Freedom from the Known
Jiddu Krishnamurti and Mary Lutyens
20 min
7 Key Points
4.7 RateWhat's inside?
Explore profound insights into human consciousness and self-understanding, and learn how to liberate yourself from preconceived notions and societal conditioning.
You'll learn
1. Why knowing yourself matters2. Ditching society's rules and your own hang-ups3. Living for now, not tomorrow4. Beating fear and worry5. Thinking for yourself, not the crowd6. What real freedom looks like and how to get it.Key points
01Understanding the 'Self': A Path to Freedom
Have you ever stopped to consider who you really are? Not the person your parents, teachers, or society told you to be, but the real, authentic you. This is the concept of 'self' that Jiddu Krishnamurti explores in his book "Freedom from the Known". We are all like clay, shaped and molded by the societal norms, values, and expectations that surround us. From the moment we are born, we are taught how to behave, what to believe, and who to become. This societal influence is so pervasive that it often becomes our understanding of 'self'. But what if this 'self' is not truly who we are? Krishnamurti suggests that we can break free from this societal conditioning by questioning our self-perception. This process involves stepping back and examining our beliefs, values, and behaviors. It's like peeling back the layers of an onion, each layer representing a different aspect of our 'self' that has been influenced by society. By questioning these layers, we can uncover the true 'self' that lies beneath. But how do we start this process of questioning? It begins with self-awareness. Self-awareness is the ability to observe our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors without judgment. It's like being a silent observer of our own lives, watching our actions and reactions as if they were happening to someone else. This self-awareness allows us to see the societal conditioning that has shaped our 'self' and gives us the power to change it. For example, consider a person who has always believed that success means having a high-paying job and a big house. This belief was instilled in them by their parents and society. But through self-awareness, they realize that this belief is not their own and that their true definition of success is living a life of simplicity and contentment. This realization is the first step towards freedom. This journey towards freedom is not easy. It requires courage, patience, and persistence. But as Krishnamurti suggests, it is a journey worth taking. By understanding our 'self', we can break free from the societal conditioning that has held us captive and discover the freedom that comes from being our authentic selves. So, who are you really? Are you the 'self' that society has shaped, or are you the 'self' that lies beneath the layers of societal conditioning? The answer to this question is the key to your freedom.
02Understanding and Confronting Fear: A Krishnamurti Perspective
Ever been paralyzed by fear? You know, that gut-wrenching feeling that makes your heart pound and your palms sweat. It's a universal experience, but what if I told you that fear is not some external monster lurking in the shadows, but a creation of our own minds? Fear, as Jiddu Krishnamurti explains in "Freedom from the Known", originates from our thoughts and memories. It's like a self-created monster, born from the shadows of our past experiences and future uncertainties. The scary part? This monster has the power to control us. But the empowering part? Since we created it, we have the power to tame it. Fear can be a real party pooper. It can limit our actions, hinder our growth, and even impact our mental and physical health. Ever turned down an opportunity because you were afraid of failure? Or felt physically ill from worry? That's fear, flexing its muscles. But it doesn't have to be this way. Krishnamurti suggests that we confront our fears. Not run from them, not ignore them, but face them head-on. It's like standing up to a bully. It's scary at first, but once you do it, you realize that the bully isn't as powerful as you thought. Confronting fear involves acknowledging its presence, understanding its roots, and challenging its power over us. It's not an easy process, but it's a liberating one. But confronting fear is just half the battle. Krishnamurti also encourages us to question our fears. Why are we afraid? What's the worst that could happen? Is our fear based on reality, or is it a product of our imagination? Questioning fear is like shining a light on our self-created monster. It helps us see it for what it really is - a figment of our imagination. And with understanding comes the power to change. Freedom from fear. It sounds like a utopian concept, doesn't it? But according to Krishnamurti, it's a very real possibility. Understanding and confronting fear can lead to a life free from its shackles. Imagine a life where you make decisions based on love, not fear. A life where you embrace opportunities, not run from them. A life where you live in the present, not haunted by the past or anxious about the future. So, next time fear comes knocking, remember Krishnamurti's advice. Confront it. Question it. Understand it. Because the power to overcome fear lies within you. And once you realize this, you'll see that the monster you've been running from is not as scary as you thought. In fact, it's not a monster at all. It's just a shadow, and shadows disappear in the light of understanding.
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03How our desire for security limits freedom?
04How Relationships Influence Your Freedom?
05Embracing Solitude for Personal Growth and Freedom
06Understanding Death for Greater Freedom
07Conclusion
About Jiddu Krishnamurti and Mary Lutyens
Jiddu Krishnamurti was an Indian philosopher, speaker, and writer, known for his profound spiritual teachings. Mary Lutyens was a British author and biographer, best known for her extensive work on Krishnamurti, whom she knew personally.