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17 versionsO mind, just worship the lotus feet of the son of Nanda, which make one fearless. Having obtained this rare human birth, cross over this ocean of worldly existence by associating with saintly persons.
Day and night I remain sleepless, suffering heat and cold, wind and rain. For a bit of flickering happiness I have vainly served wicked and miserly men.
What assurance of real happiness is there in all one’s wealth, youth, sons, and relatives? This life totters like a drop of water on a lotus petal, therefore you should always worship the lotus feet of Lord Hari.
Govinda Dāsa longs to hear the glories of Lord Hari, chant His glories, constantly remember Him, offer Him prayers, serve His lotus feet, become His servant, worship Him, serve Him as a friend, and completely offer Him his very self.
About Bhaja Hu Re Mana
Govinda dasa Kaviraja's celebrated 'Bhajahu re mana,' urging the mind to worship the son of Nanda while there is still time, warning that youth, wealth, and life itself pass swiftly and only devotion remains of lasting value.
Srila Prabhupada on this song
Srila Prabhupada spoke on this song in one of his classes:
“My dear mind, my desire is that you kindly help me hearing about this abhaya-caranaravinda, Krsna, sravana. And let me chant about His glories, sravana kirtana”
In a class given in San Francisco on March 16, 1967, Srila Prabhupada spoke on this song:
“Durlabha manava-janama. Durlabha means very rare to obtain. Manava-janma means this human form of life. It comes after a very long rotation”
In a class given in San Francisco on March 16, 1967, Srila Prabhupada spoke on this song:
“Abhilasa means aspiration, hope, or ambition. He (Govinda dasa) is ambitious of becoming a devotee in nine different ways”
In a class given in Los Angeles on January 7, 1969, Srila Prabhupada spoke on this song:
“Govinda dasa advises that 'You just engage your mind in Krsna consciousness. Then mind becomes automatically controlled'”
In a class given in Los Angeles on May 27, 1972, Srila Prabhupada spoke on this song:
“If you train the mind, then mind is your best friend. And if you cannot train your mind, then will be your bitterest enemy”
In a class given in 1970, Srila Prabhupada spoke on this song:
“This is a song sung by Govinda dāsa, poet Govinda dāsa. He's addressing his mind, because, after all, we have to work with the cooperation of our mind.”
Excerpted from Srila Prabhupada's recorded classes, © Bhaktivedanta Book Trust International. Read the complete purport at the Vanisource link above.
Frequently asked
Who wrote Bhaja Hu Re Mana?
Bhaja Hu Re Mana was composed by Govinda Dasa Kaviraja. It appears in Songs of Vaishnava Acaryas.
What is the meaning of Bhaja Hu Re Mana?
O mind, just worship the lotus feet of the son of Nanda, which make one fearless. Having obtained this rare human birth, cross over this ocean of worldly existence by associating with saintly persons.
Where can I listen to Bhaja Hu Re Mana?
You can listen to 17 recordings of Bhaja Hu Re Mana on this page, including versions sung by Srila Prabhupada, HG Ananta Nitai Prabhu, HG Jai Sachinandana Prabhu, HG Sivarama Prabhu.
How many verses does Bhaja Hu Re Mana have?
Bhaja Hu Re Mana has 4 verses.
Can I download Bhaja Hu Re Mana as a PPT or PDF?
Yes. A ready-to-display slide deck for Bhaja Hu Re Mana — verse and translation on each slide — is available to download in both PowerPoint (.pptx) and PDF formats from this page, for use in kirtan or temple programs.
Audio courtesy of ISKCON Desire Tree, Hare Krishna Mandir, ISKCON Devotees. All glories to the devotee singers.