This paper was presented at the
National Seminar on
Indian Psychology: Theories and Models
SVYASA, Bangalore,
December 26 - 28, 2007
 

Thought and sans thought in holistic living of learners

Aruna Mohan — St Joseph’s College of Education, Guntur

Man has developed his ability to think which is only a part of his intelligence. He has been using his logical step-by-step thought for rigorous examination, critical thought to verify the statements and creative thought for synergic ideas to deal with many social, economic and productive issues. Many a man, on the other side, is unable to have a grip over his thoughts due to ego-centric pursuits which cause stress and insomnia. Prejudiced thought in varied forms is the cause for sprouting of problems which are breeding hatred, enmity and violence in the name of religious, racial, regional and national differences.

Krishnamurthi, a world famous teacher, limits the place of thought in human living and emphasizes observation of inward and outward life to set right the human condition, to bring in a total transformation in the psychological structure of the human kind, wishing a new generation of human beings to regenerate society. His approach is holistic, lively and dynamic in quality. He impresses the teachers to develop independent thinking and feeling among the students and also pleads to end thought in any form while self-knowing which only facilitates understanding of deeper layers of mind. Non-dual observation was proposed as the key to it if the observation of ones conditioning is to be smooth where there is no place at all for thought.

He also points out how man is failing to live fully due to the very thought of ‘me’; he is unable to understand the significance of human relationships in his me-centeredness; and is unable to relate well to the remaining nature. It is time for humanity to live not only thoughtfully but also without thought while self-knowing where thought obstructs the movement of silent self-observation of the contents of consciousness and to go beyond.

Email the author, Dr. Aruna Mohan, at aravind_boyapati@yahoo.com