Shivoham

I cannot stop listening to this amazing mantra. There are two versions that I have. I discovered this one second, and I think I am liking this one better - at the moment at least. I really love it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aMLiGO2eqA - Manish Vyas "Shivoham"

This mantra is an affirmation of my true self. "I am the soul and not the body" I am Shiva!



The Song of the Soul - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atma_Shatakam

Who is Lord Shiva?

"Lord Shiva is known as the god who lived in the Himalayas. Parvati was his wife and Ganesh and Kartik were his sons. There are stories in the scriptures that talk about Lord Shiva as being very docile and innocent and hence the name ‘Bhole Nath’. He is also known as ‘Neelkanth’, – the blue-throated, because he drank all the poisons that were offered to him.
In reality Shiva is anyone whose ego has completely vanished and has become a source of blessing to all others. Salvation awaits such a one."


"What is the true meaning of ‘Neelkanth’?

‘Neelkantha’ means anyone who swallows the poisons (insults and abuses) the world throws at him, with equanimity and not only that, but he blesses everyone including his opponents and oppressors; hence one becomes Shiva.

The ultimate transition from ‘Om Namah Shivay’ to ‘Shivoham, Shivoham’ "

"In the ignorant state (i.e. without Self-Realization), one considers oneself separate from Shiva and recites ‘Om Namah Shivay’ (I bow to Shiva), but after Self-Realization, one comes into a constant awareness of being the Soul, which is separate from the body. So instead of bowing to Lord Shiva, he experiences the state of, ‘Shivoham, Shivoham’ meaning, “I am Shiva, I am Shiva.” I am the Soul and not the body. There remains no distinction between Shiva and myself. Shiva is my true Self and when I realize this, I become Shiva."


"So if you remain in this awareness of the separation of body and Soul, then only are you truly realized to Lord Shiva.  This means your state is that of ‘Shivoham…Shivoham.’ "

http://www.trimandir.org/shri-shiva.html

ATMASTAKAM – Chant of Shiva

(aka Shivoham: “I Am Shiva”)

Here are the Sanskrit words to the song (in red) and the English translations (in blue)

Mano buddhya hankara chittani naham
Na cha shrotra jihve na cha ghrana netre
Na cha vyoma bhumir na tejo na vayuh
Chid ananda rupah shivo’ ham shivo’ ham

I am neither the mind, intellect, ego nor memory,
neither the ears nor the tongue nor the senses of smell and sight,
neither ether, air, fire, water or earth.
I am consciousness and bliss. I am Shiva, I am Shiva.

Na punyam na papam na saukhyam na duhkam
Na mantro na tirtham na veda na yajnah
Aham bhojanam naiva bhojyam na bhokta
Chid ananda rupah shivo’ ham shivo’ ham

I am neither virtue nor vice, neither pleasure nor pain,
neither mantra nor sacred place, neither scripture nor sacrifice.
I am neither the food nor the eater nor the act of eating.
I am consciousness and bliss. I am Shiva, I am Shiva.

Apurvanam param nityam
Svayam jyotir niramayam
Virajam param akasham dhruvam
Ananda mavyayam

I am beyond all things.
I am everlasting, self-luminous,
taintless, and completely pure.
I am immovable, blissful, and imperishable.

Aham nirvi kalpo nira kara rupo
Vibhut va cha sarvatra sarvendri yanam
Na chasan gatam naiva muktir na meyah
Chid ananda rupah shivo’ ham shivo’ ham

I am without thought, without form.
I am all pervasive, I am everywhere, yet I am beyond all senses.
I am neither detachment nor salvation nor anything that could be
measured.
I am consciousness and bliss. I am Shiva, I am Shiva.

- Adi Shankaracharya, 8th Century

http://livingunbound.net/inspiration/atmastakam_shivoham/

The Song of the Soul - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atma_Shatakam

The other great version of this mantra.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoSqZquzLKs - Snatam Kaur and GuruGanesha "Shivoham"