Nisargadatta Maharaj
Full Name and Common Aliases
Full Name: Nisargadatta Maharaj
Common Aliases: Maharaj, Sri Nisargadatta
Birth and Death Dates
Birth Date: April 17, 1897
Death Date: September 8, 1981
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: Indian
Profession(s): Spiritual Teacher, Guru, Author
Early Life and Background
Nisargadatta Maharaj was born as Maruti Shivrampant Kambli in the bustling city of Bombay, now known as Mumbai, India. He was raised in a modest family in the small village of Kandalgaon in Maharashtra. His father, Shivrampant Kambli, was a simple farmer and a devout Hindu, whose spiritual inclinations left a lasting impression on young Maruti. Despite the family's limited means, Maruti's upbringing was rich in cultural and spiritual values, which laid the foundation for his future as a spiritual luminary.
At the age of 18, Maruti moved to Bombay to work and support his family. He started a small business selling bidis, traditional Indian cigarettes, which eventually became successful. Despite his business acumen, Maruti's heart was drawn towards spiritual pursuits, a calling that would later define his life.
Major Accomplishments
Nisargadatta Maharaj's major accomplishment lies in his profound impact on the spiritual landscape of the 20th century. He is best known for his teachings on non-duality, a philosophy that emphasizes the oneness of existence and the illusory nature of the individual self. His teachings were not confined to any particular religion or sect, making them accessible to a global audience seeking spiritual enlightenment.
Maharaj's most significant contribution to spiritual literature is his book, "I Am That," a compilation of dialogues between him and his disciples. This book has been translated into numerous languages and continues to be a cornerstone for those exploring Advaita Vedanta, the philosophy of non-duality.
Notable Works or Actions
Nisargadatta Maharaj's teachings were primarily delivered through informal dialogues with visitors at his humble residence in Bombay. These conversations, characterized by their directness and simplicity, were later transcribed and published, most notably in "I Am That." This work is revered for its clarity and depth, offering insights into the nature of consciousness and the self.
Maharaj's approach was unique in its emphasis on self-inquiry and the direct experience of one's true nature. He encouraged seekers to look beyond the mind and ego to realize their inherent divinity. His teachings were not theoretical but practical, urging individuals to question their assumptions and experience the truth for themselves.
Impact and Legacy
Nisargadatta Maharaj's impact extends far beyond his lifetime, influencing countless spiritual seekers and teachers worldwide. His teachings have inspired a new generation of non-dual teachers and have been instrumental in the global spread of Advaita Vedanta. Maharaj's legacy is evident in the continued popularity of his works and the reverence with which he is regarded in spiritual circles.
His influence is not limited to spiritual seekers; philosophers, psychologists, and scholars have also drawn from his insights into the nature of consciousness and identity. Maharaj's teachings challenge conventional notions of self and reality, offering a transformative perspective that resonates with individuals across diverse backgrounds.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Nisargadatta Maharaj is widely quoted and remembered for his ability to convey profound spiritual truths with simplicity and clarity. His teachings transcend cultural and religious boundaries, offering universal insights into the nature of existence. Maharaj's emphasis on direct experience and self-inquiry resonates with those seeking a deeper understanding of themselves and the world.
His dialogues, often peppered with humor and compassion, provide practical guidance for navigating the complexities of life. Maharaj's insistence on the immediacy of self-realization and his rejection of dogma make his teachings particularly appealing to modern seekers.
In a world where individuals often feel disconnected and fragmented, Nisargadatta Maharaj's message of unity and oneness offers a path to inner peace and fulfillment. His legacy endures through the countless individuals who continue to find inspiration and solace in his words, ensuring that his teachings remain a beacon of light for generations to come.
Quotes by Nisargadatta Maharaj
Nisargadatta Maharaj's insights on:
In nature nothing is at standstill, everything pulsates, appears and disappears. Heart, breath, digestion, sleep and waking – birth and death – everything comes and goes in waves. Rhythm, periodicity, harmonious alternation of extremes is the rule. No use rebelling against the very pattern of life.
Once you understand that the false needs time and what needs time is false, you are nearer the Reality, which is timeless, ever in the NOW.
The real is behind and beyond words, incommunicable, directly experienced, explosive in its effect on the mind. It is easily had when nothing else is wanted.
All that happens is the cause of all that happens. Causes are numberless; the idea of a sole cause is an illusion.
In the great mirror of consciousness, images arise and disappear and only memory gives them continuity. And memory is material – destructible, perishable, transient. On such flimsy foundations we build a sense of personal existence – vague, intermittent, dreamlike. This vague persuasion, “I am so-and-so,” obscures the changeless state of pure awareness and makes us believe that we are born to suffer and to die.
Time is in the mind, space is in the mind. The law of cause and effect is also a way of thinking. In reality all is here and now and all is one. Multiplicity and diversity are in the mind only.
For me the moment of death will be a moment of jubilation, not of fear. I cried when I was born and I shall die laughing.
Consciousness is power. Be aware of what needs be done and it will be done. Only keep alert – and quiet. Once you reach your destination and know your real nature, your existence becomes a blessing to all. You may not know, nor will the world know; yet the help radiates.