaruNAlayaM
NamAmi BhagavatpAdaM ShankaraM Loka ShankaraM


Srimachhankara bhagavadpAda sadgurubhyo namaH

vandE taM sacchidAnandaM yativaryaM mahAmatiM
vEdavEdAnta sArajnaM sadguruM praNatOsmyahaM
SadAhaM saMpradAyajnaM saMyamIndraM sadAshrayaM


Bhjagovindam An Introduction vi





Visweswara Oh! Venkata Nayaka
Viswadhara Vishnu Swarupa
Vimala Gnanamu Vibudula Kosagedi
Govindam Na Kantamu Nimmma!

Hey Lord Sri Venkatswara! The Kali Avatar of Lord Vishnu, you are the basis for
the whole Universe. Kindly give me the power to explain Bhajagovindam which
leads us to the path of Knowledge.








Lambodara, Oh ! Amba Tanaya,
Gangadhara suta Gnana Ganesha
Modaka Hasta, Mangala dayaka
Sankara Geyamu sagaga Nimma

Hey Ganesh! Son of Amba and beloved son of Siva, please remove all obstacles
in my path to explain the meaning of the Song of Sankara to every one.



Chaduvula Talli, Champaka valli!
Mrdu Ni Karamu, Mapi Mopave!
Aytam ganamu Avgathamavaga
Deevena Lichhi Dayalau Joopave!

Hey Mother of Education, You are as soft as a flower. Please keep your soft hand
on my on my head and bless me so that I get self realization. Please show
kindness on me.

Bhjagovindam An Introduction vii
















Dear Friends,

It is my great please to put forward you, Bhajagovindam, one of the Great works of THE
GREAT SAINT ADI SANKARA. I thought this kind of work is necessary, so that the
meaning of the great saints song in Sanskrit can be understood by everybody. The original
work of mine is in Telugu in a very simple language so that every body can understand and
sing for them selves and follow the great Saints teaching in their daily walks of live. This is an
extract from my Telugu book.

Jagadguru Sri Adi Sankaracharya was the greatest exponent of the doctrine of Advaita
Vedanta and a savior of Vedic Dharma. The existence of Vedic Dharma in India today is due
to Sankara. The forces opposed to Vedic religion were more numerous and powerful at the time
of Sankara than they are today. Still, single-handed, within a very short time, Sankara
overpowered them all and restored the Vedic Dharma and Advaita Vedanta to its pristine
purity in the land pure knowledge and spirituality. Sankaracharya occupies a very important
position in the history of Indian philosophy. It can be affirmed, without any fear of
contradiction, that Bharata Varsha would have ceased to be Bharata Varsha several centuries
ago and would never have survived the murderous sword, the devastating fire and the religious
intolerance of the successive invaders, if Sankara had not lived the life he lived and taught the
lessons he taught. Adi Shankaracharya is one of immortals of Indias cultural history. As the
propounder of Advaitavada in Vedanta philosophy, his contribution to Indian philosophy is
without any parallel.

Shankara was born in Kalady, a small village in Kerala, India, to a Namboothiri brahmin
couple, Shivaguru and Aryamba. Shivaguru died while Shankara was very young. The child
Bhjagovindam An Introduction viii
showed remarkable scholarship, and is said to have mastered the four Vedas by the age of
eight. Following the common practice of that era, Shankara lived and studied at the home of
his teacher. It was customary for students and men of learning to receive Bhiksha or alms from
the laity; on one occasion, while accepting Bhiksha, Shankara came upon a woman who had
nothing to eat in her house except a single dried amlaka fruit. Rather than consume this last
bit of food herself, the pious lady gave away the fruit to Sankara as Bhiksha. Moved by her
piety, Shankara composed the Kanakadhara Stotram on the spot. Legend has it that on
completion of the stotram, golden amlaka fruits were showered upon the woman by the
goddess Lakshmi. In due course, Shankara left Kerala and traveled throughout India. When
he reached the banks of the river Narmada, he met Govinda Bhagavatpada, the disciple of the
Advaitin Gaudapada. Shankara was initiated as his disciple. Shankara traveled extensively,
while writing commentaries on the Upanishads, Vishnu sahasranama, Brahma Sutras, and the
Bhagavad Gita. He engaged in a series of debates with Buddhist scholars, and with scholars
of the Purva Mimamsa school, which helped in cementing his spiritual ascendancy. One of the
most famous of these debates was with the famed ritualist Mandana Mishra. Once he was
saved by Sri Narasimha from being sacrificed to goddess Kali by a Kapalika. He then
composed the Laksmi-Nrsimha stotra. Another famous composition of Sri Adi Shankara is his
Bhaja Govindam, in praise of Vishnu.
It is a traditional belief that Adi Sankara installed at Srirangam a yantra called janakarshana
to attract pilgrims to this sacred temple, just as at Tirupati he installed the dhanakarshana
yantra. Indeed, Srirangam is the most visited Hindu temple in the world, and Tirupati is the
richest. Shankara is believed to have visited the Sarvajnapitha in Kashmir before he withdrew
to Kedarnath and attained samadhi. The Kanchi followers believe he achieved the same in
Kanchi. He died only at thirty-two years of age. At the time of Shankara's life, Hinduism had
lost some of its appeal because of the influence of Buddhism and Jainism. Shankara stressed
the importance of the Vedas, and his work helped Hinduism regain strength and popularity.
Although he did not live long, he had traveled on foot to various parts of India to restore the
study of the Vedas. His philosophy is known as Advaita Vedanta. Adi Shankara has authored
many works of stotras, and bhashyas, many of these are debated and questioned but below is a
list of books certainly written by Adi Shankara:

Viveka Chudamani, one of his most famous works, which summarizes his ideas of non-
dual Vedanta
The commentary Bhashya on the Brahma Sutra
The commentary on the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
The commentary on the Taittiriya Upanishad
The Thousand Teachings or Upadesasahasri
Bhaja Govindam
Shivanandalahari and Saundaryalahari respectively
Commentary on Vishnu Sahasranama
The commentary on Gaudapada's Karika to the Mandukya Upanishad
Bhjagovindam An Introduction ix
The commentary on the Bhagavad Gita,
Shankara is said to have founded four mathas (a matha is a monastery or religious order),
which are important to this day, to guide the Hindu religion in the future. These are at
Sringeri in Karnataka, in the south, Dwaraka in Gujarat in the west, Puri in Orissa in the
east, and Jyotirmath (Joshimath) in Uttaranchal in the north. The tradition states that he put
in charge of these mathas his four main disciples: Sureshwaracharya, Hastamalaka,
Padmapada, and Trotakacharya respectively. The heads of the mathas trace their authority
back to them. Each of the heads of these four mathas takes the title of Shankaracharya (the
learned Shankara) after the first Shankara. However, there is no concrete evidence for the
existence of these mathas before the 14th century. The matha at Kanchipuram or Kanchi in
Tamil Nadu claims that it was also founded by Shankara. According to this matha, it was
where he settled in his last days and attained mahsamdhi (i.e., left his body), but there are
other, accounts which claim that he attained mahsamdhi at Kedarnath.
Due to a small incident, happened recently I was terribly upset for a few days, as words are
more powerful weapons than swords to inflict injuries. I was praying Lord Sri Venkataswara
to give me peace of mind, and Swami Sri Venkataswara bestowed me the boon, HE gave me
Bhajagovindam into my hands. It worked like a peace medicine for my heart, to heal the
mental injury.

Bhajagovindam explains us the very truth of Human life, its vanity and emptiness, at the
same time it stresses the need for Human beings to best utilize their time, while living in the
material world. It tells us that we should lead the life in such a way, just like a water drop on
a lotus leaf, just look attached, but always mentally detached to the worldly things, and
always lead a spiritual live. As lawyers, doctors, professionals, rulers and ruled, teachers,
professors, occupying much bigger positions, we feel that we are very great, and tend to forget
so many important things. The reason is all our education, intelligence, knowledge gets covered
by Maya and we fall in the worldly affairs so deep that we forget our very existence and
origin. Adding fuel to fire, the mental weaknesses like pride, anger, jealous, intolerance, short
temper, make us behave like animals, forgetting our identity.


