Nisargadatta Maharaj (1897-1981) was an advaitic sage. He lived with his family in Bombay and owned a cigarette store. After meeting his guru Siddharameshwar Maharaj, he realized the Self by devoting himself to the basic experience of being, the feeling 'I am', as his master had taught him. As a result, many people came to him with their spiritual questions. Maurice Frydman's book 'I Am That', an extensive collection of his conversations, also made him famous in the West.
In addition to biographical details, the book provides an introduction to his teachings, which are similar in content to those of Ramana Maharshi. However, his way of teaching differed considerably, as he challenged his disciples in dialogue in order to bring them closer to his experience.

Gabriele Ebert is also the author of the biographies of Ramana Maharshi and Maurice Frydman.