Self-inquiry, July 19, 2023

/in /by

Self-inquiry with Mukesh Gupta

Wednesday, July 19, 2023

At Esquimalt Gorge Pavilion

 

Seven people in total were present for this late afternoon meeting at the lovely Gorge Park pavilion. Mukesh began the session with a silent sit of about five minutes before making his usual introductory comments about the nature of dialogue. What is important in this kind of exploration, he pointed out, is to avoid making it into an intellectual exercise. Slowing down our thinking and sharing of ideas and insights helps us to go more deeply into silence, affection, and love, which are some of the valuable aspects of self-inquiry.

Mukesh then opened up the dialogue for any questions needing exploration for the participants. The first question was related to Krishnamurti’s statement that “seeing is action”. The questioner felt he did not have a full understanding of K’s meaning. One group member offered that K’s use of the word “action” might be different than the usual way in which the term is used. He felt that the meaning of “action” for K involved a deep inner shift or change which was beyond external expression or any “doing”. It was a case of insight rather than any change in thinking or conceptualising.

The inquiry moved into the issue of ending suffering, perhaps the essence of self Knowledge and meditation. The difference between what is and what should be was examined along with resistance to “what is”. The story of the Buddha’s enlightenment was introduced and contrasted with that of Krishnamurti. Key elements were considered to be the significance of self-knowledge, the meaning of psychological death, and the ending of continuity. The inquiry seemed to bring a fairly profound questioning and looking at some significant issues in our understanding of ourselves and perhaps of K’s perspectives.

Self-inquiry, July 16, 2023

/in /by

Self-inquiry

With Mukesh Gupta

July 16, 2023

Krishnamurti Educational Centre of Canada

 

Nine of us were in attendance at this outdoor Sunday meeting at the Swanwick Road location of KECC in Metchosin. Our communication was made sometimes difficult by occasional gusts of wind and yet the benefits of sitting outdoors on a lovely day made up for the difficulty in hearing each other. Mukesh began the session with a short guided meditation which suggested we notice and slow down our breathing and pay attention to body sensations and external sounds like the wind, letting thoughts flower and dissolve by themselves. He then spoke briefly about the difference between inquiry and discussion or debate which do not support transformation in a deep way. The floor was then opened to any burning questions that might be active for participants in the present moment.

After some time of silent sitting, one group member asked if it would have any value to share life situations or problems and to explore such issues in greater detail. It was acknowledged that such inquiry could be useful and potentially significant and Mukesh asked if we are satisfied with our lives as they are or, alternatively, are we deeply interested in some kind of radical change. This led participants to share a number of issues that seemed well worth exploring more fully. The experience of restlessness was brought forward along with discontent and boredom. The question was asked, “What is blocking our inner freedom and creating a sense of contraction, limitation, and the desire to be loved?” We looked into the contrast of dissatisfaction felt by the “self” or “ego” and the joy of pure Being and the sense of expansiveness and spaciousness felt when the self is transcended or falls away at least temporarily. The necessity of self-knowledge and of regular attention to the activities of thought and the “self” was explored in some depth until it seemed we had reached a natural ending of our dialogue for the present time. It felt like the time had been well spent.

DB

Choiceless Awareness, Part 4: The Inner Quest

/in /by

Choiceless Awareness, Part 4: The Inner Quest

With Cynthia Overweg Online

July 15, 2023

At Krishnamurti Educational Centre of Canada

 

Fifteen people, all included, were present for this meeting led online by Cynthia Overweg from Ojai, California. It was the last in a series of meetings exploring the subject of choiceless awareness, which Cynthia claimed to be probably the pillar of J. Krishnamurti’s teachings. Choiceless awareness dissolves all conditioning, even if for just a short time, she said.

A number of questions significant for this inquiry are related to the fact of seeking: What are we seeking? Is it freedom from the “me”? What is the difference between seeking and “the state of search”? Who is seeking? Can all seeking end? Does the negation of the “me” end all seeking? Why do we seek at all? In the face of the fact that everything is impermanent and nothing lasts, why do we seek physical and psychological security? Do we seek to fill a void that cannot be filled?

