Don’t Mind the Matter You're Energy: Journey to Mindless Awareness (Shankara's Nirvana Shatakam)

The Nirvana Shatakam, also known as Atma Shatakam, encapsulates the essence of Vedic Upanishadic wisdom through the union of gnana (wisdom) and bhakti (devotion). These six verses, composed by Shankara at the age of eight, convey the timeless insights of self-realization.

According to Shankara's life history, he left home at eight when his mother permitted him to become a sanyasi. During his northward journey, he reached the swollen Narmada River. Shankara placed his water pot (kamandalu) in the river and prayed, "If I am worthy of going ahead, please allow me to pass." Miraculously, the river emptied into his water pot, allowing him to cross. Once on the other side, he reversed his kamandalu, flooding the river again.

The great master Govindapada witnessed this extraordinary event and asked Shankara, "Son, who are you?" In response, Shankara recited these six verses, revealing the profound understanding of the true inner Self. Later, Shankara's commentaries on texts like the Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita solidified his influence, while the Nirvana Shatakam continues to serve as a guide for self-realization.

In this book, Ram conveys Shankara's genius in a way that brings spiritual intelligence into our daily lives. Understand, reflect on, and practice the wisdom within these verses, and the path to self-realization will unfold.