“I am” as the awareness before thoughts

Early Discovery of Nisargadatta Maharaj’s Teachings

Adyashanti recounted how they first discovered Nisargadatta Maharaj in their early twenties. While browsing a bookstore, they came across the book I Am That, purchased it, and skimmed through it. At the time, they did not fully grasp the significance of its teachings, so the book remained on their shelf for nearly a decade.

It wasn’t until later, when they were asked to share the Dharma and began teaching, that they rediscovered the book. Upon reading it again, they were struck by Maharaj’s description of realization, specifically his statement: “When I look within and see that I’m nothing, that is wisdom. When I look without and see that I’m everything, that’s love. And between those two, my life turns.” This realization deeply resonated with Adyashanti, as it echoed their own spiritual experience.

Nisargadatta Maharaj’s Background

For those unfamiliar with Nisargadatta Maharaj, Adyashanti provided an overview of his background. Maharaj, along with Ramana Maharshi, is regarded as one of the most significant modern exponents of non-duality.

Maharaj did not meet his Guru until the age of 34. Before that, he had little interest in spirituality. However, upon meeting his Guru, something profound was awakened within him, and he embarked on a quest for self-realization. By the age of 37, Maharaj claimed to have attained full realization, and he spent the following decades teaching from his small apartment in Bombay, India.

Seekers from around the world came to visit Maharaj in this modest setting, often amidst the noise and chaos of the city. His teachings were dynamic, and he had an expressive and at times confrontational style. Numerous books were compiled from his teachings, with I Am That being the most famous.

Appeal to Western Seekers

Maharaj’s teachings held a special appeal to many Western seekers due to the clarity and universality of his message. People often reported that when they first encountered his teachings, they did not fully understand them.

However, upon revisiting the teachings years later, they gained a deeper appreciation and understanding. Maharaj’s message, which was simple, direct, and free of ideological trappings, resonated deeply with many.

Adyashanti emphasized that Maharaj did not build an ashram or create any large institutions. He simply taught in his humble way, often stating that he was not particularly educated. Yet, his teachings conveyed a powerful clarity.

Core of Nisargadatta Maharaj’s Teachings

Maharaj’s central teaching focused on awakening to one’s true nature. His teaching revolved around the realization that one is both nothing and everything.

Adyashanti explained that while many in today’s world seek spirituality to address various needs, Maharaj’s teaching remained narrowly focused on the realization of absolute reality.

Maharaj believed that self-realization involved the recognition of one’s nothingness and everythingness. His teachings did not focus on peripheral issues or distractions but were aimed at the total realization of the absolute. This singular focus was the essence of his message.

Earnestness and Practice

Maharaj often spoke of the importance of earnestness in spiritual practice. He emphasized the need for dedication and commitment to self-realization, as demonstrated by his own journey. After receiving guidance from his Guru, Maharaj devoted all his spare time to meditation, dwelling on the sense of “I am.” He advised seekers to do the same, stressing the importance of earnestness in the pursuit of self-realization.

Nisargadatta Maharaj’s Methodology

Maharaj’s most direct teaching method was to encourage seekers to dwell in the sense of “I am.” Maharaj defined the “I am” as the awareness before thoughts, urging his followers to focus on the pure sense of existence before any self-definitions or judgments arise. This practice, he taught, leads to a deeper realization of one’s true nature.

Maharaj also recognized that different seekers needed different approaches. To some, he recommended meditation, while to others, he advised simply to listen and realize the truth on the spot. His flexible approach allowed him to address the needs of each individual seeker.

The Universal Nature of Self-Realization

Adyashanti highlighted that the core of Maharaj’s teaching—awakening to one’s true nature—is a universal spiritual experience. It is not confined to any one tradition or ideology.

Maharaj’s teachings resonated with the deepest aspects of various spiritual traditions, which shared a kinship with his message. Despite drawing from ancient traditions, Maharaj’s teaching was not based on quoting scripture but rather came from his own direct experience, giving it a powerful and immediate quality.

Love and Compassion

Maharaj’s teaching on self-realization also encompassed a profound sense of love and compassion. Although he was often intensely focused on awakening, he expressed that once a person realizes their oneness with everything, love naturally flows.

Maharaj stated that the senseless sorrow of humanity becomes the primary concern of one who has attained self-realization. Thus, while his teachings may seem detached from worldly matters, they ultimately lead to deep compassion for all beings.

The I Amness

The practice of dwelling in the sense of “I am” was a key aspect of Maharaj’s teachings.

He viewed it as a stepping stone to a deeper realization of the absolute. Maharaj taught that the “I am” is the only certainty in life, as it represents one’s existence.

By stripping away all self-definitions, seekers can come to realize their true nature beyond the mind’s illusions.

