Krishnamurti Study Group Saturday, August 6, 2016   Four of us gathered on Saturday to study Chapter 17 in The First and Last Freedom by J. Krishnamurt. The topic was “The Function of the Mind”, and K points out that the process of the thinking mind psychologically speaking is one of isolation and separation. Can we see clearly that thought will never be able to resolve the issue of separation so that thought “comes to an end?” We discussed this and other ideas in the text, moving on to related issues such as love and cooperation. It was an excellent dialogue. Next meeting we will look into Chapter 18, on “Self Deception.”

  Approaches to Individual Transformation: Buddhism, Krishnamurti, and A Course in Miracles Professor Emeritus Theodore Kneupper   Ted Kneupper, former professor of Philosophy at Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania, led a weekend exploration into the perspectives and practices offered by three different teachings that have had a real impact in the world of self transformation. Prof. Kneupper has had significant experience with the three approaches being examined and was skillful in guiding us through them. On Friday evening Prof. Kneupper gave a public talk at the Krishnamurti Centre, which was attended by eighteen people in all. Ten of us were present for the entire weekend. Ted admitted to still being a seeker and did not claim to have reached the lofty goal of “enlightenment”. His humanness and humility turned out to be an important feature of the way the weekend unfolded and was one of the factors, along with authentic sharing by group participants, which enabled the group to experience realms of love and oneness that were perhaps unexpected. We looked into Buddha’s teachings about mindfulness, Krishnamurti’s ideas of meditation and dialogue, and the Course in Miracles’ method of contemplation using some of the 365 lessons. We engaged in experiential explorations of each approach so as to have a direct experience of their essence. The group also discussed with some passion the apparently contradictory concepts that were expressed. At times this made evident the limitation of philosophical debate but no doubt brought some useful awareness to our tendencies to be attached to and defend our ideas and beliefs. The difficulty of bringing about a transformation in ourselves was acknowledged. The retreat was a skillful blend of theory and practice, with time for nature walks, informal discussions, and excellent meals. As Prof. Kneupper said, it was a challenging endeavor to bring together and look into three approaches which have both differences and similarities. It seemed to be felt that it was definitely an endeavor of value.

For those who might be interested in the upcoming retreat that discusses the similarities between K’s perspective, a Buddhist view and ACIM I did the Course a few years ago, and I really enjoy Paul’s NonDual perspective on ACIM. https://youtu.be/tq5sga_EFZE  

Inquiry Sunday Sunday, July 3, 2016 For the morning session six of us listened to a forty-minute audio presentation of Adyashanti in conversation with a member of his organization. The topic of discussion was “True Love”. Adya started off commenting on the duality of good and evil and the field of consciousness beyond them both. He emphasized that, although good and evil, right and wrong, do not exist in the absolute dimension, this does not mean that anything goes or that all actions are justified. There is a higher good outside the realm of conventional good and bad and this is the truth to which he is pointing. The audio went on to cover other subjects related to relationship, both romantic and otherwise, and the group then engaged in an verbal exploration of the ideas heard and personal questions and insights about relationship. Relationship was seen to be a powerful opportunity for self-understanding. In the afternoon we watched three video clips of Krishnamurti answering questions from the audience at various talks over the years. The first question was “What is enlightenment?” K responded that to see an issue, such as sorrow, clearly, to understand it and thereby end it, it to be enlightened about that issue. All sorts of projections are made about enlightenment – what it is, and who has it, and so on, but these are mental projections of an ideal state rather than simple facts. The second question was “What is the art of questioning?” K seemed to answer the question by demonstrating how to inquire. He spoke of the art of learning and then took as an example the issue of action without thought. He went into an inquiry concerning the issue without providing a conceptual answer, which would have no meaning. The third question concerned the longing to be loved. K asked why we need to be loved and suggested that it was more important to find the love in oneself than to be loved by another. He didn’t give a method for doing that, but the exploration of various aspects of the issue was perhaps pointing to the kind of inquiry required to address such a profound and universal question.

  Krishnamurti Study Group Saturday, June 18, 2016 Four people met to study chapter 16 in The First and Last Freedom by J. Krishnamurti. The chapter is entitled “Can Thinking Solve Our Problems?” and K gives an unequivocal answer: No. The  more we think about a problem, he says, the more complex it becomes. Realizing this, we can ask “Can thought ever come to an end?” The understanding of this challenge requires a sensitive looking into the nature of thought and perception. Can we look at a problem as a whole, seeing the thing as it is, being aware of it as a fact and not as a theory? In order to do this, “there must be an awareness that is not of thought.” We read passages from the text and entered into a group discussion of the issues and the kind of awareness and insight  needed to respond adequately to them. The question was raised concerning whether the awareness is something that has to be developed and refined or is it present and available as soon as we pay attention to it. Many relevant inquiries arose and insights were shared. As always, it seems that posing and staying with questions is more significant than seeking answers and solutions.