Page 41 - JOURNAL OF THE KRISHNAMURTI SCHOOLS

Krishnamurti Fascinates Students of Vedānta

function. We have functions, for example, f1 (x) = x + 1 or f2 (x) =
x + 2x + 1, in each of which the variable x is transformed. What is
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is the variable here and ‘seeing’ is the function. The function of see-
ing perhaps is the subtlest of all functions possible in this universe.
Our attention is thus drawn to the mightiest tool for inner
change. Understanding, and not doing something, is the special
power inherent in every one of us that can usher in radical change.
While the whole world is generally obsessed with right action, right
speech and right thinking, here comes a fresh breeze of insight that
highlights the place of ‘right seeing.’ Thought, word and deed are
the nuts and bolts of an industry running into billions of dollars,
claiming to rehabilitate humanity. Countless motivational work-
shops promise us guidance on right ways to act, the best ways
to communicate and healthy ways to think. ‘Right seeing’ as the
source of right thought, word and deed is mostly neither under-
stood nor appreciated.
‘Right seeing’ (samyag-darshana in Sanskrit) takes pride of place
in the advanced teachings of Buddhism and Advaita Vedānta. The
latter, with which this author is familiar, considers ‘right seeing’ as
the culmination of a prolonged study of scriptures (Upanishads).
The flavour, therefore, is of arriving at a certain maturity where one
sees rightly and is blessed with the insight that the self is false. The
flavour of K’s teachings, in contrast, is one of starting with enquiry
and questioning one’s own current seeing. Saying that “the first step
is the last step”, Krishnaji leaves no room for either engagement with
conceptual frameworks or entertaining ideas of gradual arrival.
“The unwise do not arrive at peace either by effort or by staying
idle. The wise, on the other hand, are free of all conflict by mere
right seeing”, says the sage Asthāvakra in Asthāvakra Geetā .
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Time is bondage

“Tell me that, knowing which everything is known”, is how a
major Upanishad begins. (The verbal root to know is not to be
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