Chapter 19—Breathing In And Out The World
In Attendance – Rick, David & Katherine
Our session today started enthusiastically with happy greetings and warm conversation. After a quiet meditation we delved into today’s chapter—Breathing In And Out The World.
In the audio, Rupert reminded us that when we are lost in experience we can always find our way back to tranquility by moving to the very heart of things—luminous, empty Knowing. We trace our way back in two simple steps—from the known to the Knower, and from the Knower to pure Knowing. Once there, we notice that all distinctions have dissolved. From that space we can notice the way Knowing modulates itself into thinking, sensing and perceiving; seeming, in the process, to become a mind, a body and a world. But this time, if we’re alert, we experience being in a mind, body and world without losing touch with pure Knowing. In other words, we remain awake in our sleepy state.
Rupert teaches us to practice a visualization—breathing in and breathing out—on the inhale we go from the known to the Knower (which contains the folded up world) and on the exhale the light of pure Knowing breathes the world out again. This is the dance in Rupert’s world—where life becomes a flow of breathing in and breathing out, returning again and again from the multiplicity of names and forms to the heart of experience.
He tells us to be knowingly the empty, luminous purity of Knowing and to relate to everyone and everything as that.
Happiness lies within our own Being, then, not anywhere in an apparently objective world. This is exactly what Krisnamurti says, in his own way.
Exploring Awareness at KECC, July 22, 2018
/in Event Summaries /by David BruneauExploring Awareness Session
Sunday, July 22, 2018
KECC
This Sunday afternoon session at the Krishnamurti Educational Center of Canada was an experiment in inviting a more direct and non-conceptual experience of awareness and “meditation” than might be generated through the watching of videos and discussion of their contents. Six people were in attendance for the meeting, which began with a guided meditation on “total attention without effort”, led by David. The meditation also inquired into the possibility of seeing how thought creates a duality of “observer” and “observed” and, in the seeing of it, allowing for an experience of a different quality to emerge. After the guided meditation and some silence, we went outdoors for a walk in nature while exploring the quality of our attention in that setting.
On returning to the meditation room we listened to an introduction to meditation and a guided meditation by Jeff Foster. Jeff focused largely on simple listening and noticing whatever is arising in our experience without any attempt to change what is or to achieve any particular state of consciousness. This was followed by a period of silence and then some discussion of what had taken place for the participants. There was a mixed response, with some questioning of the value of one person guiding another in meditation and thereby shaping their experience. A number of contrasting viewpoints were expressed, with varying levels of appreciation of the experiment. The participants all had a great deal of experience with meditation, which no doubt flavoured their responses. The “experiment” will continue with monthly sessions at the Centre.
Krishnamurti Study Session at KECC July 22, 2018
/in Event Summaries /by David BruneauKrishnamurti Study Session
Sunday, July 22, 2018
At Krishnamurti Educational Centre of Canada
In this session we completed our reading and discussion of chapter 30 in the Q & A section of J. Krishnamurti’s book The First and Last Freedom. The chapter “On God” was a source of much inquiry and exploration over the past few meetings. This time we began with some investigation into K’s emphasis on the “unknown” as the ground of reality and the need to “go beyond” the known in our inquiry. Many probing questions were asked and looked into with a sense of listening and looking with a real openness rather than assertions of opinion. The group of six individuals who are seasoned inquirers was able to create an atmosphere of spacious presence in which insight could arise. Sitting out on the front lawn was an added enjoyment to the process.
Approaches to Self-Inquiry, July 15, 2018
/in Event Summaries /by David BruneauApproaches to Self-Inquiry
Sunday, July 15, 2018
KECC
This regular monthly meeting will be focused on the teachings of different spiritual teachers in the area of self-inquiry. This month we looked at a number of video clips featuring English teacher Jeff Foster. Only two participants were present on the lovely sunny day to view a selection of half a dozen selections from talks by Jeff, who has become quite popular in the “nondual” world. We remarked on the similarity of his teachings with those of J. Krishnamurti, particularly in the area of being fully present with our current experience without labelling it or analysing it intellectually. Jeff touched on various aspects of this observing “what is” without judgement or attempts to change it into something more desirable. His perspective seemed very loving and intelligent.
