Personal Branding Nirvana: Part 2

The second stanza of Nirvana Shatakam takes us deeper into the negation of ego, further dismantling false identities and helping us transcend the limitations imposed by the body and the mind. It teaches us that we are not merely the sum of our parts, but rather a pure, boundless consciousness that transcends material existence.

In the modern world, personal branding often revolves around external markers—job titles, accolades, and social status. However, Shankara’s wisdom reminds us that true identity is not confined to these labels. A strong personal brand is not built on temporary roles or superficial recognition but on authentic self-expression and inner purpose.

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 Second Stanza of Nirvana Shatakam

Sanskrit:  

न च प्राणसंज्ञो न वै पञ्चवायुः  

न वा सप्तधातुः न वा पञ्चकोषः।  

न वाक्पाणिपादं न चोपस्थपायुः  

चिदानन्द रूपः शिवोऽहम् शिवोऽहम् ||2||

Transliteration:  

Na ca prāṇa sañjño na vai pañca vāyuḥ  

Na vā sapta dhātuḥ na vā pañca koṣaḥ  

Na vākpāṇipādaṁ na copastha pāyuḥ  

Cidānanda rūpaḥ śivo'ham śivo'ham ||2||

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Poetic Essence:

I am not the breath that I take,

Nor the winds that rise or break.

I am not the flesh, nor the bones that bind,

Nor the sheath that cloaks the mind.

Not the hands that touch, nor the feet that tread,

Not the organs that live, nor the body of dread.

I am the truth that does not fade,

A boundless light, forever unafraid.

I am the soul, untarnished and bright,  

In Shiva’s form, I stand in light.  

I am the truth, I am the way—  

Shiva am I, come what may.  

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Personal Branding: The Essence Beyond the Body

A personal brand based on the body’s face,  

Is like a mask that doesn’t embrace.  

It’s not about the titles you claim,  

But the purpose you uphold and aim.  

Forget the limbs, the voice, the sound,  

True branding is where depth is found.  

It's the essence of what’s pure and free—  

A brand that speaks of authenticity.  

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 Authentic Personal Branding & The Second Stanza of Nirvana Shatakam

Are you still wondering how Nirvana Shatakam can help you with personal branding? Let’s dive deeper into the second stanza and see how this ancient wisdom translates into today’s world of self-expression and career-building.

The second stanza of Nirvana Shatakam says:

“I am not the breath that sustains,  

Nor the winds that cause the gains.  

Not the five elements or body’s sheath,  

I am the soul, untethered beneath.”

Here’s how this connects to your brand:

- Not Your Breath:  

 Your brand isn’t about the energy you “breathe into” something for a few moments of inspiration. It’s about sustaining real, long-term impact. Stop looking for short bursts of excitement to define your brand. Your authentic self is what sustains the message—through calm, through challenge, and through change.

- Not Your Five Elements:  

Just like the body is made of five elements, your personal brand isn’t built solely on superficial features—like looks or the things you’ve accumulated. Instead, it’s your character, passion, and consistency that reflect the true "elements" of who you are.

- Not Your Body's Sheaths:  

Your external achievements, awards, and physical appearance are just the “sheaths” of your true self. Your brand should transcend these and focus on your inner values, vision, and growth. It’s about the essence that radiates from within.

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Resume Example (Authentic, Not Just Titles)

Forget the glorified list of your “superhuman” skills. Focus on what you truly bring to the table and how you sustain success:

Instead of this:  

“Project Manager at XYZ Corp. Managed 10 teams, led a $2M project, and achieved 120% results.”  

Try this:  

“Led teams in crafting innovative strategies at XYZ Corp., always with a focus on collaboration and empowerment. Thrived in environments where meaningful connections and sustainable progress were more important than just numbers. Driven by purpose, not position.”

Why? Because you’re more than just the “wind” that blows by—you’re the steady force that nurtures lasting change.

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Cover Letter Example (No Ego, Just Impact)

A cover letter should convey your authentic energy, not bragging rights:

Instead of this:  

“I am the best candidate due to my unparalleled experience and unmatched skills.”  

Try this:  

“I’m excited about this opportunity because I see alignment with my values: growth through collaboration and creating impact through authentic work. I’m not just looking for a job; I’m seeking a space where I can contribute my skills while continuously evolving.”

Why? Because authenticity is your true brand, not just the “wind” of self-promotion.

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LinkedIn Example (More Than Titles, A True Reflection)

Your LinkedIn profile should reflect your inner brand:

Instead of this:  

“Software Engineer at ABC Tech. Skilled in Java, Python, and Data Structures.”  

Try this:  

“Passionate about using technology to solve real-world problems and empower people. I don’t just code—I craft solutions that enable businesses to grow sustainably. I’m always looking for new challenges to solve with a team that values innovation and human connection.”

Why? Because your brand isn’t confined to the body’s “sheaths” or external accomplishments. It’s the soul of your purpose that shines through.

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 In Conclusion: Build a Brand That Reflects Your True Essence

In the second stanza of Nirvana Shatakam, we learn that our true self is not the body, the breath, or the elements. Your personal brand is much deeper than just titles, looks, or fleeting achievements. It’s about the authenticity, purpose, and lasting impact you bring to the world. Stay true to that, and your brand will naturally shine.

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I know, I know—I’ve been a bit obsessed with resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles. After all, these are the classic job-search tools, right? But here’s the twist: in Crafting Careers, A Practical guide to Personal Branding and Growth , I make it clear that these are just the mediums—not the message. Your personal brand is what really shines through, whether you’re sending a resume, writing a blog post, or building your own website. As for me, I’m still figuring out how to maintain a blog and create a website, but hey, it’s all part of the learning experience. One day, I’ll look back and laugh at my coding struggles. But for now, I’m sure you’ve got the point—*you’ll figure out the medium*. Just make sure your personal brand is what stands out, no matter how you choose to share it.

This is Part 2 of 6 posts exploring the 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.