The inquiry went into a number of aspects of the “seeker”, including the feeling of loneliness which, when felt without naming or conceptualising, can be a way into the very core of the self which is attempting to continue its existential journey through life while avoiding being nothing. This requires awareness from moment to moment, a direct looking at the facts. Truth comes to the mind that understands the activity of seeking. “Doing” is not required but, rather, being still and receptive from the beginning of our meditative journey. A careful attention to the movements of thought is necessary for the dissolving of the self or “me”. Attention stills the mind and makes choiceless awareness possible, along with the arising of compassion.

The session consisted of about an hour presentation by Cynthia followed by a group exploration of the ideas presented. It was felt to be a somewhat “heavy” exploration of concepts not easy to understand and yet there was an appreciation of the message and of Cynthia’s skill in communicating it. A number of participants requested more such gatherings, which were felt to have significant value in the “pursuit” of self-knowledge.

DB

Self- Inquiry, July 12, 2023

/in /by

Self-inquiry

July 12, 2023

With Mukesh Gupta

Esquimalt Gorge Pavilion

 

A total of nine people showed up for a Wednesday afternoon dialogue facilitated by Mukesh Gupta and sponsored by the Krishnamurti Educational Centre of Canada. After brief introductions from the participants, Mukesh began as usual with an outline of the process of dialogue and “Meditative self-inquiry”, both of which aim to clarify the nature of the self we take as our identity in our daily lives as well as in unusual situations. An important aspect of self-inquiry is the entry into the depth of a serious question, letting it flower and reveal itself fully. This involves slowing the mind and opening the heart with an attentiveness which observes the movement of thought and the mind. There is also a deep listening, a suspending of your immediate reactions, and a giving of space for thought to unravel its ways of engaging with life.

One group member expressed that she felt she was a “nobody” more than a “somebody” and she was asked to elaborate further on this idea. It was suggested that trying to be a somebody and trying to be a nobody were equally incorrect and that one should not aspire to either one, as Krishnamurti did not in his own life. There was then some interesting talk about finding a balance within ourselves, the falseness of judging oneself and others, and the value of human life. We questioned whether we are living as an image or a story and what place habits have in such a life. Can we be aware of our habits and be free of them? And can we allow each other to be as we are?

Our meeting wound up with appreciation of the world’s beauty and the joy of exposure to nature. Krishnamurti was quoted: “When the self is, the “other” is not.” We looked at the difference between stopping an action and observing it without motive. Writing down our thoughts was deemed to be helpful

Self-inquiry, July 5, 2023

/in /by

Self-inquiry

Wednesday, July 5, 2023

With Mukesh Gupta

Esquimalt Gorge Pavilion, Victoria,

 

Six people attended this Wednesday afternoon meeting at the new Gorge Pavilion. It seems that recently the same or similar issues regularly come up for our group investigation. The central challenge seems to be the difficulty for the thinking mind in coming to a state of rest or quietness. Participants described how in various ways their minds are obsessed with keeping themselves occupied by watching TV, movies, the news, competitive sports, and so on, all of which leave a mark on the consciousness. It is difficult to restrict ourselves from engaging in these activities, but most of us seem to be compelled to avoid a feeling of emptiness within, a loneliness or fear of missing out (FOMO), This often produces a sensation of rushing to get things done.

The avoidance of “the void” can often create a sense of superficiality in one’s life, a constant escaping from the reality of the present moment. On the other hand, staying with the inner emptiness brings about a greater authenticity and a deeper sense of awareness of one’s inner psychology along with a greater ability to allow for gaps in the continuity of thought.

Mukesh asked each one of us to describe what brings a greater awareness into our lives. There were a variety of responses, all very interesting. A few participants mentioned that it is important to observe carefully whatever is happening in our thinking, especially when we are faced with a crisis of some kind. It was also said to be important to see that thought is limited and cannot solve our important problems.

