In this philosophical discussion, J. Krishnamurti and Dr. Allan Anderson consider whether meditation is a practice apart from life, or, the very essence of fully living.
To start at the beginning of this 18-part dialogue on consciousness, spirituality and navigating life with J. Krishnamurti and Dr. Allan W. Anderson: Click Here
In this episode, J. Krishnamurti and Dr. Allan W. Anderson discuss:
- The many schools of meditation across different cultures
- The problem of practicing with an intention to reach a certain state of consciousness
- Whether or not meditation covers the whole spectrum of being alive
- How divorcing meditation from living creates a lack of meaning
- Seeing meditation as a beauty that pervades all activities
- Freedom: the mind emptying itself of the burden of others
- Conscious living and being awake through the mundanity of all moments
- Knowing the past without allowing it to overflow into the present
- Regenerating the brain through sleep and mental freedom
“Does meditation cover the whole field of existence or is it something totally apart from life—life being business, politics, sex, pleasure, ambition, death, fear, all that is my life. Is meditation apart from that, or, does it embrace all that? If it doesn’t embrace all that, meditation has no meaning.” –J. Krishnamurti
This talk was originally recorded in 1974 at San Diego State University and curated by the Krishnamurti Foundation of America
About J. Krishnamurti:
For nearly six decades until his passing in 1986 at the age of ninety, Jiddu Krishnamurti traversed the globe, delivering spontaneous and captivating discourses to large audiences. Krishnamurti assumed the role of an investigator rather than an authority figure, encouraging individuals to question assumptions and explore the depths of their consciousness. His extensive body of work, estimated at over 100 million words, spans more than six decades of relentless inquiry and dialogue. His teachings, compiled in numerous books and translated into multiple languages, continue to inspire seekers worldwide, inviting them to embark on a profound journey of self-discovery and understanding. J. Krishnamurti’s legacy endures as a guiding light, offering timeless wisdom for those who dare to challenge conventional thinking and explore the complexities of existence.
About Dr. Allan W. Anderson:
Dr. Allan Anderson was a poet, author, Professor Emeritus, beloved teacher, scholar of the Oracular Tradition, and a gifted religious linguist. He helped to form the Department of Religious Studies at San Diego State College in 1969. Dr. Anderson later became chair of that department, specializing in Eastern Religions, until his retirement in 1985.
Photograph by Adyar, Courtesy Krishnamurti Foundations
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