Self-Inquiry with Hillary Rodrigues, May 24, 2026
We met at Swanwick Centre for another open dialogue gathering exploring awareness, thought, conditioning, and self understanding in the spirit of Krishnamurti’s teachings. After introductions and reflections on the history of the Centre, the inquiry moved into the meaning of choiceless awareness, a phrase many felt drawn to yet uncertain about. Participants explored whether it might mean awareness without judgment, awareness without resistance, or simply observing thoughts and reactions without immediately trying to change them.
The dialogue explored how reactions often create further reactions and whether it is possible to simply notice these movements without becoming entangled in them. Several participants reflected on how the movement of memory can create a layer between direct perception and what is actually being seen. The question arose whether psychological struggle continues because uncomfortable feelings are suppressed rather than carefully observed.
The dialogue also explored action, choice, and intelligence. Can there be action without psychological choice? Can seeing clearly itself be action? Some reflected that when something harmful is deeply seen, change may happen naturally without effort or willpower.
Examples from daily life grounded the inquiry. Cleaning a table, noticing a memory triggered by a familiar object, observing judgment arise, or seeing nature freshly without accumulated mental images. Participants reflected on how thought continually creates identities, ideals, and goals, even turning spirituality into another form of striving.
The gathering closed by returning to a central invitation within Krishnamurti’s teachings – to observe directly what is happening inwardly now. Snacks and informal conversation continued afterward in the Gate House.
- Anastasia Shtamina
