I Am meditation

Nisargadatta Maharaj taught that the sense "I Am" is the gateway to the Absolute. Before "I am this" or "I am that," there is simply the pure sense of being—wordless, formless presence.

By resting attention on this bare "I Am" without adding any qualifications, the practitioner gradually goes beyond even this sense of existence to the Absolute, which is prior to consciousness itself.

This practice requires no special posture or technique. It is simply a matter of holding onto the sense of being, staying with the feeling "I exist" in its most basic form. As Nisargadatta said, "Stay with the 'I Am' and all else will be revealed."

Throughout the day, return attention to the simple sense that you exist. Not "I am a person" or "I am doing something," but just the bare feeling of being. Rest there without seeking anything else. Let this sense of presence become your natural home.

The main obstacle is constantly qualifying the "I Am" with identities and stories. Another is impatience—expecting quick results rather than allowing the practice to mature naturally. Some also confuse thinking about "I Am" with actually resting in the felt sense of being.