Shankaracharya's Bhaja Govindam (A Call to Wakefulness): Discourses by Swami Chidananda

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Chakravarti Rajagopalachari has said: "Sri Shankara has packed into the "Bhaja Govindam" son the substance of all Vedanta and set the oneness of Jnana and bhakti to melodious music."

Jagad-guru Bhagavad-Pada Shankaracharya has written not only the most erudite and scholarly commentaries on the Indian scriptures, but has also authored, in easy to understand languages, many lucid introductory texts, devotional hymns and small catchy lyrics of admonitions "Bhaja Govindam" is a small poem of admonition, which contains profound philosophy. But more importantly, it is a call to awakening it inspires everyone to purpose the higher values of life. It is easy to understand and can be sung beautifully. Some of the top singers have already rendered it beautiful making this popular song all the more popular.

The Acharya heard a scholar repeating a difficult grammar rule to learn it by heart. He was moved by this, thinking that this person is so particular about the secular knowledge, but he has completely neglected the higher knowledge and the real purpose and Goal of the Human birth. It was necessary to awaken this scholar from his ajnana-nidra. So like the Upanishadic sages, the Acharya gave a call for awakening. On the spur of the moment came out from him this beautiful song of advice emphasizing the importance of seeking God. Swami Chidanandaji has also given this call for awakening, day after day, throughout his life and advised all to purpose the higher goal and purpose of the human birth.

Many scholars have written erudite commentaries on Bhaja Govindam showing mastery over Sanskrit language. It is quite likely that after reading such commentaries, the reader may get entangled in the beauty of language and scholarship and will miss the messages the great call. Swami Chidanandaji does not try to show his scholarship, but uses this occasion to reiterate Jagad-guru's admonition. He has always tried to awaken the hidden Divinity of man by repeatedly emphasizing the main message only.

In fact, Swamiji is advising his followers in all his talks to make endeavour to achieve the Goal of life even while living the secular life and pursuing secular ends. This emphasis of Swamiji makes this book very significant. It will certainly prove to be a very useful to all the seekers.

Swami Chidanandaji used to give three discourses on two different subjects during the annual Jnana-satra arranged by the Sangeet Kala Mandir Trust at Kolkata. This book is compiled from such discourses.