In Chapter 44, “Action and Idea,” from “Commentaries on Living,” J. Krishnamurti discusses the nature of non-violence and the relationship between our ideas and actions. He begins with the story of a gentle man who has dedicated his life to non-violence. This man is a strict vegetarian, avoids harming any living beings, and lives simply. He believes deeply in the power of non-violence and has written books on the subject. His actions, like wearing shoes made from animals that died naturally and carefully choosing his diet, all reflect his commitment to non-violence.

Krishnamurti then shifts to describe a tranquil scene by a pool, with birds, lilies, and a distracted man trying to read a book. This peaceful setting contrasts with the complexity of human thoughts and behaviors. He suggests that people often focus on making their external actions match their internal principles and ideas. For example, someone might carefully choose what they eat or wear to show their commitment to an idea like non-violence. This leads to a question: Why do we try so hard to make our actions fit our ideas?

He explains that we often use ideas to control our actions because ideas feel safe. Actions can be unpredictable and risky, but ideas provide a sense of security. When we act based on an idea, we feel more certain and in control. However, this means that ideas start to dominate our actions. We end up trying to live up to these ideas and disciplining ourselves to match them. This creates a constant struggle because we are trying to fit our limitless actions into the limited framework of an idea.

Krishnamurti argues that this focus on ideas over actions can be problematic. When we prioritize the idea of non-violence, for example, we might become more concerned with the outward signs of non-violence—like our diet or what we wear—rather than truly embodying non-violence in our hearts. The idea becomes more important than the actual state of being non-violent. This leads to a superficial approach where we measure our sincerity by our actions rather than by genuinely being non-violent.

He suggests that true non-violence cannot be reduced to an idea or a pattern of behavior. It is a state of being that cannot be fully captured by thought or intellect. When we try to make non-violence into an idea, it becomes secondary and less meaningful. The real essence of non-violence gets lost in the effort to conform to the idea.

In conclusion, Krishnamurti calls for a shift from focusing on ideas to truly embodying them in our actions. He believes that non-violence, or any such ideal, should not be an intellectual concept we try to live up to. Instead, it should be a genuine way of living that comes from the heart, free from the confines of preconceived ideas. This way, our actions will be more authentic and meaningful, rather than merely trying to fit into the mold of an idea.