Sri Sankara wrote a number of Vedaantic works for imparting the knowledge of the Self. He
composed a number of hymns to foster the sense of devotion in the hearts of men and this One
of these hymns is the famous "Bhaja Govindam". Pre-eminent Hindu scholar, C. Raja
Gopalachari has written a commentary on Bhaja Govindam. The following is excerpted from
his introduction to Bhaja Govindam

Sri Sankara has packed into the "Bhaja Govindam" song the substance of all the Vedantic
works that he wrote and he has set the truth of the union of devotion and knowledge to
melodious music which delights the ear. Some critics of Indian philosophy believe and say that
Bhjagovindam An Introduction x
the way of devotion is different from the way of knowledge. When intelligence matures and
lodges securely in the heart, it becomes wisdom.
When that wisdom is integrated with life and issues out in action, it becomes devotion.
Knowledge which has become mature is spoken of as devotion. If it does not get transformed
into devotion, such knowledge is useless tinsel. To hold and to say that jnaana and bhakti,
knowledge and devotion, are as different from each other as gold is from baser metal is to
expose one's ignorance. Sri Sankara has packed into the "Bhaja Govindam" song the substance
of all the Vedantic works that he wrote and he has set the truth of the union of devotion and
knowledge to melodious music which delights the ear.

Bhajagovindam shows a mirror to human frailties and provides a safe passage through life
with the advice contained within. Primarily aimed at those who wish to take to a monks life
there are many verses that are useful for others. Bhajagovindam aids in understanding lifes
real purpose from the Vedantic viewpoint and thus improve the quality of living the life-
divine. Bhajagovindam is that beckon of light that can show us the way, to over come our
weaknesses. I must thank that Great person, who indirectly was responsible, to take up this
small work of mine. I pray all GODs to help me to complete this work, successfully. I request
all readers to excuse me for any of my mistakes I committed in this.


Ramakantha Rao Chakalakonda







Bhjagovindam An Introduction xi
Swami Vidya Prakashanada





It is a great pleasure and opportunity for me to write a few words about Swami Sri
Vidya Prakashananda. Born on April 13, 1914 AnandaMohan completed his
graduation from Andhara University, Vizag, and Kovid exam from Kasi Vidya
Peetha from Banaras. While he was taking bath in Ganges in RushiKesh, a garland of
flowers, with Kumkum and Bhagavat Gita in Sanskrit reached his hand. He then
assumed that that was a signal from GOD to take a spiritual path in life. At the age of
13 on May 17, 1936 he became a disciple of Sri Sadguru Maharshi Malayala Swami (
Sri Asanganandagiri swami) of VyaAshram,. He spent 12 years in penance eating only
uncooked food and 1 year full of Mouna Vratha. On July 3, 1947 he took Sanyasam
and took the name Sri Vidya Prakashanada Giri Swami and started Suka Brahma
Ashram on January 20, 1950. at Kalahasti. He performed several Gita Yagnas, wrote
so many books explaining the secrets of Vedanta, Gita and several Hindu religious
books. He started n 1963 a monthly magazine Vedantha Bheri spreading the meaning
of Vedas in simple language for easy understanding of common man. His commentaries
on Bhagavat Gita, Bhaja Govindam, and Vedantha Dimdhimam speak about his depth
of knowledge. The 100th Gita Yagna was performed in Hyderabad in 1981 under the
administration of Tirupathi Tirumala Devastanam, He wrote more than 40 books on
Gita, Vedantha and other religious matters. His Holiness attained Maha Samadhi on
April 10, 1998.
Bhjagovindam An Introduction xii


Introduction

Swami Sri Vidyaprakasanda, the great Guru from Sukabramhasram, Sri Kalahasti,
gave an excellent commentary on Bhajagovindam. Based on his work, I wrote my work
in Telugu, explaining the meaning in small verses, which are suitable for singing, in a
plain simple Telugu language. For the benefit of those does not know Telugu, I am
presenting the last few pages of my work, very briefly here.

Great guru Swami Sri Vidyaprakasanda needs no introduction. But for completion, I
like to give brief information about swami. To make the sole to fly to heavenly heights,
it needs two divine wings - devotion and knowledge. Both are equally important for a
smooth flight. That is why Sri Adi Sankara, though did volumes of work in the field of
Knowledge ( GNANA), had written so many devotional Slokas. He stressed the need of
Bhakati, for the sole, to reach the Almighty. Bhajagovindam stresses the need for
Bhakati and prayer, and equally well on importance of GNANA.


Human life is some thing very rare and very holy. It gives us an opportunity to rise to
heavenly heights, with our GNANA, prayer and devotion. All living things on earth,
may it be animals, birds, wild creatures, that are living in forests, water or on the earth
or under the earth, or in a sophisticated human society, they all do the same things, like
eating, drinking, sleeping, enjoyment, reproduction. If all the living things, including
man, do the same thing, without any difference, through out the life, then what is the
difference between a human life and life of an animal ? At least animals look to be
better than humans in some respects. They do not kill others, except for food or when
threatened. But human being has degraded several steps below the animals and other
creatures. With his selfishness, false prestige, greed, ambition for power, position and
money, he always does so many bad things, which even animals dont do. If we see the
pages of human history, to achieve what he wanted, he has done, doing so many crimes
on all other creatures including on his fellow human beings. The objective of
Bhajagovindam is to explain the vanity of life and make the human life more sacred by
cleaning the mind from the dirt of bad habits, and thoughts.


One day Sri Adi Sankara was walking on the streets of Kasi, asking for Bhiksha. They
found near a home, one old Brahmin, so old that he may die at any time, was studying a
Sanskrit grammar book called DUKRUNKARINI, and trying to mug it up. Seeing the
situation HE was shocked and got pity on the old man, he wanted to correct him and
Bhjagovindam An Introduction xiii
put him on the right spiritual path and gave a lesson in the form of
BHAJAGOVINDAM, he told a few verses to teach him and his students ( we call
them Sisyas hence forth) a few more verses to the old man.


He says Bhaja Govindam, Bhaja Govindam, Govindam Bhaja, Mudha Mate,
Samprapte Sannhite kale, Nahi Nahi Rakshate, Dukrunkarini Hey! Old man Listen to
me, Pray God Sri Vishnu, that is GOVINDA, dont waste your time like a fool, when
you are in your last few days of your life, just when death about to invade you, this
Grammar book DUKRUNKARINI is not going to help you from the jaws of death.


For persons, of this modern life, like us, this teaching equally applies. So friends,
understand the meaning of the great ACHARYAs teaching and remember it always,
what ever you are doing, and follow what he said. Make your life spiritual, peaceful,
successful, and pave the way to attain MOKSHA, the ultimate abode of spirituality..

I humbly take the responsibility of all the mistakes that are there in this small work,
they are all mine, please pardon me for my ignorance, and what ever great things you
find here, they are due to the great saints, SRI ADI SANKARA, and SRI VIDYA
PRAKASA. What ever little I understood, what ever little I know, and what ever I
could write, ( though there is so much to write), that much only, I have written, please
accept this with your kind heart.

The references or examples given here are totally impersonal and does not directly or
indirectly refer to any individual or group.

With high regards,

Ramakantha Rao Chakalakonda Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
Dated : June 24, 2005




Bhjagovindam An Introduction xiv


An extract from.chinnajeeyar.org website:

We have heard several stories and legends about incarnations of God, Godman and Acharyas in the
past. But very rarely can we come into the living presence of divinity like HH (His Holiness) Sri Sri Sri
Tridandi Chinna Srimannarayana Ramanuja Jeeyar Swamiji. HH is a profound Sanskrit scholar, a
realized soul, an epitome of learning & enlightenment and an embodiment of divine wealth. HH
started the JET (Jeeyar Educational Trust) in 1982 at Sithanagaram, Guntur Dist. India with
various units in Hyderabad India (1983), Narayankund Nepal (1985), Rajahmundry, India (1991),
Chennai India (1993) and Illinois, USA (1995).


