Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj
Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj
1897 – 1981
When asked about his biographical details, Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj used to say “I was never born”, for he does not identify himself with his body. He identified himself only with the eternal and pure beingness.
Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj was born in March 1897, on the day the birthday of Lord Hanuman. In honor of Lord Hanuman, he was given the name ‘Maruti’. Nisargadatta’s father, Shivrampant, worked as a domestic servant in Mumbai and later as a petty farmer in Kandalgaon, a small village in the back-woods of Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. Mariti’s family followed the traditional Hindu culture. At the tender age of 18, in the year 1915, Maruti’s father passed away. After the death of his father, Maruti followed his oldest brother to Bombay.
Through realizing the shortcomings of a totally unworldly life and the greater spiritual fruitfulness of dispassionate action, he eventually returned to his family in Mumbai in 1938, where he spent the rest of his life.
The publication in 1973 of I Am That, an English translation of his talks in Marathi by Maurice Frydman, brought him worldwide recognition and followers, especially from North America and Europe.
Books: “I Am That”, “Prior to Consciousness”
Quotes ~
When you demand nothing of the world, nor of God, when you want nothing, seek noting, expect nothing, then the Supreme State will come to you uninvited and unexpected.
The Consciousness in you and the consciousness in me, apparently two, really one, seek unity and that is love.
You will receive everything you need when you stop asking for what you do not need.
The real does not die, the unreal never lived.
Recommended Reading ~
I Am That
Prior To Consciousness – Talks with Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj