Swanwick Star Issue Nr. 11 (2018)

Beyond Myth and Tradition

 

Report on a ‘Beyond Myth and Tradition’ Film Series Session

at the Monterey Centre in Victoria,  June 13, 2018

 

Topic: Choiceless Awareness

In this video K goes into topics of Observation, Fear and Attention.

As usual the half hour video was very much appreciated. Some were quite moved by it, especially K’s talks in the last year of his life.

Discussion after the video centred mostly around the directions that K gives for true observation. He advocates training a highly sensitive mind through being aware on a daily basis of every simple thing that is taking place, as well as the movement of thought. This requires intention! It was commented, plus examples were given. of doing this in special retreat conditions or when reminded, but how easily that is lost in the ambitions of life and living.

Again there was the reminder, which we talked over, with examples, of being aware of “what I am” and not “what I should be.” Even in attending to the video it was noted that the mind wandered through association to other topics. Obviously in being reported on, it was observed, where it may not otherwise have been. It was noted that attention can notice the movement of mind when it is not concentrated on content of mind. “Can you observe without choice or desire?”

It was acknowledged that a judging self quickly tries to orient the movement of mind to something that is preferable. K discusses this as the effort of psychological becoming, which sets up conflict. We looked at many examples, such as non-violent communication training, mindfulness training, and psychological self-help, which are quite deeply conditioning us at this time in history. All assume a becoming (better) in the future.

It was pointed out that when we read K books, these were not actually written by him but were transcribed talks. It was commented that there is a deeper listening when he is present, even on video, than there is whilst reading, which tends to look for memorable concepts. An astute observation.

We ended at 5 pm for a two month summer break. Everyone present continues to come to the weekly coffee group.

LW/RT