Self Study Meeting, June 6, 2021

Self Study Meeting

Sunday, June 6, 2021

Zoom online

     Fifteen people, all included, were in attendance for this Sunday session online to share questions and insights related to the suggested reading from The Book of Life: Daily Meditations with Krishnamurti. The readings were focused on selected material from K’s talks and writings on the subject of “Belief”. David opened the meeting with a guided meditation exploring Krishnamurti’s idea of “total attention without effort” and the capacity to observe our thoughts and feelings without the belief that they are a true and accurate representation of who or what we actually are. And if our thoughts are believed to be real and true, can that be seen and, in the seeing, questioned. Can there be an observing of thoughts, including any doubts and fears, “negative” or “positive” ideas, without giving them the authority of truth? Can there be a “choiceless awareness” which awakens a different kind of knowing other than intellectual analysis?

     After the meditation and some discussion the floor was opened to participants who wished to share what was significant for them in the February 9 – 16 readings. Some interesting questions and responses were shared related to the material, along with some overly long and repetitive monologues and then some seemingly assertive (perhaps even aggressive and confrontational) commentaries by a couple of individuals. It was somewhat challenging to keep the meeting on a friendly basis when frustration was being felt in the group with some of the communication styles. Hopefully there was benefit in observing our reactions as revelations of the activities of “self”. There is always value in the activity of self-inquiry.