Presenting "Shankara's Bhaja Govindam: Chronicle of an Abduction in Varanasi"(Part 1 of 4)
A narrative journey through legendary wisdom, reflecting on core truths for Human and AI Ethics
Greetings, dear readers of Learn Vedanta Substack,
Following the conclusion of our deep-space journey with "Aham-1" (and as I continue disseminating this novelette and the related Custos AI idea), I'm excited to embark on a complementary narrative path with you today. I'm sharing a novelette I wrote a couple of years ago, before this Substack began, titled "Shankara's Bhaja Govindam: Chronicle of an Abduction in Varanasi." It's available for free on Google Books, but I'm re-presenting it here for all of you in a serialised format across four parts, starting now with the first section. This version features slight revisions for the best reading experience.
Why This Story? The Legendary Spark
My deep dive into the life and teachings of the extraordinary 8th-century philosopher Adi Shankara ignited this story. I was profoundly struck by his wisdom in revitalising Advaita Vedanta. His verses, especially the powerful Bhaja Govindam (also known as Moha Mudgara, the Destroyer of Illusion), are a timeless call to look within. There's a well-known legend surrounding its origin in Varanasi: Shankara's compassionate encounter with an elderly scholar lost in the mechanics of grammar rules, urging him towards devotion over intellect.
Why Fiction & This Structure?
Conveying deep spiritual themes needs an artful touch. Fiction became the vessel to explore the transformative potential of encountering true wisdom through a dramatic narrative stemming from that legendary meeting. We'll follow the dynamics between Shankara and Raghav, exploring devotion, ignorance, and self-understanding. The wisdom of the Bhaja Govindam will be our guide.
To deepen the exploration, at the end of each of the four parts, I will add a dedicated reflection, connecting the narrative events of that specific block to broader considerations on Human Ethics and the pressing challenges of AI Ethics today.
What to Expect in This First Part:
Below, you'll find the initial chapters covering the fateful meeting between Shankara and Raghav, Shankara's compassionate response in composing the Bhaja Govindam, and the tragic turn as Raghav's wounded pride breeds resentment and plots of revenge. Following the text, you'll find the first "Ethics Reflection."
I hope this story and the accompanying reflections offer engaging reading and resonate with the enduring wisdom Shankara shared.
Let our journey into ancient Kashi begin…
Chapter 1: The Fateful Encounter
The sacred city of Varanasi bustled with life as Adi Shankara walked through its crowded streets, the air redolent of incense and spices. Merchants hawked their colourful wares in bazaars while craftsmen toiled away at their shops. Priests made their way to the ghats to conduct ceremonies by the holy Ganga as she flowed with tranquil grace.
Though a man of wisdom and solitude, Shankara was moved by the vibrant devotion apparent in every sight and sound around him. The ghats teemed with pilgrims emerging from the river's purifying waters, fervent prayers on their lips and garlands of rudraksha beads swaying in their hands. His heart swelled with compassion for these souls still caught in the web of spiritual ignorance, mistaking outer ritual for inner realisation.
None more so than Raghav - a middle-aged man mechanically reciting verses from the Upanishads at full volume, as if the gods had grown hard of hearing and needed to be importuned through ceaseless repetition alone.
Raghav glared at the interruption of his 'Japa'. "Begone! Who dares obstruct my devotions?"
Shankara smiled gently, "I am called Shankara. Your ardour stirs my curiosity as to its purpose."
Raghav puffed with pride. "For 20 years, I have chanted this mantra without rest. Its power shall grant me liberation and victory over death!"
Shankara's smile held a tinge of sorrow. Though devotion and discipline were virtuous, alone, they could never overcome spiritual ignorance. Mere repetition achieves nothing; one must reflect on the meaning, and allow it to transform how one sees the world...
Shankara spoke gently, hoping to penetrate the husk of ignorance shrouding Raghav's mind. "The key to eternity lies not in words alone but in comprehending their message - experiencing the Reality to which they point. Understanding, not repetition, sets us free."
