Bhaja Govindam - verse 27

Chanting of Bhaja Govindam - verse 27 (Download the MP3)

Translation

Bhagavad Gita and Sahasranama should be recited, the form of Vishnu (Lord of Lakshmi) always meditated on, the mind directed to the company of the good people, and wealth given to the poor.

Interpretation

   This verse deals with bahiranga sadhana , external spiritual disciplines. Bahiranga sadhana comprises four main disciplines.

    1. Intellectual: ‘Bhagavad Gita and Sahasranama should be recited'. This must not be taken literally. It means that Vedantic principles should be studied and reflected upon till the principles are imbibed and lived. It is the reflection or manana that is important, denoted by sahasranama which means repeating the Lord's name a thousand times. It is only when you go over an idea repeatedly that it sinks in and you derive its benefit. Mere knowledge of the principles does not help. You have to apply them in your life.

   2. Emotional: ‘The form of Vishnu always meditated on'. This is the devotional aspect of spiritual practice. Develop gratitude. Be aware of all that has been bestowed on you, unasked for and unacknowledged. This changes your focus from deprivation and deficiency to that of abundance and sufficiency. It lends you a sense of peace and as a result, you develop positive emotions towards all beings.

   3. Physical: ‘The mind directed to the company of good people'. The mind is vulnerable to external influences especially in the initial stages of your spiritual pursuit. A conducive environment is extremely important. This means exposing yourself to positive thoughts from positive people. It is similar to people with low physical immunity. Such people are always susceptible to disease until they build up their immune system. Similarly, it is only when you build ‘spiritual immunity' that you are able to deal with any environment.

   4. Material: ‘Wealth given to poor'. This discipline helps you maintain a charitable disposition. At the material level, it encourages you to share the benefits you have reaped with others. In a broader sense, it develops an attitude of giving at every level be it material, physical, emotional or intellectual. For it is only through an attitude of service that we gain happiness.