Krishnamurti's Journal

Krishnamurti's Journal 

Summary

In these two journal entries, J. Krishnamurti shares his ideas about nature, silence, thought, and inner peace. In the entry dated 25th September 1973, he describes a calm and beautiful morning with clouds, hills, and silence. While quietly observing nature, he experiences a deep spiritual feeling that cannot be explained by words or found in temples, books, or religious rituals. He also remembers sitting in a mosque near Istanbul beside a beggar while a man sang in Arabic. The beautiful music created silence, respect, and deep emotion among the listeners. Later, while walking alone in the mountains, he realizes that true understanding comes only when the mind is free from worries, memories, and worldly desires. During this walk, he calmly observes a dangerous rattlesnake, showing his awareness and control.

In the second journal entry dated 13th October 1973, Krishnamurti reflects on consciousness and the limits of thought. During a flight, he notices that most passengers are busy talking, sleeping, or distracting themselves, while he quietly watches the sky and clouds. He explains that thought is limited because it comes from memory, experience, fear, pleasure, and ego. According to him, thought creates conflict, sorrow, fear, and violence in human life. He believes that real depth and understanding come only when the mind becomes silent and free from self-centered thinking.

In conclusion, both journal entries teach that silence, simplicity, and freedom from unnecessary thoughts help people discover truth, peace, love, and a deeper understanding of life.

Main Points of the Two Journals

Journal: 25th September 1973

• describes a peaceful morning filled with natural beauty and silence.
• He experiences a mysterious spiritual feeling beyond thought and religion.
• He says truth cannot be found in temples, books, or rituals.
• In a mosque near Istanbul, Arabic singing creates deep silence and respect among listeners.
• He emphasizes the importance of being alone with nature.
• True understanding comes when the mind is free from memories and worldly burdens.
• He calmly observes a dangerous rattlesnake during his mountain walk.
• The journal promotes simple living and inner awareness.

Journal: 13th October 1973

• Krishnamurti reflects on consciousness and the limitations of thought.
• During a flight, he observes that people are busy with distractions and superficial activities.
• Thought is limited because it is based on memory, fear, pleasure, and ego.
• Ego or “self” is only a creation of thought.
• Thought creates conflict, fear, sorrow, and violence.
• Human relationships become shallow when controlled by selfish thinking.
• Real understanding comes only when the mind becomes silent.
• Silence and love have true depth, while thought and time are limited.

Conclusion

Both journals teach that inner peace, silence, simplicity, and freedom from unnecessary thoughts are essential for discovering truth, love, and a deeper meaning of life.

Exploring the Text

1. Why do you think that Krishnamurti starts his journal entries with the description of nature?

Krishnamurti begins his journal entries with descriptions of nature because nature helps create peace, silence, and awareness in the mind. Through the beauty of clouds, trees, rivers, and skies, he prepares the reader to understand deeper truths about life and consciousness. Nature also reflects purity and harmony, which are central ideas in his writings.

2. “The mind must not be filled with the rocks and clouds of the earth. It must be empty as the newly made vessel.” Explain the statement.

Krishnamurti means that the human mind should be free from unnecessary thoughts, worries, memories, and prejudices. A mind crowded with worldly concerns cannot understand truth clearly. Like a newly made empty vessel, the mind should remain open, fresh, and calm so that it can observe life deeply and experience wisdom.

3. They were flying at thirty-seven thousand feet smoothly and the plane was full. The writer did not like some people in the plane. Who were those people and why did he not like them?

The writer did not like the people who were proud, materialistic, and self-centered. He disliked those passengers who were only concerned with status, money, and personal comfort. According to Krishnamurti, such people lacked sensitivity, simplicity, and awareness of life, which created a sense of emptiness and artificiality in human relationships.

4. How can we say that thought has no depth?

Thought has no depth because it is based on memory, past experiences, and knowledge. It moves within limited boundaries created by the human mind. True depth comes only when the mind becomes silent and free from constant thinking. Therefore, thought alone cannot fully understand truth or the deeper meaning of life.

