BHAJA GOVINDAM - 7. “Hammer Blows to Delusion” Composed by Sri Swami Adi Shankaracharyaji.

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On the 12 Lectures delivered by Swami Advayananda, Acharyaji, 15th Batch Vedanta Course,

AT SANDEEPANY SADHANALAYA, POWAI, MUMBAI - Reflections by Swami Gurubhaktananda

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Monday, April 11, 2021. 6:00. AM.

Song. 7 : Attachment in Boyhood, Youth and Old Age :

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Song-7.

1 Balasta-vat-krida-saktah

2 Tarunasta-vat taruni-saktah;  

3 Vriddhasta-vat chinta-saktah  

4 Parame brahmani ko’pi Na saktah. 

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Translation :

1 Balasta-vat-krida-saktah                  =  In childhood one is attached to one’s play;

2 Tarunasta-vat taruni-saktah;             =  in youth he is attached to his woman;

3 Vriddhasta-vat chinta-saktah            = in old age, he is attached to his anxieties;

4 Parame brahmani ko’pi Na saktah.   = alas, to the Supreme Lord no one is 

attached!

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Commentary :

In the previous two Songs, the poet used Death to remind us of how empty, false human relationships can pull us away from our spiritual goal. In this verse, he warns us of  the dangers that face us throughout Life. Throughout life, there is something or other that always distracts us from the essential purpose of life. We take a look at these distractions.

The overall point of this verse is, “When do we find time for God in our life?” A broad look at life shows us that three stereotypes predominate in our lives:

1 The boy is usually engrossed in his playful activities. 2 The youth’s mind is diverted, one may even dare to say captured, by thoughts of his beloved. 3 And the old man is preoccupied with concerns over his health and the possibility of being lonely.

Acharyaji humorously described the youth’s interest “The young man is concerned

about how many girls are around him. The young woman is concerned how many boys are

behind her!”

How can God become part of the lives of young people? Acharyaji raised this

question. It is an area of concern more pressing than the one for old age. Raising children up

with a spiritual background is of great concern for a healthy society.

Ageing can be made very graceful. Old people can avoid “vomiting out their

memories” on every occasion. That way most of their problems would not arise.

Old age can also be utilized well. Telling stories to the grandchildren is one way.

Without interfering in the running of the home, elders can, by their attitude of patience,

stand as a backbone of strength to the next generation.

4 Where does God come into the picture?

Shankaracharya is clearly addressing this verse to each individual. The onus is on

each one of us to make definite arrangements to bring God into our life at the earliest

possible age. If this can be done before we begin to get knocked about by desires in life,

then it would save us a lot of bitter experiences in life.

If we get all the steps right up to this point, we are ready for proper spirituality… 

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Next - Song 8: Start Questioning

To be continued ....

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