Quotes of Nisargadatta Maharaj

Nisargadatta Maharaj, one of the most revered spiritual teachers of the 20th century, was known for his direct and uncompromising teachings on self-inquiry and non-duality.

His wisdom, expressed in simple yet profound language, helped countless seekers grasp the essence of self-realization. Below, we explore some of his most iconic quotes, offering reflections and insights on how they resonate in our practice and lives.

Nisargadatta Maharaj Quotes

"The consciousness in you and the consciousness in me, apparently two, really one, seek unity and that is love."

This quote reflects Maharaj's profound understanding of consciousness and love. He saw love as the natural outcome of realizing our shared essence.

When we see beyond the illusion of separation, we recognize the unity of all beings, and in this recognition, love naturally arises. As practitioners, we are encouraged to look beyond surface differences and connect with the essence that binds us all.

"You will receive everything you need when you stop asking for what you do not need."

Nisargadatta often spoke about the simplicity of life and the futility of desires that pull us away from our true nature. This quote serves as a powerful reminder that many of our desires are distractions from what is truly important.

By letting go of unnecessary wants, we align ourselves with our true needs, allowing us to live with greater contentment and clarity. It invites practitioners to question the motivations behind their desires and embrace simplicity.

"Wisdom tells me I am nothing. Love tells me I am everything. Between the two, my life flows."

Maharaj’s teachings often delved into the paradox of self-realization. Wisdom shows us that the ego is an illusion—ultimately, we are nothing but pure consciousness. Yet love, the feeling that connects all beings, tells us we are everything.

This beautiful interplay between nothingness and everythingness is the essence of life. Practitioners can reflect on this duality, using it as a guide to live a balanced life, both transcendent and engaged.

"Wisdom tells me I am nothing. Love tells me I am everything. Between the two, my life flows." – Nisargadatta Maharaj

Life is a dance between humility and unity—between being nothing and embracing everything.

— Jack Utermoehl (@AsivanaYoga) November 18, 2024

"To know that you are nothing is wisdom. To know that you are everything is love. Between these two, your life flows."

Similar to the previous quote, this one emphasizes the dance between wisdom and love. Recognizing that we are nothing allows us to let go of egoic attachments, while knowing we are everything allows us to embrace all experiences with compassion.

As yoga practitioners, this understanding brings depth to our practice, reminding us to cultivate both non-attachment and compassion simultaneously.

"The mind creates the abyss, the heart crosses it."

Nisargadatta reminds us that much of our suffering is self-created through the endless chatter of the mind. The mind’s nature is to divide, create and solve problems, often leading us to feel separate and isolated.

However, the heart, which represents intuition and love, has the power to bridge these gaps. This quote encourages practitioners to move beyond overthinking and trust the wisdom of the heart.

"The mind creates the abyss, the heart crosses it." – Nisargadatta Maharaj

The mind divides and complicates, but the heart holds the key to connection and unity.

— Jack Utermoehl (@AsivanaYoga) November 18, 2024

"The world you perceive is made of consciousness; what you call matter is consciousness itself. You are the pure awareness that illuminates consciousness."

Maharaj taught that everything we perceive is a manifestation of consciousness. This quote is a reminder that there is no separation between the physical world and consciousness—they are one and the same.

By realizing this, we transcend the limitations of identification with the body or mind and become aware of the pure awareness that illuminates all experiences. Practitioners can reflect on this truth during meditation, cultivating a sense of oneness with everything.

"When I see I am nothing, that is wisdom. When I see I am everything, that is love. My life moves between these two."

This is a recurring theme in Maharaj’s teachings. The interplay between emptiness and fullness, between wisdom and love, is the essence of non-duality.

As practitioners, embracing this understanding allows us to find peace in emptiness while fully embracing the richness of life. It challenges us to live without clinging, finding freedom in both aspects of existence.

"Stay with the 'I am', the 'I am' is the bridge between the body and the beyond."

One of Nisargadatta's core teachings was the practice of staying with the sense of 'I am'—the pure sense of being, without attaching any labels or identifications.

This simple practice acts as a bridge between the physical body and the experience of the limitless self. By staying with the 'I am', practitioners can move beyond the layers of identity and experience the deeper truth of their existence.

"Freedom is from something. Liberation is not from anything. It is understanding that there is nothing from which to be liberated."

Maharaj makes a subtle distinction between freedom and liberation. Freedom often implies being free from some sort of bondage, whereas true liberation goes beyond the dualistic notion of bondage and freedom.

It is the realization that there is nothing that binds us in the first place. This quote encourages us to question the very nature of our perceived limitations and understand that ultimate liberation lies in the dissolution of illusions.

"There is no such thing as peace of mind. Mind means disturbance; restlessness itself is mind. Only when the mind is quiet, there is peace."

This quote brings awareness to the restless nature of the mind. True peace cannot be found by attempting to pacify the mind; instead, it arises when we transcend the mind and rest in pure awareness.

Yoga practitioners can take this as a reminder to observe their thoughts rather than identify with them, cultivating a space of stillness beyond the fluctuations of the mind.

Integrating Maharaj's Wisdom into Practice

These quotes from Nisargadatta Maharaj are profound guides for those seeking a deeper understanding of non-duality and self-inquiry.

Let these reflections inspire your practice, both on and off the mat. Whether it is staying with the 'I am', embracing the paradox of nothingness and everythingness, or trusting the heart over the mind,

Maharaj's words invite us to continually deepen our exploration of our true nature. Take these insights into your practice, allowing them to shape your awareness, your meditation, and your journey towards liberation.