Chidananda Rupah

The Bliss of Consciousness

These words are the refrain of a beautiful poem that was written 1,300 years ago by the great sage Shankaracharya, describing your true nature, which is your own Divine Essence.

The full poem is titled “Atma Shatakam,” which I sing in the album “Spiritual Hunger & Fulfillment.” It is also included in my book, “Yoga’s Sacred Songs,” both in Sanskrit and English.

Each of Shankaracharya’s six verses details the things your mind gets caught up in. He explains that you are not your mind, your memories, your hopes, fears and dreams. After each verse, the sage repeats again and again, “My true form is the bliss of Consciousness.”

I wrote this melody as a King’s raga (melody), specifically to create an inner feeling of joy and nobility. The longer you chant it, the more blissful you become.

Verse 1

Chidananda rupah

Shivo’ham Shivo’ham

My true form is the bliss of Consciousness.

I am Shiva. I am Shiva.

Verse 2

Chidananda rupah

Shivo’ham Shivo’ham Shivo’ham

My true form is the bliss of Consciousness.

I am Shiva. I am Shiva. I am Shiva.

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ATTRIBUTIONS

Originally included in “Bliss of Consciousness” album, 2000

Music & Lyrics: Gurudevi Nirmalananda Saraswati

Vocals: Gurudevi Nirmalananda Saraswati, Corrine Champigny, Janis Cronin, Dove Demay, Kathy Hussey, Debra Robbins, Dianna Ryan, Kati Thompson, Doe (Yogamaya) Wails, Bliss Wood

Harmonium & Tamboura: Gurudevi Nirmalananda Saraswati

Drum & Shakers: Benjamin Sitnikoff

Wind Chimes: Doe (Yogamaya) Wails

Cover Design & Graphics: Gurudevi Nirmalananda Saraswati

Recorded at BE DO BE DO BE DOO Studios, Nashville TN.

Engineered, mixed and mastered by Brian Hardin