On the difference between observing and thinking about oneself | J. Krishnamurti

Summary

In this transcript, the speaker explores the distinction between 'thinking about oneself' and 'observing oneself.' Thinking about oneself is ego-driven and filled with judgments, desires, and self-centered thoughts. In contrast, observing oneself is a form of detached, wordless awareness, free from the influence of labels and preconceived notions. The speaker argues that the shift from thinking to observing is not about effort or intention but understanding the nature of thought and observation. True observation is a fresh, immediate experience, untainted by the mind’s constant categorization and reaction.

Takeaways

• 😀 Thinking about oneself is a self-centered activity, focused on desires, judgments, and projections of the ego.
• 😀 Observing oneself is a non-egotistical act of awareness, free from mental interference and pre-existing labels.
• 😀 Our thoughts about ourselves are often repetitive and circular, either expanding or contracting the ego.
• 😀 The brain is caught in a network of words and categories, which prevents us from observing the world directly and objectively.
• 😀 True observation means perceiving without using words or labels, allowing for a fresh experience of the world.
• 😀 We often look at others (e.g., a spouse or public figure) through preconceived notions and images rather than seeing them as they are in the present moment.
• 😀 Observation is timeless — it is an experience of the present, while thinking about oneself is bound by past and future projections of the self.
• 😀 To observe is to pay full attention without letting any thought escape, creating a heightened state of awareness.
• 😀 The process of thinking about oneself, with desires and goals, is always egocentric, while true observation involves shifting focus away from the self.
• 😀 The question of moving from egocentric thinking to non-egocentric observation is not answered through effort or will, but through the awareness of the present moment.

Q & A

What is the primary difference between 'thinking about oneself' and 'observing oneself'?

Thinking about oneself involves the ego, constantly revolving around self-centered thoughts like desires, judgments, or self-improvement. It is a time-bound process that often leads to mental loops. Observing oneself, on the other hand, is a non-judgmental, objective awareness of the present moment, free from the interference of labels, reactions, or past experiences.

Why is it difficult to observe without using words?

The brain is deeply entrenched in language and conceptual thinking, which influences how we perceive everything. Words and labels help us categorize and understand the world, but they also filter and distort our observations, preventing us from seeing things or people as they truly are in the present moment.

What role does the ego play in thinking about oneself?

The ego drives self-centered thinking, where the mind focuses on personal needs, desires, and judgments. Thoughts like 'I need to improve,' 'I am not loved,' or 'I must be more intelligent' are all expressions of the ego's constant engagement with the self, often leading to a cycle of dissatisfaction or self-absorption.

Can true observation occur if the mind is caught in a network of words?

No, true observation cannot occur when the mind is caught in words or mental labels. Words create categories and reactions that interfere with our ability to see things clearly and directly. Observing something without the filter of words allows for a fresh, unclouded perception of the world.

What does the speaker mean by 'time-binding quality' of the self?

The 'time-binding quality' of the self refers to how the ego is rooted in time, constantly referencing the past and projecting into the future. This temporal nature of the self binds us to our thoughts, desires, and self-concept, preventing true observation, which exists outside the constraints of time.

How can observing a person or object be different from thinking about them?

When we think about someone or something, we bring our accumulated knowledge, judgments, and expectations into the experience. We might categorize a person as 'good' or 'bad,' or an object as 'useful' or 'useless.' True observation, however, involves looking at the person or object without these mental filters, simply experiencing them as they are in the moment.

Why does the speaker suggest that trying to move from being self-centered to observing is a 'wrong question'?

The question is considered wrong because it still arises from the same ego-driven mindset. Asking 'How can I move from being selfish to observing?' implies that we are still trying to achieve something, which is a self-centered goal. True observation can only occur when there is no desire to move or change, as this desire itself is rooted in the ego.

What is meant by 'watching oneself' in the context of this script?

Watching oneself refers to the practice of observing one's thoughts, emotions, and reactions without getting caught up in them. It involves being fully aware and present in the moment, paying attention to every thought and reaction as it arises, without judgment or attachment.

What does the speaker say about the relationship between observation and time?

Observation, as the speaker describes it, is timeless. It occurs in the present moment, without the influence of past memories or future expectations. Thinking, on the other hand, is bound by time because it constantly references the past or projects into the future, thus preventing the mind from experiencing things directly.

How does the speaker describe the mind's reaction when it looks at the world or at other people?

The speaker explains that when the mind looks at the world or at people, it immediately categorizes them, based on past experiences, cultural labels, or personal biases. This automatic labeling process prevents the mind from truly observing and experiencing the world or others as they are, free from the filter of past conditioning.