Nisargadatta Maharaj
“Wisdom is knowing I am nothing,
Love is knowing I am everything,
and between the two my life moves.”
—Nisargadatta Maharaj
If we identify ourselves with our ego then we need true wisdom to realize that we are truly insignificant. This knowledge does not arise as an intellectual exercise but comes about from the deeper well of life-experiences.
When we reach the level of wisdom to realize that our ego-identity is nothing, our lives overflow with joy and love. From this overflowing emotion of selfless love comes a realization that our True Self encompasses everything. Every molecule and atom dances to the beat of its joy and the entire universe is nothing but its plaything!
Having fleeting insights into our deeper identity we still struggle with our ego-self and our life oscillates between the two. Here is the translated version of what Nisargadatta Mharaj probably meant:
“Wisdom is knowing I (the ego-identity) am nothing,
Love is knowing I (Deeper Self) am everything,
and between the two (Ego-identity and Deeper Self) my life moves.”
Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj (April 17, 1897 – September 8, 1981) was an Indian spiritual teacher and philosopher of Advaita (Nondualism).
One of the 20th century’s exponents of the school of Advaita Vedanta philosophy (nondualism), Sri Nisargadatta, with his direct and minimalistic explanation of non-dualism, is considered the most famous teacher of Advaita since Ramana Maharshi.
In 1973, the publication of his most famous and widely translated book, I Am That, an English translation of his talks in Marathi by Maurice Frydman, brought him worldwide recognition and followers.
Credits:This has been written by Raj Shah and edited by Ketna Shah.
Thank you. ..Thank you. ..Thank you. .. I loved this.
“I am that I am.
K