A perspective on Bhajagovindam and other slokas from our scriptures

For context, please read our previous article here.

bhajagovindam bhajagovindam

govindam bhaja muudhamate

sampraapte sannihite kaale

nahi nahi rakshati dukrijnkarane

The lines, when translated from a devotional/religious context mean-

Worship/praise lord Govinda

Oh, ignorant mind, let govinda be the object of your worship

Regain your happiness at least at the end of your time

Your knowledge of grammar will not save you.

Here, I could see the abstract expression of the author on educating people about shifting our mindsets during the hour of crisis.

Govinda and Vishnu are two words used interchangeably in Indian scriptures, to represent the idea of leadership or an energy that spreads fast and deep among the people around us.

Ref: ( Naa vishnu: prithivi pati hi)

Vishnu: - Leadership qualities.

Naa - you cannot/No/Without

Pruthivi pathihi - Ruler/King/People’s Representative(In democratic structure).

Without leadership qualities one cannot rule the kingdom/land (even in democracy).

Bhaja(Bhajana) - focus

Govinda - leadership on our own lives

MoodhamatE - obsolete mind (a mind that has lost its relevance).

In telugu we call superstitions as moodha nammakaalu- a belief system that is obsolete (has no relevance).

SampraapTE - death here is an abstract reference to crisis (anything without progress (body/mind) is considered obsolete and obsoleteness is nothing but death/crisis)

SannihitE - very near

KaalE - time

Nahi - no

Rakshati - will not safeguard.

dukrijnkarane - your expertise in a subject.

Oh, obsolete mind, when there is crisis in front of you and you have no time, stop depending on your expertise(past laurels) that have no relevance, focus intead on leadership (adaptability), for your expertise cannot rescue you anymore.

//Moodha Jaheehi Dhanaagamatrishnaam

Kuru Sadbuddhim Manasi Vi trishnaam

//Yallabhase Nija karmopaattam

Vittam Tena Vinodaya Chittam

Regular meaning as we perceive

Moodha = oh unwise human

Jaheehi = leaving/abandoning

Dhanaagama thrushnaam = the desire of making money in multifold

Kuru = please make

Sadbudhim = me think of things like satya (truth)

Manasi = in my mind

Vithrushnaam = help me leave the desires

Yallabha sE(yath + labhasE) = whatever you are able to make

Nija KarmmOpaatham = whatever deeds you commit

Vitham = money

ThEna = because of that

Vinodaya = be content and happy

Chitham = your mind

Oh human mind instead of the desire of making/amassing money in multifolds, make me think of leaving/abandoning that desire(s) and make me think of things like “Satya/Truth” in my mind, whatever you are earning (or earned) is based on whatever deeds you did till date. Be happy with that and leave all the desires.

From alternative perspective

Moodha = obsolete

Jaheehi = shelving/leaving behind

Dhanaagama thrushnaam = past laurels or experience gained in an industry

Kuru = please make

Sadbudhim = look with a neutral mindset

Manasi = in my mind

Vithrushnaam = without any bias

Yallabha sE - yath = whatever

LabhasE = whatever you are able to make- whatever you have earned

Nija KarmmOpaatham = because of your past actions

Vitham = resources

ThEna = because

Vinodaya = be content and happy

Chitham = your mind

Oh, human, with an obsolete skill set, it is time to think about shelving/leaving your past laurels. Whatever experience and skill you have earned till date is based on your actions, so be happy with the resources you have and think of taking an action with a fresh mindset that is devoid of bias/insecurities.