In 1929, J Krishnamurti (1895-1986) said at a public gathering:
“Truth is a Pathless Land and can’t be approached by any power whatsoever, or by any religion, or by any sect. Truth being limitless, unconditional, unapproachable by any power whatsoever, can’t be organised, nor should any organisation be formed to lead people along a particular path … based on individual belief …”
In 1978, at a public gathering at Brockwood Park (UK), Krishnamurthy challenged (not exactly in the same verbatim though):
Is Truth a matter of argument, or of opinion, or of experience, or of knowledge? Will these things point out what Truth is? Is Truth related to only hope, memory, past experience and so on? If it is related to past, is it not time bound? …
Come to Truth without any prejudice, without any conclusion … Truth can only take place when there is absolute freedom to observe, without making any conclusions … One must be free to observe, without will, longing or pressure …
When the ground (free mind) is ready to receive, without any prejudice or preconceived realities, Truth comes naturally, without invitation. In that coming, it is sacred, holy …
On space, he remarked:
Lack of space, both physical space (such as living in crowded cities) and mental space (by being pre-occupied with things) potentially causes (intolerance?) violence – both mental and physical. Space implies independence, non-violence and consideration of each other’s independence …
Why is the mind always occupied? Is it filled with the fear of not being occupied? Do we fear that by being unoccupied means we are nothing? … there is tremendous energy in nothingness.
On power, he said:
Man has always sought power – physical and political power, power of propaganda etc. Power is one of the problems of man … Why does man want power? Power means arrogance, vanity … Power is destroying? Man has never been able to solve the question of power … man has never learnt the importance of humility, without which one can never be empathetic or compassionate. One can’t cultivate humility …
There are other forms of power – absolute power on oneself, occult power, power of persuasiveness etc. … Occult power (through Extra Sensory Perception) – to read other people’s mind or make predictions – is childish; walk out of it, it is a dangerous trap.
On order, he said:
Establishing order in your life is very important. But that can only happen if one has freedom. Put your thoughts in order. Meditate … But what is meditation and why is it so important to meditate? … Thought is a measure, and measurement is an illusion. There must be no measurement, no comparisons.
In 1984, at a public gathering at Ojai, California (US), Krishnamurti reiterated Truth is a Pathless Land, adding, “Truth is the catalyst to end conflict.”
The author does not consider it appropriate to add or comment on the thoughts of the illustrious philosopher. Krishnamurti’s thoughts must be reproduced in original and not be distorted or misinterpreted. The readers are strongly advised to read the original works of the great philosopher as well as watch his invaluable video interviews and pubic discourses for their own benefit and the benefit of the world at large.
… Bill Koul [08 Jan 2022 (Perth, Western Australia)]