Nirvana Shatakam Lyrics Kannada: A Path to Spiritual Enlightenment

Introduction

The Nirvana Shatakam is a sacred collection of 100 verses composed by the renowned Advaita philosopher Adi Shankara in the 8th century CE. These verses unveil the profound teachings of non-duality, offering a path towards spiritual liberation and the ultimate state of Nirvana.

Meaning of Nirvana

The term "Nirvana" is derived from the Sanskrit word "nir" meaning "out" and "vana" meaning "to blow." Literally, it means "to blow out," referring to the extinguishing of the flames of ignorance and desire that bind us to the cycle of birth and death.

Key Concepts in Nirvana Shatakam

The Nirvana Shatakam expounds several key concepts that guide the journey towards spiritual enlightenment:

• Brahman: The ultimate, unchanging, and infinite reality that permeates all existence.
• Maya: The illusion that conceals the true nature of reality, creating the perception of duality.
• Atman: The true self, which is identical with Brahman and transcends the limitations of the body and mind.
• Moksha: Liberation from the cycle of suffering and attainment of the blissful state of Nirvana.

The Journey to Nirvana

Adi Shankara's verses outline a gradual path to Nirvana, which involves:

• Self-inquiry: Examining one's own nature and questioning the beliefs and assumptions that create suffering.
• Detachment: Releasing attachment to worldly possessions, relationships, and desires that bind us to the illusion of Maya.
• Meditation: Cultivating stillness and awareness to dissolve the boundaries between the self and the world.
• Realization of Brahman: Through meditation and self-inquiry, one experiences the true nature of reality as Brahman, thereby transcending dualistic perceptions.

The Benefits of Nirvana

Attaining Nirvana brings immense benefits:

• Freedom from suffering: Nirvana liberates us from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, as well as the associated suffering.
• Blissful existence: It is a state of eternal bliss, where the distinction between the individual self and the universal self dissolves.
• Unlimited knowledge: One gains access to the unlimited knowledge of Brahman, revealing the true nature of existence.
• Compassion: Nirvana fosters an overflowing compassion for all beings, realizing their inherent divine nature.

Story Case: The Student Who Attained Nirvana

According to legend, Adi Shankara once encountered a student who had studied the scriptures extensively but lacked true realization. Shankara guided him towards self-inquiry and meditation. After years of practice, the student finally attained Nirvana, experiencing the blissful union with Brahman.

Humorous Anecdote

Adi Shankara was known for his quick wit and humor. Once, while teaching his disciples about Maya, he asked them, "If I am a rope and you are a snake, who is the fool?" The disciples pondered the question until they realized the absurdity of their perception.

Significance of Nirvana Shatakam Lyrics in Kannada

The Nirvana Shatakam lyrics in Kannada provide an accessible medium for devotees to connect with the profound teachings of Adi Shankara. The melodious verses enhance the spiritual experience and inspire aspirants on the path of liberation.

Concluding Thoughts

The Nirvana Shatakam is a宝典 that guides us towards the ultimate goal of spiritual enlightenment. Through self-inquiry, detachment, meditation, and the realization of Brahman, we can transcend the confines of Maya and attain the blissful state of Nirvana.

Nirvana Shatakam Lyrics Kannada

Verse 1:
ಬ್ರಹ್ಮಾರ್ಪಣಂ ಬ್ರಹ್ಮ ಹವೀರ್ಬ್ರಹ್ಮಾಗ್ನೌ ಬ್ರಹ್ಮಣಾ ಹುತಂ
ಬ್ರಹ್ಮೈವ ತೇನ ಗಂತವ್ಯಂ ಬ್ರಹ್ಮಕರ್ಮ ಸಮಾಧಿನಾ

Verse 2:
ಅಯಮಾತ್ಮಾ ಬ್ರಹ್ಮ ಸರ್ವಂ ವಿದ್ಯಾವಿದ್ಯಾ ಸದಸತ್ಕ್ರಿಯಂ
ಚೇತನಾಚೇತನಂ ಚೇತ್ವಯಂ ನಾನ್ಯದಸ್ತಿ ಸನಾತನಂ

Verse 3:
ನಾನು ಕೋಹಂ ಕುತೋহ್ಯಾಸಂ ಕುತೋ ಭವಿಷ್ಯಾಮಿ ಕೇನ ವಾ
ಜೀವಿತೋ ನಾಮ ಕಿಂ ಕರ್ತವ್ಯಂ ಕಿಂ ವಿಧಿಸ್ತಂ ವಿಚಿಂತ್ಯ ತತ್

Verse 4:
ಅಹಮಸ್ಮಿ ಬ್ರಹ್ಮಾಸ್ಮಿ ನ ಭೇದೋ ವಿದ್ಯತೇ ಮಯಿ
ನಾಸ್ತಿ ಕಿಂಚಿನ್ಮಯಾ ದೇಹಾತ್ ದೇಹೋ ನಾಸ್ತಿ ವಿಶೇಷತಃ