Personal Branding Nirvana - Part 4

The Fourth Stanza of Nirvana Shatakam: Transcending Attachments to Labels and Roles

The fourth stanza of Nirvana Shatakam presents a profound realization about the nature of the self. It encourages us to see beyond the labels and roles that we often attach ourselves to. We are not defined by the distinctions of good or bad, pleasure or pain, or by the specific identities that we adopt throughout life. This stanza is a reminder that true self-awareness transcends the external and ephemeral qualities we often cling to, like success or failure. In this way, the stanza offers valuable insights for personal branding—reminding us that our brand is not limited to what we do, but to the essence of who we truly are.

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Fourth Stanza of Nirvana Shatakam

Sanskrit:  

न पुण्यं न पापं न सौख्यं न दुःखं  

न मन्त्रो न तीर्थं न वेदाः न यज्ञाः |  

अहम् भोजनं नैव भोज्यम् न भोक्ता  

चिदानन्द रूपः शिवोऽहम् शिवोऽहम् ||4||

Transliteration:  

Na punyam na papam na saukhyam na dukham  

Na mantrō na tīrtham na védā na yajñāḥ  

Aham bhōjanam naiva bhōjyam na bhōktā  

Cid-ānanda rūpaḥ śivō'ham śivō'ham ||4||

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Poetic Essence:

Not by virtue, nor by sin,  

Not by happiness, nor by sorrow within.  

Not by rituals, mantras, or holy sites,  

I am not the eater, nor the food in sight.  

I am the blissful essence that is beyond,  

Shiva’s form, eternal, and fond.  

I am not defined by roles or gain,  

I am the consciousness, free from all pain.

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Personal Branding: Transcending Labels and External Definitions

Not defined by titles, nor by fame,

Not by fleeting praise or worldly name.

Not by strategies, tools, or trends,

I am the vision that never ends.

I am not confined by roles or gain,

Not bound by success, nor the pursuit of fame.

I am the essence that transcends the fray,

A steady force, lighting the way.

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How This Stanza Applies to Personal Branding:

- Not Defined by Good or Bad  

Many people define themselves by their past successes or failures. Some take pride in their achievements, while others allow their mistakes to define their self-worth. However, true personal branding is not about your past. It’s about the value you create and the essence you embody. Your brand is not the sum of your good or bad experiences—it's your authentic expression.

- Not Defined by Emotions  

This stanza reminds us that we are not defined by fleeting emotions such as happiness or sadness. Similarly, a strong personal brand doesn’t revolve around emotional highs or lows, whether it’s excitement over a promotion or disappointment after a setback. True branding is about staying grounded, no matter the circumstances.

- Beyond Roles and Titles  

The stanza highlights that we are not the roles we play in life—whether it’s being a leader, a student, or an artist. These are temporary roles that come and go. Our personal brand is not limited by the job title we hold or the specific path we are on. It’s about who we are, regardless of the role we are playing.

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Resume Example (Essence Over Labels)

Instead of:  

“Experienced marketing executive with a proven track record of success in driving company profits…”

Try this:  

“Passionate about creating meaningful customer connections and delivering value through authentic marketing strategies.”

Why?  

This revised version focuses on the core essence of the individual’s work—creating value and connecting with others—rather than being defined by external measures of success like profits. It emphasizes authenticity and the purpose behind the work.

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Cover Letter Example (Purpose Beyond Role)

Instead of:  

“I am excited to apply for this position as it aligns with my career goals and will help me grow professionally.”

Try this:  

“I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your organization’s mission, bringing my unique skills and insights to drive long-term impact.”

Why?  

The original version focuses on personal ambition, which can be fleeting and centered on external validation. The revised version aligns with a higher purpose—focusing on contribution to a greater mission, reflecting a personal brand built on authenticity and shared values, not just career progression.

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LinkedIn Example (Value Beyond Achievements)

Instead of:  

“Results-driven sales leader with over 10 years of experience in increasing revenue and expanding market share.”

Try this:  

“I believe in fostering authentic relationships with customers, prioritizing trust and long-term value creation through human-centered solutions.”

Why?  

The revised version moves away from focusing solely on measurable outcomes (such as revenue and market share) and instead centers on the deeper impact the individual strives to create—authentic relationships and long-term value. This aligns with the essence of personal branding, which is about authenticity and the lasting impact you create.

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Your personal brand should not be shaped by momentary achievements or fleeting roles. Instead, it should be rooted in your authentic essence, which remains constant through change. Stay true to your essence, and your personal brand will naturally shine.

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This is Part 4 of 6 posts exploring deep personal branding insights from Nirvana Shatakam. Please do listen to the original sounds of the Sanskrit language—the rhythm and the sounds have an exquisite beauty to them that adds a profound dimension to the wisdom.