The Essence of Jiddu Krishnamuti

This, I think, is the essence of Krishnamurti's teachings...:

The mind operates through division, which is the same thing as quantification. This is its fundamental activity. Every other activity of the mind--such as measurement or analysis--flows from division and is dependant upon division. Everything that the mind generates/perceives is as a result of that basic isolating, dividing or quantifying action. Anything that the mind cannot determine the limits of—anything that it calls "infinite"—also cannot be held in the mind and manipulated. That which cannot be quantified is essentially outside the capabilities of the mind and therefore useless to the mind.

The mind uses division to create the concepts of space and time, as well as its own ego or sense of separateness. So we see that space, as a concept, is not possible unless the mind can distinguish and separate visual phenomena, and then create a conceptual stage for those phenomena which it separates from all other concepts and calls "space." Likewise, time as a concept is not possible unless the mind can further subdivide appearances of phenomena in space along an imaginary continuum, and then take that conceptual continuum itself, separate it from other concepts and call it "time." The ego also cannot exist without the mind’s ability to separate one quantity from another--in this case that involves isolating/opposing the self and its attributes and desires in relation to others and their attributes and desires.

This whole discussion becomes more interesting if we then see that the mind is in fact also artificial because division itself creates it. Just like that which the mind creates, the mind as a concept is itself a creation of division and cannot exist without it. I think this is essential for Krishnamurti. If someone wants to deal with his or her ego and overactive, negative mind, it is a mistake to position the mind or ego as separate, something to be opposed and dominated. The awareness is falling into a trap if it itself isolates mind into a separate entity. If it does this then it is itself employing division (and is therefore more appropriately called mind). Instead the awareness should locate the urge to create division itself, and eliminate that from its fundamental worldview. From this point compassion and engagement can flow naturally. Other people, the earth, animals, all of it can be recognized as no more than appearences of one unified energy (or whatever you want to call it...being, god, etc), and cared for accordingly. It is important to note that this way of seeing the world is not conceptual, but is actually a mode or way of being--operating from pure awareness, and understanding that division is a practical tool for manifesting its essential nature (call it universal love) and nothing more.

I agree with this, as I see duality as an absolute necessity in this universe of experience; as its most basic essence in the states of existence and nonexistence. I also know then that beyond this duality is the singularity in which all things are encompassed and whole. Though until I'm able to fully awaken and pass from this divided and devised experienced I can at best offer at least the vision of unity. To this end, I eschew ideas that seek to overcome in favor of those that seek to adapt and encompass.

reply to post by TravelerintheDark


That's a very good point. The experience of duality is a growth experience, and not something evil or wrongheaded. The duality experience is very important for spiritual growth, but that gowth is in the direction of realizing the limitations and pitfalls of duality, as well as the advantages of duality as a perceptual "tool". If you're interested, check out As One Is, a nice short introduction to Krishnamurti.



[edit on 17-11-2008 by Silenceisall]

Originally posted by Silenceisall
The duality experience is very important for spiritual growth, but that gowth is in the direction of realizing the limitations and pitfalls of duality, as well as the advantages of duality as a perceptual "tool". If you're interested, check out As One Is, a nice short introduction to Krishnamurti.

Truly. And such is a pure expression of duality as we learn to live within it while working beyond it.

Thank you for the recommendation. I may indeed.

reply to post by Silenceisall


Thank you for sharing this with the rest of the membership.

Jiddu Krishnamurti was an amazing man, a contemporary of Ramana Maharshi whom I consider one of the greatest "teachers."

For those who wish an introduction to Krishnamurti I recommend one of the most beautiful books ever written: krishnamurtis notebook.

While I personally feel that Krishnamurti's message is very complicated (while highly interesting) and difficult to embrace in such a short frame of space, the OP is well constructed and I feel that it has important message nonetheless.



In fact, this explains why it is so hard for human mind to understand something that is individable and perfectly whole, as universe (or multiversum) itself. We can perceive parts and do our divisions, but by division, it is hard to tell what the wholeness was (altho not matemathicly impossible).

-v

[edit on 17-11-2008 by v01i0]

Very impressive how you summarize the entire works of JK into a single medium-length post

Good post....
Sounds so much like Sartre...

reply to post by Silenceisall


I haven't read Krishnamurti, so I can't comment on how well you have represented his teachings. Judging by the responses already here though, it appears you have done an excellent job of extracting the essence and presenting that without oversimplifying the concepts. And you have given me further reason to read Krishnamurti's work myself, which in my opinion is a sign of a great summation.

Thanks

I have a copy of one of J Krishnamurti's book, and it's like frrom 1920. Oldest book I ever did see.

I read it. It was relatively short.... Freedom from somethingorother.

[edit on 17-11-2008 by dunwichwitch]

reply to post by schrodingers dog


Thanks for the link. For me Krishnamurti cuts to the essential dysfunction in a way that few other spiritual philosophers have--in modern times anyway. I can honestly say that he has helped transform my consciousness. Once you've read and understood what he is saying there is no going back.

I have read quite a bit of J. Krishnamurti's works and I think you misunderstand him... he focused on duality as a foil to point out its fundamental flaws... if anything he rejected duality in its entirety which would be in line with the traditions he was heir to.

reply to post by dunwichwitch


Is it called "At the Feet of the Master"? If so, I would skip it and look for something published post-1950. That's when he really hit his stride.

reply to post by grover


That's basically what I said. Duality had to be overcome for JK. But even more essential than duality is the urge to employ division itself...that is the crux of it. When pressed, however, he has admitted that duality--when understood as duality--was needed to live everyday life.



[edit on 17-11-2008 by Silenceisall]

I'm afraid I don't really like to delve too deep into philosophy anymore because it always leads me to the same lonely and reality smashing conclusion. How can you be comfortable with that, really?

I never have been. As much as infinity and god mind are great, don't get me wrong, I just find that dwelling there too long makes everything crap.
People wanna find the answers, the ultimate truth... but sometimes when you find the truth, you really wish you'd never known or wanted to know.

[edit on 17-11-2008 by dunwichwitch]

rereading the original OP it is... my mistake... I just used less words to say it in however.

reply to post by Silenceisall



I have that one, too! No, it's definitely an early early publication from him. Freedom from .... gah! Somethingorother.


I'd like to amend my last post.... I meant more that I WISH I didn't delve so deep into philosophy and stuff as I do.... because I guess I still do, but sometimes it's just like "STOP!!! Too MUCH INFO!!!"

reply to post by Silenceisall

Hello Silence!

Good post!!
It's remind me something of Ouspensky's book "The Psychology of man's possible evolution".
Do you know about it?
I would like to heard your comments.

Thank's,
SNC

reply to post by grover


My OP may not have been as clear as it could be.

Good summary indeed OP,

Thank you.

It is an ancient wisdom, learnt by Krisnamuti and then through his own direct experience of it, he brought to his own times and followers, with his own "Flavour" of the cake of reality as such lol.

This is the thing, there is a defining personality within each of us that is in fact never to be lost, or not part of our own experience even in enlightenment.

Jesus, Buddha, Maharishe, Milarepa, Krisnamuti etc

All are offering us a cake but different flavour ones.

They are still cakes though, if you would like to allow for a second a cake to be the truth or reality or enlightenment.

OP I think you will find this post Here

very interesting?

Still A cake but a different fruit

As mentioned above by another poster above Krisnamuti cake tastes very nice indeed but is too intellectual, has too many raisins in it for many


Kind Regards.

Elf.