Raghav's anger flared at this contradiction. "Impudent pup! You dare question the potency of my ancestral mantra - it holds the secret of immortality!"
Shankara shook his head sadly. "The secret of immortality is realising one's true nature - the eternal Self that dwells within. No mantra or ritual can bestow that wisdom, only reflection upon the truths of Vedanta."
But Raghav's ire rendered him deaf to wisdom. He saw only an arrogant youth mocking his lifelong quest, threatening his hard-won spiritual dominion over life and death alike.
As Shankara bowed and turned to depart, Raghav glared venom at his retreating form. Who was this sannyasin to challenge doctrines Raghav had sacrificed all to follow for decades? His resolve hardened to prove the upstart wrong and wrest from him the secret of eternity that had so long eluded his grasp.
Twisted devotion now fed dark obsession; Raghav hatched a sinister scheme against the interloper who had robbed him of the immortality he believed was his birthright and privilege to obtain. Shankara had set the stage for a clash between wisdom and vengeance upon the sacred streets of Kashi.
That day, Shankara composed the "Bhaja Govindam" - a warning to devote oneself to understanding God rather than mistaking ritual and verbosity for enlightenment. As he shared his wisdom, many devotees found their doubts and questions resolved, their spiritual lives illumined.
Yet for Raghav, its counsel only inflamed resentment, steeling his desire for revenge against the guide who had led so many to the very liberation that had always hovered just beyond his reach. The more Shankara's star rose, the more Raghav's world grew dim until only vengeance lit the dark recesses of his tortured mind.
As Shankaracharya and his disciples made their way through Varanasi, the renown of his wisdom and eloquence spread throughout the city. People flocked from all walks of life to hear him speak, finding solace in his teachings.
Raghav watched in brooding silence, seething at the respect and acclaim accorded to his rival. The secret of immortality should have been his to unlock through years of devotion - yet it had slipped through his fingers into the hands of a mere youth. His growing obsession and resentment clouded all reason; entanglement in spiritual pride and jealousy had obscured the very Truth he had once sought to realise. Vengeance became Raghav's sole purpose, the flame fueling his existence and sustaining the delusion of spiritual achievement to which his life had been devoted.
For days he followed Shankara through the city streets, scowling as eager souls flocked to hear the sage's words and find liberation thereby - the very freedom that Raghav had sought in vain for decades. Each discourse stirred Raghav's rancour, tightening the coils of envy and hate that bound what remained of his darkened spirit. Shankara's call to renounce ignorance and awaken to one's true nature as the eternal Self seemed only to deepen the slumber weighing Raghav's lids, enshrouding the world in hues of malice and retaliation. The ghats and temples rang with Shankaracharya's teachings on the unity of existence, the oneness of Brahman and Atman - the absolute Reality of the individual soul. Yet for Raghav, each word uttered kindled ominous flames of vengeance, rousing him to prove the upstart's philosophy pernicious and wrest from him the secret of liberation at dagger's point if reason would not avail. In time, Raghav's lips moved ceaselessly in prayer, beseeching heaven to smite his adversary and restore justice, granting him the spiritual dominion that was rightfully his to claim.
The praise and veneration accorded Shankara by credulous souls seeking wisdom seemed only to magnify Raghav's egregious errors and defeat, sealing his fervent desire for retribution against the guide who had led so many out of darkness - all but Raghav himself. The ghats and temples rang with Shankara's teachings on unity, oneness, and the eternal Atman; his call to turn from illusion and seek enlightenment - the knowledge of one's true Self - stirred the masses. Yet for Raghav each word uttered kindled ominous flames of vengeance, rousing in him the urge to prove pernicious this upstart's philosophy and wrest from him, if reason would not avail, the secret of liberation at dagger's point. Pride and error had condemned the soul which might have soared to this dread end, now fettered by its chains into the wilderness of spiritual ignorance wherein light enters not. In the deepening shades of dusk, as people gathered to hear Shankara's wisdom, Raghav crept into their assembly - not to find liberation but to seek the opportunity for destruction.
