Self-inquiry, October 1, 2023

Self-inquiry with Oda Lindner

Sunday, October 1, 2023

At Krishnamurti Educational Centre of Canada

Metchosin, BC

 

Nine people showed up at the Centre to explore the teachings of Krishnamurti together with Oda Lindner from Niagara. Oda has been visiting for a couple of weeks and facilitating twice-weekly meetings with interested people as well as having individual inquiry sessions with participants wishing to have a more intimate exploration of what K may have to offer them. The group meetings provide an opportunity to look more deeply into the teachings in a group context.

One of the participants suggested we each give a short introduction to ourselves and to our understanding of what K has said. Oda then recommended that each one address the questions “What is meditation?” and “How do I apply meditation in my life?” Oda began by saying that her understanding of meditation is to be aware of every thought and feeling that arises in us. This awareness of the movement of thought brings about a natural silence which contains a sense of love, joy, and beauty. It is learning about oneself through choiceless awareness and being fully attentive to that end.

Other participants shared their experience of meditation, which included being aware of conflict within us. The opposition between “what is” and “what should be” or “what will be” creates conflict and lack of harmony in relationships, which in turn brings suffering. The fact of fear was mentioned and some discussion of how to deal with it took place. It was asked if we need to see the whole picture of fear before it will disappear completely. How can fear be completely resolved in us? Sharing our perspectives brought a richness to the exploration of the questions brought to the circle. Participants seemed to value and enjoy the process.

DB