Looking back (concluding Bhagavadgeetha)

For the past four and half months, we have been discussing various interesting topics from one of the most well known of the Indian scriptures namely the Bhagavadgeetha.

I started it in August this year. In October, I converted my blog to voice enabled blog or blogcast, where you can read as well as listen simultaneously. Many of you have expressed your happiness over these series of posts. I am thankful.

Due to some health problem, I was not able to provide the best audio. But looking at the response that I received, I am satisfied that many of you did not find it a great hindrance.

I don’t claim that I covered each and every verse in this great composition. That was never my intention. Nonetheless, I have covered the crux of it, throwing light on many areas that are either misunderstood or sometimes misinterpreted.

What more can be a best conclusion of this very interesting discussion than the recitation of well known Advaita philosopher Sankara’s poem “Bhajagovindam”.

In this Sanskrit poem, Sankara tries to unify devotion (Bhakti Maarg) with Intellectual pursuit (Jnaana Maarg) as well as path of Meditation (Yoga Maarg). That is definitely an apt conclusion to a great epic poem like Bhagavadgeetha that deals in detail all these paths.

What I provide in the audio is the rendering of this beautiful poem by one of India’s greatest classical singers, namely Mrs. M.S. Subbalaxmi. I have interspersed her singing with simple English translation for the benefit of those who may not understand Sanskrit.

Here are the verses from Bhajagovindam as sung by Subbalaxmi.

Oh! Ignorant people, sing, sing, sing the praise of God.

When your end approaches nothing in this world can save you. 


Give up your thirst for amassing wealth.

Focus your mind and thoughts on God and God alone.

Be content with whatever you have earned by your own efforts.


Everybody seems to love you when you are fit, healthy and useful.

But no one ever cares to talk to you when you are old and fragile.

Don’t be too attached to wealth. Don’t be sure of your youth and friends.

All these leave you in no time.

So, don’t get trapped in these illusions but aim at attaining ultimate realization.


If you really want peace, live in a secluded place,

under a tree,

taking the bare ground as your bed,

amassing no wealth,

and totally detached from any comfort.

There is no way you can fail to attain peace.


Read the glory of God.

Drink pure Ganges water.

Once in a while, chant God’s name.

Even the death cannot scare you.


You keep taking birth and finally die one day.

To be born once again.

This life is an ocean of miseries.

Only God can rescue you from this ocean.

So plead to God to kindly help you.


Keep singing the glory of God.

Meditate on the image of God.

Always be in the company of good people.

Share your wealth with poor and needy.


Wealth is not going to do good to you in the long run.

Always remember this.

Children, family, wealth, etc. are not going to be with you forever.

All these are but transient.


Be always dependent on the God.

He will free you from this worldly mire.

Control your senses and the mind.

Concentrate on the God in your heart.

You will surely find him.

Bye then, let us take a break till early next year when I will join you once again with some more interesting discussions.

Happy holidays, Christmas and coming new year.

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Based on Bhagavad Geetha, one of the most quoted and widely translated of the ancient Indian scriptures, believed to have been composed by Vyasa as part of the great Indian Epic Mahabharata, 5000 years ago. The interpretation of the verses and audio recital are by Dr.King (Copyright © 2018 Dr. King)