Experiencing silence at the Krishnamurti centre
Two-day retreat at the Hampshire, England, UK centre
I knew I wouldn’t know the full effects of spending two days at the Krishnamurti Centre until I left. Since the first Covid lockdown in March 2020 I am content to stay at home and local. At the centre, although 70 odd miles away from home I was also content to stay local. I wasn’t here for walking I was here to give time to the writings of Krishnamurti.
As I left the quiet Hampshire rural roads, I knew the quietness I experienced, at the centre, on hearing the roar of traffic on the M3 and M25. Could I hold my poise as I took my place in traffic queues making a 90-minute trip the same again? What do I see? Whatever I see it is the emotions that feel. I saw that it would take me ‘a time’ to get home and that my inner state is more powerful than the outer. I would be in the moment and for as long as I was whatever was in front of me would be too.
As I put my key in my front door I knew that I was not alone. An unexpected visitor. I held my poise. And then I noticed for the rest of the evening I didn't put Radio 3 on. My ears attuned to the silence of the birds and baying sheep seemed not to crave the evening concert. I pulled out ‘Total Freedom’ the book I had bought while at the centre and continuing reading as if continuing what began at the centre.
I awoke this morning and again the impulse to turn on Radio 3 wasn't there. My attention was on the birdsong outside. I turned again to the book and as it was at the centre, I read, I paused, I contemplated, I fell asleep. I wondered would I remain in this poise all day but as I did I was reminded all that is required of me is this present moment.
The rhythm of eating seems to have also remained with no snacking in between meals.
When I first viewed photos of the centre eleven years ago I had been struck by its interior. That is not something I normally pay too much attention to. I was to learn that the design had come in a dream. Within it, there is a quiet room. It is advised not to enter until you bring quiet into the room.
I had not expected quiet and silence to feature as they did in Krishnamurti's writings. As someone who has consciously practised silence for a time, it felt he converged on a universal theme.
“When the mind is still, tranquil not seeking any answer or any solution, neither resisting nor avoiding — it is only then that there can be regeneration, because then the mind is capable of perceiving what is true, and it is truth that liberates not your efforts to be free.”
J. Krishnamurti page 82, Total Freedom
g (audio below)
The story below is from Wednesday before I drove to the centre.
