Jiddu Krishnamurti Quote on the Mind & Meditation
Summary: The great spiritual teacher, Jiddu Krishnamurti, explains the role of logic and reason in the quest for spiritual enlightenment and points out the need for direct observation of “what is”.
Title: The Wholeness of Life
Author: Jiddu Krishnamurti
Chapter: Chapter VI (Page 159)
Published By: HarperSanFrancisco
Quote From J. Krishnamurti:
“Reason and Logic have not solved our human problems, and we are going to find out if there is quite a different approach to all the problems and travails of life. We shall come upon something that is beyond reason; for reason has not solved any of our political, economic or social problems; nor has it solved the intimate human problems between two people. It becomes more and more obvious that we live in a world that is going to pieces, that has become quite insane, quite disorderly and a dangerous place to live in. Up to a point we must reason together, logically, sanely, holistically; then, perhaps, beyond that point, we shall be able to find a different state, a different quality of mind, not bound be any dogma, by any belief, by any experience and therefore a mind that is free to observe and through observation see exactly “what is” and also find that there is energy to transform it.”
The above quote is full of deep insights and practical guidance on how to walk the path to spiritual enlightenment. In this quote, Krishnamurti is pointing out the fact that first you have to notice that something is amiss. That, I know is putting it lightly. Without going into the long list of problems that plague us today, I think it would suffice to say that things are quite a mess, both within and without. Recognizing this, we see the need for change, and thus embark on our spiritual journey.
For this journey, Krishnamurti does not rule out the value of logic and reason. In fact, logic and reason have a role to play in bringing us to a certain point of understanding and maturity, unfortunately though they cannot bring about the transformation within us, which would lead to compassion, joy and freedom.
This transformation that Krishnamurti is alluding to above, is the freedom from duality. The freedom from the false sense of separation, and logic and reason, which belong to the thinking apparatus, are unable to carry us to this state. Duality lies in our thinking itself, and although logic and reason can give us clarity of thought, it cannot go beyond that. Here he then indicates that what is needed is the power of direct observation.
Direct observation of things just as they are, reveals the false in the false. This seeing of the false (separate self) in the false (dualistic thinking) requires energy. This is the energy of acute awareness and swift intelligence. It is not seeing via logic and reason, it is perceiving directly that “which is”, in all its complexity, from moment to moment. This my friends is meditation.
If you want joy, compassion and wisdom…. then meditate.
Hey Vern,
More important, I think, than if J Krishnamurti was “enlightened” or not, is that I think his works and words have the great potential to awaken others. More so than most any other writer I have come across.
But if I had to speak casually of enlightened masters, I would include him in that list (regardless of what the other Krishnamurti [UG] might have to say about that :-).
Cheers,
Anmol
In your opinion, is Krishnamurti (Jiddu) enlightened?
Hey Karthik,
After all it’s the teaching that matters and not the teacher. Ramana Maharishi’s teachings that you shared with us, is absolutely perfect for expanding the ideas but forth in this article, so thanks for adding to the discussion.
His or J. Krishnamurti’s teaching I find very inspiring and poignant, so their books are always handy to have around when the need for inspiration arises (or of course you can just bookmark Mastery of Meditation and stop by :-).
All Good Wishes,
Anmol
Er..That was a mistake.. I was referring to Ramana Maharishi, confused him with J. Krishnamurti..
Nice post. Reminds me that I need to get back to his books. I once borrowed a book where the setting was that he was in an ashram and people asked questions, he answered and someone noted them down.. for more than 5 years. I thoroughly enjoyed that book. The theme of that book was questioning the ‘I’, who is that ‘I’ that we take for granted.
For instance, someone asked, “Why do I sometimes not succeed in life and hence become unhappy”. His answer, “Who is that I, that is unhappy? First know that”.
He kept bringing back the point that the real ‘I’ is not the doer or even the experiencer (for lack of better word) but the observer.
Interestingly, duality theory also occurs in Math (optimization), but unlike in philosophy which aims to go beyond duality, it is seen as a useful tool in Math:)