J. Krishnamurti - Brockwood Park 1976 - Discussions with D. Bohm and D. Shainberg - Introduction

Summary

In this dialogue, David Bohm, a theoretical physicist, and Dr. Shainberg, a psychiatrist, share their personal journeys of exploring the deeper questions of existence, influenced by the teachings of J. Krishnamurti. Bohm discusses his fascination with the nature of reality, while Shainberg reflects on how Krishnamurti's philosophy challenges the fragmented approach in Western psychiatry. They emphasize the importance of understanding the relationship between the observer and the observed in both science and personal experience, encouraging a holistic view of life and human relationships.

Takeaways

• 😀 David Bohm introduces himself as a theoretical physicist, highlighting his interest in deeper questions about the nature of time, space, causality, and the universe.
• 😀 Bohm discusses his early exposure to Krishnamurti's work, particularly the concept of the observer and the observed, which resonates with his work in quantum theory.
• 😀 Bohm shares how he came to meet Krishnamurti, starting with reading his book *First and Last Freedom*, followed by correspondence and eventual face-to-face meetings.
• 😀 Bohm explains his long-term engagement with Krishnamurti, attending talks and discussions, leading to his participation in the creation of Brockwood Park school.
• 😀 Dr. Shainberg, a psychiatrist, recounts his early exposure to Krishnamurti's work in his youth, influenced by his father and his interest in psychoanalytic theories.
• 😀 Shainberg reflects on how his understanding of Krishnamurti’s teachings evolved over the years, particularly the relationship between the observer and the observed in psychiatric practice.
• 😀 Shainberg critiques the fragmentation in Western psychiatry, suggesting that theories often break down and analyze parts, which may exacerbate the very issues they aim to treat.
• 😀 Both Bohm and Shainberg express that the theories they work with in their respective fields fail to address the holistic nature of human experience, contributing to fragmentation in understanding.
• 😀 Shainberg highlights how Krishnamurti’s teachings, especially the observer-observed relationship, have influenced his approach to psychiatry and his understanding of the patient-doctor dynamic.
• 😀 Krishnamurti emphasizes the importance of serious, committed engagement with life's deeper questions, stressing that true understanding requires attentiveness and affection, not just intellectual agreement or disagreement.

Q & A

How did David Bohm first become interested in the teachings of Mr. Krishnamurti?

David Bohm's interest in Krishnamurti's teachings began when he came across the book 'First and Last Freedom' in the public library in Bristol, in 1957. He was intrigued by its discussion of the observer and the observed, which resonated with his work in theoretical physics, especially in quantum theory.

What significance did the concept of the observer have for David Bohm in relation to his work in physics?

For David Bohm, the concept of the observer was crucial because it echoed ideas in quantum theory, such as Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle, where the act of observation affects the particle being observed. Bohm found this question important for exploring the nature of reality and causality.

How did David Bohm’s relationship with Mr. Krishnamurti evolve over time?

David Bohm began corresponding with the Krishnamurti Foundation, met with Krishnamurti in person, and engaged in ongoing discussions. He attended talks, visited Saanen, and participated in the planning of a school that embodied Krishnamurti's teachings at Brockwood Park, where he remained involved as a trustee.

What was Dr. Shainberg’s background before meeting Mr. Krishnamurti?

Dr. Shainberg was a practicing psychiatrist, neurologist, and psychoanalyst. He had been reading Krishnamurti's works since his late teens and was influenced by his father’s interest in Krishnamurti’s teachings. He also explored psychoanalytic theories, particularly those of Karen Horney and Harold Kelman.

How did Dr. Shainberg’s understanding of psychiatry and psychology evolve through Krishnamurti’s teachings?

Dr. Shainberg's understanding deepened when he realized that Western psychiatry’s fragmented approach did not address the holistic nature of human experience. He recognized that the theories in psychiatry often perpetuated fragmentation, which mirrored the very issues patients presented.

What specific insight did Dr. Shainberg gain from his discussions with David Bohm?

Dr. Shainberg found that his discussions with David Bohm helped him understand how the fragmented theories in psychiatry missed the holistic action that gives rise to fragmentation. This realization led him to see the connection between the observer and the observed in the context of the doctor-patient relationship.

How does Dr. Shainberg view the relationship between the observer and the observed in psychiatry?

Dr. Shainberg sees the relationship between the observer and the observed as essential in psychiatry. He believes that in the doctor-patient relationship, the observer (the psychiatrist) and the observed (the patient) are deeply interconnected, and understanding this dynamic is key to addressing the fragmentation in psychiatric theory.

What did Mr. Krishnamurti emphasize about the approach to the dialogues in the transcript?

Mr. Krishnamurti emphasized that the viewer or participant must approach the dialogues with seriousness, attention, and care. He stressed that the discussions are not abstract but deal with real-life issues like fear, pleasure, sorrow, and death. The viewer should listen attentively and be genuinely engaged in the search for truth in everyday life.

What is the role of seriousness in participating in these dialogues, according to Krishnamurti?

According to Krishnamurti, seriousness means being deeply committed to understanding the fundamental questions of life. It involves caring about life itself, engaging with the content of the dialogues through attention, affection, and a willingness to explore one's own thoughts and behaviors.

How did Krishnamurti suggest viewers should engage with the content of the dialogues?

Krishnamurti suggested that viewers should engage with the content of the dialogues by listening with care and attention, without rushing to agree or disagree. The focus should be on truly understanding the content and applying it to one’s life, particularly in terms of relationships and self-awareness.