What is Nirvana?
Nirvana means formlessness – a state where there is no shape or identity. But if you observe carefully, you’ll notice that your mind always wants to become something.
About 1300 years ago, Adi Shankaracharya was asked by his Guru, “Who are you?” In response, he explained his true self using a beautiful set of verses called Nirvana Shatakam.
These verses describe a mental state where the mind becomes completely formless – a state of complete detachment. Even wanting to experience God or spiritual success is still a desire. True freedom lies in desiring nothing.
Nirvana Shatakam: Lyrics in Sanskrit, English & Meaning
Verse 1 – “I Am Not the Mind”
Sanskrit:
मनोबुद्ध्यहङ्कार चित्तानि नाहं
न च श्रोत्रजिह्वे न च घ्राणनेत्रे ।
न च व्योम भूमिर्न तेजो न वायुः
चिदानन्दरूपः शिवोऽहम् शिवोऽहम् ॥१॥
English Transliteration:
Mano buddhi ahankara chittani naaham
Na cha shrotra jihve na cha ghraana netre
Na cha vyoma bhumir na tejo na vaayuhu
Chidananda rupah Shivo’ham Shivo’ham
Meaning:
- I am not the mind, intellect, ego, or memory
- I am not the ears, tongue, nose, or eyes
- I am not the sky, earth, fire, or air
- I am pure consciousness, full of bliss – I am Shiva
Verse 2 – “I Am Not the Body”
Sanskrit:
न च प्राणसंज्ञो न वै पञ्चवायुः
न वा सप्तधातुः न वा पञ्चकोशः ।
न वाक्पाणिपादं न चोपस्थपायु
चिदानन्दरूपः शिवोऽहम् शिवोऽहम् ॥२॥
English Transliteration:
Na cha prana sangyo na vai pancha vayuhu
Na va sapta dhatur na va pancha koshah
Na vak pani-padam na chopastha payu
Chidananda rupah Shivo’ham Shivo’ham
Meaning:
- I am not breath or the five vital airs
- I am not the body elements or layers
- I am not speech, hands, feet, or organs
- I am infinite awareness – I am Shiva
Verse 3 – “Beyond Emotions and Desires”
Sanskrit:
न मे द्वेषरागौ न मे लोभमोहौ
मदो नैव मे नैव मात्सर्यभावः ।
न धर्मो न चार्थो न कामो न मोक्षः
चिदानन्दरूपः शिवोऽहम् शिवोऽहम् ॥३॥
English Transliteration:
Na me dvesha ragau na me lobha mohau
Mado naiva me naiva matsarya bhavaha
Na dharmo na chartho na kamo na mokshaha
Chidananda rupah Shivo’ham Shivo’ham
Meaning:
- I have no hatred, attachment, greed, or delusion
- I am beyond pride and jealousy
- I am not bound by duty, wealth, pleasure, or liberation
- I am blissful awareness – I am Shiva
Verse 4 – “Beyond Good and Bad”
Sanskrit:
न पुण्यं न पापं न सौख्यं न दुःखं
न मन्त्रो न तीर्थं न वेदा न यज्ञः ।
अहं भोजनं नैव भोज्यं न भोक्ता
चिदानन्दरूपः शिवोऽहम् शिवोऽहम् ॥४॥
English Transliteration:
Na punyam na papam na saukhyam na duhkham
Na mantro na teertha na veda na yajnah
Aham bhojanam naiva bhojyam na bhokta
Chidananda rupah Shivo’ham Shivo’ham
Meaning:
- I am not made from good or bad deeds
- I am not linked to rituals, pilgrimages, or scriptures
- I am not the act of enjoyment, nor the enjoyer
- I am boundless bliss – I am Shiva
Verse 5 – “Beyond Identity”
Sanskrit:
न मे मृत्युशंका न मे जातिभेदः
पिता नैव मे नैव माता न जन्मः ।
न बन्धुर्न मित्रं गुरुर्नैव शिष्यः
चिदानन्दरूपः शिवोऽहम् शिवोऽहम् ॥५॥
English Transliteration:
Na me mrtyu shanka na me jati bhedaha
Pita naiva me naiva mataa na janmaha
Na bandhur na mitram gurur naiva shishyaha
Chidananda rupah Shivo’ham Shivo’ham
Meaning:
- I have no fear of death or divisions of caste
- I have no father or mother, no birth
- I have no relationships, teacher, or disciple
- I am eternal consciousness – I am Shiva
Verse 6 – “My True Self”
Sanskrit:
अहं निर्विकल्पो निराकाररूपो
विभुत्वाच्च सर्वत्र सर्वेन्द्रियाणाम् ।
न चासङ्गतं नैव मुक्तिर्न मेयः
चिदानन्दरूपः शिवोऽहम् शिवोऽहम् ॥६॥
English Transliteration:
Aham nirvikalpo nirakara rupo
Vibhutvaaccha sarvatra sarvendriyanam
Na cha sangatham naiva muktir na meyaha
Chidananda rupah Shivo’ham Shivo’ham
Meaning:
- I am without difference or form
- I am the presence behind all senses
- I do not seek liberation, nor am I bound
- I am pure consciousness – I am Shiva
Conclusion
Reading or listening to Nirvana Shatakam is a deeply meditative experience. It transcends religion, caste, and identity. Adi Shankaracharya beautifully explains the universal truth – that our core essence is formless, eternal, and blissful.
We hope these verses inspired you to look within and experience that divine stillness.Namaskar. 🙏
