Bhaja Govindam - verse 25

Chanting of Bhaja Govindam - verse 25 (Download the MP3)

Translation

Do not try to either make war or peace with enemy, friend, son, relative. See the Self in everything, everywhere. Let go of ignorance which causes distinctions.

Interpretation

   This verse speaks of the four different types of relationships we have – son, relative, friend and enemy. We are either attached to, or in league with, or inimical towards them. And this equation is not a constant. It shifts according to whether they cater to us. When they indulge and pamper us, we are friendly towards them. When they do not pander to our likes and dislikes, we are at war with them. Here the master urges us to rise above these petty considerations and see the Self in all things and beings. All bheda, differences, spring from ajnanam, ignorance. And we see oneness the moment we acquire and absorb true spiritual knowledge.

   It all depends on what we identify with. When we associate with our bodies, we see ourselves as different from everybody else. Such a view puts us up against the whole world. We see maximum disparity. When we connect with the mind, we are able to see oneness at least among those we love. Each person we love has a distinct personality different from the others but in our perception they are all ‘family'. They are one. When we identify with the intellect, our area of equality expands still further. A musician sees a bond among the fraternity of musicians. Similarly for sportspersons, scientists, artists, authors. If we identify with humanity, we are able to accommodate all humans. Humanity becomes our family. Then it no longer matters whether they are educated or illiterate, rich or poor, refined or uncultured. They are all ours. The final ascent is to identify with the Self, Atman. It is only t hen that all differences and demarcations vanish. We see everything as a manifestation of that single, indivisible Atman.

   Wherever there is bheda , differences, there is hatred and sorrow. The Isavasya Upanishad highlights this in mantras six and seven. Mantra six says ‘for one who sees his Self in all beings and all beings in the Self there is no vijugupsa, hatred.' Mantra seven says ‘where is the delusion, where is the sorrow, for the seer of oneness in all beings ? ' The suggestion is that all differences and demarcations cause hatred. Hatred causes sorrow. All this springs from the delusion that we are the body, mind and intellect. This delusion comes because of ignorance of the Self. We do not know our Real personality, Atman.

   We get carried away by surface differences and miss the truth. The form and shape of gold jewellery sway a layperson. But a goldsmith sees only gold. It does not matter whether it is a bangle, necklace or ring. He is only concerned with the purity of the gold. Similarly one who is in contact with Atman, who has realized the Self, views the whole universe as nothing but a manifestation of Atman. All demarcations and differences vanish in this enlightened vision of things. Swami Rama Tirtha says the truth is that there is only one Reality – Atman. If we see differences it is because of our ignorance and delusion. And this delusion causes hatred, anguish, sorrow and heartburn. So the sooner we rise above differences the happier, more successful we will become. More importantly we evolve spiritually. Desires drop.