Reetika Chowdhuri
Jiddu Krishnamurti is considered one of the greatest philosophical and spiritual thinkers of the twentieth century. He didn’t align himself with any caste, nationality, or religion and wasn’t bound by any traditions. His mission was to help people break free from the limitations of a conditioned mind. For nearly sixty years, he traveled the world, speaking spontaneously to large audiences until he passed away at ninety. Krishnamurti had no permanent home, but he often stayed in Ojai, California, Brockwood Park, England, and Chennai, India when he wasn’t on the move. In his talks, he emphasized the importance of transforming ourselves through self-knowledge. He encouraged people to be aware of their thoughts and feelings in daily life, observing how these inner movements can be seen through our relationships with others. Here are some of his best quotes that may inspire you and offer new perspectives on life:
“So when you are listening to somebody, completely, attentively, then you are listening not only to the words, but also to the feeling of what is being conveyed, to the whole of it, not part of it”.
This quote tries to convey that when someone speaks to us or shares their thoughts or feelings, we need to listen attentively. By paying close attention, we can fully understand their point of view and what situation they are dealing with. Observing their way of expressing and body language helps us to comprehend what phase they are going through. When we listen this way, we become more empathetic and show more respect towards them, which makes them feel comfortable with us.
“In oneself lies the whole world and if you know how to look and learn, the door is there, and the key is in your hand. Nobody on earth can give you either the key or the door to open, except yourself.”
This quote suggests that what you are searching for in the external world is actually within you. You only need to pay attention to yourself. When you learn about yourself and pay attention to the details, you will understand that all the answers lie within you. Think of opportunity as a door and your understanding as the key to it. No one can give you this until you see and understand yourself.
“The moment you have in your heart this extraordinary thing called love and feel the depth, the delight, the ecstasy of it, you will discover that for you the world is transformed.”
This quote is trying to convey that when we feel love, we notice changes all around us. Love brings us happiness, makes our minds positive, and we begin to see the world in a brighter way. Love teaches us to see ordinary things in an extraordinary and special way. When we start embracing love, we become more connected and empathetic towards everything.
“No one can live without relationship. You may withdraw into the mountains, become a monk, a sannyasi, wander off into the desert by yourself, but you are related. You cannot escape from that absolute fact. You cannot exist in isolation.”
This quote explains that we can never live without relationships. Even if we go to a mountain, become a hermit, or wander alone in a desert, we will never be truly alone. This is because humans are social beings, and relationships are a vital part of our lives. We are always connected to someone in some way, and these relationships are what form our character and develop our personality. Ultimately, no matter how solitary we become, we need to form relationships with others for our existence.
The idea of withdrawing into the mountains, becoming a monk, or wandering into the desert symbolizes extreme efforts one can take to isolate themselves. Yet, even in these scenarios, they cannot sever their ties to humanity or the rest of the world, as they will be dependent on the environment for basic needs such as food, air and shelter.
“In awareness there is no becoming, there is no end to be gained. There is silent observation without choice and condemnation, from which there comes understanding.”
This last quote is trying to convey that true awareness comes from simply observing things silently without judging or criticizing. When you start doing this, you will be able to learn and understand a lot more without adding your own opinions and judgments. By becoming more welcoming, you will get a clear picture and gain more knowledge. In this way, your understanding will naturally grow.
