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How does Nisargadatta Maharaj's teachings relate to modern-day society?

In a world buzzing with notifications and the latest TikTok trend, Nisargadatta Maharaj’s straightforward reminders to “know thyself” feel like a cool breeze cutting through the clutter. At the heart of I Am That lies a timeless pointer: the sense of “I am” is far more than a name or a role—it’s pure awareness. This insight lands with extra punch today, when social media feeds encourage everyone to wear curated masks and scroll past their own inner voices.

Modern life often feels like juggling flaming torches—simultaneously chasing career goals, digital fame, mental health tips and climate-change updates. Maharaj’s teaching strips away all that noise, gently suggesting that the real game-changer isn’t one more productivity hack or mindfulness app but a direct encounter with the ever-present “I.” No fancy jargon needed—just a willingness to watch thoughts as they come and go, like clouds drifting across a clear sky.

One anonymous corporate warrior, burned out by endless Zoom marathons, found solace in Maharaj’s words by carving out brief pauses between back-to-back calls. Rather than reaching for another cup of coffee, each pause became an invitation to notice the sense of being itself. Productivity didn’t plummet; instead, clarity soared. That kind of simplicity hits the nail on the head for anyone wrestling with remote-work fatigue or digital overload.

On a bigger scale, waves of eco-anxiety and societal unrest underscore how identification with transient identities—consumer, activist, influencer—can leave people feeling fragmented. Maharaj’s insistence on returning to the root “I am” reminds listeners that beneath all those labels lies an unshakable core. Tuning into it cultivates resilience, compassion and an unspoken knowing that runs deeper than any headline or hashtag.

Whether navigating the AI revolution or simply trying to get through rush-hour traffic, these dialogues serve as a quiet compass. Beyond philosophies or fleeting trends, the invitation is clear: touch the ground of being, and the rest falls into place.