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Nirvana Shatkam

Updated: Sep 23

The Essence of Nirvana Shatkam: Realizing the Self as Śiva

Nirvana Shatakam is a profound Sanskrit hymn composed by Adi Shankaracharya, which encapsulates the essence of Advaita Vedanta. This philosophy emphasizes the non-duality of the individual soul (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman). Through six verses, the hymn guides the seeker in transcending identification with the mind, senses, vital forces, emotions, desires, and all worldly attachments. It emphasizes realizing oneself as Shiva, who embodies pure consciousness and bliss beyond all dualities, forms, and limitations. This essence provides an overview of the hymn's teachings, highlighting its significance in the journey toward self-realization and spiritual liberation.


Nirvana Shatkam

The Essence of Nirvana Shatkam


The Nirvana Shatkam, composed by the revered sage Adi Shankaracharya, is a profound exposition on the nature of the self. The Essence of Nirvana Shatkam Sanskrit hymn, comprising six verses, encapsulates the essence of Advaita Vedanta. This philosophy teaches the non-duality of the individual soul (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman). In these verses, the aspirant declares their true identity as Śiva, the embodiment of pure consciousness, transcending all worldly limitations and identities.


Verse 1: Beyond the Mind and Senses


In the first verse, the seeker negates their association with the mind, intellect, ego, and memory. They also reject identification with the five senses—hearing, taste, smell, sight, and touch. The verse conveys that the true self is beyond these physical and mental faculties, embodying the nature of pure consciousness and bliss.

"I am not the mind, intellect, ego, or memory; I am not the ears, tongue, nose, or eyes; I am not space, earth, fire, or air—I am the form of consciousness and bliss; I am Śiva, I am Śiva."


Verse 2: Beyond the Vital Forces and Koshas


The second verse continues the negation by distancing the self from the vital forces (prana) and the five bodily sheaths (pancha koshas) that cover the soul. It emphasizes that the self is not confined to any physical or subtle aspect of existence.

"I am not the breath, nor the five vital airs, Nor the seven bodily constituents, nor the five sheaths, I am not speech, hands, or feet, I am the form of consciousness and bliss, I am Śiva, I am Śiva."


Verse 3: Beyond Emotions and Desires


In this verse, the seeker transcends emotions like anger, greed, and attachment. They also declare freedom from the four purusharthas (objectives of human life): Dharma (righteousness), Artha (wealth), Kama (desire), and Moksha (liberation).

"I have no hatred or attachment, No greed, delusion, or pride; I have no Dharma, Artha, Kama, or Moksha—I am the form of consciousness and bliss, I am Śiva, I am Śiva."


Verse 4: Beyond Merits and Demerits


The fourth verse denies the self's involvement in actions and their fruits, whether good or bad. It also negates any identification with religious rituals, scriptures, or spiritual practices, affirming that the self is beyond these temporal activities.

"I am neither virtue nor vice, Neither pleasure nor pain, I am not a mantra, pilgrimage, scriptures, or sacrifices, I am neither the enjoyer nor the object of enjoyment, I am the form of consciousness and bliss, I am Śiva, I am Śiva."


Verse 5: Beyond Birth, Death, and Relationships


This verse transcends the dualities of life, such as birth and death, and the distinctions of caste and lineage. It also negates any attachment to familial or social relationships, pointing to the self's timeless and universal nature.

"I have no fear of death, nor do I have caste distinctions, I have no father, nor mother, nor birth, I have no relations, no friends, no guru, nor disciple, I am the form of consciousness and bliss, I am Śiva, I am Śiva."


Verse 6: The Ultimate Reality of the Self


The final verse asserts the self as beyond all dualities, forms, and limitations. The seeker proclaims their identity as the formless, all-pervading consciousness, free from bondage and liberation, beyond all concepts of freedom and captivity.

"I am without thought, without form, I am all-pervading, without any organs, I am neither attached, nor free, nor seeking liberation, I am the form of consciousness and bliss, I am Śiva, I am Śiva."


The Path to Self-Realization


The Nirvana Shatkam is a powerful reminder that the true nature of the self is beyond all physical, mental, and spiritual constructs. It calls upon seekers to transcend their limited identities and realize their inherent divinity as Śiva, the pure consciousness that pervades all existence. This hymn is a chant and a profound declaration of one's eternal and unchanging nature, urging us to recognize and embrace the ultimate truth of who we indeed are.


Nirvana Shatkam


śivō'haṃ śivō'haṃ, śivō'haṃ śivō'haṃ, śivō'haṃ śivō'haṃ


manō budhyahaṅkāra chittāni nāhaṃ

na cha śrōtra jihvē na cha ghrāṇanētrē ।

na cha vyōma bhūmirna tējō na vāyuḥ

chidānanda rūpaḥ śivō'haṃ śivō'ham ॥ 1 ॥


na cha prāṇa sañjñō na vaipañchavāyuḥ

na vā saptadhāturna vā pañchakōśāḥ ।

navākpāṇi pādau na chōpastha pāyū

chidānanda rūpaḥ śivō'haṃ śivō'ham ॥ 2 ॥


na mē dvēṣarāgau na mē lōbhamōhō

madō naiva mē naiva mātsaryabhāvaḥ ।

na dharmō na chārdhō na kāmō na mōkṣaḥ

chidānanda rūpaḥ śivō'haṃ śivō'ham ॥ 3 ॥


na puṇyaṃ na pāpaṃ na saukhyaṃ na duḥkhaṃ

na mantrō na tīrthaṃ na vēdā na yajñaḥ ।

ahaṃ bhōjanaṃ naiva bhōjyaṃ na bhōktā

chidānanda rūpaḥ śivō'haṃ śivō'ham ॥ 4 ॥


na mṛtyurna śaṅkā na mē jāti bhēdaḥ

pitā naiva mē naiva mātā na janmaḥ ।

na bandhurna mitraṃ gururnaiva śiṣyaḥ

chidānandarūpaḥ śivō'haṃ śivō'ham ॥ 5 ॥


ahaṃ nirvikalpō nirākāra rūpō

vibhūtvāchcha sarvatra sarvēndriyāṇām ।

na chāsaṅgataṃ naiva muktirna mēyaḥ [na vā bandhanaṃ naiva muktirna bandhaḥ]

chidānandarūpaḥ śivō'haṃ śivō'ham ॥ 6 ॥


śivō'haṃ śivō'haṃ, śivō'haṃ śivō'haṃ, śivō'haṃ śivō'haṃ

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