Nisargadatta Maharaj

Indian spiritual teacher and philosopher

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Title
Official name
Born	Maruti Shivrampant Kambli (1897-04-17)17 April 1897 Bombay Presidency, British India
Died	8 September 1981(1981-09-08) (aged 84) Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Cause of death
Resting place

Nisargadatta Maharaj (born Maruti Shivrampant Kambli; 17 April 1897 – 8 September 1981) was an Indian spiritual teacher and philosopher of the Advaita Vedanta tradition. He is widely known for his teachings on non-duality and his seminal work, I Am That.

Early Life

Nisargadatta Maharaj was born in Bombay Presidency, British India, in a small village called Kandalgaon. His birth name was Maruti Shivrampant Kambli. He was raised in a Hindu family and worked as a small-time shopkeeper in Mumbai.

Spiritual Journey

Nisargadatta's spiritual journey began when he met his guru, Siddharameshwar Maharaj, who was a disciple of Bhagavan Nityananda. Siddharameshwar Maharaj initiated him into the Navnath Sampradaya tradition and taught him the principles of Advaita Vedanta. Following his guru's instructions, Nisargadatta practiced meditation and self-inquiry diligently.

Teachings

Nisargadatta Maharaj's teachings are rooted in the philosophy of Advaita Vedanta, which emphasizes the non-dual nature of reality. He taught that the true self is beyond the mind and body and that realizing this truth leads to liberation. His dialogues with visitors were later compiled into the book I Am That, which has become a classic in spiritual literature.

Legacy

Nisargadatta Maharaj's influence extends beyond India, reaching a global audience through his teachings and writings. His work has inspired many contemporary spiritual teachers and seekers. The simplicity and directness of his teachings continue to resonate with people seeking spiritual enlightenment.

Notable Works

• I Am That

See Also

• Advaita Vedanta
• Non-duality
• Siddharameshwar Maharaj
• Bhagavan Nityananda
• Navnath Sampradaya