Nisargadatta Maharaj, Indian philosopher and educator (d. 1981)

Nisargadatta Maharaj, born Maruti Shivrampant Kambli on April 17, 1897, in Mumbai, India, was a transformative Indian spiritual teacher whose profound insights into nondualism resonated with countless seekers globally. His journey began in a humble family, and he spent his early life as a small shopkeeper selling bidis (traditional Indian cigarettes). However, a pivotal encounter with his guru, Siddharameshwar Maharaj, awakened within him a profound spiritual understanding that would eventually lead him to become one of the most revered figures in 20th-century Advaita Vedanta, though he taught from a unique, direct experiential perspective.

Maharaj belonged to the Inchagiri Sampradaya, a lineage of teachers deeply rooted in the ancient traditions of the Navnath Sampradaya and Lingayat Shaivism. This lineage, known for its emphasis on self-inquiry and the direct realization of truth, provided the foundational framework for his teachings, which bypassed elaborate rituals or theoretical doctrines in favor of direct experience of the ultimate reality.

His teachings remained largely confined to local Marathi-speaking audiences until the transformative publication of "I Am That" in 1973. This seminal work, an English translation of his informal talks given in Marathi, was meticulously compiled and edited by Maurice Frydman, a Polish-Jewish engineer and spiritual seeker who became a devoted disciple. Frydman's dedication allowed Maharaj's spontaneous dialogues and unyielding pointers to the nature of the Self to reach a global audience. The book quickly gained immense popularity, particularly drawing a significant following from North America and Europe, where seekers were captivated by Maharaj's direct, uncompromising, yet profoundly compassionate guidance towards understanding the true nature of existence. His method involved a relentless inquiry into the sense of 'I Am' – the pure awareness that precedes all mental constructs and identifications – guiding individuals to recognize their true, timeless, and spaceless Self.

Nisargadatta Maharaj passed away on September 8, 1981, leaving behind a timeless legacy of wisdom that continues to inspire and challenge spiritual aspirants worldwide, encouraging them to look within for the ultimate truth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Nisargadatta Maharaj?
Nisargadatta Maharaj, born Maruti Shivrampant Kambli, was a highly respected Indian spiritual teacher and guru of nondualism (specifically, Advaita Vedanta in spirit), who lived from 1897 to 1981. He is widely recognized for his direct and uncompromising teachings on the nature of reality and the Self.
What is "I Am That"?
"I Am That" is a famous book published in 1973, which contains the English translation of Nisargadatta Maharaj's informal talks (satsangs) delivered in Marathi. Translated and edited by Maurice Frydman, it became the primary vehicle through which Maharaj's teachings gained worldwide recognition and followers.
What is nondualism as taught by Nisargadatta Maharaj?
Nondualism, for Nisargadatta Maharaj, refers to the fundamental truth that there is no ultimate separation between the individual self (Jiva) and the ultimate reality (Brahman). His teachings focused on the direct realization of one's true nature as pure awareness, the 'I Am', which is prior to all concepts, thoughts, and personal identity. He encouraged self-inquiry to directly perceive this unity.
What is the Inchagiri Sampradaya?
The Inchagiri Sampradaya is a spiritual lineage or tradition to which Nisargadatta Maharaj belonged. It is rooted in the much older Navnath Sampradaya and Lingayat Shaivism, both ancient Indian spiritual traditions emphasizing direct spiritual experience and self-realization rather than ritualistic practices.
Who was Maurice Frydman?
Maurice Frydman was a Polish-Jewish engineer and a dedicated spiritual seeker who became a disciple of Nisargadatta Maharaj. He is credited with meticulously translating, compiling, and editing Maharaj's Marathi talks into the English book "I Am That," thereby making Maharaj's profound teachings accessible to a global audience.