Eleven
How do you look at yourself
and at the world?
I think one should have a good look not only at the outside, at what is going on in
the world, but also, more rigorously, at ourselves. To look clearly without any
distortion there must be a quality of perception, a quality of mind that sees
without resisting, without prejudice, without being caught in any particular
formula, merely observing. In perceiving what is actually, not theoretically, we
shall come upon what truth is, and not upon speculative ideas about truth; we will
not accept or reject what others say that truth is, but see for ourselves very clearly
what it is.
Therefore it is very important to understand the word perception. We are
going to go into the very complex problem of living—not only outwardly but
also inwardly—and one must be very capable of looking exactly at what is going
on. To perceive what is is the basis of truth, and you cannot possibly perceive or
see if you are bigoted, narrow, frightened, or if you belong to any particular sect
or group or community. So we are going to observe together, find out not only
how to bring about a radical revolution in ourselves and therefore in society but
also a way of living in which there will be no conflict whatsoever. To understand
all this, to understand our sorrows, our confusion, our many contradictory ways
of thought and activity, we have to look at exactly what is going on; not interpret
it, not try to escape from it, not translate it according to our particular likes and
dislikes, but observe. And that is where it is going to be difficult—to see exactly
what is going on.
Though the speaker will describe and explain, the description and the
explanation are not the described or the explained. Words are not the thing. The
word tree is not the tree. So we have to look beyond the word. But we must use
words in order to communicate, in order to convey something. Communication
implies that we talk over together a common issue, a common problem. In
sharing the problem, understanding the problem, we shall find out if it can be
resolved. So communication implies sharing together, sharing together all our
problems and understanding them together. So there is no authority involved in
this at all. When you share something, partake, there is a feeling not only of
affection, care, but also responsibility. It is your responsibility that you actually
share, not verbally, not intellectually, but actually, deeply partake in the
resolution of our problems. Communication means that you don’t merely sit
there and listen to the speaker, hear a few words or ideas or come to some
conclusion, agreeing or disagreeing. In what we are going to talk about during
these meetings, there is no question of agreement or disagreement.