nirvaana_shatakam

NIRVAANA SHATAKAM

"Nirvaana" is the mental state of absolute peace, tranquility, freedom and joy. "Shatakam" means a bunch of 6 verses, usually of 4 lines each. This is also called "Atma Shatakam". Atma means 'Self'.

Imagine the scene of a young boy wandering in search of his Guru in the Vindhya mountain region. He has to cross the river Narmada, which is suddenly in a spate of floods. The boy thought for a moment and started praying. With his special yogic powers, he could collect the entire flood waters in his small 'Kamandal'. A senior sage was watching the whole scene. He was greatly astonished to see the courage and wisdom of this boy. He was prompted to ask the boy "who are you". The answer to that question from this boy is "Nirvaana Shatakam". The boy was none other than our Adi Sankara.The sage was none other than Govinda Bhagavadpaada, whom exactly the boy was searching for. Sankara was only 8 years old at that time. Nirvaana Shatakam is precisely a crash course of "Advaita Vedaanta".

Even though these verses are the declarations of a man of Realisation, chanting them and reflecting deeply on them as the highest state to be experienced could be an invaluable 'Sadhana' for any seeker of liberation.

Verses	Meaning
Mano Buddhi-ahankaara Chithaani Naaham Na Cha Shrotra Jihve Na Cha Ghraana Netre Na Cha Vyoma Bhoomir Na Tejo Na Vaayuhu Chidaananda Roopah Shivoham Shivoham	I am not the mind, intellect, ego, or memory. (the 4 aspects of Antah Karanaas) Nor am I the ears, tongue, nose, eyes (and skin) (the 5 organs of perception) I am not the space, earth, fire, air (and water)- (the 5 great elements) I am pure Knowledge and Bliss. I am the self spiritual joy of pure Consciousness Shiva, Shivoham, Shivoham.
Na Cha Praana Samjno Na Vai Pancha Vaayuhu Na Va Sapta Dhaatur Na Va Pancha Koshah Na Vaak Paani Paadau Na Chopastha Paayuh Chidaananda Roopah Shivoham Shivoham	I am not the Praana, I am not the 5 vital airs. I am not indeed the 7 materials, Surely not the 5 sheaths, Not the organ of speech, nor hand, nor leg, And not the genital organ, nor the anus. I am of the nature of pure Knowledge and Bliss. I am Shiva, the most Auspicious, I am Shiva.
Na Me Dvesha Raagau Na Me Lobha Mohau Mado Naiva Me Naiva Maatsarya Bhaavah Na Dharmo Na Chaartho Na Kaamo Na Mokshah Chidaananda Roopah Shivoham Shivoham	I have neither hatred nor liking, I have neither greed nor delusion, I have indeed neither pride nor jealousy, I have no duty (to perform), nor any wealth (to acquire), I have no craving (for pleasure), I am not being bound (for liberation), I am of the nature of Pure Consciousness and Bliss, I am all Auspiciousness, I am Shiva.
Na Punyam Na Paapam Na Saukhyam Na Dukham Na Mantro Na Teertham Na Vedo Na Yajnaha Aham Bhojanam Naiva Bhojyam Na Bhoktaa Chidaananda Roopah Shivoham Shivoham	I have neither virtue nor vice, nor pleasure, nor pain, nor the sacred chant of mantras nor pilgrimage, nor the scriptures, nor the sacrificial rituals, I am neither the act of enjoying, nor the enjoyable object, nor the enjoyer, I am pure Knowledge and Bliss, I am shiva, the Auspiciousness itself.
Na Me Mrityu Shankaa Na Me Jaati Bhedah Pita Naiva Me Naiva Maataa Na Janma Na Bandhur Na Mitram Gurur Naiva Shishyah Chidaananda Roopah Shivoham Shivoham	I have no fear of death, nor have I any distinction of Caste, I have neither father, nor mother, nor even birth, nor relation, nor friend, no teacher, no disciple, I am pure Knowledge and Bliss, I am all Auspiciousness, I am Shiva.
Aham Nirvikalpo Niraakaara Roopaha Vibhur Vyaapya Sarvatra Sarvendriyaanaam Sadaa Me Samatvam Na Muktir Na Bandhah Chidaananda Roopah Shivoham Shivoham	I am devoid of dualities, and I am formless, I exist everywhere, pervading all the senses, always I am the same, I have neither freedom nor bondage, I am pure Knowledge and Bliss, I am Auspiciousness, I am Shiva.