Self-inquiry, August 23, 2023

Self-inquiry

Sunday, August 20, 2023

With Mukesh Gupta

At KECC Metchosin, BC

 

The nine people who attended this Sunday afternoon meeting were able to take full advantage of the lovely outdoor setting in front of the main house. We sat in a circle with some turned away from the sun and some choosing to face the sun as well as the ocean and mountain views. We spoke of the teachings and philosophy of J. Krishnamurti relative to those of other non-dual “teachers” with whom we were familiar and found the conversation deepening spontaneously as we explored the nature of the (separate) self and its illusions or misunderstandings. If the self is an illusion, in what sense is it so? How does fear and anxiety arise in an illusory self and what are the elements and causes of such fear? The fear of death was broached. Is this fear based on the unreality of a manufactured ego self or identity which is always looking for security and a safe existence?

Some participants felt that it is important not to deny the reality of suffering around death and loss. Somehow these must be acknowledged and dealt with in a direct manner which does not seek to pretend that they are not real and needing to be included in our living. Such questioning of opposing points of view produced a lively examination of attitudes towards our lives and the content of our thoughts and feelings. Can we face the difficult, even brutal, realities of life and pain without dismissing them as mere projections of illusory thought? Some felt that such attention to the real problems of our lives was absolutely essential in approaching our lives honestly and without escape.

It seemed that somehow there was truth in the sharing of questions and insights. The process of attentive inquiring, along with present-moment presence and attention, seemed to be interesting and meaningful in its own way.

 

DB