"Vikasatharangini" a Youth Force, started by HH with hundreds of youth forming its core, has been
instrumental in executing several Spiritual and Social projects. In 1984, HH started the Vedic
University under Jeeyar Educational Trust (JET), which is one of its kinds to establish and propagate
the Vedic Science. Under several extension programs, a similar school for young children to impart the
Vedic Agama lore was started at Jaggaiapet in 1990. In addition to the above mentioned programs for
the spread of the Vedic Dharma, HH also undertook unique programs to relieve the people of India
from misery and calamity. HH, not being satisfied with the services he has rendered in India, has been
visiting USA since 1994 spreading and teaching the principles of Universal Love, Peace and
Fraternity. HiH's love for mankind is universal and HH is the mother and the benefactor of the entire
mankind.

The pride of a Nation depends on its civilization and historic values, intellectual excellence and
creative self-sufficiency. These qualities instill self-confidence and inspire people to excel with moral
pride. Such an initiative makes a Nation worthy and wealthy. The ageless Vedas are proven treasures
of higher sciences and supreme knowledge. They are the sources for not only the latest modern
technologies for advancement, but for the emanation of a whole new life in this wonderful universe.
Fortunately, today, Vedic literature is available all around the world, well preserved in renowned
Universities and world famous libraries. But, India is more fortunate. The spirit of Vedas is
available in its live form in India. Vedic scholars and practitioners of Bharat, have it in their memory,
which is more powerful than Super Computers. In spite of much greater Vedic wisdom that India has,
lack of freedom and constant slavery through tyrannical invasions for over 20 centuries, has deprived
the world of this Higher Vedic Wealth.

At this crucial juncture, JEEYAR INTERNATIONAL VEDIC UNIVERSITY has come forward to
play a proactive and responsible role, to make this a better world, by training and preparing great
Bhjagovindam An Introduction xv
Vedic practitioners. This centre for Vedic research stands unique here, under the able guidance of
traditional Vedic Gurus & bridging the original science of Nature and values of Real Life, to empower
the present towards a golden future. This Yajna is for us - Let's all join hands in this great Yajna for
'Harmonious Development'. Let's add twigs into this perennial fire of knowledge. Let us march
ahead in unison from darkness to light. For More Details see the website :
http://www.chinnajeeyar.org
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Blessings


Jeeyar Educational Trust, Dt. 23-09-05
Sitanagaram 522 501
Guntur District, AP

Dear Sri Ramakantha Rao,

Srimad Narayanaynamaha! Blessings to you.

I have read the Bhajagovindam translation you have sent me. It is excellent, it is nice
that you have given an English commentary also, not stopping with explanation in
Telugu.

It is only human being out of all the creatures in the universe that have thinking power.
If one can use that properly, there is worth for human life. Men who can use their brain
in the right way can make their lifes useful and can get appreciation from their family,
society, universe in general and GOD also.

To do this one requires one requires the warmth and energy both. The warmth is the soft
feeling in the heart. One who has the softness in the heart gets moved with the
sufferings of others, and tries to help them and can happily share with the comforts of
others. The energy in the heart gives direction toward destination. We should never
forget our goal. The one which creates both this soft feeling and the goal oriented energy
is called intellect ( Gnanam) or Love or Bhakti. The bear Gnanam is just not enough,
the one that is required is the Gnanam mixed with love, which is goal oriented. Pure
Gnanam is like a green mango, when it gets mixed with love, it becomes a juicy fruity
mango. That one only gives happiness to the person eating it. The one who enjoys the
fruit is GOD himself. HE is none but GOVINDA who protects all of us. The Gnanam
which transforms in to love juice is Bhajan.

Bhjagovindam An Introduction xvi
With a heart full of love and kindness which have to bow before GOD and lead our
lives, this is the substance of Vedas. GOD him self gives the strength to overcome the
hurdles on the way. What are those difficulties, how they come in our way, how can we
get rid of those difficulties, how we have to dedicate our selves before Lord
GOVINDA, how to keep our mind controlled in the right path, is well explained in the
musical song Bhajagovindam, in easily understandable language, at the same time filled
with rich philosophy to the intellectuals. The whole song in written in 32+1 =33
Stanzas, as if this is Brahma Vidya, by Swami Adi Sankara.

Appreciating the meaning and philosophy and with the help of comments provided by
elders, the Bhajagovindam you have written is excellent, and I am sure it will catch the
eyes of so many learned people. Blessings to you.

Jai Sriman Narayana.

Chinna Jiyar Swami.
Bhjagovindam An Introduction xvii

Blessings from Swami Vidya Swarupanada

Sri sukabrahma Ashram, Dated: 9-9-2005
Suka Brahma Ashram PO,
Sri kalahasti 517 640,
AP India.

Sriman Chakalakonda Ramakantha Rao Sriman Narayana.

Dear holy sole! I received your book Bhajagovindam, which you have written with
Bhakti and Sradha, is received. I have gone through that book. Your work is excellent
with full of bhakti and it is really enjoyable to read it. The explanations in certain
places is very beautiful, especially Stanzas 2, 7. 8, 9, 18 your translations and
picturization is really good. In the 3rd Slokam starting with Nari , without losing
the meaning of Sankara, explaining fully, you were cautious to use very decent and
etiquette language. On the whole your work is really good, nice, meaningful, smooth,
soft, musical and simple, easily understandable for everybody and it touches the heart
Very happy to see this great work

The Lord of seven hills may bless you with more and more thoughts to produce more this
kind of works. May God, Great Gurus bless you.

We like to print this book in our monthly magazine Vedantha Bheri.

Swami Vidya Swarupanda.

Bhjagovindam An Introduction 1






1. bhajagovindaM bhajagovindaM
govindaM bhajamuuDhamate .
saMpraapte sannihite kaale
nahi nahi rakshati DukRiJNkaraNe



Oh poor sole! old Brahmin ! dont be foolish. Dont waste your time in reading this
grammar book, DUKRUNKARINI, when your life is going to be over, when death knocks
your door, this book what you are reading, is not going to help you Pray lord Sri
GOVINDA, take HIS name and sing, that is going to help you through out your life, at the
time of your death and after death. For that matter, not any worldly education is going to
help us. That may be helpful to the extent of making our lively hood, but not beyond.
Where as spiritual education is going to help you through out live and even in death.
Spirituality makes a person, perfect, make him realize the importance of his life, how one
should plan it, how he should live, what he should do, and what he should not. That is
what is called GNANA, when one gets GNANA, his thinking towards live changes totally,
he realizes the vanity of life, its emptiness. He realizes that the worldly comforts and
pleasures are temporary and momentary, where as spiritual comforts are ever lasting. That
makes him a perfect man, and such people become examples to others, One who acquires
GNANA is well equipped with all the power, now if he prays LORD OF THE
UNIVERSE, he obviously realizes that VISWA TATWA and easily attains the abode of
happiness.

So dont waste time in the world matters and take spiritual education, pray LORD
GOVINDA, once you surrender HE will help you, through life and death. Every body on
this earth, who is born, must die, nobody can escape death, but that death becomes an easy
task for us, when we attain BHAKTI and GNANA, We get mentally prepared for death,
spirituality makes us bold to face death. Then death is not any more a devil, it is a relief, we
can get rid of all kinds of problems, of body and mind, and we can attain MOKASHAM,
(Birth-less-ness) once we fall on the lotus feat of GOVINDA. So dear friends, take the
name of GOVINDA, the universal lord, and take his SARANAM ( Refuge), he will give us
relief from all problems of BHAVASAGARAM, the day to day life related problems.
Bhjagovindam An Introduction 2

What ever money we have, what ever great assets we have, what kind of house or palace we
live, and the amount of assets like currency, Gold, diamonds, etc, the power and position,
the worldly knowledge, how many friends, servants, relatives, we have, none of these are
going to help us in the last minutes of death, except surrender on the feet of LORD
GOVINDA. So, soon take up the path of spirituality.


