Bhaja Govindam - verse 20

Chanting of Bhaja Govindam - verse 20 (Download the MP3)

One who has studied the Bhagavad Gita just a little, drunk even a drop of Ganga water, has worshipped Murari (Krishna) just once, does not meet with Yama (lord of death).

Interpretation

   While the previous verse glorifies the state of Realization, this verse spells out how one can get there. It outlines the three practices - intellectual, devotional and physical - for a spiritual seeker.

   The first practice mentioned in the verse is the study of the Gita. This refers to the path knowledge known as jnana yoga. The seeker does not just read and recite verses of the Gita but truly understands its message, the difference between the transient and the transcendental. Eventually, the seeker makes an effort to live up to the principles enunciated in the Gita. Shankara says study the Gita ‘just a little' because the process of gaining wisdom is threefold – shravana or reading/listening, manana or reflection on the truths learnt, and nidhidhyasana or meditation. The reflection has to be much greater than the intake of knowledge. Only then can you live it. If you know it, you can tell others about it but it makes no difference to your life. The knowledge by itself is useless.

   The process of making yoghurt from milk brings this point across. To make yoghurt, take some milk, heat it to a lukewarm temperature. Then add a teaspoon of yoghurt to it. Stir and set aside for a few hours. The fluid milk sets and becomes solid yoghurt. Similarly introduce just a little knowledge of the Bhagavad Gita or Vedanta in your mind. The mind must be made lukewarm by the ordinary experiences of life. If the mind is too cold, has not had any experiences at all, you get lured by the temptations of the world. If you are too extrovert the knowledge will not seep in. Just the right degree of contact is what you need. Then take in a little knowledge, reflect over it, mull over it, contemplate on it. Gradually the mind, which is restless and unsteady, becomes mature, firm and calm.

   The second practice, symbolized by drinking just a drop of Ganga water, points to the path of devotion, bhakti yoga . This is where the seeker becomes aware of the Divinity around and develops a sense of gratitude towards that benevolent Force.

   The Ganga is considered to be the source of all spiritual knowledge and hence is the greatest purifier. Even factually Ganga water alone does not putrefy when stored for a long period of time. Devotees believe that three dips in the river Ganga washes off all their sins.

   There is a mythological story about the origin of Ganga. The Ganga was originally flowing in the heavens. The sage Bhagiratha did tapas (penance) and prayed that she bless humanity with her waters by coming down to earth. Ganga agreed but said the force of her flow would be so great that she would bore a hole through the earth. She said that only a great tapasvi ( ascetic) would be able to take the onslaught of the river. She suggested he request Lord Shiva to receive the Ganga and release it in small doses for humankind. Bhagiratha agreed and did more tapas to appeal to Shiva. Shiva received the Ganga and vanished because Bhagirath had forgotten to ask him to release the water. He now had to do more tapas and finally Shiva released the sacred water of the Ganga to us. This is why Ganga is also known as Bhagirathi.

   The story has a deep significance. Ganga represents spiritual wisdom that can be absorbed only through hard work and tapas. Tapas is defined as the conservation of energy by preventing it from going into wasteful avenues of indulgence and dissipation and redirecting it to the higher goal. One who has thus gained the wisdom must give it out in small doses in a manner that the common person can easily understand and apply in life. If not, it goes right through and you remain exactly the same person.

   The third practice, referred to in the verse is karma yoga . This is symbolised by the worship of Lord Murari (Krishna), where Murari literally means destroyer of Mura (ego). And the way to destroy the ego is by acting in a spirit of yajna (sacrifice) without craving for the fruit of action.

   The emphasis is on ‘little'. Even a little effort gives immediate benefit. The focus should be on internal transformation, not external rituals. The change in direction is what matters which takes only a slight re-alignment of thought, not exhaustive study, arduous rituals or great acts of service.

   This verse beautifully portrays the significance of spirituality in our lives. For those of us who are just looking for some peace in the stress and strain of life, this verse is telling us that all we need is a little bit of spirituality in our lives. Reading inspiring literature, developing an attitude of gratitude and a positive and healthy work ethic. For those of us seeking the Self, this verse is reminding us that we do not have to master all the scriptures and visit every place of pilgrimage to attain Realisation. Instead, it is recommending that we focus on getting to the depth of the teachings and more importantly, it is suggesting that we focus on integrating these teachings into our lives.