Bhaja Govindam (Essence of Vedanta for Peace and Happiness)

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About the Book Vidente provides the ultimate answers regarding our real nature, this life and the world we are in, and thus guides us in leading a life of peace and happiness, Bhaja Govindam reveals the subtle and profound message of Vedanta (the wisdom of the Upanishads) in a simple, direct and concise manner, and that too through exquisite poetry. Importantly, it presents practical ways to apply Vedanta to daily life, cutting through the numerous terms and concepts in spirituality.

For most people, Bhaja Govindam-authored by Adi Shankaracharya is just a beautiful song, ever filling their hearts with devotion towards Lord Krishna. But, in reality, every verse presents us with an understanding of life and shows us how to lead a life that is filled with peace and happiness, and finally leading us to fulfilment.

Bhaja Govindam shows us how we suffer in life because of the wrong perceptions (delusions) regarding ourselves and life in this world. That is why this text is formally referred to as Moha-mudgara (literally meaning: the hammer that destroys delusion). It helps us remove the wrong perceptions so that we can be free from suffering and be endowed with ever-lasting happiness.

This book is a translation and commentary (in English) on Bhaja Govindam and offers quotes from other texts, including Bhagavad Gita, Vivekachoodamani, Srimad Bhagavatam and Upanishads. Thus, this book becomes a comprehensive guide for any spiritual seeker, even for those who are not familiar with the various concepts of Vedanta.

About the Author Br. Prasanna Swaroopa began his career in the IT industry and served in various capacities in areas including software engineering, project management and general management. To explore other dimensions of life and discover what lies beyond the usual avenues of employment, he exited the industry after having devoted 14 years to it. In this exploration, he was initiated into the spiritual path and spent 12 years in an ashram. This path of self-discovery enabled him to realize the intricacies of the mind and in application to life situations. He came to the firm conclusion that 'the journey of life is nothing but a journey of the mind'.

He now devotes his time sharing his experiences with others, through talks and writings and shows that, while spiritual wisdom bestows wellbeing, peace and fulfilment, it also helps us achieve success in all spheres of life.

He is an ardent follower of spiritual texts like Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads and the works of Adi Shankaracharya. As an admirer of our spiritual heritage, he is convinced that to explore the world of scriptures, one has to discover what lies beyond mere words.

He believes that values are the most fundamental ingredients in life- be it professional career of personal life, and it is values that make all interactions and pursuits in life effective, meaningful, successful and leads society to prosperity and wellbeing.

Preface When I thought of taking up this task of writing a commentary on Bhaja Govindam, I tried to recall when I had heard the composition for the first time. I was perhaps in my teens when our father bought the first cassette player. And one of the first cassettes we had was the one where it had the chanting of Vishnusahasranama on one side and the singing of Bhaja Govindam on the other, both rendered beautifully by the legendary Smt. M. S. Subbulakshmi.

For many of us, the Bhaja Govindam has been a beautiful song, ever filling our hearts with devotion towards the Lord. But that's just one aspect of this composition.

**Contents and Sample Pages**