Self-inquiry with Mukesh Gupta, July 28, 2024
Meditative Self-inquiry
With Mukesh Gupta
Sunday, July 28, 2024
At KECC Metchosin
Mukesh opened this afternoon session with a period of silence, then revealed that he would like to explore the core of J. Krishnamurti’s teachings. What is the key? he asked, to approaching the source of any problem we face, no matter what the issue? How we approach any problem depends on understanding the source of it. This requires attention, but what exactly is attention? Concentration is not needed, Thought based on memory is not required. A different kind of energy is needed. What is it? How we listen to ourselves is crucial. Are we listening now, not just to the words but to the space that is quiet and attentive? From this inner space we can listen, we can relax into the problem so it can be observed and understood. This attention is the only energy that is beyond conditioning.
Sixteen people in total were present for the meeting held on a sunny and windless afternoon. Mukesh asked us to move slowly as we shared our perceptions. Again he asked the question, “What is attention?” If we are not looking from the mind, then what is asking the question? Is it not that what is asking the question and seeking the answer is in fact not definable? But, one participant commented, one quality required is “interest”. There must be a not-knowingness, a quality of the unknown. A constant watchfulness stops the thinking and a sense of leisure is part of this awareness. We are looking for something – happiness – that is already here, like a fish seeking water. Without attention how can we relate to another, to life? Is there a different space, a simple space of silence? Is there any purpose or any answer? Even non-silence is not a problem.
Attention is not just mindfulness, Mukesh pointed out. It has compassion and love in it. Can there also be a great relaxation? Why is there so much self-protection in our attention? Surely, it is not a gradual process to achieve the qualities of love and compassion. In spite of that it may require a degree of security and there was a wondering if we ever find it entirely. Is grabbing at security like chasing a mirage? Is there any separation in attention, or is there harmony?
Other questions that arose challenged the nature of thought itself, which seems to bring an army of problems. What happens when we stay with what is happening within us? There may be more needed than mere noticing. Can there be patience and urgency at the same time?
It was a valuable afternoon
DB
