Bhaje Govindam - Conclusion

Health and Happiness - Dr Dwarakanath

Shankara is also widely known as Sri Adi Shankara Bhagawath Pada. His philosophy was based on the Jnana Yoga, the path of knowledge, analysis and logic. His works were an exceptional essence of Meta- physics. To this day physicists around the world are analysing and conducting research on his teachings. The Swiss institute of Physics recently discovered and confirmed the words of Shankara in laboratory that the sound rhythm of ‘Aum’ the pranava mantra resonates and creates the design of ‘Sri Chakra’. The Sri Chakra was designed by Shankara and he said that the design is the primordial one.Shankara is the founder of ‘Advaita’ philosophy. Advaita philosophy was always considered as a revolutionary one. Shankara’s Advaita gives the theory of ‘non- dual’. It explains the highest ever possibility ever, that the Jeevathma (Human Soul) given possibility and serious effort in right path can become Paramathma (Godliness itself!). Though it was widely debated against even during the age of Shankara himself, he convinced the scholars and religious heads of his time that his teaching is correct and possible too.Shankara in this composition, ‘Bhajagovindham’ is taking a total different approach from his usual intellectual path of ‘Jnana Yoga’. He is even seems like contradicting his all previous teachings. He says, “Do not bother analysing the Vedas and its meanings!” He even goes one step further, saying, “just chant the name of God from the heart, nothing much is needed!” He even criticises the people calling them ‘Oh fool! Sing the song of the divine’.
To understand Shankara and this philosophy, we must understand the context. We are lucky here, because, unlike much other Indian philosophy, we have the time line and the words of his direct disciples in Shankara’s teachings. This song was composed by Shankara in his period of life which was coming to a grand conclusion. Shankara had scores of disciples and his works were well recorded by then. He was giving a great outlet for the lesser fortunate like very old people who never had chance to tread the path of Moksha- the liberation. Shankara is giving hope and a true chance for the people who were ignorant or were crossing the ocean of life just toiling for their daily bread. Shankara is also explaining here the true possibility, though rare, the power of dropping the ‘Ego’ and surrendering to God. These teachings in the ‘Bhajagovindham’ are a great lesson to his primary disciples, who were the one who took the teachings of Shankara all around India and world. Shankara’s Advaita philosophy always puts him in a pedestal, where we all feel that it is for selected few. This ‘Bhajagovindham’ is the one teaching, which makes the whole human society, a possibility for reaching the ultimate reality- the Moksha (liberation/ realization). Analysis will continue and conclude soon. Sri Guru Pada Sharanam!-surrendering to the holy feet of the teacher. 

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