Maharaj encouraged seekers to focus on their own experience of existence, to look beyond judgments, opinions, and self-concepts, and to dwell in the pure sense of “I am.” This direct and immediate practice was the essence of his spiritual guidance.

#1: Sensing the Essence of External Form

Adyashanti referred to Nisargadatta Maharaj’s teaching on seeing the deeper essence beyond the external form. Maharaj often emphasized the importance of perceiving the reality behind appearances. He taught that while forms and identities are transient, the essence behind them is constant and universal. The essence is the awareness or “I am” that exists before thought, judgment, or definition.

According to Maharaj, true wisdom arises when one looks within and realizes their nothingness, while love comes from seeing the oneness of everything when looking outward. This direct experience of perceiving the essence of all things brings one closer to self-realization, as it transcends the limited perspective of forms and appearances.

#2: Face Fear Directly

In Maharaj’s teachings, fear is viewed as a product of the false self, the mind’s attachment to identity, and the belief in separation. Maharaj advised seekers to confront fear directly rather than avoid or suppress it. Maharaj taught that fear arises from ignorance of one’s true nature and that it dissipates when one realizes the “I am”—the pure awareness beyond the ego.

Facing fear directly is essential on the path to self-realization. Maharaj encouraged seekers to let go of the mind’s tendencies to cling to identity, desires, and aversions, which are the root causes of fear.

By understanding and embracing the awareness beyond fear, one can transcend it and move closer to the realization of their true self.

#3: Focus on Pure Perceiving vs. the Perceived

Nisargadatta Maharaj’s teachings often distinguished between perceiving and the objects perceived. He urged seekers to focus on pure perceiving—the awareness itself—rather than being caught up in the transient nature of what is perceived. The content of experience constantly changes, but the awareness that perceives remains unchanged.

Maharaj emphasized that the sense of “I am” is the awareness before thoughts and perceptions arise. By turning attention inward to the awareness itself, rather than the external objects of perception, one comes to recognize their true nature. This shift from the perceived to pure perceiving leads to self-realization, as it uncovers the formless consciousness that underlies all experience.

#4: The Courage to Flow into the World

Maharaj’s teachings encourage seekers to engage with the world from a place of self-realization rather than avoidance or detachment. While realization involves understanding that one is both nothing and everything, it also brings the courage to flow into the world with clarity and compassion.

Maharaj believed that once an individual understands their oneness with everything, they can navigate the world without being caught in the illusions of the mind. The courage to flow into the world is rooted in the realization that one is not defined by worldly identities or attachments, but is the awareness behind all existence. This courage allows one to act from a place of love and unity, rather than fear or separation.

#5: The Body as a Portal to Self-Realization

Maharaj taught that the body is not to be ignored on the spiritual path, but rather can serve as a portal to self-realization. He instructed seekers to dwell in the sense of “I am,” which includes the immediate experience of the body, but without identifying with it. The body is part of the changing content of consciousness, yet it can be a gateway to deeper awareness when approached correctly.

By experiencing the body as it is, without attaching identities or judgments to it, one can move beyond bodily limitations and discover the awareness that transcends physical form. The body, therefore, becomes a starting point for the recognition of one’s deeper nature—pure, formless consciousness.

#6: Earnestness vs. Enthusiasm

Maharaj often spoke of the importance of earnestness on the spiritual path, distinguishing it from mere enthusiasm. While enthusiasm may come from excitement or temporary inspiration, earnestness involves a deep, unwavering commitment to self-realization. Maharaj believed that earnestness is essential for progress, as it reflects a sincere desire to know the truth of one’s being.

Maharaj frequently used the term “earnestness” to describe the attitude of a seeker who is fully dedicated to the pursuit of realization. It involves discipline, focus, and an unshakeable resolve to awaken to the absolute nature of reality.

Maharaj’s own spiritual journey was characterized by this kind of earnestness, as he devoted himself fully to his Guru’s instructions. Enthusiasm, on the other hand, can fade with time or obstacles, but earnestness sustains a seeker through the challenges of the spiritual path.

Quotes

“The entire core of Nisargadatta’s teaching is his relentless return to ‘Dwell in the sense of I Am.'”

“He had a very intense and fierce one-pointedness on self-realization, and yet it would be misunderstanding his teaching to think that he didn’t care. He speaks quite eloquently about love. That is the fruition of a deep and abiding realization.”

“He would say over and over that the I Am, the fact that you exist, is the one thing that you can know for certain in this life. Even if you deny your existence, you have to be in order to deny it.”

“When you go to the root of your sense of yourself, it opens to universal consciousness.”

“Earnestness isn’t a kind of energy like, ‘Okay, I’m ready to storm the gates of heaven and start meditating five hours a day.’ Earnestness is different from enthusiasm. What Nisargadatta is talking about has to do with what we love and what we cherish.”