Personal Branding Nirvana: Part 3

The third stanza of Nirvana Shatakam takes us even deeper into self-negation, stripping away our attachment to emotions, thoughts, and experiences. The self-negation in Nirvana Shatakam is not about denying existence but about transcending false identities to realize the true Self (Atman).It reminds us that we are not our fleeting emotions, nor the memories we cling to, but an eternal consciousness beyond joy and sorrow. This realization is crucial for personal branding—your brand is not defined by temporary success or failure but by the essence that remains constant throughout change.  

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Third Stanza of Nirvana Shatakam  

Sanskrit:  

न मे द्वेषरागौ न मे लोभमोहौ  

न मे नैव मे नैव मात्सर्यभावः।  

न धर्मो न चार्थो न कामो न मोक्षः  

चिदानन्द रूपः शिवोऽहम् शिवोऽहम् ||3||  

 Transliteration:  

Na me dveṣa-rāgau na me lobha-mohau  

Na me naiva me naiva mātsarya-bhāvaḥ  

Na dharmo na chārtho na kāmo na mokṣaḥ  

Cidānanda rūpaḥ śivo'ham śivo'ham ||3||  

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Poetic Essence:  

I am not bound by love or hate,  

Nor by desires that complicate.  

Greed and illusion fade away,  

Like passing clouds in skies of grey.  

Not by duty, wealth, or gain,  

Not by freedom, nor by pain.  

I am the stillness, vast and free,  

In Shiva’s light, I cease to be.  

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Personal Branding: Beyond Emotions and Achievements

I am not the titles I hold today,

Nor fleeting trends that fade away.

Not bound by wins, nor lost in loss,

I walk my path, I shape my course.

Not just a name, nor just a role,

But vision forged from fire and soul.

Beyond the noise, beyond the fray,

My essence shines—unchanged, unfazed.

Through every rise, through every fall,

I stand as purpose, clear and tall.

Not just success, not just acclaim,

But light that lasts—an unshaken flame.

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Many people build their personal brand around fleeting emotions—driven by temporary success, external validation, or even fear of failure. But this stanza of Nirvana Shatakam reminds us that true branding is not about emotional highs or lows. Instead, it's about consistency, clarity, and purpose beyond momentary desires and attachments.  

 How This Stanza Applies to Personal Branding:  

- Not Your Emotional Highs & Lows  

A strong brand isn’t built on emotional reactions—whether excitement, disappointment, or fear. True personal branding comes from a deep-rooted identity that remains steady regardless of external circumstances.  

- Not Just Your Goals  

While goals like wealth (artha), pleasure (kāma), duty (dharma), and even liberation (mokṣa) may guide us, they are not our essence. Similarly, your brand is not just a list of accomplishments—it’s the deeper impact and value you bring.  

- Beyond Competition & Jealousy  

A powerful brand is not shaped by comparison or envy. Instead of chasing trends or competitors, focus on authenticity—what only you can bring to the world.  

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Resume Example (Impact Over Emotion)  

Instead of this:  

“Results-driven leader with a passion for outperforming competitors and securing market dominance.”  

Try this:  

“Committed to driving meaningful progress, fostering collaboration, and building strategies that create lasting impact beyond short-term wins.”  

Why? Because true branding is not about competition—it’s about creating something valuable, consistently and authentically.  

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Cover Letter Example (Beyond Attachment to Success)  

Instead of this:  

“I am excited about this role because it aligns with my career ambitions and growth objectives.”  

Try this:  

“I am drawn to this role because it resonates with my core values—collaboration, innovation, and impact. My approach is not just about personal success but about contributing meaningfully to a shared mission.”  

Why? Because your brand is not about chasing achievements, but about the value you create for others.  

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LinkedIn Example (Purpose Over Position)  

Instead of this:  

“Experienced marketing strategist passionate about scaling businesses.”  

Try this:  

“I believe marketing is more than just strategy—it’s about building authentic connections that create long-term value. I focus on human-centered marketing that prioritizes trust and meaningful engagement.”  

Why? Because branding is not about titles—it’s about the deeper mission you represent.  

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An authentic personal brand is not defined by momentary achievements, competitive victories, or external validation—it’s about the enduring impact, purpose, and authenticity that you bring to the world.  

Stay true to your purpose, and your personal brand will naturally shine.

This is Part 3 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.