Self-inquiry, July 2, 2023

/in /by

Self-inquiry

With Mukesh Gupta

KECC, Metchosin, BC

Sunday, July 2, 2023

 

Seven of us gathered on the front lawn of the Krishnamurti Educational Centre of Canada, located in Metchosin, BC, on a warm and sunny afternoon to explore ourselves through the process of “dialogue” or “meditative self-inquiry”, as Mukesh likes to call it. It is an exercise in looking carefully at the movement of thought in ourselves in order to gain insight into our thought processes. Such insight, Krishnamurti suggests, can generate a sense of freedom and well-being. Mukesh, the facilitator for the day, usually begins by describing some of the features of such a dialogue and then asks participants to bring forward any important questions or issues they would like to explore in the context of a group inquiry or investigation. On this occasion one group member asked “Why is the mind not able to be quiet? Why is it always in movement?” These questions opened up a strong interest in the relation between loss, pain, attachment, and suffering. Why do we not live in the present moment and why do memories play such a significant role in our experience? Why do we try to control life and shape it as we think it “should be” rather than letting it be as it is? What does it mean to “be with what is”, as Krishnamurti suggests, and to “see the fact”. This may make way for a “deeper energy” that acts with love and compassion. Sometimes there can be a spontaneous arising of deep appreciation and “preciousness” which can bring meaning to our lives.

The meeting came to a close with a wondering about the energy of desire and its significance. We agreed that it would be a worthwhile subject to explore in another dialogue. It was an appropriate place to bring the session to a gentle ending.

Self-inquiry, June 28, 2023

/in /by

Self-inquiry

With Mukesh Gupta

Wednesday, June 28, 2023

Esquimalt Gorge Pavilion, Victoria

 

Seven people in total gathered at the lovely Pavilion to explore together their true nature and the possibility of living in harmony with it. The dialogue began with the question “What is the truth of our experience, and how can we know it in a profound way?” A number of answers were given and the threads followed into the interesting thickets of ideas and perceptions that were put forward as we looked closely into the questions that arose. One participant asked if truth has its own action beyond the realm of “doing” with which we are familiar. And is it possible to go beyond our conditioning and habitual behaviours which tend to guide our thoughts and actions? A sense of separateness seems to play a very large role in determining our behaviours and we might ask ourselves if we are freeing ourselves from it. 

Is truth something to do with how we are feeling? Is it related to the degree we are feeling a sense of wholeness and well-being? To what degree do we question what we really know? Can we move beyond the presence of an “ego” or “self” which creates conflict, fear, and violence. Is it a matter of seeing the limitation of our self-assertions and staying fully with “what is”? When the ego is functioning, there is inevitably suffering and love is hard to find in ourselves and others. 

Staying in the process of self-inquiry was offered as an essential aspect of gaining freedom from the self-centred mind. An important element of this “practice” is the willingness to expose oneself so that the ego-centric elements can be seen and dissolved. At the same time one must have compassion with oneself and with others and be able to find the loving generosity of our inner goodness, Persistent inquiry is of the utmost importance in that one must keep watching all the movements of the self and allowing the structures of that self to break down and make way for love and generosity to emerge. This kind of “vulnerability” brings inner contentment and peacefulness.

 

DB

Self- inquiry, June 25, 2023

/in /by

Self-inquiry

Sunday, June 25, 2023

With Mukesh Gupta

At KECC Metchosin, BC

 

Five participants were present for this Sunday afternoon meeting at the Krishnamurti Educational Centre of Canada in Metchosin, BC. The gathering was facilitated by Mukesh Gupta, who is visiting for some time from India. We were able to sit on the front lawn with its lovely ocean view, oak trees, and bird songs.

Mukesh began the session with a short description of what a self-inquiry dialogue is and is not. It is not a debate or exchange of opinions. We are not much interested in thought and the intellect, but more in learning together about ourselves. This learning takes place in a space of deep listening from one’s whole being with a quiet mind. There is a staying with a question that may be posed by anyone, allowing the question to flower, as Krishnamurti used to say.

