Customer Reviews

I Am That I Am: A Tribute to Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is an outstanding introduction to the life and teachings of a pivitol figure in 20th century Advaitic (non-dualistic) thought. It allows those interested in understanding Nisargadatta Maharaja's teachings (presented in numerous available publications) to systematically penetrate his various trains of thought by seminal themes. An added feature is the introduction of practical exercises for those desiring to look into the Reality that Nisargadatta presented to those able to encounter him while still alive, to do so for themselves in a simple and direct manner. Although the overall content of the work is excellent, it is however marred by poor editing (too many glaring typos for a published work); an obnoxious repetition of exercises with little variation, which could of been summarized in one or two chapters; and Stephen Wolinsky's constant insertion of his personal philosophical/psychological ideas -- Quantum Psychology. If the necessary editorial revisions were made and the personal philosophy left out of the book, it would be a gem. Maybe in a second edition?

P.S. For those interested in comparative thought, being thematic in presentation, it allows for many parallells to be drawn between Dzogchen, Mahamudra, Kashmir Shaivism, Zen/Ch'an, Ch'uan Chen Taoism, the Christian Saint Meister Eckhart, and Ramana Maharshi, etc. Nisargadatta was also linked to the tradition of Nath Yogins, a Pan-Indian Tantric movement stemming from the 9th/10th C. that had within its ranks the founders of many Mahasiddha linegages that are present in the Religious Traditions of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, etc., which are still in existence today.

Essentially what this book does is break down Nisargadatta Maharaj's teachings into small bite sized fragments and analyze them backwards and forwards. Advaita (non-duality)certainly isn't the easiest thing in the world to understand, add to that some of Nisagadatta's classic hindu and sankrit terminolgies and you can get very confused at times. That's just the nature of studying a Masterpiece like I AM THAT, it's deep and pure advaita right from India. So, Wolinsky's book is a great treasure as a kind of guidebook to I AM THAT. He's probably one of the most qualified americans to discuss the topic of Advaita & Nisagadatta's teachings.
The book has some nice exercises to "play" around with to get the teachings on a more experiential level so that it goes beyond just intellectual analysis.
It's not the easiest book in the world to understand. Not because of any flaw from Wolinsky, just the depth of this can be a bit tricky to grasp at times. Like I am That, this is a book to come back to over and over.BR>It will help bring your understanding of Nisargadatta Maharaj's teachings to a new level.

I found this book a great disappointment after reading the delightful "Pointers from Nisargadatta Maharaj" by Ramesh Balsekar. I expected it to be a tribute, but is about 80% dialogues from his own Teachings (Wolinski says... or Stephen says ....). And then add the " Quantum Psychology" that the author has developed. It seemed to be to be more a tribute to Wolinski, rather than to the amazing and incredible Nisargatta Maharaj. Buy "Pointers" by Balsekar instead

What can be said about such a PERSONAL tribute? Wolinsky, as a Maharaj direct
disciple, discusses not only the major teachings of Nisargadatta Maharaj, but also how they personally influenced him.
What touched me deeply, was his honesty and tribute to Nisargadatta as his teacher whose teachings led to the creation of Quantum Psychology which Wolinsky attributes to Nisargadatta alone.
.....A touching and vulnerable display of humility not often seen in these times!

Excellent quotation choice here, with Nisargadatta's usual punchy one-liners. Also contains some excellent personal coverage of the author's time with the sage. However, the "Quantum Psychology" pieces are confusing more than anything, and didn't seem to add much to the book or for an understanding Nisargadatta's teaching. The author has a tendency to also over-analyze and expound on Nisargadatta's teachings, which can end up complicating the whole matter. Worth a read or an addition to your Advaita library however.

Stephen Wolinsky, is the author of numerous books on Quantum psychology and is always very concise in his writing of understanding of how ancient wisdom and psychology can help someone understand their place in the world. His affection and understanding of Nisargatta is truly a tribute to a realized master.