2. mUDha jahiihi dhanaagamatRishhNaaM
kuru sadbuddhiM manasi vitRishhNaam.
yallabhase nijakarmopaattaM
vittaM tena vinodaya chittam.



Dear friend! Dont waste your valuable time for earning money, what ever money you
acquire, it is going to be waste, you are not going to carry with you even a single coin, when
you die. Leave off the desire for accumulation of wealth; create in the mind thoughts about
Reality, devoid of passion. Give up your thirst to amass wealth, devote your mind to
thoughts to the Real. Be content with what comes through actions already performed in
the past. Satisfy your mind with what you have achieved through your past deeds. The
money you earn either with your hard work, or what ever way, good or bad means, is not
going to be carried with you, after death. What you carry with you is the fruits of good
works you do either for society, fellow humans or service to GOD. First of all where there
is an end for earning money, the more you earn, the more you want it, so you must put an
end to your desire, other wise your thrust of money is not going to stop. So get complacent,
target your self to earn that much only, that is good enough to live, sufficient for your
family, your self and to show charity. What happened to the richest fellows on earth lived
so far, did not they die, did they carry any thing with them, after death is there anybody
bothered about them ? People do not even remember their names, where as see those
people, who sacrificed their lives for others, and serviced GOD. Their names are eternal on
earth, as long as Sun and Moon shine on earth. The more the money, the more the
problems, so be more intelligent, spend your time for service of GOD and in prayer, not
for earning material assets. That is why Kabir Said:


Bhjagovindam An Introduction 3

God! Give me only that much, that is enough for me and for my family and for my guest.
Give that much that is enough to feed my self and my guests. Dont give me more or
less. The more you want to acquire money, the more problems, fears and disturbance.

3. naariistanabhara naabhiideshaM
dRishhTvaa maagaamohaavesham.
etanmaaMsaavasaadi vikaaraM
manasi vichintaya vaaraM vaaram.




Dear friend! When you see a beautiful women, dont get attracted with her beauty and
get mad and lusty. Seeing the female form, do not fall prey to frenzied delusion What
ever you think that are very attractive, they are nothing but flesh, blood, fat and bones,
covered under skin. Do not get drowned in delusion by going wild with passions.
When age increases, deceases catch the body, all these become nothing but loosely
hanging skin and broken bones. The body is made of the five elements, water, earthy,
sky, air and fire. The body one day becomes useless and has to be mixed back in to
these five elements. So understand the bodily pleasures are not ultimate, there is a
divine please and happiness, please try to acquire that to be ever happy.

Nityaanandam Parama Sukhadam
Kevalam Gnana Murthim
Dwandaathitam Gagana Sadrusham
Tattwamasyadi Lakshyam
Ekam Nityam Vimalam Achalam
Sarvadee Saakshibhutham.
The divine is always blissful, most happy, with absolute wisdom, without a second, beyond
the pair of opposites, expansive and all pervasive like the sky, indicated by the feeling of
being synonymous of the goal of the principle of oneness, eternal, pure, unchanging and
the witness of all the functions of the intellect. As an individual, member of a society and
citizen of a country, you should be very clear with one point that the womanly attraction is
most dangerous, you would have seen the history, so many wars were fought and so much
destruction was done to human society due to womans attraction. All this is not worth.
Think well thus in your mind again and again. So concentrate your mind on divine things
and keep your mind, body and soul away from these attractions.

Bhjagovindam An Introduction 4
4. naliniidalagata jalamatitaralaM
tadvajjiivitamatishayachapalam .
viddhi vyaadhyabhimaanagrastaM
lokaM shokahataM cha samastam



Dear friend, life is very small, man may die at any time, because of age, decease or accident.
It is like a water bubble which may explode any moment, it is like a water drop on lotus
petal, which may skid any moment. The life of a man is as uncertain as rain drops
trembling on a lotus leaf. The entire world is devoured by disease and conceit, and smitten
with sorrow. The GOD of death, may catch our neck at any moment. The world is full of
miseries, and to cross the ocean of life ( BHAVASAGARA) is very tedious. To make this
journey very easy and simple, that there is only one solution, the lotus feet of GOD. So
surrender to LORD and make your lifes journey easy towards heaven.

5. yaavadvittopaarjana saktaH
staavannija parivaaro raktaH .
pashchaajjiivati jarjara dehe
vaartaaM ko.api na pRichchhati gehe


Dear friend! As long as you have earning power and earning money, everybody respects
you, they will be attached to you.. Your wife, children and relatives show a lot of
importance to you. But the moment you stop earning you lose all your respect, they just
stop caring you, no one would even speak to you a word. On the contrary they may even
show disrespect or they may even insult you. When you are in power and position, your
subordinates, servants, colleagues respect you, for the fear of you that you may harm them,
or to get benefits from you. Once you are down the power, nobody cares you. At the time
you feel insulted, lost and horrified, at that time nobody will be on your side, except GOD,
so think of GOD right now and pray him every moment, so that you are prepared mentally
to take up any situation.
Bhjagovindam An Introduction 5

6. yaavatpavano nivasati dehe
taavatpRichchhati kushalaM gehe .
gatavati vaayau dehaapaaye
bhaaryaa bibhyati tasminkaaye


Dear friend ! As long as you are alive, your relatives, friends, and wife and children,
enquire you about your state, they show a lot of interest in you, but the moment you are
dead, they weep once or a few days and then forget about you. Nobody even remember you
latter. When your dead body is lying on floor, nobody wants to touch it, even your wife
gets worried to approach the dead body, because of fear. The body is made of the five
elements, earth, sky, water, fire and air. When dead it becomes so much decade that it
starts smelling, so everybody wants to get rid of it as soon as possible, lest they should get
any decease. So the body has to get mixed again with those five elements. So the physical
body is useless and perishable, the only thing that is eternal is sole, so make your sole
purified and try to achieve the lotus feet of GOD where there is perfect tranquility and
eternity.

7. arthamanarthaM bhaavaya nityaM
naastitataH sukhaleshaH satyam.
putraadapi dhana bhaajaaM bhiitiH
sarvatraishhaa vihiaa riitiH




Dear friend! see the irony of having more money, your life is in danger and becomes peace
less. By legal or illegal means you earned lots of money, now the problem is protecting it,
you have fear of thieves, rulers.. They may even kill you to steal the money. Bear in mind
always that wealth could mean disaster. Why only dacoits, think of your own children,
friends and relatives, there is even danger from them also.. As long as they have money
interest with you, or as long as they believe that you are useful to them monetarily they
respect you, once they feel you are useless to them they ditch you. So Wealth is no good,
there is happiness even after acquiring wealth, this is the truth. Wealth is not welfare, truly
there is no joy in it. GOD, he is with you all the time, whether you are poor or rich, you
Bhjagovindam An Introduction 6
get the acme of peace in his service, so pray GOD and achieve happiness, which the
material comforts and people cannot give you. Sri Sankara here gives a sound advice good
for householders and other sadhakas. Know that money will mean more misery than
pleasure. The truth is, money cannot buy happiness; In money matters, man doesnt trust
even his offsprings. Strange it may seem, but this is the way of the world.

The Acharya, though not a man of the world, nevertheless understood its ways precisely.
This is for the benefit of the disciples and devotees. Money often makes a man arrogant.
There is no end to the greed for wealth. The man who gets a thousand will hope for ten
thousand. The one who gets ten thousand will hope for a millions No end to desire, no
end to greed. Will more money ensure more pleasure and peace of mind? Chances are
little. The more a man gets, the greedier he becomes; No one is satisfied with what he
gets. He is jealous of those who have more; Dissatisfied mind is the breeding ground of
crimes: at home, in society also. The rich man sometimes doesnt trust even his children
on monetary matters. He is doubtful on others and their intentions. Sleep is lost; Rivalries
start; Quarrels ensue; Even murders result. All for money. Can a sadhaka live with this
situation?

No amount of money will satisfy us. We have to satisfy ourselves by what we legitimately
earn by hard work. We should impress ourselves that it is a misconception that money
brings happiness. There is nothing wrong if we work hard and earn money; we may use it
for good purposes. But we shouldnt become a slave of money. The earlier we understand
the truth about the world and its ways, the better it is for us: To help say farewell to
ignorant ways.


