Master of Self - Realization: An Ultimate Understanding

His holiness Shri Siddharameshwar Maharaj, the spiritual master of Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj and Shri Ranjit Maharaj gave very informal, instructional and thought-provoking discourses on spiritual wisdom during the period from 1934 to 1936. They were based not only on scriptural texts like Dasbodhof Samartha Ramdas, Yogavasishtha, etc. but also based on his own realisation. During that time while attending these discourses, Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj used to take handwritten notes. Much later in 1961 - 62 Nisargadatta Maharaj with the help of Shri Khanderao Sabnis, alias Bhainath Maharaj, got them published for the benefit of devotees and other interested readers. This edition was soon out of print and the publication was not available for many years. A new edition was therefore published in 2001 at the insistence of Shri Ranjit Maharaj. These 130 discourses were originally published in two volumes in Marathi, the language in which they were delivered. Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj and Shri Ranjit Maharaj, both disciples of Shri Siddharameshwar Maharaj became prominently known to non - Marathi Indian and western spiritual aspirants through the books I am that (Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj) and illusion vs reality (Shri Ranjit Maharaj) which were published in English. Readers of these books became therefore keen to know more about Shri Siddharameshwar Maharaj and his teaching and often requested for publication of an English translation of these discourses. We have therefore thought it fit to accede to these requests and to publish an English translation of these two volumes and thereby acquaint the non - Marathi Indian and western aspirants with the teachings of Shri Siddharameshwar Maharaj as well. Shri Diwakar Ghaisas offered to undertake the task of English translation in the spirit of service without any reservation. Shri Diwakar Ghaisas is an accomplished author as well as translator of a number of religious and spiritual publications. He had the good fortune to listen to late Shri J. Krishnamurti for over thirty years and to translate several of Shri J. Krishnamurthis books into Marathi. He has also translated Dasbodhof Samarth Ramdas into lucid English. He is also well known in spiritual circles because of his own accomplishments in that field. We have therefore, entrusted this English translation to his experienced and able hands. This book contains 130 discourses of Shri Siddharameshwar Maharaj, based on scriptural texts and self-realisation. These discourses are unique and incomparable in their sweep, clarity, directness and instruction. Being results oriented, they are a valuable aid to devoted seekers and will help accelerate their progress towards self-realisation. There are many references to Indian scriptures, mythological and historical characters and events, traditions and practises in these discourses, with which the non Indian reader may not be familiar. Necessary notes have therefore been provided separately to clarify the context and aid understanding and appreciation. We hope that the devotees and other readers will welcome this effort and like it. We crave their indulgence for possible errors through oversight although every effort has been made to present a flawless translation.