Comprising ten verses,[1] the Dasha Shloki explores the Brahman-Atman relationship and the author's interpretation of the nature of the self.

[3] According to legend, Adi Shankara chanted this hymn in response to his disciples's final request for him, which was to explain the essence of the teachings of Vedanta.

He is believed to have first sung the hymn when he met his guru, Govindapada.

He also describes the self as that which is one, auspicious, free of attributes and assimilation, and eternal.

That which is the one established in sleep, that one which remains (after the sublation of all else) - that auspicious absolute (Self) I am.