Hi, i just joined this service and thought we could discuss this core teaching:
"Freedom is not a reaction; freedom is not a choice. It is man’s pretense that because he has choice he is free. Freedom is pure observation without direction, without fear of punishment and reward. Freedom is without motive; freedom is not at the end of the evolution of man but lies in the first step of his existence. In observation one begins to discover the lack of freedom. Freedom is found in the choiceless awareness of our daily existence and activity."
i have quoted this many times and it is very basic but it seems that most people cannot grasp the idea...even friends who like JK's work.
-bmind
"Freedom is not a reaction; freedom is not a choice. It is man’s pretense that because he has choice he is free. Freedom is pure observation without direction, without fear of punishment and reward. Freedom is without motive; freedom is not at the end of the evolution of man but lies in the first step of his existence. In observation one begins to discover the lack of freedom. Freedom is found in the choiceless awareness of our daily existence and activity."
i have quoted this many times and it is very basic but it seems that most people cannot grasp the idea...even friends who like JK's work.
-bmind
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Seattle
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Re: choiceless awareness
Tue, July 26, 2005 - 7:34 AMthank you, bmind, for this quote.
I think it explains pretty much the basic idea of JK.
And even though it sounds so easy - as it implies to "just release" - exactly this "just release" is what seems so hard for many of us to do, because our society, education made us to crave for exactly the opposite: try to get as much as you can - for you and your family
Once you learned to feel the beauty of the NOW in full awareness where you feel nothing but your heart within the universe in that very moment - then you feel deep in your heart what JK meant ...
Thank you
Andre
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Re: choiceless awareness
Mon, September 5, 2005 - 10:57 PMAHH, the simplicity of the quote...beautifully stated. -
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Re: choiceless awareness
Thu, January 26, 2006 - 5:13 PM
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Re: choiceless awareness
Tue, February 7, 2006 - 10:32 PMOne can live with it but can't teach or share it.
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Re: choiceless awareness
Wed, February 15, 2006 - 9:18 PMwithin this quote.. i think the most important words for me are "freedom is pure observation without direction..."
even if one understands this at the level of thought in the sense that there is no conscious thought manipulating an observation.. there is a still a plethora of other things that contribute to an observation such as senses, emotions, past experiences, and memories and all are equally adept in directing observation consciously or unconsciously... so the whole notion of pure observation without direction is a tremendous challenge for humankind to come to terms with ...
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Re: choiceless awareness
Fri, October 20, 2006 - 5:28 PMBeautiful quote.
Probably hard to grasp for most because time/thought gets in the way. It is to be choicelessly aware in the moment. One does not achieve anything, there is no effort involved.
Krishnamurti said one must throw out all ideas and beliefs regarding the "spiritual" and not seek comfort and safety, psychologically. How many are willing to even take this first step?
Patricia
