Nisargadatta Maharaj
Nisargadatta Maharaj was an Indian spiritual teacher who made a lasting impact in the world of spirituality and Indian philosophy. As a guru, Maharaj extended the teachings of the Advaita Vedanta school of India and spread his teachings to the West. His teachings of Advaita Vedanta emphasized the non-dualistic understanding of reality and helped many find peace in their lives.
Born in Mumbai in 1900, Maruti Shivrampant Kambli was the son of a shipping agent and vegetable seller. His father made sure his son had a basic education in math, geography, and history, but not much else. Maruti, who would later become known as Nisargadatta Maharaj, married in his teens and started working in a small shop. It was during this time that he learned the skills that would help him become a dealer in precious stones and jewelry.
In his early twenties, Maharaj gave up his worldly life and began to search for spiritual guidance. He began studying with two influential teachers, Siddharameshwar Maharaj and Anadrao, and eventually came in contact with Shri Siddharameshwar Maharaj's disciple, Siddharama Swami. It was Siddharama Swami who renamed Maruti to Nisargadatta Maharaj.
Under the guidance of both Shri Siddharameshwar Maharaj and Siddharama Swami, Maharaj eventually realized the true nature of the Self, a realization that he considered to be the essence of his teaching. In this realization, he saw that he was the Self, beyond any words or thoughts, and that all appearances within the mind were merely illusions. Rather than being attached to this understanding, he simply remained open and allowing.
Throughout his life, Maharaj practiced a simple lifestyle and immersed himself in the study of the ancient teachings of Advaita Vedanta. He didn't often speak, preferring to remain within the silence of the Self, and rarely gave talks or formal teaching at gatherings.
Maharaj's teachings eventually became known for their power and relevance to the spiritual path. His teachings were made available worldwide when the translator Maurice Frydman collected and published his teachings in English-speaking countries. His books of teachings, including "I AM That" and "The Ultimate Medicine," are still widely read and referenced today, and are credited with introducing Advaita Vedanta to the Western world.
Maharaj's teachings emphasize the ultimate nonexistence of the ego, and focus on the idea of surrender. He advised his disciples to turn away from their minds and instead, surrender to the Silence that lies within. His teachings speak to the idea of letting go of the false self and looking within to the True Self.
Maharaj is respected to this day as a spiritual teacher and his teachings have influenced people of many different backgrounds and spiritual paths. After his death in 1981, Maharaj’s disciples formed an ashram in his memory in Mumbai, where his teachings are still shared.
Nisargadatta Maharaj is remembered as a truly remarkable spiritual teacher who spread the teachings of Advaita Vedanta to the Western world. His message of non-duality and surrender remind us of the ultimate truth that lies within us all. His teachings continue to enrich the lives of many and serve as an example of how a spiritual path can bring inner peace and freedom.
