“A New Beginning” with Mukesh Gupta

“A New Beginning”

Sunday, January 10, 2021

Online with Mukesh Gupta

 

This free presentation by Mukesh Gupta from Varanasi, India, was a one-hour introduction to an online retreat that will be offered January 21 to 24. The retreat will be entitled “Truth is a Pathless Land: Exploring the Core of J. Krishnamurti’s Teachings” and will focus on the study of a short document Krishnamurti wrote in his final years outlining the essence of his message. In his opening address Mukesh spoke of the meaning of self-inquiry, beginning with Socrates’ famous saying: “an unexamined life is not worth living.” Self-inquiry involves the asking of deep questions about life and being open to insights that may arise in a quiet mind that is interested in looking and listening to oneself and others. This inquiry is not a self-centred activity but, when carried out in the context of relationship, requires a deep sense of togetherness and affection along with a curiosity and wonder about ourselves and our lives. It is an investigation of significant questions such as “Who am I?”, “What is this I?”, “Is there something truly sacred?”, “What is the authentic, non-mechanical way of living?”, and “Can there be an awareness that is non-reactive and a source of love and peace?” We are invited to stay with the questions rather than rushing toward an answer. This involves noticing and “letting go” of what is non-essential moment to moment, including “the observer.” It is a kind of psychological dying, a being “nothing”.

The second half of the session was an opportunity for questions and further elaboration of what was presented in the opening talk. It was pointed out that being fully with “what Is” can open one to the intelligence of the heart and a way of living that is of meaning and value. The presentation was clearly and beautifully expressed by Mukesh, and we anticipate that the coming retreat will delve even more profoundly into these issues.