A graduate in commerce from the University of London, Ramesh S. Balsekar had a notable career in the banking industry. He worked his way up to become the General Manager of a leading nationalized bank and eventually retired as its President in 1977. Throughout his professional life, he couldn't shake off the feeling that he was merely playing a role in a temporary play. Deep inside, he yearned for something more meaningful than mere competition with others.
What was he searching for? The answer arrived shortly after his retirement when he had a life-changing encounter with the renowned sage and his Guru, Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj. This meeting led to regular daily interactions, and Ramesh began translating and documenting the profound discussions he had with Nisargadatta Maharaj. In 1979, Ramesh experienced a total understanding that 'no one does anything.' Following his Guru's command, he started teaching in 1982. These enlightening conversations began unexpectedly one morning when an Australian man arrived at his doorstep. The following day, the Australian returned with a group of friends, and gradually, the number of visitors seeking Ramesh's wisdom increased. Over time, he wrote more than 25 books and conducted numerous seminars across Europe and the USA. Until the very end, which came on September 27, 2009, Ramesh continued to hold morning talks with visitors from all corners of the globe at his residence in Mumbai. As Ramesh often expressed, "No one is invited, and everyone is welcome."
Acknowledged worldwide as one of the most prominent contemporary sages and revered as a Master of pure Advaita, Ramesh led the life of a householder Guru while being married and a father of three children. He skillfully combined his own insights with the teachings of his Guru Nisargadatta Maharaj, the Buddha, Ramana Maharshi, selected Hindu scriptures, as well as the wisdom imparted by Taoist Masters and Wei Wu Wei. All these sources served as pointers towards the ultimate truth, 'The Ultimate Understanding.'
