“Why Not This?”

“Why Not This?” Weekend Retreat with Prof. Hilary Rodrigues July 31 – August 2, 2015      The retreat with Professor Hilary Rodrigues from the University of Lethbridge opened on Friday evening with a public talk at the KECC centre in Metchosin.  He presented the topic for the weekend and explored the reasons for asking the question “Why not this?”  The question has different possible meanings and angles of approach.  “This” refers to the here and now, what is present in this moment, what Krishnamurti calls “what is”.  Is “this” It, or is there perhaps more to “this” than we normally experience?  The contemplative approach of negation – not this, not this – was contrasted to the inclusive approach of inclusion where whatever is present is “It”.  Hilary discussed some of the ways we seek fulfillment and suggested that the exploration he had in mind for the weekend was something other than the search for personal satisfaction.  The talk was followed by an interesting group discussion.  Sixteen people attended the event.      Fourteen of us remained for the full weekend, which was a combination of awareness exercises, short talks by Hilary, and group discussions related to the exercises and what was presented.  The clear weather allowed us to spend much of the time outdoors on the lovely property.   One interesting exercise was to spend ten minutes as an enlightened being and to notice what happened.  Another explored “Why not THIS?” as an all inclusive question implying the complete adequacy of whatever is arising, alternating with “Why NOT this?’ as a negation of what is arising, or a seeing of the incompleteness of the conditioned arisings of the mind.  The various experiences of the participants made for valuable sharing.      On Sunday a video was included of Krishnamurti speaking with Professor Alan Anderson on meditation and the sacred.  Participants found the video very relevant and profound.  K said that meditation is the mind emptying itself of its own content. There is no need for books or teachers, but only to look at ourselves with great attention and care, which are present when there is a deep inward seriousness.  K advised allowing suffering to flower while being choicelessly aware of it. This brings an end to suffering.     The comments from the group about the workshop were mostly very appreciative, with a few recommendations for improvement.  Everyone hoped Hilary would return again next year.