Krishnamurti Study Session, July 8, 2018, at KECC
/in Event Summaries /by David BruneauKrishnamurti Study Session at KECC
Sunday, July 8, 2018
We continued with our study of chapter 30 in the Q & A section of J. Krishnamurti’s The First and Last Freedom. This chapter seems to stimulate discussion as the two participants were quickly immersed in an interesting exploration which ranged over a number of aspects of Krishnamurti’s teachings and the process of self-inquiry and self-knowledge. One issue of particular interest was the possibility of observing ourselves and others, as well as the world around us, without evaluating and judging. Can awareness of our evaluations and the dissolving of their primacy in our consciousness open the door to love? This inquiry seemed to have a clear relevance to our daily relationships and life experience, with the potential to change how we see and experience the world. We had to pull ourselves to a halt as the conversation could have gone on much past the scheduled time for lunch and preparation for the afternoon session with Rick.
Breathing In And Out The World
/in Event Summaries /by David BruneauChapter 19—Breathing In And Out The World
In Attendance – Rick, David & Katherine
Our session today started enthusiastically with happy greetings and warm conversation. After a quiet meditation we delved into today’s chapter—Breathing In And Out The World.
In the audio, Rupert reminded us that when we are lost in experience we can always find our way back to tranquility by moving to the very heart of things—luminous, empty Knowing. We trace our way back in two simple steps—from the known to the Knower, and from the Knower to pure Knowing. Once there, we notice that all distinctions have dissolved. From that space we can notice the way Knowing modulates itself into thinking, sensing and perceiving; seeming, in the process, to become a mind, a body and a world. But this time, if we’re alert, we experience being in a mind, body and world without losing touch with pure Knowing. In other words, we remain awake in our sleepy state.
Rupert teaches us to practice a visualization—breathing in and breathing out—on the inhale we go from the known to the Knower (which contains the folded up world) and on the exhale the light of pure Knowing breathes the world out again. This is the dance in Rupert’s world—where life becomes a flow of breathing in and breathing out, returning again and again from the multiplicity of names and forms to the heart of experience.
He tells us to be knowingly the empty, luminous purity of Knowing and to relate to everyone and everything as that.
Happiness lies within our own Being, then, not anywhere in an apparently objective world. This is exactly what Krisnamurti says, in his own way.
Ten Year Anniversary Celebration at KECC
/in Event Summaries /by David BruneauTen Year Anniversary Celebration
Saturday, June 30, 2018
A special day was organized to mark the ten-year anniversary of the re-opening of the Krishnamurti Educational Centre of Canada after a three year closure from 2005 to 2008. The Centre has, since 2008, been offering a full program of events related to the teachings of J. Krishnamurti and other teachers presenting essentially similar perspectives in the area of self-knowledge and insight into the truths of self, consciousness, and awareness. We had an excellent turnout of 27 people in all.
The day began with a Zoom session led by Italian spiritual teacher Shakti Catarina Maggi. She invited questions from the audience and there was plenty of opportunity for participants to inquire with her. Catarina placed a large emphasis on questioning and listening “from the heart” as she offered insight and guidance on the process of “embodiment” of our understanding in daily life and experience. Her wisdom and loving responses were much appreciated and enjoyed by the participants.
After the Zoom session we enjoyed a sumptuous lunch provided by the Centre and by contributions from the guests. There was the opportunity for socializing and discussion with old friends and new, some of whom had been present in the original days of the Centre when it was a private high-school in the late 1970’s. Some people took the time to walk around the property, although the sun did not appear until later in the afternoon.
A movie entitled “The Mind of Krishnamurti” was shown at 2pm. It is an excellent introduction to the life and teachings of Krishnamurti and may be viewed on Youtube. There was then a draw for a free weekend retreat at the Centre and an outline of upcoming programs and retreats.
To wind up the day some light entertainment was offered in the Guest Cottage, where Greg Sumner played on the piano and sang a collection of songs including “The Krishnamurti Blues,” his own composition.
It was a lovely day of sharing and communication with like-minded friends. Thanks goes to all those who helped with the event.
The Light of Pure Knowing: Weekend Retreat at KECC
/in Event Summaries /by David BruneauThe Light of Pure Knowing
Weekend Retreat at KECC
June 22 – 24, 2018
This weekend retreat was presented by Passia Pandora, who is currently studying philosophy at the University of Victoria. She has also deeply explored the teachings and guidance of the English non-dual teacher Rupert Spira, and she expressed to the group that she has for some time had a passion to share at the Krishnamurti Centre the understandings gained from him. Passia put together a very well organized retreat based on the Spira book The Light of Pure Knowing, which comes with audio guided meditations by the author. We listened to thirteen of the meditations as a group, engaged in discussion of their material, and had regular breaks for personal contemplation and walks on the lovely property. The program was intentionally concentrated so as to keep participants immersed in the perspective being offered by Rupert, thus inviting deep insight and understanding. There were seventeen participants, including facilitators and a couple of drop-ins, and everyone remained focused on the investigations presented. On the lighter side there were some spontaneous musical performances, communications, and “fun” over the weekend. Delicious food was provided by Glenrosa Restaurant.The predominant meditative atmosphere was appreciated by the group and the extra focus on experiential understanding was felt to be a significant contribution to the programs at the Centre.
