Nisargadatta Mahārāj
Nisargadatta Mahārāj (17 April 1897 – 8 September 1981) was a Mumbai shopkeeper whose recorded conversations became the spiritual classic I Am That. A guru of nonduality in the Inchagiri Sampradaya, a lineage of the Navnath tradition, his direct, uncompromising teachings on Advaita have made him one of the most influential spiritual teachers of the 20th century.
Life/History
Born Maruti Shivrampant Kambli in a rural family in Maharashtra, he moved to Mumbai as a young man to support his family. After meeting his guru Siddharameshwar Maharaj, he underwent a profound spiritual transformation and began teaching. He lived simply above his bidi (tobacco) shop in the Khetwadi neighborhood, holding informal evening satsangs for decades.
Teachings/Contributions
Nisargadatta’s teachings are captured in I Am That (1973), compiled by Maurice Frydman from his Marathi talks; its publication brought him worldwide recognition and followers, especially from North America and Europe. He taught the direct path of Advaita — pointing to the “I Am” consciousness as the gateway to the ultimate reality, and urging seekers to abide steadily in that sense of being until its source is found.
Legacy
I Am That has become one of the most widely read books on Advaita Vedanta, influencing spiritual seekers across traditions. His uncompromising approach continues to inspire those drawn to the direct path. Through numerous students and transmitters, his teachings remain alive and influential worldwide.
Verification notes
- Audited against Wikipedia (September 2026).