8. baalastaavatkriiDaasaktaH
taruNastaavattaruNiisaktaH .
vRiddhastaavachchintaasaktaH
pare brahmaNi ko.api na saktaH


Dear friend! See the pity, how you are wasting your time, in all the four stages of your life
cycle! When you are a child because of ignorance you were more attracted with play and
pass time, so as a boy, you are attached to sport When young you are after woman, then
after marriage you are after money and family matters, so as a youth, you are attached to
young woman. Finally when you get old, your mind is preoccupied with the matters like,
how to protect your money, your childrens feature etc. So when you are old, you are
attached to anxiety; Also at that time your age and weakness, decease brings you more head
aches. To the Supreme Brahman, no one, alas, is attached! Then also you do not think of
Bhjagovindam An Introduction 7
GOD, finally when death invades you, in that last moment you may be in a position of
thinking of GOD or not, even if you think of HIM, there is no use, better start praying
GOD right now, irrespective of age, what ever is your profession, caste, creed or
community, what ever you are engaged in, always in your mind think of GOD and pray
him, that is the only one that can save you.


9. kaate kaantaa kaste putraH
saMsaaro.ayamatiiva vichitraH .
kasya tvaM kaH kuta aayaataH
tattvaM chintaya tadiha bhraataH


Dear friend! Think for a moment, who are you? Who is your wife? Who is your son? what
are these relations, what is the relation between your wife and you before marriage, what
relation you have with your children before birth, same logic applies to your parents, and
others, it means these relations are temporary in the dimension of time, they hold good for
some time, and cease to exist after a period. you? Whence have you come? Oh brother,
think of that truth here. The Samsara (Universe ) is very Strange. Exceedingly wonderful,
indeed, is this empirical process! Of whom are you? Who are. The whole world is a stage,
we are actors, playing different roles, involved deeply in our action. Come out of this plane
of MAYA ( Cloud of ignorance) and think, you will find that what ever role you are playing
is false and untrue. So get rid of your mind with the cloud of MAYA ( the attracting
power), then you are clear of facts and truth, that is the first step in acquiring divine
Knowledge (GNANA) and one step toward the ALL MIGHTY!
Your vision makes you call a man father, your daughter as daughter. You give name to
various relationships since the bodies are different. Actually, who is father, who is
daughter?
Maata Naasthi, Pita Naasthi
Naasthi Bandhu, Naasthi Sahodara
Artham Naasthi, Gruham Naasthi.
Tasmat Jagratha, Jagratha, Jagratha.

There is no mother, no father,
Neither siblings nor relations,
There is no wealth or dwelling,
O! Be careful, be careful, be careful.
Bhjagovindam An Introduction 8
In essence, all are one and are the embodiments of God. In order to journey to this unity,
the diversity should be renounced. The principle at the spirit (atma) is to visualize and
experience the unity in diversity. The Atma is the regulator of unity amidst multiplicity.
Though the bulbs are different, in size and luminosity, they glow by the same electricity
that runs through them. So too visualization of the self is the understanding of the
singularity in the plural world.
10. satsaNgatve nissN^gatvaM
nissaNgatve nirmohatvam.h .
nirmohatve nishchalatattvaM
nishcalatattve jiivanmuktiH



Dear friend! From Satsangh (the company of the good) comes non-attachment, from non-
attachment comes freedom from delusion, which leads to self-settledness. From self-
settledness (delusionlesness) comes Jeevan Mukti (liberation in life). Company plays a
major role and it influences your mind and sole. If you are in bad company you acquire
bad habits, if you are in good company good habits, you have to better choose good
company for your own good. If you are in the company of HARI DASAs (Servants of
GOD), saints and good teachers (Gurus), you can learn things very easily, you dont have
to re-invent the wheel, what ever they learnt, they will pass on this knowledge to you and
you can easily acquire that. Especially the need of a good teacher is very important for
spiritual matters. Dear friend acquire the friendship and company of devotional people
and acquire spiritual knowledge, peace, good habits. If you are in a good company, the first
benefit you get is, you get detached with the worldly matters, and you get attached to divine
things, if you reach that stage then you are very close to GOD.

11. vayasigate kaH kaamavikaaraH
shushhke niire kaH kaasaaraH .
kshiiNevitte kaH parivaaraH
GYaate tattve kaH saMsaaraH




Dear friend! When you are young, energetic then if you have control over mind and get
detached to worldly things, then we can say you are like a saint, very strong minded, but
Bhjagovindam An Introduction 9
when you are old and have no energy, if you lose interest in worldly attractions, what is
great! When there is full water, then only we call it a tank, but where there is no a drop of
water, where is tank it self? When youth is spent, what lustful play is there? When the water
has evaporated, what lake is there? When the money is gone, what dependents are there?
When the Truth is known, what empirical process is there? So friend, get detached from
the worldly things right from beginning. So get realization, when you have assets everybody
comes to you to enjoy them, they all leave you alone, just like frogs leave the tank when it is
dry. So with self realization, make self analysis, this makes you understand what bad things
in you are, wash them off and become a pure sole, eligible for divine prayer.


12. maa kuru dhana jana yauvana garvaM
harati nimeshhaatkaalaH sarvam.h .
maayaamayamidamakhilaM hitvaa
brahmapadaM tvaM pravisha viditvaa



Dear friend! Those that have worldly knowledge, beauty, strength, money, power, position
and mob behind them, get proud and head strong, they think that they are very great and
insult others, they do so many atrocities on human society, but all these great assets what
they have are temporary, one day they lose them. That one day can be any day, any time.
Then they become Zero from Hero. Do not boast of wealth, friends, and youth. Free
yourself from the illusion of the world of Maya and attain the timeless. So dont get proud
of them, the only strength that is real, eternal is GODs strength, acquire it with your
spiritual knowledge. When you acquire that you will be sailing in the ocean of tranquility
and happiness.

13. dinayaaminyau saayaM praataH
shishiravasantau punaraayaataH .
kaalaH kriiDati gachchhatyaayuH
tadapi na muJNcatyaashaavaayuH



Dear friend! Life is very short, dont waste time. Start prayer right now, dont post phone
prayer, and never say that I will start from tomorrow, that tomorrow never comes. Time
plays and life ebbs away. But the storm of desire never leaves. Day comes and day goes,
night comes, and night goes. Like this days, months, years go waste, but that tomorrow
Bhjagovindam An Introduction 10
never comes, so start today it self, if you have to do some thing tomorrow, start today, if
you have to do some thing today, do it right away, in one moment there could be total
universal destruction, then you can not utter even once the name of GOD, so without
waste of time, start your prayer right away. Time sports, life is fleeting; yet one does not
leave the winds of desire. That is why Kabir Said:
Kaal Kare So Aaj Kar, Aaj Kare So Ub
Pal Mein Pralaya Hoyegi, Bahuri Karoge Kub


Tomorrows work do today, today's work do right now, in one moment there could happen
some big disaster, then you may not find even one moment also to pray.
14. dvaadashamaJNjarikaabhirasheshhaH
kathito vaiyaakaraNasyaishhaH .
upadesho bhuudvidyaanipuNaiH
shriimachchhankarabhagavachchharaNariH




Like this, Swami Sankara gave his divine lessons to the old Brahman in twelve verses, and
in the end another three, rest of the lessons were preached by swamis students
(SISHYAs). This bouquet of twelve verses was imparted to the grammarian by the all-
knowing Shankara, adored as the bhagavadpada. These twelve stanzas are good enough to
clear the cloud of ignorance and MAYA from our minds, these are essence of all teachings
in all the philosophical books. Those who understand, realize and practice the meaning of
these twelve stanzas will acquire Knowledge and can detach their mind from worldly
things and can get self realization. That in turn generates peace, happiness and
BRAMHANDAM and finally MOKSHAM.
Bhjagovindam An Introduction 11

15. kaate kaantaa dhana gatachintaa
vaatula kiM tava naasti niyantaa .
trijagati sajjanasaM gatiraikaa
bhavati bhavaarNavataraNe naukaa



This lesson was taught by Sri Padmapadchrya. He said, dear friend! Why are you bothered
about any worldly matters. GOD is very kind, HE created us and also created food for us,
so HE will defiantly feed your family and you, dont worry about them. Stop worrying and
start praying. Worries about family, wealth, etc., are mere foolishness. Is there not for you
the One who ordains? In three worlds, it is only the association with good people that can
serve as the boat that can carry one across the sea of birth (metempsychosis). Oh mad man
! Why this engrossment in thoughts of worldly things ? There is GOD to guide us. There is
only one thing in three worlds that can save you from the ocean from samsara. Get into
that boat of satsangha quickly. So listen to Great Gurus words and acquire peace, leave
your worries to sky, and get self realization. Start praying GOD and that will sail you
happily on the world of ocean.


16. jaTilo muNDii luJNchhitakeshaH
kaashhaayaambarabahukRitaveshhaH .
pashyannapi cana pashyati muuDhaH
udaranimittaM bahukRitaveshhaH



This lesson was taught by Swami Totakacharya. He said, dear friend! For pure spirituality
and Bhakti, what is required is a pure determined mind, not the dress or appearance. The
outside dress of a person is not a measure of knowledge. The saffron colored dress of a
saint, long hair, does not make an ignorant fool (AGNANI a person who lacks divine
knowledge) a knowledgeable, the realized person ( GNANI). If mind is not clear from the
weaknesses, as anger, greed, ambition, envy , attraction towards worldly things, just wearing
Bhjagovindam An Introduction 12
a saints dress, does not make a person eligible for ultimate detachment and acquiring
salvation ( MUKTI and MOKSHAM). Indeed, this varied disguise is for the sake of the
belly. There are many who go with matted locks, many who have clean shaven heads, many
whose hairs have been plucked out; some are clothed in saffron, yet others in various
colors --- all just for a livelihood. Those kinds of makeup and dress may be helpful for him
to deceive others and get some monitory benefits and livelihood but not useful for getting
MOKSHAM. So Dont give importance to the external appearance of a person, try to know
him and give value to his Knowledge.


17. aNgaM galitaM palitaM muNDaM
dashanavihiinaM jataM tuNDam.
vRiddho yaati gRihiitvaa daNDaM
tadapi na muJNcatyaashaapiNDam.



This lesson was taught by Sri Hastamalakacharya, he said, dear friend! The change should
come mentally, not physically. If head is gray and body is old, then also, the mind will be
immersed with worldly attractions, then what is the use ? Even though strength has left the
man's body; the mass of desires does not go, then the attachment is strong and he clings
firmly to fruitless desires. As long as ignorance (AGNANAMU) and attraction ( MOHAM)
does not go away from mind, nobody can get peace of mind, stability and concentration, if
you dont have these, you cannot sit and pray even for a minute, so clear your mind of all
wrong thoughts and attractions, then the way of practice ( Moksha Margamu) is very clear
to you, you will know by your self, the way you have to proceed and way you have to do
things, in the path of acquiring salvation.


18. agre vahniH pRishhThebhaanuH
raatrau chubukasamarpitajaanuH .
karatalabhikshastarutalavaasaH
tadapi na muJNcatyaashaapaashaH


Bhjagovindam An Introduction 13

The next lesson was taught by Sri Subhodacharya, he said, dear friend! The main secrete of
acquiring salvation is getting detached with bad habits, thoughts and bad practices, not
detaching worldly physical things. Even if you sit in a forest, if your mind is still not stable
and gets attracted with the desires of human life, then what is the use. Whether you sit
under a tree in forest, or in a comfortable chair in a palace, if your mind is not attached to
any, that is what is most important, you should attach your self with the lotus feet of
LORD, then only you can acquire things like, peace of mind, tranquility and salvation. If
Japa Mala is moving in your hand, and your tongue is moving and chanting the name of
LORD, and your mind is moving through out the world, with worldly thoughts, then what
is the use, that is not a prayer at all, in Kabirs words:





With a concentrated mind, if you pray even one moment that is good enough. Desires are
the enemies for us. As long as we are slaves to desires, as long as we have bondage of
desires, where lead a life in jungle taking shade under a tree, getting warmth from sun,
filling stomach with alums, there is no use. If we are a wretched puppet at the hands of
passions, what ever we do is a waste. So control your desires which are the first step to
acquire Moksha.


19. kurute gaNgaasaagaragamanaM
vrataparipaalanamathavaa daanam.h .
GYaanavihinaH sarvamatena
muktiM na bhajati janmashatena



The next lesson was from Sri Sureswaracharya, he said, dear friend! Even if you dip your
self in river Ganges thousand times a day and routine spiritual activities like prayer,
Bhajan, vratam, danam and mundane spiritual works, for hours together, it does not help,
Bhjagovindam An Introduction 14
until you acquire GNANAM ( self realization), it does not mean, they are useless, they help
you once you acquire knowledge, they are only a means, not the ultimate goal. No routine
prayers or practices help you, until that point, where your mind is clear from ignorance
and MOHAM, the cloud of worldly desires. Once the cloud of MOHAM is cleared, your
mind will shine like sun with knowledge, then you can see the right spiritual path.

Pilgrimage, taking bath in Ganges, observing the religious vows with care; or offers gifts to
God, giving away riches in charity, are definitely useful in the path of spirituality. But if he
is devoid of knowledge, he does not gain release - according to all schools of thought- even
in a hundred lives. What is important is Gnana, the enlightenment, once we acquire that
then we will know the right path to take.


20. sura ma.ndira taru muula nivaasaH
shayyaa bhuutala majinaM vaasaH .
sarva parigraha bhoga tyaagaH
kasya sukhaM na karoti viraagaH


The next lesson was taught by Sri NityanandaCharya, he said, dear Friend! With a fresh
mind, away from thoughts and worldly attractions, and with concentration, if you pray
Lord, and lead a simple life in divine thoughts, and detach your self from all the worldly
things, then the ultimate stage of devotion, the MOKSHAM will be in your hands. You
acquire the bliss of tranquility, the PARAMANDAM.

Living in temples or at the foot of trees, sleeping on the ground wearing deer-skin,
renouncing all possessions and their enjoyment - to whom will not dispassion bring
happiness? Give up all attachments and renounce all comforts. Blessed with such Vairagya,
could any fail to be content ?


21. yogarato vaabhogaratovaa
saN^garato vaa saNgaviihinaH .
yasya brahmaNi ramate chittaM
nandati nandati nandatyeva



Bhjagovindam An Introduction 15
The next lesson was taught by Sri Aynandagiri Acharya, he said, hey friend! If your mind is
filled with thoughts of Lord, and if you spend all your time in his prayers, what ever life
you are leading, whether in mist of worldly pleasures, or in a jungle, weather you are a Yogi
or not, whether you are in the company of saints or not, it does not matter. Your mind is
then always happy, complacent and detached from sorrow and sadness. You will be smiling
enjoying the thoughts of Lord in your mind. In such a condition, what ever physical life
you lead, engaged in any activity, you will be leading a detached life. You will be sailing in
the river of worldly matters, just like a wood will be sailing in the river, floating along with
the waters, irrespective of what is there on the shore. Whether you practice concentration
or let your self indulge in sense-enjoyment, or your find pleasure in company; or in
solitude, you will be happy, happy, and verily happy, if your mind revels in Brahman. One
may take delight in yoga or bhoga, may have attachment or detachment. But only he whose
mind steadily delights in Brahman enjoys bliss, no one else. So what is important is what
we do in our daily activities, what is important is with how much concentration and
dedication, we think of Lord in Mind. Means keep in your mind the Lord irrespective of
what you do in your dally walk of life, then you will be the most happiest man.



