I am That: Talks with Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj

“I Am That: Talks with Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj” is a book compiled and translated by Maurice Frydman, with additional editing and translation by Sudhakar S. Dikshit and Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj himself. The book presents a series of dialogues and conversations between the renowned Indian spiritual teacher Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj and various visitors to his home in Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay), India.

Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj (1897–1981) was a spiritual teacher and philosopher who followed the Advaita Vedanta tradition. He is considered one of the great sages of the 20th century. His teachings emphasize the non-dual nature of reality, the concept that the individual self (the ego) and the ultimate reality (Brahman) are one and the same.

In “I Am That,” Nisargadatta Maharaj responds to questions and engages in discussions with spiritual seekers, offering profound insights into the nature of consciousness, self-realization, the ego, meditation, and the path to spiritual enlightenment. His teachings often challenge conventional beliefs and concepts about the self and reality, leading readers to contemplate the true nature of existence.

The title “I Am That” reflects one of the central themes of Nisargadatta Maharaj’s teachings, which is the recognition of one’s true self as the ultimate reality, often expressed simply as “I am.” The book is celebrated for its clarity, directness, and the wisdom contained in the dialogues.

Sudhakar S. Dikshit and Maurice Frydman were instrumental in preserving and translating Nisargadatta Maharaj’s teachings into English, making them accessible to a wider audience. “I Am That” has had a significant influence on the field of spirituality and self-inquiry and continues to be widely read and studied by those interested in non-dual philosophy and self-realization.