The summary of non-dualistic philosophy - Atma-Shatakam

 

 

 

 

The non-dualistic philosophy (Advaita Vedanta) has been beautifully summarized by the great Hindu scholar and philosopher Ādi Śankarācārya in just six stanzas. This famous poem is popularly known as Atma-Shatakam (also known as Nirvana Shatakam).

According to the legends, Ādi Śankarācārya, at a young age of eight years, traveled towards North India from Kerala in search of his guru. While wandering in the Himalayas, seeking to find his guru, he encountered a sage who asked him, "Who are you?” He replied with an extempore Composition (the Atma-Shatakam) that brought out the Advaita Vedanta philosophy – the essence of which is that "Nirvana" is complete equanimity, peace, tranquility, freedom and joy. "Atma" is the True Self. The sage the boy was talking to was Swami Govindapada Acharya, who was, indeed, the teacher he was looking for.

 

Mano Buddhi Ahankara Chitta Ninaham

Nacha Shrotra Jihve Na Cha Ghrana Netre

Nacha Vyoma Bhoomir Na Tejo Na Vayu

Chidananda Rupa Shivoham Shivoham

I am not mind, nor intellect, nor ego,

nor the reflections of inner self (chitta).

I am not the five senses.

I am beyond that.

I am not the ether, nor the earth,

nor the fire, nor the wind .

I am indeed,

That eternal knowing and bliss, Shiva,

love and pure consciousness.

Na Cha Prana Samjno Na Vai Pancha Vayu

Na Va Saptadhatur Na Va Pancha Koshah

Na Vak Pani Padau Na Chopastha Payu

Chidananda Rupa Shivoham Shivoham

Neither can I be termed as energy (Prana),

nor five types of breath (vayus),

nor the seven material essences,

nor the five coverings (pancha-kosha).

Neither am I the five instruments of elimination,

procreation, motion, grasping, or speaking.

I am indeed,

That eternal knowing and bliss, Shiva,

love and pure consciousness.

Na Me Dvesha Ragau Na Me Lobha Mohau

Mado Naiva Me Naiva Matsarya Bhavah

Na Dharmo Na Chartho Na Kamo Na Mokshah

Chidananda Rupa Shivoham Shivoham

I have no hatred or dislike,

nor affiliation or liking,

nor greed,

nor delusion,

nor pride or haughtiness,

nor feelings of envy or jealousy.

I have no duty (dharma),

nor any money,

nor any desire (kama),

nor even liberation (moksha).

I am indeed,

That eternal knowing and bliss, Shiva,

love and pure consciousness.

Na Punyam Na Papam Na Saukhyam Na Dukham

Na Mantro Na Teertham Na Vedo Na Yajnaha

Aham Bhojanam Naiva Bhojyam Na Bhokta

Chidananda Rupa Shivoham Shivoham

I have neither virtue (Punyam),

nor vice (Papam).

I do not commit sins or good deeds,

nor have happiness or sorrow,

pain or pleasure.

I do not need mantras, holy places,

scriptures (Vedas), rituals or sacrifices (yagnas).

I am none of the triad of

the observer or one who experiences,

the process of observing or experiencing,

or any object being observed or experienced.

I am indeed,

That eternal knowing and bliss, Shiva,

love and pure consciousness.

Na Me Mrityu Shanka Na Me Jati Bhedah

Pita Naiva Me Naiva Mata Na Janma

Na Bandhur Na Mitram Gurur Naiva Shishyah

Chidananda Rupa Shivoham Shivoham

I do not have fear of death,

as I do not have death.

I have no separation from my true self,

no doubt about my existence,

nor have I discrimination on the basis of birth.

I have no father or mother,

nor did I have a birth.

I am not the relative,

nor the friend,

nor the guru,

nor the disciple.

I am indeed,

That eternal knowing and bliss, Shiva,

love and pure consciousness.

Aham Nirvikalpo Nirakara Roopaha

Vibhur Vyapya Sarvatra Sarvendriyanam

Sada Me Samatvam Na Muktir Na Bandhah

Chidananda Rupa Shivoham Shivoham

I am all pervasive.

I am without any attributes,

and without any form.

I have neither attachment to the world,

nor to liberation (mukti).

I have no wishes for anything

because I am everything,

everywhere,

every time,

always in equilibrium.

I am indeed,

That eternal knowing and bliss, Shiva,

love and pure consciousness.