I am That: Talks with Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj (First Edition 1999)

I Am That: Talks with Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj" is a well-known spiritual book that captures the essence of teachings from Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj, a revered Indian spiritual teacher who followed the Advaita Vedanta tradition. The book is a compilation of dialogues between Nisargadatta Maharaj and seekers who visited him for guidance on self-realization, awareness, and understanding the nature of the self.

Key Aspects of the Book:

1. Advaita Vedanta Philosophy: The primary theme of the book revolves around Advaita Vedanta, which teaches the non-duality of the self (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman). Nisargadatta emphasized that the true self is beyond the mind, body, and ego, and that realization of this fact leads to liberation (moksha).

2. The Nature of "I Am": Nisargadatta Maharaj often discussed the concept of "I Am" as the most fundamental awareness. He stressed that this sense of "I Am" is the essence of being and serves as a starting point for deeper self-inquiry. The book explores how individuals can transcend their attachment to this sense of "I Am" and experience their true nature, which is beyond the ego.

3. Self-Inquiry: Nisargadatta encourages deep self-inquiry, asking the seeker to explore and question the nature of the "I" or the sense of personal identity. His teaching aligns with the method of "neti-neti" (not this, not that), where one rejects all concepts and identities to eventually discover the pure consciousness or the "Self."

4. Directness and Simplicity: One of the striking features of Nisargadatta's teaching is its directness and simplicity. He did not rely on elaborate rituals or intellectual analysis. His approach was straightforward and focused on direct experiential realization of the truth.

5. The Illusory Nature of the World: He often spoke about the illusory nature of the world (Maya), stating that everything in the world is transient and impermanent. The search for permanent satisfaction in the external world is futile. True contentment can only be found in realizing one's own self.

6. Detachment: Nisargadatta taught that detachment does not mean renouncing the world or withdrawing from it, but rather seeing through its illusory nature and not identifying with its fleeting experiences.

Notable Quotes from the Book:

• "You are the awareness behind the world. You are the Self, and this is the highest truth."
• "The world is your projection. What you see is a reflection of your own mind."
• "Don't seek reality in the external world; seek it within yourself."
• "The 'I' you are referring to is only a temporary and limited concept. Find the true source of this