Nirvana defined in a poem

Nirvana Shatikam (also reffered to as Atma Shatakam) is a poem of six stanzas. It was written by Adi Shankara, an Indian Philosopher, who consolidated the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta (non-dualistic philosophy). Shatikam means six and Nirvana means liberation. Thus, its a hymn of six verses on liberation, each of which resembles a jewel in the garland of Vedanta. The first three lines of each of the first five stanzas negate all that is not Atma/Consciousness, while the last line strongly affirms what Atma is.

Stanza 1:

Mano Buddhi Ahankara Chitta Ninaham

Nacha Shrotra Jihve Na Cha Ghrana Netre

Nacha Vyoma Bhoomir Na Tejo Na Vayu

Chidananda Rupa Shivoham Shivoham

Translation:

I am not mind, nor intellect, nor ego, nor the reflections of inner self.

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.

Stanza 2:

Na Cha Prana Sangyo Na Vai Pancha Vayu

Na Vaa Sapta dhatur Na Vaa Pancha Koshah

Na Vak Pani Padam Na Chopastha Payu

Chidananda Rupa Shivoham Shivoham

Translation:

Neither can I be termed as energy, nor five types of breath.

Neither the seven material essences, nor the five coverings.

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.

Stanza 3:

Na Me Dvesha Ragau Na Me Lobha Mohau

Mado Naiva Me Naiva Maatsarya Bhavah

Na Dharmo Na Chartho Na Kamo Na Mokshah

Chidananda Rupa Shivoham Shivoham

Translation:

I have no hatred or dislike, nor affiliation or liking.

I have no greed, nor delusion, nor pride or haughtiness, nor feelings of envy or jealousy.

I have no duty, nor any money, nor any desire, nor even liberation.

I am indeed, That eternal knowing and bliss, Shiva, love and pure consciousness.

Stanza 4:

Na Punyam Na Papam Na Saukhyam Na Dukham

Na Mantro Na Teertham Na Veda Na Yajnaha

Aham Bhojanam Naiva Bhojyam Na Bhokta

Chidananda Rupa Shivoham Shivoham

Translation:

I have neither merit, nor demerit, I do not commit sins or good deeds, nor have happiness or sorrow, pain or pleasure.

I do not need mantras, holy places, scriptures, rituals or sacrifices.

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.

Stanza 5:

Na Mrityu Na Shanka Na Me Jati Bhedah

Pita Naiva Me Naiva Mata Na Janma

Na Bandhur Na Mitram Gurur Naiva Shishyah

Chidananda Rupa Shivoham Shivoham

Translation:

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.

Stanza 6:

Aham NirvikaLpo Nirakara Roopo

Vibhut Vaakhya Sarvatra Sarvendriyanam

Sada Me Samatvam Na Mukthir Na Bandhah

Chidananda Rupa Shivoham Shivoham

Translation:

I am all pervasive, I am without any attributes, and without any form.

I have neither attachment to the world, nor to liberation.

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.

Source | wikipedia

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