The Basic Teaching

Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj

The nature of the consciousness has to be understood. This consciousness can arise only in the physical body, and the physical body is the essence of the five elements. It is because of the association with the physical body that there is suffering. Most people who come here will not be able to accept this type of knowledge because it is on a strictly fundamental level. But some persons who apply themselves and can accept such a point of view will really understand. They will be totally free from the impact of pain and unhappiness, if they understand that the latter can only result from the consciousness which has identified itself with the physical body and suffers as an individual. In that case, suffering must inevitably result. But, what is the individual? There is a body created out of the five elements and in that body dwells the vital breath (prana) and the consciousness; it is a composite unity. All living forms contain the vital breath and the consciousness. And, although the forms are different, they all contain the same elements. So I ask again: Where is the question of an individual? Basically there is none. And this is my basic teaching which has to be grasped, but only very few  will understand.