Help support the publication of the novel 'Like Two Rivers'
I’m singing this song to help support the publication of the novel ‘Like Two Rivers’, written by my good friend V. J. Sam. The song plays a part in the novel, and hopefully the video will make you curious to learn more about the story.
This ancient song about our true nature was written over a thousand years ago by Adi Shankaracharya.
Shivoham means ‘I am Shiva’ and the poem reminds us of our true Self and oneness with the eternal consciousness and summarizes the basic teachings of Advaita Vendata. When we repeat Shivoham we are also saying ‘I am pure, I am free, I am eternal’.
Help support the publication of the novel
I would be so grateful if you would help support the publication of the novel. There is a crowdfunding campaign running until June 30th, and any donation will be greatly appreciated.
Link for donation - https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/like-two-rivers-a-novel#/
Read more about the book here - https://vjsam.home.blog/
About the novel
‘Like Two Rivers’ is an epic and rich story, spiralling through time and place, from Paris and Copenhagen, through Istanbul, Aleppo and Cairo to Bucharest and Delhi and up into the hidden valleys of the Himalayas. This intricately constructed and compelling narrative weaves a philosophical drama about our search for truth, happiness, and love. Time frame: 60s till present day.
What do we think we are, and what are we searching for? Is it found where we think it is? Seeing what is happening to the world, V. J. Sam wanted to write this book to inspire a discussion about these questions.
Passage from, ‘Like Two Rivers’
“But Babaji“ , Gabriel yelled, “Why?!”. The ascetic yelled back over his shoulder. “You must choose, do you want the truth, or do you just want a story that can entertain you?”. Gabriel wished he was older. A rumble was heard from the other side of the valley, from the many peaks that towered in front of him. “But… what is the difference… can’t it just be… a true story?” he mumbled to himself. His eyes found the avalanche that, like a powdery track of a frozen tear on the still face of a god, crashed down through a gorge on one of the rocky slopes. “Watch carefully. That which you decide to call true will define who you become, so above everything, seek wisdom. With wisdom, you will find that which will not be changed by what you randomly decide to think or believe”, Babaji said quietly to the mountains. Only I heard both.
Song lyrics
Shivoham Shivoham
Mano Buddhi ahankara Chitaa-ni-naaham
Na cha shotra jihve na cha ghraana-netre
Na cha vyoma bhumir nat te-jo na vaayu
Chidananda rupah Shivoham Shivoham
I am neither the mind, intellect, ego nor memory,
Neither the ears nor the tongue nor the senses of smell and sight,
Neither ether, air, fire, water or earth.
I am consciousness and bliss. I am Shiva, I am Shiva.
Na punyam na paapam na saukhyam na duhkham
Na mantro na tirtham na veda na yagnyaa
Aham bhojanam naiva bhojyam na bhokta
Chidananda rupah Shivoham Shivoham
I am neither virtue nor vice, neither pleasure nor pain,
Neither mantra nor sacred place, neither scripture nor sacrifice.
I am neither the food nor the eater nor the act of eating.
I am consciousness and bliss. I am Shiva, I am Shiva.
Apurvanam param nityam
Svayam jyotir niramayam
Virajam param akasham dhruvam
Ananda mavyayam
I am beyond all things.
I am everlasting, self-luminous,
Taintless, and completely pure.
I am immovable, blissful, and imperishable
Aham nirvikalpo nirakara rupo
Vibhur vyaapya sarvatra sarvendri-yanaam
Sadaa may samat-vam na muktir na bandha
Chidananda rupah Shivoham Shivoham
I am without thought, without form.
I am all pervasive, I am everywhere, yet I am beyond all senses.
I am neither detachment nor salvation nor anything that could be measured.
I am consciousness and bliss. I am Shiva, I am Shiva.
By Adi Shankaracharya
Melody by Dave Stringer