Nisargadatta Maharaj

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"I Am That" by Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj, Book Cover

Nisargadatta Maharaj (17 April 1897 – 8 September 1981) was a spiritual teacher and philosopher from India, best known for his nondualistic teachings on the nature of reality and self-identification. He belongs to the Advaita Vedanta tradition, which emphasizes the fundamental unity of the self (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman). Nisargadatta's teachings have been influential in the field of spirituality and have contributed significantly to the spread of Advaita Vedanta in the modern era, both in India and internationally.

Biography

Nisargadatta Maharaj was born as Maruti Shivrampant Kambli in Bombay (now Mumbai), Maharashtra, India, into a poor farmer family. Despite his limited formal education, he developed a deep interest in spiritual matters from an early age. At the age of 34, he met his guru, Siddharameshwar Maharaj, who initiated him into the Advaita Vedanta tradition. After a period of intense spiritual practice under the guidance of his guru, Nisargadatta realized the nondual nature of reality, identifying himself with the universal consciousness.

Following his guru's passing, Nisargadatta continued to live a simple life as a shopkeeper in Mumbai while teaching spirituality to those who sought his guidance. His teachings were eventually compiled into the book "I Am That," which has since become a seminal text in the field of nondual spirituality and Advaita Vedanta.

Teachings

Nisargadatta Maharaj's teachings revolve around the direct realization of the self as the only existing reality. He emphasized the importance of self-inquiry and the questioning of one's true nature beyond the physical and mental identities. According to Nisargadatta, the realization of one's true self leads to liberation (Moksha) from the cycle of birth and death (Samsara).

He advocated for a simple and direct approach to spirituality, often using conversational methods to guide his followers towards self-realization. His teachings stress the significance of detachment from the material world and the identification with the absolute, formless reality.

Legacy

Nisargadatta Maharaj's impact on modern spirituality is profound. "I Am That" and his other works continue to inspire seekers of truth worldwide. His teachings have been translated into multiple languages, making them accessible to a global audience. Nisargadatta's approach to Advaita Vedanta and his emphasis on the immediacy of self-realization have influenced many contemporary spiritual teachers.

Selected Works

• I Am That
• Prior to Consciousness
• Seeds of Consciousness
• The Experience of Nothingness
• The Ultimate Medicine

See Also

• Ramana Maharshi
• Adi Shankaracharya
• Advaita Vedanta
• Spirituality in India