A New Mind and Heart: The Crucible of Sorrow

A New Mind and Heart: The Crucible of Sorrow

May 15, 2021, with Cynthia Overweg

Zoom Online

 

This was the fourth and final presentation by Cynthia in the series “A New Mind and Heart.” Seventeen people in total were present for the Saturday morning broadcast from Ojai, California. Cynthia explained that the dictionary meaning of “crucible” is a place or situation in which concentrated forces interact to cause or influence change or development. This relates to Krishnamurti’s teachings in a number of ways. He says that mind and heart are not actually divided but thought creates a division which must be transcended. Mind must perceive wholly: perception must be fresh and without judgement. In this perception sorrow comes to an end and “the ending of sorrow brings love and compassion.” (K)

Cynthia’s talk tied the topic to the challenge of the Covid-19 emergency with all its sorrow and suffering. There were also a number of pauses for relaxation and noticing the breath – a returning to silence of the mind. Her understanding of what Krishnamurti pointed to is that we must approach sorrow very simply. Our relationships must be understood, including our relationship with sorrow. There is the sorrow of ignorance, the lack of awareness of the total process of ourselves, the sorrow of time and measurement, personal sorrow and the sorrow of mankind. There is joy in life but also much suffering which must be looked at. There is war, poverty, inequality, indifference, and intolerance. These are suffered by all humans. Krishnamurti asks if there can be a “psychological revolution”, but “few of us are willing to face that.”

Can the mind be silent in the face of sorrow? Can we remain with sorrow? Out of that comes passion (the abandonment of the self) which is love and beauty. “Beauty, love, is where you are not.” (K) Cynthia wondered if the sacred can be experienced without the contrast of the profane. Following the hour-long presentation there was a half hour available for group discussion of the topics introduced, producing some interesting questions and observations. Cynthia wound up the session with her favourite quote from K, “When I understand myself, I understand you, and out of that understanding comes love.” The series of four presentations was an offering of lovely quality from Cynthia.