Personal Branding Nirvana - Part 5

The fifth stanza of Nirvana Shatakam emphasizes the idea of transcendence over all worldly identities and relationships. It states that the true self is not defined by roles such as being a parent, a child, a friend, or even by birth itself. Similarly, personal branding should not be confined by titles, relationships, or origins. It encourages one to rise above the labels and social constructs to express the pure essence, which is constant and unaffected by change. A personal brand that is rooted in true essence transcends transient labels and roles, remaining authentic no matter the external circumstances.

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 Fifth Stanza of Nirvana Shatakam

Sanskrit:

न मृत्युर्न शङ्का न मे जातिबेदः  

पिता नैव मे नैव माता न जन्म |  

न बन्धुर्न मित्रं गुरुर्न शिष्यं  

चिदानन्द रूपः शिवोऽहम् शिवोऽहम् ||5||

Transliteration:

Na mrtyur na shangkaa na me jaati-bhedah  

Pitaa naiva me naiva maataa na janmah  

Na bandhur na mitram gurur na-iva shishyam  

Cid-aananda roopah shivo'ham shivo'ham ||5||

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Poetic Essence:

Not by death, nor by doubt,  

Not by caste, nor by the roles I tout.  

Not by father, nor by mother’s name,  

Not by family, nor by social claim.  

I am the eternal, boundless light,  

Beyond all ties, pure and bright.  

Not confined by friend or foe,  

I am consciousness, free to grow.

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 Personal Branding: Freedom from Labels and Attachments

Not by titles, nor by rank,  

Not by limits, nor by the bank.  

Not by status, nor by roles I play,  

I am the vision that leads the way.  

I am not defined by the past I’ve known,  

Nor by the ties that I have shown.  

I am the essence, pure and true,  

A force beyond what you construe.

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 How This Stanza Applies to Personal Branding:

- Transcendence Beyond Titles and Roles

  Just as this stanza reminds us that the true self is not defined by familial relationships or social roles, your personal brand should not be constrained by the positions you hold. Whether you’re a CEO, a student, or an entrepreneur, your brand is not limited to the title you carry. It’s defined by the deeper essence of who you are and the value you create in the world.

- Beyond Labels and Social Identity

  The stanza speaks about transcending identity markers such as birth, family, and social status. In personal branding, this means stepping beyond the labels and societal roles that others place on you. True branding comes from staying authentic and grounded in your purpose, rather than identifying with external markers of success or status.

- Essence Over Relationships

  Relationships are powerful, but they should not define who you are. Whether it’s family, friends, mentors, or colleagues, these are important parts of life, but your personal brand must come from your own essence and not rely on others to shape it. It’s about being confident in your own path, independent of external influences.

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 Resume Example (Essence Over Titles and Social Status)

Instead of:  

"Results-driven marketing executive with extensive experience leading teams and driving business growth."

Try this:  

"Focused on fostering innovative strategies that drive long-term value, connecting authentically with customers to build meaningful relationships."

Why?  

This version highlights the deeper purpose behind the role, focusing on the value you create and the relationships you build, rather than merely on titles and results.

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 Cover Letter Example (Purpose Beyond Role and Relationships)

Instead of:  

"I am excited to join your team and apply my skills in project management to achieve company goals."

Try this:  

"I am eager to contribute my skills to drive your mission forward, bringing a vision that focuses on sustainable growth and authentic collaboration."

Why?  

This version centers on the mission and long-term contribution, not just personal ambition or external validation. It shows the candidate's deeper sense of purpose beyond the role they are applying for.

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 LinkedIn Example (Essence Beyond Social Identity)

Instead of:  

"Experienced entrepreneur with a strong background in scaling startups and growing revenue."

Try this:  

"Driven by a passion to create lasting impact, I focus on innovative solutions that prioritize people, purpose, and long-term growth."

Why?  

This approach moves beyond specific accomplishments and social identities (such as being an entrepreneur) and highlights the individual’s deeper motivation and values.

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Your personal brand should not be confined by fleeting labels or societal constructs. Rather, it should reflect your inner essence—the unique value you offer to the world.

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This is Part 5 of 6 posts exploring deep personal branding insights from Nirvana Shatakam. To fully appreciate the power of these teachings, listen to the original sounds of the Sanskrit language—the rhythm and pronunciation elevate the wisdom to a higher level of understanding.