Teachings of H.W.L. Poonja (Papaji) on Non-Duality
Hari Wanch Lal Poonja, known as Papaji, was a 20th-century Indian spiritual teacher and a direct disciple of Sri Ramana Maharshi. He is widely recognized for transmitting the core message of Non-duality (Advaita Vedanta) in a direct, experiential, and often radical way. Though rooted in the ancient Indian Advaita tradition, Papaji’s style was spontaneous, uncompromising, and deeply rooted in self-inquiry and silence.
Core Teachings of Papaji on Non-Duality
1. There Is Only the Self (Pure Consciousness)
2. Enlightenment Is Instantaneous and Already the Case
3. No Practices Are Required—Only Direct Inquiry
4. Silence Is the Most Powerful Teaching
5. The Ego Is the Only Obstacle
Papaji’s central message is: "You are That"—the eternal, unchanging Awareness that is always present. The Self is not an object, not the body, mind, or ego, but pure, limitless being. Realization means recognizing that you have never been separate from this Self.
Papaji insisted that enlightenment does not take time, nor does it require years of spiritual practice. Since you are already the Self, you don’t need to become anything—you need only to recognize what you are right now.
Papaji discouraged elaborate techniques. He emphasized direct self-inquiry: asking “Who am I?” and diving into the source of the 'I' thought. All striving is based on the false belief in a seeker who must attain something—but there is no seeker.
For Papaji, Silence was the highest teaching—not the absence of sound, but the stillness of pure being. In his presence, many experienced awakening without verbal explanation.
Papaji taught that the ego—the sense of a separate 'me'—is the root of all suffering. Liberation involves seeing through this illusion, not suppressing it.
6. Don’t Touch the ‘I’ Thought
He often said: 'Don’t touch the ‘I’ thought.' This means: don’t engage with the mental stories that reinforce separation. Remain as the witnessing presence.
7. No Doer, No Karma
Papaji rejected the idea of personal doership. If there is no ego, then there is no one to act or be bound by karma.
Papaji's Relationship to Ramana Maharshi
Papaji awakened after meeting Ramana Maharshi, who told him to 'find the one who seeks.' This confirmed Papaji’s view that awakening is here and now.
Global Influence
Papaji taught from Lucknow, India, where he guided many international seekers. Students like Mooji, Gangaji, and Andrew Cohen spread his message globally.
Famous Quotes
• “Don’t stir a single thought. Remain as you
are.”
• “The Truth is always present. It is not hidden. You are That.”
• “No teacher, no teaching, no student, no path.”
Recommended Sources
• “Nothing Ever Happened” by David Godman
• “Wake Up and Roar” – Transcripts of Papaji’s satsangs
• “This: Prose and Poetry of Dancing Emptiness” – Compilation of Papaji’s poetry and teachings
Summary:
Key Pillars of Papaji’s Teaching • You Are Already Free – No need for effort - only
recognition • Stop Seeking – Seeking assumes you are separate • Be Quiet – Silence reveals truth more than speech • Stop Seeking – Seeking assumes you are separate
• Be Quiet – Silence reveals truth more than speech
• No Ego, No Doer – Realize the illusion of the “I”
• Direct Self-Inquiry – Use “Who am I?” to cut through illusion