ॐMantra.Tips

Brahmanandam Parama Sukhadam (Guru / Dakshinamurti Dhyana) — Word-by-Word Meaning

ब्रह्मानन्दं परमसुखदं (गुरु / दक्षिणामूर्ति ध्यान)

Every Sanskrit word explained in English

← Full PageComplete LyricsBenefits & How to Chant

Word-by-Word Breakdown

ब्रह्मानन्दं
Brahmānandaṃ
Of the bliss of Brahman; whose form is the joy of the Absolute
परमसुखदं
Paramasukhadaṃ
The bestower of supreme happiness
केवलं
Kevalaṃ
The One alone, absolute, without a second
ज्ञानमूर्तिं
Jñānamūrtiṃ
The very embodiment of knowledge/wisdom
द्वन्द्वातीतं
Dvandvātītaṃ
Beyond all pairs of opposites (pleasure-pain, heat-cold)
गगनसदृशं
Gaganasadṛśaṃ
Like the sky — all-pervading, untouched, infinite
तत्त्वमस्यादिलक्ष्यम्
Tattvamasyādilakṣyam
The goal indicated by the great sayings such as 'Tat Tvam Asi' (That Thou Art)
एकं
Ekaṃ
The One, non-dual
नित्यं
Nityaṃ
Eternal, ever-existing
विमलम्
Vimalam
Pure, spotless, untainted
अचलं
Achalaṃ
Immovable, unchanging, steady
सर्वधीसाक्षिभूतं
Sarvadhīsākṣibhūtaṃ
The witness of all intellects and states of mind
भावातीतं
Bhāvātītaṃ
Beyond all modes of becoming and conception
त्रिगुणरहितं
Triguṇarahitaṃ
Free from the three gunas (sattva, rajas, tamas)
सद्गुरुं
Sadguruṃ
The true Guru (the inner Self / Dakshinamurti)
तं नमामि
Taṃ namāmi
To Him I bow / I offer my salutations

Complete Translation

I bow to that true Guru, who is the very bliss of Brahman, the bestower of supreme happiness, the One alone, the embodiment of pure knowledge; who is beyond all dualities, vast and untouched like the sky, the goal pointed to by the great declarations such as 'That Thou Art'; who is the One, eternal, immaculate and immovable, the witness of every intellect, beyond all states of mind, and free from the three gunas.

Origin & History

Source: Traditional Guru-stotra / Dakshinamurti dhyana shloka (Advaita Vedanta tradition)

Author: Unknown (traditional; widely used in Vedantic and monastic lineages)

Period: Classical / medieval

This single dhyana verse is among the most frequently recited Guru salutations in the Advaita and broader Sanatana tradition. It is closely associated with Dakshinamurti — the form of Shiva seated under the banyan tree who, by his very silence, dispelled the doubts of the aged sages who came to him as students. The verse compresses the entire Vedantic vision of the Guru: he is not merely a person but the awareness that is identical with Brahman, the witness of all minds, beyond opposites and gunas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is being saluted in Brahmanandam Parama Sukhadam?▼
The verse salutes the Sadguru — the true Guru — described as one with the formless Absolute (Brahman). In tradition this is identified with Lord Dakshinamurti, the youthful, silent form of Shiva who teaches the highest knowledge through stillness.
Why is this shloka chanted before study or meditation?▼
Because it places the seeker in the right attitude — humility before the Guru and remembrance that the Self is the witness of all thoughts. It is a classic opening prayer (dhyana shloka) for Vedanta classes and meditation.
What does 'Tattvamasyadi lakshyam' mean?▼
It means the Guru is the very 'goal' or truth pointed to by the great Upanishadic sayings (mahavakyas) such as 'Tat Tvam Asi' — 'That Thou Art' — which reveal the identity of the individual self with the Absolute.
Is this verse only for those with a living Guru?▼
No. It can be chanted by anyone. The 'Guru' here is ultimately the inner light of awareness; the verse helps even a solitary seeker turn within toward that witnessing presence.

Ready to start chanting?

See Benefits & How to Chant →