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Bhaja Govindam – Verse 31

Nikhil Srinivas’s complete reflection on verse 31 of Bhaja Govindam, with the Kannada-script verse, transliteration and English explanation.

By Nikhil Srinivas · · 1 min read

Yoga logo from Nikhil’s original Bhaja Govindam article

ಪ್ರಾಣಾಯಾಮಂ ಪ್ರತ್ಯಾಹಾರಂ
ನಿತ್ಯಾನಿತ್ಯ ವಿವೇಕ ವಿಚಾರಂ |
ಜಾಪ್ಯಸಮೇತ ಸಮಾಧಿ ವಿಧಾನಂ
ಕುರ್ವ ವಧಾನಂ ಮಹದ್-ಅವಧಾನಂ ‖ 31 ‖

prāṇāyāmaṃ pratyāhāraṃ
nityānitya viveka vichāram |
jāpyasameta samādhi vidhānaṃ
kurva vadhānaṃ mahad-avadhānam ‖ 31 ‖

Practice control of breath (prāṇā-yāma) and withdrawal of the senses from their respective sense objects (pratyāhāra); engage in these foundational practices with unwavering dedication, as they pave the way for deeper awareness and profound spiritual growth. Deliberate on the distinction between the permanent and the transitory, recognizing that true fulfillment lies not in fleeting pleasures but in the eternal essence of being, which is marked by inner peace and unshakeable joy. Perform meditation along with chanting the holy names of God, tapping into the transformative power of sound and intention; this sacred combination fosters clarity of mind and purity of heart, creating a sanctuary for the spirit to thrive. Approach each of these practices with great attention and extreme care, understanding that the journey within is as significant as the destination, and nurturing a disciplined routine will not only enhance your spiritual endeavors but also enrich your daily life, allowing you to navigate challenges with grace and serenity. Remember that consistency in practice cultivates a deeper connection to the divine, illuminating the path toward enlightenment and self-realization.

Nikhil Srinivas-


Originally published on Nikhil Srinivas’s blog.

#bhaja-govindam#philosophy#pranayama#meditation
This article is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. If you have a health condition, please consult your healthcare provider before beginning a new practice.

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