If you are familiar with Advaita Vedanta and its philosophy, then you would know that a major aspect of this philosophy is the 'Nectar of Self Knowledge'. One way to obtain this 'Nectar of Self Knowledge' is through the chanting of a mantra, such as Nirvana Shatakam.

Nirvana Shatakam is a devotional hymn, which is composed in six verses. It was written by Adi Shankara. He was an eigth-century mystic and sage.

The meaning of this stotram is to make the jiva understand the true nature of the self. In this stotram, Adi Shankara has summed up the essence of advaita vedanta in six stanzas.

Adi Shankara is considered to be the greatest Sage of Non-Dualism. He is known for composing many verses. His Nirvana Shatakam is among the most important of these verses.

The six stanzas of the Nirvana Shatakam are meant to make the jiva realize the nature of the self. In fact, each verse is like a jewel in the garland of Vedanta.

In the first three lines of each verse, all that is not the atman is negated. For instance, in the first line, ahamakara, ego, is negated. And in the second line, ignominy, is negated.

Similarly, in the last line of each verse, Atman is asserted. To summarize, the atman is pure, untainted, free and eternal.

However, there are external circumstances which affect the mind. Therefore, the Atma is always in a state of bliss.