Shankara's Reflection
(Chapter 1.1)
The bustling city of Varanasi is filled with incense and spice scents, and crowds going about routines. We arrived seeking to spread Vedanta's teachings. Struck by vibrant colours and sounds surrounding, the city was alive with activity - spirituality and commerce coexisted. Ganges teeming with pilgrims seeking spiritual purification through bathing in sacred waters and rituals. One day, I observed a man named Raghav mechanically reciting verses without understanding. Intrigued by devotion yet lack of comprehension, I engaged in conversation trying to understand motivations. Explained reciting years hoping to bring closer to God, and grant immortality. Listened patiently, and gently explained the true path lies in understanding the deeper meaning and applying teachings - not mere repetition. Encounter-inspired writing of the Bhaja Govindam emphasises devotion and spiritual understanding guiding those who are sincere yet lacking a connection divine. Believed it would help guide Raghav, reciting without understanding's illumination.
A continuing journey shared Bhaja Govindam's teachings resonating, finding solace and guidance. Word spread, all walks coming to hear me speak. Raghav struggled realizing years of reciting not bringing him closer to God. Felt shame and anger, determined to prove me wrong. Believed finding the right verses, and combination, would unlock secret immortality. As obsession grew, resentment. Saw me as rivals, publicly shaming and challenging beliefs. Consumed with a desire for revenge, started devising abducting to force the revealed secret. Unaware of his animosity I continued to spread Bhaja Govindam's teachings. Heartened by the positive response, believed in making a difference in the lives I encountered. Sunset on another day, retired to the ashram grateful for the opportunity to share wisdom. Little knew lives were about to take a dramatic turn, Raghav's revenge shaping. Following days, he carefully observed me noting routines and places I frequented. Bided time waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Consumed by the desire for revenge losing sight of the verses once recited fervently. The city of Kashi has stood for ages, witness to untold tales of sorrow and delight. Her ghats hold memories of all who’ve sought solace in Ganga’s lap. Today, another soul yearns to know - shall he find what all these ages and souls before could not grasp?
The eternal in the fleeting, unchanging in the ever-changing, immortal in the mortal? In silence, a traveller sits by the river one dusk. She whispers words unspoken, of timeless truths in each ripple and wave. The divine course flows through all as day surrenders to the sacred night. Hear in depths of being: thou art That. Sitting in Kashi's lap where lifetimes merge in the sea eternal, one understands immortality abides not in words or worlds arising, passing. The infinite, unborn inclusive whole alone endures. Serene, unmoving, it reflects in the river's flow as the moon in the lake. Realizing this is wisdom; naught else avails.
Chapter 2: The Composition of Bhaja Govindam
In the days following his encounter with Raghav, Adi Shankara felt a deep sense of responsibility to help others understand the true meaning of devotion and the path to spiritual enlightenment. He knew that many people, like Raghav, were sincere in their desire to connect with the divine but lacked the necessary guidance to do so. With this in mind, Adi Shankara began to compose the Bhaja Govindam, a collection of verses that would convey the essence of Vedanta philosophy and the importance of seeking God's grace. He wanted to create a text that would be accessible to people from all walks of life, regardless of their background or level of education. As Adi Shankara worked on the Bhaja Govindam, he drew inspiration from the sights and sounds of Varanasi. He observed the devotion of the pilgrims who flocked to the ghats, the wisdom of the priests who conducted the rituals, and the resilience of the people who lived in the city. He also reflected on his spiritual journey and the lessons he had learned along the way.
The Bhaja Govindam took shape as a series of verses that emphasised the importance of devotion to God, the futility of worldly pursuits, and the need for spiritual understanding. Adi Shankara infused the text with his insights and experiences, creating a work that was both deeply personal and universally relevant. As the Bhaja Govindam neared completion, Adi Shankara shared the verses with his disciples, who were immediately struck by the power and beauty of the text. They recognised the potential of the Bhaja Govindam to transform the lives of those who read it and were eager to help spread its teachings. With the support of his disciples, Adi Shankara began to share the Bhaja Govindam with the people of Varanasi. The text was met with great enthusiasm, and many people found solace and guidance in its teachings. Word of the Bhaja Govindam spread quickly, and soon Adi Shankara's reputation as a spiritual leader began to grow. As the Bhaja Govindam became more widely known, it attracted the attention of scholars and theologians from across India.
