Bhaja Govindam
Recited by the music ensemble in Gurudev Siddha Peeth.
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I am listening to this beautiful hymn, present to the angelic voices singing as one voice with such devotion, and to the divine sounds of the instruments. I am both singing with the group and reading the translation, tears streaming down my face, with a deep yearning to dive more deeply—and to remain more thoroughly focused on the Guru, on the Self.
My gratitude for the privilege of being on this path is yet again renewed. I am so blessed.
Georgia, United States
When I read the verses 10, 11, and 12, I felt they were speaking to my current situation in life. Two of my family members have passed away recently. With deep grief, I have often asked myself, “Who are they? Where did they come from? Where are they are now?” Now, with the Guru's grace, I am contemplating these verses as a yogi, joyfully and with right understanding.
Chennai, India
Last night I listened to the beautiful rendition of this hymn by the musicians in Gurudev Siddha Peeth. How pure and united sounded the voices, the dancing cymbals, the lyrical harmonium.
Today I read the translation of
Bhaja Govindam, and I feel relief from the current seesawing world drama. I am focusing instead on Adi Shankaracharya's wisdom: "Everything is transient, so why grieve?"
I like the word
mudha, or
fool, in
mudhamate in the refrain, for I realize I am being foolish when I get lost, “bound by delusion,” trapped in the world’s suffering. My salvation is in
namasankirtana, in the Guru’s grace.
Ocean Shores, Australia
Simply listening to this melodious hymn gives me the experience of live chanting. After listening to it again and again, I sat for meditation. I felt so calm within. After some time, it seemed as though the pores of my body were resounding with the refrain
bhaja govindam, bhaja govindam.
I am so thankful to all the members of the music ensemble at Gurudev Siddha Peeth for their heart-touching voices in this captivating melody.
New Delhi, India