Theos-Talk Archives (April 1998 Message tt00150)

At 09:25 AM 4/8/98 EDT, you wrote:
>Bjorn wrote:
>
><< I find him nihilistic and destructive. My search has always been for
>"meaning",
> even from the time when I was a staunch atheist. I read one book by K in my
> early twenties and found that it had an "interesting" effect on my
> consciousness, precisely because of its nihilistic qualities. Yes, he may
>help
> throw out some idols from people's minds, but he ultimately replaces them
>with
> the idol of the intellect in a very pernicious and almost "invisible" form.
>>>
>
> << Many years after I first made contact with K's writings I watched a video
>where
> he gave a "lecture". My experience was one of emptiness, but not in the sense
>of
> empty space filled with spiritual light and consciousness. Rather he appeared
>to
> me to be a "Buddha in theory only". >>
>
> << It leads easily to a subtle nihilism, but can be very liberating in a
>positive
> way also, if endued with a passion for life, and surrender of the ego
>(lower). >>
>
> << It is the lack of meaning and its nihilistic essence that makes it hard to
> understand. Basically there is nothing there to understand, which ultimately
> gets frustrating, and, rightfully so. >>
>
>Bjorn, I agree with your analysis. I don't go away from Krishnamurti's
>writings with a feeling of spiritual fulfillment or joy (ananda). Perhaps it's
>the nihilism of which you speak. I had the opportunity of hearing him three
>times, once at Carnagie Hall and twice at the Kennedy Center in Washington.
>Many came out of the lectures, gushing about how wonderful he was but when
>asked about what he said, they couldn't tell you.
>
>The Theosophical Society helped him build up a world-wide name recognition so
>he always had ready-made audiences. Many came to see him because he was, in a
>sense, an historical figure which is why I attended three of his talks, not
>because I was enamored of his philosophy. Apparently he performed good works
>(seva) by establishing schools and homes for the needy which is fine. Nobody
>is disputing his charitable activities. But philosophically, I feel he's
>simply out in left field. His approach is the via negativa which is a "turn
>off" for many. Many pro-K theosophists would excuse his incomprehensibility by
>saying that he was always on the Buddhic level and, therefore, he had
>difficulty bringing his ideas "through" to us morons on the lower planes.
>
>If one can't express ideas clearly, then why teach? I have no trouble
>understanding Ramakrishna, Vivekananda or even Sri Aurobindo, who was
>certainly no intellectual lightweight.
>
>I'm merely expressing my opinions here in a free internet forum, all you K
>fans, so don't be offended.
>
>Lmhem111
>

Even when I first attended his lectures, I also could not understand what he
was trying to communicate. It took several years of scanning many of his
lectures and biographies and later also saw some of his videos. I think the
videos helped me understand something of what he was trying to say.

On the question of his being able to communicate clearly, one of my kids saw
one of the videos. My kid was 5 or 6 years old and at the end of the tape, I
asked him what he got out of the tape. He responded K says don't listen to
anyone. Make up your own mind. That indicated to me that his msg can be
understood at all levels of learning from child onwards. Another aspect that
came out clearly in his lectures was his emphasis on the need to get into
action and act fearlessly. He also constantly emphasized on the importance
of each person and that great things can be achieved by individuals. The
latter reinforces self confidence so that we can go ahead and act. When one
acts with self confidence and fearlessly, I think great results are
possible. Lastly he tried to instill that we are all human beings and no one
is higher or no one is lower in any sense.

Since the purpose of free internet forum is just that -- a free forum to
exchange ideas and views among friends. Traditionally in the past such was
not possible. The medium was controlled and distance and other factors made
open communication difficult.

My 0.02

MKR