5. Does ‘silence’ have depth? How?

Yes, silence has great depth. According to Krishnamurti, real silence is not merely the absence of noise but a state where the mind is completely calm and free from conflict and thought. In such silence, one can experience truth, peace, and deep understanding. This silence is limitless and much deeper than ordinary thinking.

6. What is consciousness? How does consciousness help to understand the world?

Consciousness is the total awareness of thoughts, feelings, memories, desires, fears, and experiences within the human mind. Krishnamurti believes that by understanding one’s own consciousness clearly, a person can understand humanity and the world because human problems are shared by all people. Self-awareness leads to deeper understanding and wisdom.

7. Do Krishnamurti’s teachings give new insights into the human mind? Do they provide further impetus for study in human consciousness? Give reasons to support your answer.

Yes, Krishnamurti’s teachings provide new insights into the human mind. He encourages people to observe themselves without fear, prejudice, or authority. His ideas about awareness, silence, freedom, and self-understanding help readers think deeply about consciousness and human behavior. His teachings inspire further study because they connect psychology, philosophy, and spirituality in a unique and thoughtful way.

Making Connection

1. Describe a scenery that you have recently enjoyed.

Recently, I enjoyed a beautiful evening scenery near a green hill. The sky was covered with golden clouds as the sun slowly set behind the mountains. Cool wind was blowing gently, and birds were returning to their nests. The peaceful surroundings, fresh air, and quiet atmosphere made me feel relaxed and happy. The beauty of nature filled my mind with calmness and joy.

2. Write a review of one of Krishnamurti’s books in about 500 words.

Review of Krishnamurti’s Journal

Krishnamurti’s Journal is a thoughtful and philosophical work by . The book is a collection of personal reflections, observations of nature, and deep discussions about human consciousness, truth, and freedom. Through simple yet powerful language, Krishnamurti explores the inner world of the human mind and encourages readers to understand themselves.

One of the most striking features of the book is its beautiful description of nature. Krishnamurti often begins his journal entries with scenes of mountains, rivers, trees, birds, clouds, and silence. These descriptions are not merely decorative; they create a peaceful atmosphere and connect nature with human awareness. According to the writer, observing nature carefully helps people experience calmness and deeper understanding.

The central theme of the book is self-awareness. Krishnamurti believes that human beings suffer because their minds are filled with fear, ambition, jealousy, greed, and memories of the past. He argues that true freedom comes only when people observe their thoughts without judgment. He repeatedly emphasizes the importance of silence and meditation, not as religious rituals but as states of complete awareness.

Another important idea in the book is the limitation of thought. Krishnamurti explains that thought is based on memory and experience, so it can never fully understand truth. Real understanding comes only when the mind becomes quiet and free from conflict. This idea challenges traditional beliefs and encourages readers to think independently.

The language of the book is simple but deeply meaningful. Readers may find some ideas difficult at first, but careful reading reveals profound insights about life and human relationships. Krishnamurti does not force his opinions on readers; instead, he asks questions that encourage personal reflection.

This book is especially valuable for students, philosophers, and anyone interested in psychology or spirituality. It teaches the importance of living with awareness, simplicity, and compassion. The journal also inspires readers to build a closer relationship with nature and with their own inner selves.

In conclusion, Krishnamurti’s Journal is an inspiring and thought-provoking book. Its discussions about silence, consciousness, freedom, and truth make it a meaningful work for modern readers. The book encourages self-discovery and teaches that true understanding comes from observing life deeply and honestly.

3. “The religious spirit includes the scientific temper. The religious mind is alone, not lonely. It is in communion with people and nature.” Explain.

Krishnamurti believes that a truly religious mind is not based on blind faith, rituals, or superstition. It has a scientific temper, meaning that it questions, observes, and seeks truth through careful understanding. Such a mind is free from prejudice and fear.

He says that the religious mind is “alone, not lonely” because it is independent and free from social pressure, yet it does not feel isolated. Instead, it remains deeply connected with humanity and nature. A religious mind lives with love, compassion, awareness, and harmony. Therefore, true spirituality and scientific inquiry work together in the search for truth.