Nirvana literally means ‘blown out’ or extinguished which is a popular concept in Indian religions. It is the state when all your passions are extinguished and you get free from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Shatkam means chant’s six verses which express the idea of the real identity of a human. Each person’s soul is interconnected with the Supreme Consciousness epitomized by the nature of Sat-Chit-Ananda (Truth-Consciousness- Bliss). Every person in reality has a divine essence and his soul is interconnected with the Universal Consciousness or Shiva or Brahman.
Thus, Nirvana Shatkam is a popular Sanskrit Chant composed by the great sage and philosopher- Adi Shankaracharya. The legend goes like this- When Adi Shankara was an eight-year-old child wandering to seek his Guru, he met a sage who asked him- ‘ Who are you?’ In response to this- Adi Shankara composed this poem based on the neti-neti principle of Advaita Vedanta which means- ‘not this, not that’. He identified himself as Shiva or a Pure Consciousness, or Brahman with the nature of Truth- Bliss and Consciousness.
Nirvana Shatkam verses express the true nature of the self (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman), emphasizing that true liberation comes from recognizing the oneness of existence. One must understand the transitory nature of ego, worldly attachments, physical senses, and false identities and realize the divine essence--being absolute truth, permanent and unchangeable.
The verses of the Nirvana Shatkam are written in Sanskrit, a language that encapsulates the depth and nuance of spiritual concepts. Here are the six verses:
मनोबुद्ध्यहङ्कार चित्तानि नाहं
न च श्रोत्रजिह्वे न च घ्राणनेत्रे ।
न च व्योम भूमिर्न तेजो न वायुः
चिदानन्दरूपः शिवोऽहम् शिवोऽहम् ॥१॥
न च प्राणसंज्ञो न वै पञ्चवायुः
न वा सप्तधातुः न वा पञ्चकोशः ।
न वाक्पाणिपादं न चोपस्थपायु
चिदानन्दरूपः शिवोऽहम् शिवोऽहम् ॥२॥
न मे द्वेषरागौ न मे लोभमोहौ
मदो नैव मे नैव मात्सर्यभावः ।
न धर्मो न चार्थो न कामो न मोक्षः
चिदानन्दरूपः शिवोऽहम् शिवोऽहम् ॥३॥
न पुण्यं न पापं न सौख्यं न दुःखं
न मन्त्रो न तीर्थं न वेदा न यज्ञाः ।
अहं भोजनं नैव भोज्यं न भोक्ता
चिदानन्दरूपः शिवोऽहम् शिवोऽहम् ॥४॥
न मृत्युर्न शङ्का न मे जातिभेदः
पिता नैव मे नैव माता न जन्मः ।
न बन्धुर्न मित्रं गुरुर्नैव शिष्यं
चिदानन्दरूपः शिवोऽहम् शिवोऽहम् ॥५॥
अहं निर्विकल्पो निराकाररूपो
विभुत्वाच्च सर्वत्र सर्वेन्द्रियाणाम् ।
न चासङ्गतं नैव मुक्तिर्न मेयः
चिदानन्दरूपः शिवोऽहम् शिवोऽहम् ॥६॥
These verses guide the practitioner seeking knowledge and liberation to understand what they are not, ultimately leading to a realization of their true essence.
The Nirvana Shatkam conveys the idea that the self is not defined by the physical body, mind, or emotions. Each verse systematically interprets the layers of identity we often associate with ourselves.
Check out the literal meanings of each verse.
I am not the intellect, the memory, the ego, or the mind. I am not the skin, nose, eyes, or ears. I am not fire, water, wind, space, or earth. I am bliss and consciousness in form. I am the eternal Shiva.
Neither the breath nor the five components comprise me. Neither the words, the hands, the feet, nor the five layers of consciousness matter. I am bliss and consciousness in form. I am the eternal Shiva.
I am devoid of all likes and dislikes, avarice, and illusions. I'm neither jealous nor arrogant. I have no obligation and no desire for lust, money, or freedom. I am bliss and consciousness in form. I am the eternal Shiva.
No evil or virtue, no happiness or suffering. I don't require scriptures, rituals, pilgrimages, or chants. Neither I am experience nor I am experienced. I am bliss and consciousness in form. I am the eternal Shiva.
I dread no caste or creed, nor death. I was never born, so I have no mother or father. I am not a friend, a teacher, a relative, or a pupil. I am bliss and consciousness in form. I am the eternal Shiva.
I am without duality; without any form. I am all-pervasive and everywhere. I'm not attached, neither free nor a prisoner. I am bliss and consciousness in form. I am the eternal Shiva.
Nirvana Shatkam- the timeless and immortal verses composed by Adi Shankara have profound spiritual significance. It provides a guiding light to practitioners and truth seekers towards self-realization. An in-depth understanding of ‘what You are not’ offers you an insight into the true nature of Self and lets you free from all illusions. When you identify your true self, all your thoughts, speeches, and actions are aligned with the New Knowledge and you embark on a journey to Salvation-leading to profound mental peace and oneness with the cosmos.
Chanting the Nirvana Shatkam in the morning or evening in a serene environment offers various benefits:
Emotional Harmony and Tranquility
Reciting these sacred verses helps practitioners detach from dualities and develop emotional balance and peacefulness, diving deep into the knowledge of divine identity.
Thoughts Clarity
The deep philosophical meaning and spiritual context help people gain clarity of thoughts on their true selves. They get inspired to embark on an adventurous journey to know their inner self and consciousness and gain freedom from suffering and ignorance.
Inspiring Spiritual Transformation
Reciting the mantra regularly reinforces the teachings and rekindles the passion to find the true meaning and purpose of one’s life, leading to the spiritual transformation of the practitioner.
Mental Peace
The meditative state and spiritual lessons offered in these verses serve as a way to produce strong positive vibes and provide inner peace to the practitioner.
Let Go of Ego and False Attachments
Deep self-introspection and meditation after chanting these sacred verses will help you gain freedom from worldly attachments and Ego letting you enjoy a more peaceful and fulfilling life.
We at Pokhara Yoga School and Retreat Center guide yogic learners to learn and integrate the Nirvana Shatkam into their regular meditation practice. When you meditate and focus on the meanings of the verses, it helps you realize your oneness with the divine consciousness that enhances your spiritual journey.
Our experienced Yoga Gurus inspire learners to live lives based on timeless values and principles and gain profound insights into their true nature.
Nirvana Shatkam summarizes the core principles of non-duality and helps people learn to transcend the barriers of ego and illusions of attachments that bind them. People know about the essential nature of their self and find the thoughts on which to meditate. When you learn and embody the powerful lessons from the cryptic verses as explained to you by our revered Yoga Gurus, you will experience pure joy and bliss of unity with the universe.
Also read : Benefits of Applying Tilak on the Forehead
Nirvana Shatkam guides individuals on a path where they can question their beliefs and perceptions and get profound knowledge of their real selves. People experience a shift in consciousness and get a life-changing experience.
Conclusion
The Nirvana Shatkam is a powerful spiritual tool that guides people to explore their true selves and understand their divinity. As you realize Nirvana Shatkam’s significance and chant these verses with complete faith and devotion, you will find yourself on a quest to self-discovery, liberation, and inner peace. Join our Yoga Teacher Training program or retreat center for a profound and life-transformative experience and tap the power of Yoga and devotion to let you gain health, wealth, peace, and spiritual bliss.
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