Summary of J. Krishnamurti’s Talk: “What Are We Seeking?” (10 July 1977)

J. Krishnamurti begins his talk by emphasizing the importance of thinking together without preconceived notions or beliefs. He makes it clear that he is not a guru and doesn’t want followers. Instead, he invites the audience to explore, reason, and investigate together to find a different approach to life’s problems. He stresses that neither reason nor logic has solved our human issues, and he aims to find a way beyond these traditional methods.

Krishnamurti asks the fundamental question: “What are we seeking?” He suggests that people often look for physical comfort, security, and stability in various forms—be it in relationships, beliefs, or experiences. He points out that we tend to cling to past experiences and memories for a sense of permanence and security. This attachment to the past and the search for security in beliefs or gurus is a common human tendency.

He argues that seeking security in beliefs, experiences, or gurus leads to division and conflict because everyone clings to different ideas and traditions. This division prevents true communication and understanding. Krishnamurti urges us to examine whether thought itself can provide the security we seek. He explains that thought is based on memory and the past, and therefore, any security derived from thought is inherently unstable and illusory.

Krishnamurti further explores the idea of psychological security. He questions whether it exists and suggests that the craving for psychological security can lead to neurosis and conflict. He challenges the audience to investigate whether clinging to beliefs, experiences, or traditions truly provides security. He asserts that seeking security in the past or in thought inevitably leads to conflict and division.

He explains that true security cannot be found in the past or in thought. Instead, we need to understand the nature of thought and its limitations. Thought, being a product of the past, cannot bring about true security or freedom. He encourages the audience to explore this deeply and not merely accept it intellectually.

Krishnamurti also touches on the importance of observing without attachment. He suggests that a mind free from beliefs, dogmas, and experiences can truly observe and understand reality. This free mind is compassionate and has the energy to transform “what is” without the distortions of thought.

He emphasizes that we are all part of humanity and responsible for the whole of mankind. Recognizing this interconnectedness brings about a deep sense of responsibility and urgency to understand and address our problems.

Krishnamurti points out that religions and organized beliefs, created by thought, have not solved human problems. On the contrary, they have often led to more division and conflict. He questions whether there is any real security in these structures, as they are all based on the past and thought.

He concludes by asking the audience to deeply consider whether they seek security in thought and beliefs. He encourages them to understand the limitations of thought and to explore the possibility of a mind that is free from these limitations. Such a mind, he suggests, can observe, learn, and act without the distortions of the past, leading to true security and transformation.

In summary, Krishnamurti’s talk is an invitation to question our fundamental assumptions about security, thought, and beliefs. He urges us to explore these issues deeply, without preconceived notions, and to discover a new approach to understanding and addressing the problems of life.