Life is Forever (August 2022 Newsletter)

Irene was my friend for over 40 years. Fun, funny, intelligent, always exploring and learning about life, nature, people and places, Irene was interested in life and everything that made life worth living. She wanted to do everything and she did. A lot! A life well-lived. She passed away yesterday following complications due to diabetes. Rest in peace dear friend, Peace. (The name 'Irene' comes from Eirene, the Greek goddess of peace.)

Nirvanashatkam, or Six Stanzas on Nirvana – Swami Vivekananda

AUGUST 13, 2011 By VIVEKAVANI

(Translation of a poem by Shankarâchârya.)

I am neither the mind, nor the intellect, nor the ego, nor the mind-stuff;

I am neither the body, nor the changes of the body;

I am neither the senses of hearing, taste, smell, or sight,

Nor am I the ether, the earth, the fire, the air;

I am Existence Absolute, Knowledge Absolute, Bliss Absolute —

I am He, I am He. (Shivoham, Shivoham).

I am neither the Prâna, nor the five vital airs;

I am neither the materials of the body, nor the five sheaths;

Neither am I the organs of action, nor object of the senses;

I am Existence Absolute, Knowledge Absolute, Bliss Absolute —

I am He, I am He. (Shivoham, Shivoham).

I have neither aversion nor attachment, neither greed nor delusion;

Neither egotism nor envy, neither Dharma nor Moksha;

I am neither desire nor objects of desire;

I am Existence Absolute, Knowledge Absolute, Bliss Absolute —

I am He, I am He. (Shivoham, Shivoham).

I am neither sin nor virtue, neither pleasure nor pain;

Nor temple nor worship, nor pilgrimage nor scriptures,

Neither the act of enjoying, the enjoyable nor the enjoyer;

I am Existence Absolute, Knowledge Absolute, Bliss Absolute —

I am He, I am He. (Shivoham, Shivoham).

I have neither death nor fear of death, nor caste;

Nor was I ever born, nor had I parents, friends, and relations;

I have neither Guru, nor disciple;

I am Existence Absolute, Knowledge Absolute, Bliss Absolute —

I am He, I am He. (Shivoham, Shivoham).

I am untouched by the senses, I am neither Mukti nor knowable;

I am without form, without limit, beyond space, beyond time;

I am in everything; I am the basis of the universe; everywhere am I.

I am Existence Absolute, Knowledge Absolute, Bliss Absolute —

I am He, I am He. (Shivoham, Shivoham).

Namaste,

sipra