Nisargadatta Maharaj- Biography and Life Story - Part 4

Core Themes in His Teachings

At the heart of Maharaj’s teachings was a single, recurring theme: the realisation of the Self. Everything he said revolved around this fundamental truth, but he presented it in a way that was accessible to anyone willing to listen.

1. “I Am” as the Gateway
   Maharaj constantly emphasised the importance of meditating on the sense of “I am.” This wasn’t a mantra or a ritual—it was a direct pointing to the essence of one’s existence. By focusing on the “I am” without attaching it to any labels, one could transcend the ego and realise the Self.
2. The Illusion of the World
   For Maharaj, the world as we perceive it is a projection of the mind, a kind of dream. He would often say, “You are not in the world; the world is in you.” This wasn’t a denial of the world’s existence but an invitation to see it from a deeper perspective.
3. Detachment from the Body and Mind
   Maharaj taught that the body and mind are temporary phenomena, like clouds passing through the sky. The true Self is the unchanging awareness in which all experiences arise and dissolve.
4. Direct Experience Over Concepts
   He discouraged reliance on books, rituals, or intellectual understanding. For Maharaj, truth was something to be experienced directly, not something to be understood intellectually.

Challenging the Ego

One of Maharaj’s unique abilities was his knack for exposing the ego’s tricks. He had little patience for seekers who were attached to their identities or achievements, even in a spiritual context.

For example, if someone claimed to have had a profound spiritual experience, Maharaj might respond, “Who experienced it? Was it not just another passing state? Don’t chase experiences—find the one who experiences.”

His teaching wasn’t about comfort—it was about awakening. And awakening, as he often reminded people, wasn’t a gradual process. It was immediate, as soon as one realised the truth of their existence.

Living the Teachings: Balancing the Worldly and the Spiritual

One of the most remarkable aspects of Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj’s life was his ability to balance his role as a spiritual teacher with his responsibilities as a householder. He didn’t retreat from the world after his realisation; instead, he embraced it with a new understanding.

The Life of a Householder

Even after his profound awakening, Maharaj continued to run his cigarette shop and take care of his family. He didn’t see a conflict between his worldly duties and his spiritual understanding. In fact, he often used his own life as an example to show that self-realisation doesn’t require renunciation or withdrawal from society.

He would often say, “You can realise the truth while living your ordinary life. You don’t need to go to the Himalayas or sit in a cave. The Self is with you, wherever you are.”

This approach made his teachings particularly relatable to those who felt torn between their spiritual aspirations and their worldly responsibilities. Maharaj demonstrated that enlightenment wasn’t about escaping life—it was about seeing life as it truly is.

Interacting with Family and Community

Maharaj’s family, like many of his visitors, initially struggled to understand the depth of his transformation. To them, he was still the same man they had always known—father, husband, and shopkeeper. But as they observed him over time, they began to see the profound peace and clarity he carried within him.

In the community, Maharaj was respected but not idolised. He didn’t surround himself with an aura of superiority or demand special treatment. He was approachable, humble, and entirely human in his interactions.

Teaching Through Everyday Actions

For Maharaj, the way he lived his life was as much a teaching as the words he spoke. His humility, simplicity, and ability to remain grounded in the midst of life’s challenges were a testament to the power of his realisation.

Even in the busiest moments, Maharaj was a picture of calm. He didn’t get swept up in the dramas of daily life or the demands of his visitors. Instead, he navigated each moment with a sense of effortless presence, showing that the realised state wasn’t something separate from ordinary life—it was woven into the fabric of existence itself.

Illness 

As Maharaj grew older, he faced physical challenges, including illness. But even in the face of pain and physical decline, he remained rooted in his understanding of the Self. He didn’t see his body as “himself,” so he wasn’t disturbed by its limitations.

Visitors who came to him during this time were often struck by his strength and clarity. Despite his physical discomfort, Maharaj continued to guide seekers with the same sharpness and intensity as always.

A Living Example of Truth

Nisargadatta Maharaj’s ability to live his teachings in such an ordinary, accessible way made him a powerful example for others. He wasn’t interested in creating a following or building an organisation—his only goal was to point people to the truth of their own being.

Through his humility, his directness, and his unwavering commitment to the truth, Maharaj showed that enlightenment isn’t reserved for a select few. It’s available to anyone who is willing to look beyond the surface and discover the essence of their existence.

Final Years and Death Of Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj

As Nisargadatta Maharaj entered the final chapter of his life, his role as a teacher intensified. Seekers from all over the world flocked to his small apartment in Mumbai, eager to hear his words and experience the transformative power of his presence. Despite his advancing age and declining health, Maharaj continued to teach with the same fiery intensity, never letting physical discomfort hinder his mission to point people toward the truth.

Physical Challenges and Unwavering Commitment

In his later years, Maharaj developed cancer, a condition that eventually claimed his physical body. For most people, such a diagnosis would bring fear and despair, but Maharaj’s perspective on life and death was entirely different. He saw the body as nothing more than a temporary vessel, a vehicle for the play of existence. To him, the Self—the true “I”—was untouched by physical suffering.

Even as his illness progressed, he continued to hold daily satsangs. Visitors who came to see him during this time were often struck by his resilience. His body may have been weakened, but his presence was as powerful as ever. He spoke with clarity and conviction, guiding seekers with the same sharpness that had defined his teachings from the beginning.

When asked about his illness, Maharaj would often dismiss it as insignificant. “The body is born and will die,” he would say. “Why be concerned with something that is not you?” These words were not meant to minimise suffering but to point to a deeper truth: that the essence of who we are is beyond the physical, beyond pain, and beyond death.

