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How To Chant Nirvana Shatakam In Hindu Religion?

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Chanting the Nirvana Shatakam in Hindu Religion

The Nirvana Shatakam, also known as Atma Shatakam, is a profound set of six verses composed by Adi Shankaracharya. It encapsulates the essence of Advaita Vedanta, emphasizing the realization of the Self as beyond all dualities and identities. Here's an expanded guide on chanting the Nirvana Shatakam:

1. The Mantra in Sanskrit, Hindi, and English Transliteration

Sanskrit:

मनोबुद्ध्यहंकार चित्तानि नाहं
न च श्रोत्रजिह्वे न च घ्राणनेत्रे।
न च व्योम भूमिर् न तेजो न वायु:
चिदानन्दरूपः शिवोऽहम् शिवोऽहम्॥१॥

न च प्राणसंज्ञो न वै पञ्चवायुः
न वा सप्तधातुर् न वा पञ्चकोशः।
न वाक्पाणिपादं न चोपस्थपायुः
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 दु:खं
न मन्त्रो न तीर्थं न वेदा न यज्ञाः।
अहम् भोजनाम् नैव भोज्यम् न भोक्ता
चिदानन्दरूपः शिवोऽहम् शिवोऽहम्॥४॥

न मृत्युर् न शङ्का न मे जातिभेदः
पिता नैव मे नैव माता न जन्म।
न बन्धुर् न मित्रं गुरुर्नैव शिष्यः
चिदानन्दरूपः शिवोऽहम् शिवोऽहम्॥५॥

अहम् निर्विकल्पो निराकार रूपो
विभुत्वाच् सर्वत्र सर्वेन्द्रियाणाम्।
न चासङत नैव मुक्तिर् न मेयः
चिदानन्दरूपः शिवोऽहम् शिवोऽहम्॥६॥

Hindi:

मन-बुद्धि-अहंकार चित्त ये नहीं हूँ,
न ही कान-जीभ, न नाक और आँखें,
न आकाश-धरती, न अग्नि, न वायु,
चिदानन्द रूप, शिव हूँ, शिव हूँ।॥१॥

(Repeat the same for all verses in Hindi transliteration)

English Transliteration:

Mano buddhy ahankara chittani naham
Na cha shrotra jihve na cha ghraana netre
Na cha vyoma bhumir na tejo na vayu
Chidananda rupah shivoham shivoham॥1॥

Na cha prana samjno na vai pancha vayuh
Na vaa sapta dhatur na vaa pancha koshah
Na vak-pani-padam na chopastha payu
Chidananda rupah shivoham shivoham॥2॥

Na me dvesha ragau na me lobha mohau
Mado naiva me naiva matsarya bhavah
Na dharmo na chartho na kamo na mokshah
Chidananda rupah shivoham shivoham॥3॥

Na punyam na papam na saukhyam na duhkham
Na mantro na tirtham na vedah na yajnah
Aham bhojanam naiva bhojyam na bhokta
Chidananda rupah shivoham shivoham॥4॥

Na mrityur na shanka na me jati bhedah
Pita naiva me naiva mata na janma
Na bandhur na mitram gurur naiva shishyah
Chidananda rupah shivoham shivoham॥5॥

Aham nirvikalpo nirakara rupo
Vibhutvachcha sarvatra sarvendriyanam
Na cha sanghatam naiva muktir na meyah
Chidananda rupah shivoham shivoham॥6॥

2. Meaning of Nirvana Shatakam

The verses emphasize:

  1. Verse 1: Liberation from identification with the mind, senses, and physical elements.
  2. Verse 2: Freedom from life-force identifications like breath and bodily layers.
  3. Verse 3: Transcendence of emotions like attachment and anger, and objectives like dharma or moksha.
  4. Verse 4: Detachment from external rituals, doctrines, and worldly identities.
  5. Verse 5: Awareness of the Self beyond birth, death, relationships, and societal roles.
  6. Verse 6: Realization of the Self as eternal, formless, and omnipresent.

3. Symbolism

The Nirvana Shatakam symbolizes the journey to moksha (liberation) by negating all transient aspects of existence and identifying with the eternal Shiva consciousness—pure awareness and bliss.

4. Importance

  • Aids in self-realization and the dissolution of ego.
  • Aligns the practitioner with the core teachings of Advaita Vedanta.
  • Promotes inner peace and a state of bliss.

5. Benefits of Chanting Nirvana Shatakam

  1. Mental Clarity: Dissolves confusion and ego-based thinking.
  2. Stress Reduction: Encourages detachment from worldly concerns.
  3. Spiritual Growth: Deepens understanding of self and existence.
  4. Focus Improvement: Redirects mind towards higher consciousness.
  5. Inner Peace: Cultivates a serene and balanced state of mind.
  6. Higher Awareness: Enhances awareness of universal truths.
  7. Connection with Divinity: Strengthens connection with Shiva consciousness.

6. Clothes to Wear

  • Traditional attire: Light, comfortable cotton clothes, preferably white or saffron.
  • Symbolic clarity: Avoid tight, synthetic, or overly vibrant colors to maintain focus.

7. How to Chant

  • Time: Early morning (Brahma Muhurta) or during quiet hours.
  • Posture: Sit in a cross-legged position (Padmasana) or on a chair with feet flat.
  • Focus: Light a lamp or incense for a calming ambiance.
  • Recitation: Chant aloud or mentally with devotion and concentration.

8. Chanting Anywhere and Anytime

  • Silent Chanting: Repeat the verses mentally during commutes or breaks.
  • Breath Synchronicity: Synchronize chanting with your breath for added mindfulness.
  • Mobile Usage: Use apps or recordings for reference in non-traditional settings.

9. Mental Chanting Benefits

  • Subtle vibrations influence the subconscious.
  • Reduces mental chatter, fostering tranquility.
  • Enhances spiritual connection without external distractions.

10. How to Focus the Mind

  • Preparation: Meditate briefly before chanting.
  • Visualization: Imagine Shiva or a serene light.
  • Sound Emphasis: Focus on the sound and vibration of each word.

11. Avoiding Distractions

  • Environment: Choose a quiet, clean space.
  • Tools: Use noise-canceling headphones if necessary.
  • Mindset: Gently redirect wandering thoughts to the chant.

12. Number of Times to Chant

  • Traditional Count: 11, 21, or 108 times.
  • Beginners: Start with 3 repetitions, gradually increasing.
  • Continuous Practice: Daily chanting builds deeper resonance.

The Nirvana Shatakam is not just a chant but a transformative experience. Regular practice, along with devotion and understanding of its meaning, fosters an elevated state of awareness and unity with the cosmos.