After brief self-introductions, the floor was opened to anyone who had a burning question. One group member shared that she often wondered about how we can be fully in the present moment when there is such a tendency to be distracted. This opened the discussion to a range of responses which revealed the thought patterns that are common for most of us. One of these was the fact that we do not fully know ourselves and are actually afraid to meet ourselves. We may not know why we do what we do, what our purpose is in life, and this unknown sometimes seems vast and meaningless. On the other hand it was pointed out, is there not a great harmony in life? Is questioning and exploring not worthwhile and interesting?

The inquiry turned to the fact that we often turn away from the sense of nothingness or emptiness in life and in ourselves. This creates a great deal of noise in our minds. Can there be another sense of ourselves beyond the noise of thought? Can we make a quantum leap into a space of peacefulness? It may begin with a noticing of the movements of thought and then a “staying with” this questioning observation. “What is the capacity to be simply and consistently aware?” it was asked. And can we keep asking such questions?

The ongoing inquiry produced a dissolution of the sense of separation between individuals, and the emerging of a feeling of “love” amongst group members. A sense of shared meaning was registered by all and a harmony was strongly agreed to be present. It was a delightful experience.

Self-inquiry, June 21, 2023

/in /by

Self-inquiry

Wednesday, June 21, 2023

Esquimalt Gorge Pavilion

With Mukesh Gupta

 

Continuing with his offerings in Victoria during his visit from India, Mukesh welcomed five “friends” in an afternoon dialogue at the Gorge Park Pavilion in Esquimalt. All six attendees joined equally with questions and insights that created a lively and interesting afternoon of inquiry into the nature of ourselves. We explored a number of subjects with a focus on gaining insight into the make-up of our own consciousness and thus coming upon a sense of freedom in our experience of living. First, we looked into the challenge of calming the nervous system as a ground for self-understanding and realization of a deep peace within. We then moved into an examination of the concept of “innocence” and what it might really mean. This opened into some dialogue about fear, greed, and war in the world. Related to these explorations, the issue of our conditioning as human beings in our current society was raised and a good deal of time spent in looking at different aspects of our conditioning, for example the need to be competitive and to compare ourselves with others. Right education is needed to move beyond this quality of conflict.

It was a worthwhile and interesting session apparently enjoyed by all.

 

DB

Self-inquiry, June 18, 2023

/in /by

Self-inquiry

With Mukesh Gupta

Krishnamurti Educational Centre, Metchosin

June 18, 2023

 

A small group of four gathered at 3 pm in the Gatehouse to dialogue with Mukesh Gupta from India. Windy and chilly weather prohibited sitting outdoors, but holding the meeting indoors felt comfortable and conducive to conversing in a quiet and attentive manner. As he often does, Mukesh asked if anyone had a pressing question to delve into. He outlined what he feels are important qualities to bring to such an exploration of our own minds and hearts. Effective dialogue, he shared, requires a slow and sensitive looking and listening without any demand to produce an immediate answer or solution to a problem or question that has arisen.

One participant shared that she’d been wondering about the state called “enlightenment”. What is it, exactly, and what does Krishnamurti say about it? This led to a spontaneous exploration of thought and awareness, the difference between the two, and what it means to awaken to a state of awareness. Is there any method, any “how”, to awakening to awareness?

We went slowly and carefully into the nature of thinking and what it is like to move without a method into a state of seeing and listening which is beyond the definitions and descriptions that thought draws on to label such subtle realities. Every participant found his or her own inner insights and conceptual terms which added to the group process of discovery, producing a creative flow of fresh and lively perceptions. It was an unfolding, largely beyond thought, which brought a sense of timelessness in the slow and gentle unravelling of the nature of thought and awareness. The insights were sometimes difficult to describe but were very interesting to the contemplative minds that all participated with deep perception and intelligence, seemingly with minimal effort, in the creation of a rich experience of “meditative self-inquiry”.