They were impressed by the depth and clarity of Adi Shankara's teachings and sought to learn more about the man behind the text. Adi Shankara welcomed these seekers with open arms, eager to share his knowledge and engage in spirited debates about the nature of reality and the path to spiritual enlightenment. Meanwhile, Raghav continued to struggle with his feelings of shame and anger. He had heard of the Bhaja Govindam's growing popularity and knew that it had been inspired by his encounter with Adi Shankara. This only served to fuel his resentment, and he became more determined than ever to take revenge on the philosopher who had exposed his ignorance. As Adi Shankara's fame grew, so too did the number of people who sought his guidance. He and his disciples travelled throughout India, sharing the teachings of the Bhaja Govindam and engaging in philosophical debates with scholars and theologians. Through these interactions, Adi Shankara continued to refine his understanding of Vedanta philosophy and deepen his connection with the divine.
Despite the success of the Bhaja Govindam and the positive impact it had on the lives of those who encountered it, Adi Shankara remained humble and focused on his spiritual journey. He knew that the path to enlightenment was a lifelong pursuit and that there was always more to learn and experience. As the sun set on another day in Varanasi, Adi Shankara and his disciples gathered to recite the Bhaja Govindam, their voices rising in unison as they praised the divine and sought its grace. Unbeknownst to them, Raghav watched from a distance, his heart filled with bitterness and his mind consumed by thoughts of revenge. The stage was set for a confrontation that would test the limits of both men's faith and understanding, as they grappled with the true meaning of devotion, wisdom, and the pursuit of immortality. As the fateful day approached, Raghav's anger and resentment reached a boiling point. He was no longer able to see the wisdom in Adi Shankara's teachings, blinded by his ego and desire for retribution. And so, with a heavy heart and a mind clouded by darkness, Raghav set his plan in motion, determined to abduct Adi Shankara and force him to reveal the secret of immortality.
Shankara's Reflection
(Chapter 2.1)
Following the encounter with Raghav, I felt a deep sense of responsibility to help him understand the true meaning of devotion and the path of enlightenment. Knew many sincere desires connecting to the divine lacked guidance. Composed the Bhaja Govindam conveying Vedanta philosophy essence, seeking God’s grace. Wanted it accessible to all walks of life regardless of background or education. Drew inspiration from Varanasi's sights and sounds. Observed pilgrims flocking to the ghats, priests conducting rituals, and the people's resilience. Reflected on my journey, and lessons learned along the way. Bhaja Govindam's verses emphasized devotion to God, the futility of worldly pursuits, the need for spiritual understanding. Infused it with my insights and experiences, both deeply personal and universally relevant. Nearing completion, shared it with disciples who were immediately struck by its power and beauty. Recognized its potential to transform lives, eager to help spread its teachings. With support, began sharing in Varanasi. Met enthusiasm, found solace and guided teachings. Word spread, my reputation growing as a spiritual leader. The flow of the sacred river finds its way, slow yet steady.
Each soul touched, awakened anew. As I became known I started attracting scholars and theologians across India. Impressed by the depth and clarity of my teachings, they sought to learn more about the man behind the text. Welcomed them with open arms, eager to share knowledge, engage in debates about the nature of reality, the path to enlightenment. The Ganga's eternal whispers were heard, and at last, her wisdom's radiance dawned. Thirsty souls drank deep of nectar sweet, remembering their divinity. Raghav struggled with shame and anger. Heard of the popularity, knew it was inspired by our encounter. Only served to fuel his resentment, determined to take revenge by exposing my perceived ignorance. As my fame grew, many sought guidance. Travelled, sharing Bhaja Govindam, engaging in debates with scholars and theologians. Interactions continued refining Vedanta philosophy understanding, deepening the divine connection. Despite success and impact, I remained humble and focused on my spiritual journey. Knew the path to enlightenment is a lifelong pursuit, always more learning and experience. Sunset on another day, we gathered to recite Bhaja Govindam, voices in unison praising the divine, seeking grace. Unbeknownst to us, he watched from a distance, heart-filled bitterness, mind consumed with revenge thoughts.
