He is a disciple of Shri Nisargadatta Maharaj, a renowned Advaita master. From early childhood, Balsekar was drawn to Advaita, particularly the teachings of Ramana Maharshi and Jiddu Krishnamurti. Nisargadatta Maharaj (March ??, 1897 - September 8, 1981) was a seller of cigarettes in Mumbai and was considered by many an enlightened being and a master of spirituality. ... Ramana Mahrishi as portrayed in a loving oil painting by Jayalakshmi Satyendra Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi is regarded by some as one of the greatest saints of Hinduism in the 20th century. ... Jiddu Krishnamurti Jiddu Krishnamurti (May 11, 1895 Madanapalle, IndiaâFebruary 17, 1986 Ojai, California) was discovered as a teenager by C.W. Leadbeater in India on the private beach at the Theosophical headquarters at Adyar in Chennai. ...