Is truth something final, absolute, fixed? We would like it to be absolute because then we could take shelter in it. We would like it to be permanent because then we could hold on to it, find happiness in it. But is truth absolute, continuous, to be experienced over and over again? The repetition of experience is the mere cultivation of memory, is it not? In moments of quietness, I may experience a certain truth, but if I cling to that experience through memory and make it absolute, fixed—is that truth? Is truth the continuation, the cultivation of memory? Or, is truth to be found only when the mind is utterly still? When the mind is not caught in memories, not cultivating memory as the centre of recognition, but is aware of everything I am saying, everything I am doing in my relationships, in my activities, seeing the truth of everything as it is from moment to moment—surely, that is the way of meditation, is it not? There is comprehension only when the mind is still, and the mind cannot be still as long as it is ignorant of itself. That ignorance is not dispelled through any form of discipline, through pursuing any authority, ancient or modern. Belief only creates resistance, isolation, and where there is isolation, there is no possibility of tranquillity. Tranquillity comes only when I understand the whole process of myself—the various entities in conflict with each other which compose the “me.” As that is an arduous task, we turn to others to learn various tricks which we call meditation. The tricks of the mind are not meditation. Meditation is the beginning of self-knowledge, and without meditation, there is no self-knowledge.
Jiddu Krishnamurti
2 comments:
My mind is kind of a broken mess, too many drugs over the years. But I believe there can be more than one truth, for sure, and not everybody has the same truth. I think we have to respect each other's truth and our experiences. The only thing that I think must be universal is kindness and respect for each other and all life.
There are two ways to fix a broken mind. One is by practising mindfulness, maybe try a little meditation. The other is seeing a therapist who can either suggest trying mindfulness or prescribe drugs. This I know 'cos I've seen a therapist and that is precisely what they said to me. I flushed the drugs down the pan. Now I practise philosophies that have been around for thousands of years and which scientists and medical people now agree, belatedly, are beneficial!
Yeah, you're right. Truth is a pathless land. When you suggest universal kindness you are speaking of the Golden Rule. 'Don't do to someone else what you wouldn't like done to yourself.
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