Introduction
The Nirvana Shatakam, composed by Adi Shankaracharya, is a six-verse hymn on liberation that captures the essence of Advaita Vedanta. It negates identification with body, mind, ego, and senses, affirming the Self as pure existence, consciousness, and bliss (Sat-Chit-Ananda). The verses declare the Self beyond birth, death, bondage, and duality, identical with Shiva, the supreme consciousness. Tradition holds that Shankaracharya composed it at the age of eight in response to the question, “Who are you?”. Widely recited, it serves as both a philosophical text and a meditative guide to self-realization. Click Here To More Detail.
- Nirvana Shatakam (Atma Shatakam) – Click to view Chanting
- Dakshinamurthy Stotram – Click to view Chanting
- Vivekachudamani – Meditation Verses – Click to view Chanting
- Panchadasi – Click to view Chanting
- Mandukya Upanishad – Click to view Chanting
Through her clear and melodious chanting, she brings these ancient compositions to life, allowing practitioners and enthusiasts to connect with their profound teachings on a deeper level.
Composition Details: What is Nirvana Shatakam?
Origins and Meaning
The Nirvana Shatakam, also known as the Atma Shatakam, is a profound six-verse Sanskrit composition attributed to the 8th-century Hindu philosopher Adi Shankaracharya. This text encapsulates the essence of Advaita Vedanta, emphasizing the realization of one’s true self beyond physical and mental identities.
Each verse systematically negates identification with various aspects of the human experience, such as the mind, senses, elements, and emotions, ultimately affirming the self’s true nature as pure consciousness and bliss. The refrain “Shivoham” (“I am Shiva”) signifies the realization of one’s inherent divinity and unity with the absolute.
Nirvana Shatakam Lyrics
Mano buddhi ahankaara chitthaani naaham
Na cha shrothra jihve na cha ghraana nethreNa cha vyoma bhoomir na thejo na vaayuhChidhaanandha roopah shivoham shivohamNa cha praana sangnyo na vai panchavaayuhNa vaa saptha dhaathur na vaa panchakoshah
Na vaak paani paadham na chopastha paayuChidhaanandha roopah shivoham shivohamNa me dhvesha raagau na me lobha mohauNa me vai madho naiva maathsarya bhaavahaNa dharmo na chaartho na kaamo na mokshaha
Chidhaanandha roopah shivoham shivohamNa punyam na paapam na saukhyam na dhukhamNa manthro na theertham na vedhaa na yagnyaha
Aham bhojanam naiva bhojyam na bhokthaa
Chidhaanandha roopah shivoham shivohaNa me mruthyu shankaa na me jaathi bhedhahaPithaa naiva me naiva maathaa na janmahaNa bandhur na mithram gurur naiva shishyahaChidhaanandha roopah shivoham shivohamAham nirvikalpo niraakaara roopoVibhuthvaacha sarvathra sarvendhriyaanaamNa chaasangatham naiva mukthir na meyahaChidhaanandha roopah shivoham shivoham Click to view Chanting
Key Themes of Nirvana Shatakam
The Nirvana Shatakam follows a unique pattern where each verse negates common false identifications people make with their bodies, minds, emotions, and experiences, leading to the affirmation of the ultimate reality of the Self (Atman) as pure, blissful consciousness.
1. Negation of the Physical and Mental Identity
“I am not the mind, the intellect, the ego, or the memory. I am not the ears, the tongue, the nose, or the eyes…”
This verse establishes that the Self is beyond physical and mental existence. Humans often define themselves through thoughts, emotions, and sensory experiences, but this hymn reminds us that true identity is not bound by these limitations.
2. Beyond Life and Death
“I am not air or fire, nor am I earth or water. I am not the body, nor am I its five senses…”
Here, Shankaracharya asserts that the true Self is beyond the five elements of nature—earth, water, fire, air, and space—which constitute the physical world. The Self is eternal and not subject to birth and death.
3. Freedom from Attachments and Emotions
“I have no hatred or attachment, no greed or delusion. I have no pride, no jealousy…”
This verse eliminates ego-driven emotions and desires, which often cause suffering. The realization that one is beyond these emotional states leads to inner peace and detachment.
4. Liberation from Karma and Rebirth
“I have neither virtue nor vice, no pleasure or pain. I need no mantras, no pilgrimage, no scriptures, nor rituals…”
The Self is beyond karma, meaning it is not bound by past actions, good or bad. Rituals and religious practices serve a purpose in guiding seekers, but in the ultimate state of realization, the Self is free from all external dependencies.
5. The True Identity: Shivoham (I am Shiva)
“I am without death, without form, without limits. I am the eternal blissful consciousness. I am Shiva, I am Shiva…”
The final verse is a declaration of self-realization. By repeating “Shivoham”, the seeker affirms that their true identity is one with the infinite consciousness of Shiva—a metaphor for the non-dual reality. Click to view Chanting
Author and Composition Relation: How are They Related?
Vijaya Gosala’s association with the Nirvana Shatakam lies in her role as a conduit for its oral transmission. Through her clear and melodious chanting, she brings this ancient composition to life, allowing practitioners and enthusiasts to connect with its profound teachings on a deeper level.
- Preserving the Authenticity of the Chant
- Spreading the Teachings of Advaita Vedanta
- Aiding in Meditation and Self-Realization
- Bridging Ancient Wisdom and Modern Seekers Click to view Chanting
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Nirvana Shatakam stands as a profound declaration of self-realization and non-dual truth. Through its six verses, Adi Shankaracharya leads the seeker from false identification with the transient to the recognition of the eternal Self as pure consciousness, bliss, and oneness with Shiva. It is both a guide for meditation and a timeless reminder that liberation is not something to be attained, but the very nature of our true being.
