Self-inquiry with Cynthia Overweg, May 19, 2024, at KECC

Self-inquiry with Cynthia Overweg

Sunday, May 19, 2024

Metchosin, BC

 

There was a turnout of twelve (all included) for this meeting at the Krishnamurti Educational Centre of Canada in Metchosin, BC. The weather was sunny and the wind was very mild, so we were able to sit outside on the front lawn without getting cold and without the problems in hearing each other when speaking that have been an issue at recent gatherings. The meeting began with self-introductions by participants, after which our facilitator, Cynthia, asked us to observe a few minutes of silence, listening to what was happening around us and within us. Following the silence She asked if anyone had a question or insight to share from their reading of the Krishnamurti text The Book of Life: Daily Meditations with Krishnamurti, which we are using as a reference for these self-inquiry sessions, or from their “reading” of the book of their own lives. Several group members expressed that the process of looking at ourselves involved an exposure of vulnerabilities which often made it quite challenging. It was agreed that the process involves a peeling away of layers of our consciousness which are not our true identity and in that process fear can easily be awakened. Krishnamurti has spoken of this awakening of fear and its transcendence. We opened up and examined a variety of fears which can arise and questioned the reality or “realness” of them. It was said that Krishnamurti felt it was most important to examine our psychological fears rather than ones related to physical harm or danger, which could be dealt with on a different level.

We discussed the importance of “being with” our fears and being authentic in our sharing of them and their effects on us. When it comes to dealing with our fears it was questioned whether the search for “answers” to our problems is effective or helpful. It was an interesting and revealing dialogue in which we attempted to gain an understanding which could bring a greater freedom into our daily lives.

DB