Resolving Conflict with Passion, August 23 – 25, 2019

Resolving Conflict with Passion
Weekend Retreat with Hillary Rodrigues
August 23 – 25, 2019, at KECC

This was the tenth annual retreat with Prof. Hillary Rodrigues at the Krishnamurti Educational Centre of Canada in Metchosin, BC. Hillary is a professor of Eastern religious traditions at the University of Lethbridge and a former teacher and administrator at the Krishnamurti school that once existed at the site of the KECC. He has published books and articles on aspects of Krishnamurti’s thought, including the book Krishnamurti’s Insight, and has given presentations on K’s teachings in New York, New Delhi, Victoria, and Ojai, California. Entitled “Resolving Conflict with Passion,” Hilary made it clear at the Friday night introductory talk that this was not to be an academic workshop, but an opportunity to inquire deeply into particular issues in a personal and holistic way with others. Krishnamurti’s teachings would regularly be used as entry points for looking at our own experience.
Hillary’s Friday talk addressed the idea of two types of passion, the passion with a motive or a cause and the passion without cause that Krishnamurti speaks of. The passion with cause inevitably leads to suffering, whereas the second kind of passion can bring about the ending of sorrow. The discussion addressed the topics of suffering, sorrow, and passion, inviting participation by the fifteen attendees. The interchange was very rich and inviting of real questioning and investigation.
Twelve people were present for the remainder of the weekend, during which ongoing group dialogue was supplemented with short talks by Hillary, handouts with quotes from Krishnamurti, and a video of K in conversation with Alan Anderson at San Diego University. Hillary skillfully guided the group through the dialogues and the group participation created an atmosphere of interested and focused presence within which listening, looking, and learning could take place. The quality of the inquiry was very much appreciated by all. There was time for quiet walks on the lovely property and delicious meals were provided by Glenrosa Restaurant. It was another meaningful and profound meeting with Hillary and sincere participants. We are grateful for his contribution and anticipate his return next year.