BEING SELF-AWARE

In his inspired composition, Nirvana Shatkam, Adi Shankaracharya’s revelations of his own experience of the truth become guidelines for meditation for a seeker. Nirvana Shatkam means a set of six verses on the state of absolute peace, freedom and joy. One familiar with Sanskrit can easily grasp their meaning. But, to experience and revel in the truth revealed therein, one has to go through endless aeons of sincere study and devoted self-application. Finally, in one particular life, one attains the highest state of perfection — self-realisation.

These verses become fruitful and effective only when the spiritual aspirant has done proper enquiry and has been adhering to dharma. Dharma palana disciplines the seeker, guides him to the path of virtue, and takes his mind to right thinking and right action. Thus adherence to one’s duties is necessary for gaining purity of mind — a prerequisite for deep meditation.

The scriptures prescribe three spiritual practices — sravana (listening), manana (reflection) and nididdhyasana (meditation).