I am That I am: A Tribute to Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj

From the founder of Quantum Psychology and a direct disciple of Nisargadatta Maharaj comes what could arguably be considered a companion volume to one of the most important spiritual texts of this generation, I Am That by Nisargadatta Maharaj.

I Am That I Am written by, one of his most well-respected students, Dr. Stephen Wolinsky both illuminates and elaborates upon the major understandings, confrontations, and contributions of this most remarkable sage. Utilizing his direct 'personal' experience, interactions, commentaries, quotations, and the enquiry process which evolved out of Dr. Wolinsky's relationship with Nisargadatta Maharaj, we are propelled through the eyes of Dr. Wolinsky into the room where we are confronted by the presence of this most extraordinary teacher.

I Am That I Am offers an explosive tribute to Wolinsky's teacher, Guru and mentor Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj, and sets in motion an enquiry process which will confront your most dearly held "spiritual" and psychological concepts. I Am That I Am acts as a catalyst provoking and revealing the nature of Who You Are thus transporting the reader into the very heart of Nisargadatta Maharaj.

STEPHEN H. WOLINSKY is a therapist and a trainer. Founder of Quantum Psychology, he is the author of, among others, Trances People Live: Healing Approaches in Quantum Psychology, and Intimate Relationships: Why They Do and Do Not Work.

When I was first introduced to I AM THAT and even with "personal" interactions with Nisargadatta Maharaj, the I AM seemed unclear and difficult to remain stabilized in. Unlike many "spiritual teachers," Nisargadatta Maharaj did not spoon feed you, allow you to be a baby, or baby you. He did not hold your hand and gently walk you through giving a specific Sadhana (spiritual practice) or deliver the information in a "nice" way. Rather, he threw you into the water, which you had been avoiding for so long, and you sank or swam on "your" own. For some, "I" imagine, this was pleasurable, for "me" it was both pleasurable and extremely painful and confrontive.

But like a moth flying into the flame, after "seeing" and going through the initial confrontation, I could not help continuing to fly into the flame of his confrontation. Like Icarus in the myth of the minotaw; who tried to escape the labyrinth (of the mind) on wings made of wax which melted when he flew to close to the sun so that he crashed down into the ocean (THAT ONE SUB-STANCE), "I", too, attempted to fly away on the false wax wings of my concepts. However, while flying to close to the light and sun of Nisargadatta Maharaj, the False Self melted and burned and "I" came crashing down into the ocean of THAT ONE SUBSTANCE.

What is the message of Nisargadatta Maharaj? Continually over the years. I have been asked, "What was the practice, what was the sadhana?" I would say, "Stay in the I AM and discard all else. This I AM is the gateway or portal which draws one into THAT. This was the practice; however, what does this mean, and how does it take root?