Teaching Until the End

In the last months of his life, Maharaj’s satsangs grew even more direct and urgent. It was as if he wanted to ensure that his message was fully understood before his physical form dissolved. He didn’t soften his approach; if anything, he became more intense, cutting through people’s illusions with unflinching honesty.

For those who sat with him during this time, the experience was unforgettable. Despite his frail body, Maharaj radiated an energy that seemed boundless. His presence was a living testament to the truth he spoke of—that the Self is eternal and untouched by the changing circumstances of the world.

On 8th September 1981, Nisargadatta Maharaj passed away. His death, like his life, was marked by simplicity and grace. For those who had been close to him, there was a sense of loss, but also a deep understanding that Maharaj’s essence had never been tied to his physical form.

He had often reminded his followers that the Guru was not the body but the truth to which the Guru points. In his absence, his teachings continued to resonate, offering guidance and inspiration to those who sought liberation.

Legacy and Impact

The legacy of Nisargadatta Maharaj is not confined to his physical presence or even the time in which he lived. His teachings, distilled into a few core principles, have transcended cultural and geographical boundaries, continuing to inspire seekers across the globe.

The Influence of I Am That

One of the most significant contributions to Maharaj’s legacy is the book I Am That, a collection of his conversations with seekers compiled by Maurice Frydman, a Polish engineer and spiritual devotee. Published in 1973, the book captures the essence of Maharaj’s teachings, presenting them in a format that is both accessible and profoundly deep.

I Am That became a spiritual classic, introducing Maharaj’s teachings to a global audience. Its simplicity, clarity, and directness struck a chord with readers from diverse backgrounds, many of whom had never encountered Advaita Vedanta before.

The book’s central message—the importance of meditating on the “I am” and realising one’s true nature—resonated far beyond the context of Hindu philosophy. It appealed to people from all spiritual traditions, as well as those who considered themselves non-religious but were seeking answers to life’s fundamental questions.

A Guru Without Borders

Maharaj’s impact wasn’t limited to India. His teachings found a receptive audience among Western seekers who were disillusioned with traditional religious frameworks and searching for something more direct and experiential. Many Western spiritual teachers and writers, such as Wayne Dyer, Rupert Spira, and Eckhart Tolle, have cited Maharaj as a major influence on their work.

Maharaj’s emphasis on self-inquiry and the simplicity of his approach made his teachings universally accessible. He didn’t rely on cultural or religious trappings to convey his message. Instead, he pointed to a truth that was immediate, personal, and applicable to anyone, regardless of their background.

Why His Teachings Endure

The timelessness of Maharaj’s message is one of the reasons his teachings continue to resonate. Unlike teachings that depend on rituals, dogmas, or external authority, Maharaj’s words point directly to the essence of existence. They are as relevant today as they were when he first spoke them.

His insistence on the importance of direct experience over intellectual understanding has made his teachings particularly powerful in a world where people are often overwhelmed by information and concepts. Maharaj’s message cuts through the noise, reminding seekers that the truth is not something to be found outside—it is already within them.

Challenges to the Modern Seeker

While Maharaj’s teachings are universally applicable, they also present a challenge to the modern seeker. In a world driven by distraction and instant gratification, the simplicity of his approach can feel deceptively difficult. Sitting with the sense of “I am” requires patience, discipline, and a willingness to let go of deeply held attachments.

However, for those who are ready to take on this challenge, Maharaj’s words offer a path that is both profound and liberating. His teachings remind us that enlightenment is not a distant goal—it is the recognition of what we already are.

Reflections on a Life of Truth

Nisargadatta Maharaj’s life was a testament to the power of self-realisation. From his humble beginnings as a shopkeeper in Bombay to his emergence as a spiritual teacher of global renown, Maharaj remained rooted in the simplicity and truth of his being.

The Ordinary and the Extraordinary

One of the most striking aspects of Maharaj’s life is how seamlessly he integrated the worldly and the spiritual. He didn’t retreat to a cave or monastery after his awakening; instead, he continued to live as a householder, running his business and caring for his family.

This balance between the ordinary and the extraordinary is a key part of Maharaj’s appeal. He showed that self-realisation isn’t about escaping life—it’s about seeing life as it truly is. His example reminds us that enlightenment doesn’t require a special set of circumstances. It is available to anyone, anywhere, at any time.

The Unwavering Commitment to Truth

Throughout his life, Maharaj demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the truth. Whether he was meditating on the sense of “I am,” guiding seekers, or facing the challenges of illness, he remained rooted in the awareness of the Self.

His teachings were not abstract or theoretical—they were a reflection of his lived experience. This authenticity is one of the reasons his words continue to resonate so deeply. Maharaj didn’t just talk about the truth; he embodied it in every aspect of his life.

The Eternal Presence of Maharaj

Nisargadatta Maharaj’s physical body may have passed away, but his presence lives on in his teachings and in the hearts of those who have been touched by his words. His life was a reminder that the truth is not something to be attained but something to be realised—a reality that is already here, waiting to be seen.

For the countless seekers who continue to find inspiration in his words, Maharaj’s legacy is not just a collection of teachings—it is an invitation. An invitation to turn inward, to question the assumptions we hold about ourselves and the world, and to discover the boundless freedom that lies at the heart of our being.

In the end, Maharaj’s message is simple yet profound: You are not the body, not the mind. You are the Self—eternal, infinite, and free. And for those willing to look beyond the surface, this truth has the power to transform everything.

Go back to Part 1, Part 2, Part 3,