22. bhagavad.h giitaa kiJNchidadhiitaa
gaNgaa jalalava kaNikaapiitaa .
sakRidapi yena muraari samarchaa
kriyate tasya yamena na charchaa





The next lesson was taught by Sri Druda Bhakta Charya, he said, dear Friend! If you read a
small verse in Bhagavat Geetha, and take a holy dip in river Ganges, and pray God at least
once, then that is good enough to acquire MOKSHAM the salvation, provided you do that
with sincerity, devotion, dedication and concentration and fully involved. Your mind,
word and thought should coincide in doing that, then you got MOKSHAM.


Those who study the Bhagavadgita even a little, who drink a drop of the Ganga water, and
who has perform the worship of the Destroyer of the demon Mura (viz. Shri Krishna) at
least once, they have no altercation with Yama. (the Lord of Death).

Bhjagovindam An Introduction 16
23. punarapi jananaM punarapi maraNaM
punarapi jananii jaThare shayanam.h .
iha saMsaare bahudustaare
kRipayaa.apaare paahi muraare




The next lesson was taught by Sri Nityanada charya, he said, we are in a journey which is
endless, this cycle is going for ever. We take birth, lead a life, fully involved in the worldly
matters, eat, drink, work, reproduce, become old and deceased and die, without achieving
anything spiritually, and again go back to birth. Like that how many times do you spend
time in mothers womb ? Repeated birth, repeated death, and repeated lying in the
mother's womb- this transmigratory process is extensive and difficult to cross Is there any
end ? If you want to come out of this vicious circle, there is only one way, immediately take
the refuge in the lotus feet of Lord, then it will give you protection, HE will take you away
from this to eternity. Hay LORD it is indeed hard to cross this boundless ocean of samsara.
Oh Murari ! Redeem me through Thy mercy

24. rathyaa charpaTa virachita kanthaH
puNyaapuNya vivarjita panthaH .
yogii yoganiyojita chitto
ramate baalonmattavadeva




Bhjagovindam An Introduction 17
The next lesson was taught by Sri YoganandaCharya. He said, dear Friend, a man who
acquires self realization, is least bothered about the world. How he lives, and how he leads
his life, what dress he wears, what food he eats, for the world he looks like a mad man, but
he is in his own world, where he will be in the service and prayers of LORD, full of
happiness and joy. He is not bothered at all how others look at him and what they think
and say about him. He is in his blissful world of tranquility and eternal pleasure. He who
wears a dress made of rags that lie about in the streets, he who walks the path that is
beyond merit and demerit the Yogin whose mind is given up to Yoga revels (in Brahman)
just as a child or as a mad-man. There is no shortage of clothing for a monk so long as
there are rags cast off the road. Freed from vice and virtue, onward he wanders. One who
lives in communion with God enjoys bliss, pure and uncontaminated, like a child and as
someone intoxicated.

25. kastvaM ko.ahaM kuta aayaataH
kaa me jananii ko me taataH .
iti paribhaavaya sarvamasaaram.h
vishvaM tyaktvaa svapna vichaaram.h



The next lesson was taught by Surendracharya, he said, dear friend! Take life in the right
sense. Who is your mother and who is your father? Who are brothers and sisters ? Who
are you? Who am I? Whence have I come? Who are all these persons, what is your relation
with them ? Thus enquire, leaving aside the entire world which is comparable to a dream,
and is essence less. Look at everything as essence less and give up the world as an idle
dream. We are all sprits (Atma), We should take our relationships with anybody as sprit
to sprit. If you see them with the bodily relation, then you feel attracted back in to the
cloud of MAYA. Then again it leads to sorrow, sadness and all those worldly problems. So
understand your role and play your role sensibly, dont get much involved,. Do your duty
and leave things to Lord. The life is like a dream. What ever you do in a dream is not true.
Similarly life is like a dream, dont take it seriously. The one you have to take serious and
get involved is the devotion and service to Lord.



Bhjagovindam An Introduction 18
26. tvayi mayi chaanyatraiko vishhNuH
vyarthaM kupyasi mayyasahishhNuH .
bhava samachittaH sarvatra tvaM
vaaJNchhasyachiraadyadi vishhNutvam.h







The next lesson was taught by Sri Medha Thidi Acharya, he said, dear friend! The whole
world is made of GOD, he is present in everything, right from a small ant, bacteria, to a
big elephant, both mobile and immobile things, visible and invisible, both with senses and
without senses, living in air, water and on earth in different forms as birds, fishes,
amphibians, animals and humans. In every sprit, he is present as PARAMATMA ( The
Supreme sole), all creatures are his forms. In that case, why do you harm and hurt with
words and weapons other human beings, why do you inflict mental and physical injuries
on others. Why do you have feelings of anger, envy on others, they are all forms of GOD,
like you, so if you do any harm to others, it means you are doing it to your self. So dont
scold others, dont hurt others, dont do any damage to others, if you do any thing like that
, it means your are still immature and incomplete in GNANA. It means you did not wash
away all your bad habits. So get rid of such bad things and develop equality. Show equal
behavior to everybody, love everybody, and treat them kindly, this is an excellent step you
have taken in your spiritual path.

Every body is images of Lord Vishnu, the Supreme God. Vainly you get angry with
anybody, Dont be impatient. In me, in you and in everything, none but the same Vishnu
dwells. Your anger and impatience is meaningless. See the Self in all things, and leave
off everywhere ignorance which is cause of difference. If you wish to attain the status of
Vishnu soon, have samabhava always. As long as we are slaves to our feelings, tempers
and weaknesses, whether we pray God 24 hours, we recite all kinds of Stotras and do
Bhajans all the time it is useless. Be kind with others, show love and good behavior with
others. Else even if you are a well learned man, all your virtues are useless as Kabir
Says:

Kam Krodh Mad Lobh Ki, Jab Lag Man Me Than,
Tab Lag Pandit Murkhu, Dovu Eke Saman.


Bhjagovindam An Introduction 19
He also says this world is of Love:




The Lord, the Great Guru is an Ocean of True Love and Purity. He is the Sole Mighty
Magnet and attracts and draws with infinite force a true divine lover unto Him. True Love
defies all description. No words can adequately portray this rare and unique experience.
True Divine Love transcends all other sentiments and experiences. Prem Ras is a rare
Divine Elixir, is a rare privilege of a rare blessed soul.


Sunhu Loka Main Prem Ras Paiya
Durjan Maarey Vairi Sangharey
Satgur Moko Harnam Diwaiya (Pause)
Prathmey Tyagi Haumain Preet
Dutiya Tyagi Loga Reet
Sri Guru Granth Sahib (370)

Always speak using sweet language, dont use harsh words.


Aisee Vani Boliye, Mun Ka Aapa Khoye
Apna Tan Sheetal Kare, Auran Ko Sukh Hoye




Speak such words, sans ego's ploy
Body remains composed, giving the listener joy
Bhjagovindam An Introduction 20

27. kaamaM krodhaM lobhaM mohaM
tyaktvaa.atmaanaM bhaavaya ko.aham.h .
aatmaGYaana vihiinaa muuDhaaH
te pachyante narakaniguuDhaaH



The next lesson was taught by Sri Bharati Vamsa Charyulu, he said, dear Friend, you dont
have any external enemies, and all your enemies are in your mind. There are six enemies
to everybody, they are called with the team name Ayrishadvarga, their individual names
are Kama ( desire), Krodha ( anger), Lobha ( greediness), Moha(mad attraction), Mada
(recklessness), Matyarya (envy). These are all good friends and relatives, if you make
friendship with one, others will become your friends automatically and then you will be in
their trap. Once you are in their hold, you do all bad things, and you will become week
enough that you lose control over them. The only way to come out of their influence, is by
surrender to GOD, that will make you knowledgeable to control them, wash the mud of
sins from your mind, with your spiritual hard work, then you are a pure sole, traveling in
the path of spirituality. Make no effort to be either at war with, or in league with, enemy,
friend, son, or relative. If you want to attain the status of Vishnu (Godhood) soon, be
equal - minded towards all things. See yourself in everyone and give up all feelings of
duality completely.

