Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj instructs that the mantra 'I am not the body' serves as a powerful form of self-negation. This affirmation aids in breaking the habitual identification with physical forms and thoughts, fostering a deeper understanding of one's essence beyond the corporeal existence.
In contrast, the question 'What am I?' marks a significant shift towards self-inquiry or 'atma vichara,' a practice where the practitioner investigates their true nature. This form of contemplation directs attention inward, seeking the source of awareness, promoting a direct understanding of self.
Both practices are essential in Nisargadatta's teachings; the former provides a negating perspective that separates the illusion of the self from the body, while the latter urges a return to the pure feeling of 'I am,' which is crucial for deeper realization.
Nisargadatta advised that maintaining the pure 'I am' consciousness, unaccompanied by any identification or attributes, is the starting point for both negation and inquiry, guiding the seeker towards profound truths about their being.
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