Ramesh Balsekar - A Lifestory

Ramesh Balsekar was a renowned Indian Advaita guru and author, known for his direct and pragmatic approach to spiritual understanding. Born in Mumbai, India, in 1917, Balsekar had a distinguished career in banking, rising to the position of president of the Bank of India before retiring in 1977. His spiritual journey began with a deep interest in the teachings of Jiddu Krishnamurti, but it was his encounter with Nisargadatta Maharaj that profoundly shaped his perspective. He became a disciple of Maharaj, translating Maharaj's Marathi discourses into English.

After Nisargadatta Maharaj's death in 1981, Balsekar began teaching himself, drawing heavily from Advaita Vedanta, a nondualistic school of Hindu philosophy. His core message centered on the understanding that all actions are ultimately the result of the functioning of the totality, or "God," and that the individual self is merely an illusion. He emphasized acceptance of whatever arises, without resistance or judgment, as the key to liberation from suffering.

Balsekar's teachings resonated with a wide audience, attracting seekers from around the globe. He conducted daily discourses at his home in Mumbai, answering questions and guiding individuals towards selfrealization. He authored numerous books, including "Advaita Vedanta: An Introduction," "Consciousness Speaks," and "From Consciousness to Superconsciousness," which further elucidated his teachings and made them accessible to a broader readership. He continued teaching until his death in 2009, leaving behind a legacy of profound wisdom and a clear, uncompromising message of nonduality. His teachings continue to be studied and appreciated by those seeking a deeper understanding of the nature of reality and the illusion of the self.