FIVE EVILS or five thieves or pancadokh or panj vikar as they are referred to in Sikh
Scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib, are, according to Sikhism, the five major weaknesses of
the human personality at variance with its spiritual essence. The common evils far exceed
in number, but a group of five of them came to be identified because of the obstruction
they are believed to cause in man's pursuit of the moral and spiritual path. The group of
five evils comprises kam (Lust), krodh (Rage), lobh(Greed), moh (Attachment) and ahankar
(ego). Unless one comes out of these weaknesses, acquiring peace is a dream. Get rid of
these weaknesses, be of balanced mind, no anger or love, no rag or virag, just be balanced.
Lead the life as a water drop on Lotus leaf, be detached while attached in the society. Every
body in their inner hearts should make a self-enquiry, Leaving off egocentric desire, anger,
greed and delusion, questions your self who am I ? They are fools who are without Self-
knowledge: as captives in Hell, they are tortured. Give up lust, anger, infatuation, and
Bhjagovindam An Introduction 21
greed. Ponder over your real nature. Fools are they who are blind to the Self. Cast into hell
they suffer there endlessly.

28. geyaM giitaa naama sahasraM
dhyeyaM shriipati ruupamajasram .
neyaM sajjana saNge chittaM
deyaM diinajanaaya cha vittam.




The next lesson was taught by Sri Sumatha Charya, he said, dear friend! The essence of all
Vedas, sastras, puranas and all spiritual books is in one place, that is BHAGAVAT
GITA. Similarly the essence of all Mantras, Tantras, spiritual and yogic practices is in the
form of Vishnu Sahasra Namam, so read these verses regularly, three times daily, and keep
their teachings always in mind. Dont get attracted by worldly things, keep Lords image in
your mind, pray him always. At the same time be kind to fellow human beings, serve poor,
deceased and old and help depressed. Donate at least a small part of your wealth in charity
to the poor and the needy While doing your daily duty, lead a spiritual life, then ultimately
you will lead your self to Moksham. While you are at work, at play, at sleep, always mind
should meditate the Lord. Meditate on Vishnu [thro' Vishnu sahasranama] in your heart,
and chant His thousand glories. The mind should be led to the company of the good.

29. shatrau mitre putre bandhau
maa kuru yatnaM vigrahasandhau .
sarvasminnapi pashyaatmaanaM
sarvatrotsRija bhedaaGYaanam.h






The next lesson was taught by Swami Sri Sankara himself, he said, Hey Brahmin!! Be kind
towards all, love everybody, treat your friend, enemy, brothers, servants, children, for that
matter anybody with kindness, reverence, and love, dont show enmity with anybody, as
Bhjagovindam An Introduction 22
everybody is mirror images of Lord, if you are angry with anybody, you are angry with your
self.


30. sukhataH kriyate raamaabhogaH
pashchaaddhanta shariire rogaH .
yadyapi loke maraNaM sharaNaM
tadapi na muJNchati paapaacharaNam.h



Rest of all the slokas follow, were taught by Sri Adi Sankara. Hey Brahmin! The worldly
desires are unending, they come one after other in succession, if you satisfy one, the next
one is ready waiting to be satisfied, so there is no point in satisfying worldly desires, except
to control them. Desires all like snakes, they bite our life, they lead us to displeasure,
decease, and unhappiness. The comforts and happiness from desires are limited and small
and momentary. So control your desires. He who yields to lust for pleasure leaves his body
a prey to disease. Though death brings an end to everything, man does not give up the
sinful path. One easily takes to carnal enjoyment; afterwards, lo, there is disease of the
body. Although, in the world, death is the refuge, even then one does not relinquish sinful
ways.

31. praaNaayaamaM pratyaahaaraM
nityaanitya vivekavichaaram.
jaapyasameta samaadhividhaanaM
kurvavadhaanaM mahadavadhaanam



Hey Brahmin! Control your mind, develop concentration and practice breath control
(Pranayamam). The regulation of breath, the withdrawal of the senses (from their
respective objects), the inquiry consisting in the discrimination between the eternal and the
non-eternal, the method of mind-control associated with the muttering of mantras-
perform these with great care. Regulate the pranas, remain unaffected by external
Bhjagovindam An Introduction 23
influences and discriminate between the real and the fleeting. Start AYSTANGA
MARGAMU, the eight yogic practices, divert your mind from worldly things into spiritual
things, then you acquire ultimate pleasure, happiness and comfort, it relieves all your
mental, physical and worldly pains. Then with that tranquil mind you can acquire
SAMADHI STITI, the ultimate yogic stage, where you can do your prayers undisturbed.
Chant the holy name of God and silence the turbulent mind. Perform these with care,
with extreme care.


32. gurucharaNaambuja nirbhara bhakataH
saMsaaraadachiraadbhava muktaH .
sendriyamaanasa niyamaadevaM
drakshyasi nija hR^idayasthaM devam.


Dear Friend, life is very short, spiritual knowledge is like a ocean, one life is not enough to
acquire it, so the best way to acquire knowledge as much as possible in a limited time, is
taking the help of a good spiritual teacher, acquire the lotus feet of knowledgeable spiritual
teacher, learn from him, he will lead you go GOVINDA. Being devoted completely to the
lotus-feet of the Master, become released soon from the transmigratory process. Thus,
through the discipline of sense and mind-control, you will behold the Deity that resides in
your heart. Keep away from worldly pleasures, keep mind concentrated on Gurus
teachings, then you can reach the feet of LORD. Guru plays a major role in our life. If you
are in the hands of a wrong Guru, you are wasting your time, and finally you cannot reach
your goal. Your success depends on your Guru, his knowledge, good habits and spirituality.
If he has all these good qualities, he will show you the right path. Everybody need not
reinvent the wheel. It takes a hell of time to start learning from beginning. Take the
experience and knowledge of Guru and taking his tips, you can fast reach your destination.
That is why selection of right Guru leads to your success. Knowing the importance of Guru
Kabir says:

Gur Govind Do vu Khare, Kaku Lagu Pai,
Bali Hari Guru Aapne, Jin Govind Di Yo Batai.
Bhjagovindam An Introduction 24
When Lord and Guru stand side by Side, I will first fall on the feet of Guru, who showed
me the path to Lord. He also Says:
Gur Dhobi Sikh Kapda, Saboo Sirjan Har
Surti Sila Pur Dhoiye, Nikse Jyoti Apaar

Guru the washer man, disciple is the cloth
The name of God liken to the soap
Wash the mind on foundation firm
To realize the glow of Truth

So, be a devotee of the lotus feet of the Guru ! May thou be soon free from Samsara.
Through disciplined senses and controlled mind, thou shalt come to experience the
Indwelling Lord of your heart !

33. muuDhaH kashchana vaiyaakaraNo
DukRiJNkaraNaadhyayana dhuriNaH .
shriimachchhamkara bhagavachchhishhyai
bodhita aasichchhodhitakaraNaH




Like this Sri Adi Sankara and his students taught the old brahmin, spiritual lessons, and
the old man listened to their sayings, understood them and followed them in rest of his
life, leading to spirituality and ultimately acquired salvation. We also should do this, and
should make our lives useful, peaceful, joyful, thoughtful, meaningful and become example
to others to build a great spiritual human Society. Thus was a silly grammarian lost in rules
cleansed of his narrow vision and shown the Light by Shankara's apostles.


Bhjagovindam An Introduction 25
34. bhajagovindaM bhajagovindaM
govindaM bhajamuuDhamate .
naamasmaraNaadanyamupaayaM
nahi pashyaamo bhavataraNe


Worship Govinda, worship Govinda, worship Govinda, Oh fool ! Other than chanting the
Lord's names, there is no other way to cross the life's ocean.
Blessing to all of you from the two great saints ADI SANKARA and Swami Vidya
Prakasha, whose lives were like roses, that attracted everybody and made the human garden
smell with their essence of Viragya, Gnana, Bhakti and Prapatti. Let us all thank them and
follow the path showed by them.

Let peace and happiness prevail every where. SRIMAN NARAYANARPANAM!

********
Bhjagovindam An Introduction 26

Sri Sankara Astotharam