These Teachings Can Enlighten You (I AM THAT by Nisargadatta Maharaj)

These Teachings Can Enlighten You (I AM THAT by Nisargadatta Maharaj)

Nisargadatta Maharaj was an Indian spiritual teacher and philosopher, widely known for his teachings on non-duality and Advaita Vedanta. Born on April 17, 1897, in Bombay (now Mumbai), India, he was originally named Maruti Shivrampant Kambli. He later took the name Nisargadatta after being initiated by his guru, Siddharameshwar Maharaj.

Nisargadatta's teachings are centered around the concept of self-realization and the understanding of one's true nature beyond the physical body and mind. He is best known for his book "I Am That," a collection of dialogues with seekers who came to him for guidance. In these teachings, he emphasizes the realization that the self is not the individual body or mind but the pure consciousness or awareness that is beyond all attributes and distinctions.

His approach is direct and uncompromising, often challenging seekers to see through the illusion of individuality and identify with the universal consciousness. He uses simple language and metaphors to convey profound spiritual insights, making his teachings accessible to a wide audience.

Nisargadatta Maharaj passed away on September 8, 1981, but his teachings continue to influence and inspire spiritual seekers around the world.


Here are some key aspects of Nisargadatta Maharaj's teachings in "I Am That"

1. Self-Realization and the True Self -

Nisargadatta emphasizes understanding the nature of the self, beyond the body and mind. He often speaks about the "I Am" as the pure awareness that underlies all experience.
"You are not what you think yourself to be... You are the immovable, the unchangeable, the eternal itself." (Chapter 10)
"You are not the body, nor the mind, nor even consciousness; you are the Self, the Supreme Reality." (Chapter 2)

2. Non-Duality and Oneness -

He teaches that the sense of separation is an illusion, and in reality, there is only one universal consciousness.
"There is no such thing as a separate person. The person is merely a bundle of memories and habits." (Chapter 6)
"All you need to do is to cease taking yourself to be within the field of consciousness. You are free of being a perceiver only when you have lost the desire to perceive." (Chapter 15)

3. Detachment and Inner Peace -

Nisargadatta encourages detachment from the physical and mental, which are transient, and instead urges identification with the eternal self.
"Once you realize that the person you took yourself to be is merely a shadow of reality, you can detach yourself from this mistaken identity and be free." (Chapter 12)
"To deal with things, knowledge of things is needed. To deal with the self, knowledge of the self is required. The mind knows, the self is." (Chapter 1)

4. Direct Experience and Self-Inquiry -

He emphasizes the importance of direct experience over intellectual understanding and encourages self-inquiry.
"The mind creates the abyss, the heart crosses it." (Chapter 70)
"The search for reality is the most dangerous of all undertakings, for it destroys the world in which you live." (Chapter 25)

5. The Role of the Guru -

While acknowledging the role of a guru, Nisargadatta stresses that true realization must come from within.
"The guru is there only to be a witness to your own reality." (Chapter 13)
"The guru cannot give you anything that you do not already have. He can only point out the truth that lies within you." (Chapter 67)

"I Am That" presents these teachings through direct and often challenging dialogues, urging you to look beyond conventional beliefs and discover their true nature. The book's conversational format and profound insights make it a valuable resource for anyone interested in self-realization and spiritual awakening.

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