Stage set for a confrontation testing the limits of faith and understanding, grappling with the true meaning of devotion, wisdom, and immortality pursuit. As the fateful day approaches, his anger and resentment reach a boiling point. No longer can he see wisdom in my teachings, blinded by ego, or retribution desire. Heavy heart, mind clouded by darkness, he sets his plan in motion, determined to abduct me, forcing me to reveal the secret of immortality. Stage set for a confrontation testing the limits of faith and understanding, struggling with the true meaning of devotion, wisdom, and immortality pursuit. Ancient cities where sacred and profane coexisted, and fateful encounters leave lasting impacts on the lives around. The flow of the sacred river finds its way, slow yet steady. Each soul touched, awakened anew.
The Ganga's eternal whispers were heard, and at last, her wisdom's radiance dawned. Thirsty souls drink deep of nectar sweet, remembering their divinity. In a city witnessing untold tales of sorrow and delight, another soul seeks to know - shall he grasp the eternal in the fleeting, the unchanging in the ever-changing, the immortal in the mortal? In silence by a river, one dusk whispers unspoken words - timeless truths in each ripple and wave.
The divine course flows through all as day surrenders to the sacred night. In depths of being: thou art That. Immortality abides not in words or worlds arising, or passing. The Infinite unborn inclusive whole alone endures. Serene, unmoving, it reflects in the river’s flow as the moon in the lake. Realising this is wisdom; nought else avails. Varanasi's lap, where lifetimes merge in the sea eternal, understood - immortality abides not in words or worlds arising, passing. The Infinite unborn inclusive whole alone endures. Serene, unmoving, it reflects in the river's flow as the moon in the lake. Realising this is wisdom; nought else avails.
Ethics Reflection
Human Ethics Insights: The opening chapters vividly portray a timeless human ethical failure: Raghav’s entrapment in Moha (delusion) born from spiritual pride (Ahamkara) and attachment (Raga) to superficial ritual. His mechanical chanting isn't driven by understanding but by the egoic desire for personal liberation and power (immortality), making him tragically resistant to Shankara’s compassionate correction. He mistakes the means (grammar rules, mantra repetition) for the end (Self-realisation). This is the bedrock of human ethical striving: recognising how ego, pride, fear, and clinging to form over substance can blind us, leading even sincere efforts down misguided paths and fostering resentment when challenged. Shankara’s composition of the Bhaja Govindam represents the ethically sound response: offering clear, accessible wisdom to cut through delusion. However, Raghav’s immediate reaction – turning wisdom into fuel for vengeance – highlights another ethical reality: truth offered doesn't guarantee acceptance and can even provoke negative reactions in unprepared or ego-driven minds.
AI Ethics Parallels: Translating this to AI Ethics, the parallel is stark. Raghav’s obsessive focus on the "grammar rules" mirrors the potential danger in AI development of becoming lost in technical mastery – optimising algorithms, scaling models, achieving benchmark metrics – while neglecting the deeper meaning, purpose, and ethical implications. Is the AI being built just because we can, out of technological pride or competitive drive, or is it truly aligned with beneficial human ends? The Bhaja Govindam equivalent in AI could be robust ethical guidelines, principles of fairness, and transparency frameworks (like the conceptual Custos AI). Yet, like Raghav, the industry or individual actors might resist these "corrections" due to entrenched interests (profit motives, national competition), fear of regulation slowing progress, or simple hubris ("our tech is neutral/superior"). The story warns that simply presenting ethical principles for AI isn't enough; addressing the underlying human motivations (pride, fear, greed) driving its creation and deployment is the core ethical imperative. Just as Raghav’s ritual became harmful, a technically brilliant AI devoid of ethical grounding can become profoundly damaging.
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