Krishnamurti Study Session at KECC, June 16, 2018
/in Event Summaries /by David BruneauKrishnamurti Study Session
Saturday, June 16, 2018
KECC
Today’s session began as an exploration of Q & A Chapter 30, “On God,” In J. Krishnamurti’s book The First and Last Freedom. The “You have realized reality. Can you tell us what God is?”
K begins his response with a fundamental challenge to the questioner. How does he know that K has realized truth, and how can we know whether anyone has done so? Furthermore, what relevance does it have to our own inquiry? Is not what is being said the important thing? And can one realize for oneself if he (or she) accepts the authority of another? Immediately a group inquiry began about the material and the five participants entered into an engaging and insightful looking at the nature of self-observation with and without seeking to change “what is.” The discussion deepened spontaneously from one question or insight to another and seemed to be a very creative and interesting process. Fine weather enabled us to sit out on the front lawn and to enjoy the natural surroundings while delving into the words of Krishnamurti. We will continue with the same chapter next meeting.
Stillness Within Meetup: Our Shared Essence – Eckhart Tolle Talk
/in Event Summaries /by David BruneauThe Eckhart Tolle video meetup Saturday was rich with a playful yet sincere message for the six of us who came out to the gathering. Eckhart talked about inherent Presence in all beings, including plants and animals. He proposed that this “deeper I” exists apart from the structures of ego, personal stories, and even the concept of duality, and is sometimes referred to as “Buddha nature” or “Christ consciousness.” When we touch upon this boundless inner space, we can begin to see ourselves as an emanation from the eternal source of all things.
Practices included being with nature and in particular, sensing without thinking, the essential beingness of the natural world, whether it’s looking into a dog’s eyes, being present with a tree or even taking in the profile of a large mountain. He also suggested that we can draw on this spacious dimension in the midst of very busy environments, such as a downtown street or in a supermarket or airport – by noticing the space in which all activity is taking place. Noticing and becoming more attuned to the space invites a reduction in thinking and a full embrace of the current moment.
A number of group members after the talk expressed points that stood out for them. One member was appreciative of the depth of the talk’s contents (the two hours were definitely not an introductory talk). Another attendee felt that the reminder not to pay mind to every passing thought or reaction was helpful – the brain may chatter on but we don’t need to take it so seriously. One member felt that the inquiry process as Krishnamurti has taught, can complement the presence approach described by Eckhart (that is, noticing without judgement the internal mind and emotional processes, seeing how they emerge and what beliefs seem to be attached to them).
A very enjoyable gathering – thanks all for making it a success, to Louis for hosting us so nicely, and to the KECC for providing the space.
True Meditation Never Ends
/in Event Summaries /by David BruneauTrue Meditation Never Ends
At today’s session we used a slightly different format. After starting with a centering meditation at 2 pm, we listened to the audio in approximately twelve minute intervals interspersed with the sharing of our experience. At about the midpoint, we paused for a refreshment break and we ended at precisely 4 pm with another meditation.
It was a contemplative meditation of Rupert’s that delved into why our bodies create such a sense of separation in all of us—even when we know in our minds that we’re actually the light of pure, infinite awareness. Rupert noted that our bodies are nothing more than sensations that have no depth, no gender and no age. When we rely only on our experience, we see that bodies have no borders and are not dense. He asked us to visualize our breath as an alive, empty, open space that is seeping into the body over its entire surface.
In ignorance, when the reality of experience is overlooked, our essential nature of pure knowing seems to acquire the properties that belong to a temporary, solid body– but in understanding, the body takes on the properties that belong to my Self, or pure knowing. Gradually, as we go into it, the feeling of having a solid body dissolves into that pure knowing. That is because the body is made of pure knowing and everything we experience is just a modulation of that knowing.
In our sharing we noted the illusory nature of our sense of separation. We saw that in Rupert’s world, empathy is simply the deep knowledge that nothing is wrong. What is happening is just what is happening. We can embrace it and abide in it knowingly and even get to the point of saying we can stay with uncomfortable experiences for the rest of our lives. This sets us free. We are liberated when we rest in awareness and just let life be as it is. And when we are liberated we impact the world in a powerful, mysterious way. This is just as Krishnamurti said it would be.
It was a wonderful session!