A New Mind and Heart with Cynthia Overweg, April 17, 2021

A New Mind and Heart: Awakening to Inner Freedom

With Cynthia Overweg

Saturday, April 17, 2021.

Zoom online

 

This was the third of four presentations by Cynthia Overweg from Ojai, California, exploring the teachings of J. Krishnamurti and inspired by his statement that the world is in such a crisis that we need a “new mind and heart” in order to effectively meet the challenges facing us. This particular session was focused on “Authority and Fear”, both very central issues in K’s teachings, and was attended by 25 people in total. Cynthia’s format is to share a number of quotes by Krishnamurti and then speak of each one. Later in the meeting she opens the floor for discussion and dialogue. There are also a number of breaks for tuning in and relaxation, which are both essential in appreciating K’s approach to self-knowledge and inquiry. Central to the process is the seeing of our psychological reactions to what life presents. We may have to see the reactions many times before they fade away. Connections were made between our self-understanding and issues that the Covid pandemic provokes in us. What K suggests in terms of observation and being with our experiences can bring about a different quality of attention and awareness in which our problems may be resolved or dissolved.

During the discussion segment of the meeting a number of questions arose concerning love and fear. There are many kinds of fear, including the fear of losing love. And what is love? Seeing the fear ends it in that moment if we are not identified with it. There is no formula or technique, but compassion for ourselves and others can arise when we are able to stay with the fear. Love may then be a sense of total union. For Cynthia, a key statement (of K’s) is the following:

“When I understand myself, I understand you, and out of that arises love.”