Nisargadatta Maharaj is known for his Gnana marga. As the current Guru in his path, Vijay Maharaj summarized the path, “recognize the “I Am” consciousness within yourself and sit quietly” (this was said in an interview with me, watch here)
This path is considered akin to Ramana Maharshi’s path of reflecting upon ‘Who am I’.
It is called “Gnana marga”. Probably because it is a direct method to FALL into Gnana.
However, for a lot of sadhakas, they can only engage with these teachings in an intellectual way. On same lines, the word Gnana is translated as ‘Knowledge’ in English language. This is not correct. Because true Gnana has always been beyond the intellectual faculties.
In this context, I have found it very interesting that Nisargadatta Maharaj had a lot of Bhakti and typical Hindu ritual stuff happening in his daily life.
Here are two quotes from David Godman’s interview (source)
“Nisargadatta Maharaj used to do five bhajans a day simply because his Guru had asked him to. Siddharameshwar Maharaj had passed away in 1936, but Nisargadatta Maharaj was still continuing with these practices more than forty years later.”
“He did a Guru puja every morning at the end of which he put kumkum on the foreheads of all the teachers in his lineage and on the photos of everyone else he thought was enlightened.”
His lineage (Inchageri Sampradaya from the Navnath) is steeped in these traditions of bhajans, poojas and similar rituals. However, in my interview with Vijaya Maharaj, he mentioned, “these are rituals of the Gnana marga”.
I did read through some of these bhajans and maybe if I was to delve deeper into their meaning, then they are not focused on the greatness of a deity, but rather on the inner spiritual state of devotees and gnanis. Thus, they are different.
However, for a typical devotee, if they do not delve into the meaning of the bhajan… then for all practical purposes the rituals are that of a Bhakti marga. Thus, I have always recommended that you need to delve into the meaning of words. And especially if you are doing some sort of a bhajan or scriptural ritual – then always delve into its meaning!
So, is Nisargadatta’s Lineage, Inchageri Sampradaya Bhakti marga?
I think we must delve deeper into what Bhakti is. If we find a gnani – like Ramana or Nisargadatta – and their methods benefit us deeply, do we feel deep gratitude and love for them?
When Nisargadatta Maharaj can follow a ritual for over 40 years simply cause his Guru said so. When Ramana Maharshi got teary eyed and choked with emotion while reading puranic stories.
Just because we are on “gnana marga” – are we devoid of this deep spiritual love?
No.
As we go deeper on our spiritual journey, I don’t think we can distinguish these labels – this is “gnana”, this is “bhakti” etc etc… The entire spiritual experience is one cohesive experience. And when we have elevated experiences, we will express through different ways – subtler intelligence, deeper emotions, loving actions, regulated breathing and so on…
The epithets given to various paths can be indicative but should not restrictive and limited. Because the spiritual journey is anyway towards the boundless.
Watch my interview with Vijay Maharaj, current Guru in Nisargadatta Maharaj’s lineage,
BTW, I have helped a few devotees plan a pilgrimage to NIsargadatta Maharaj & Inchageri Sampradaya spots. To know more, please comment below, or contact here.
