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Freedom from the Known

J Krishnamurti

146 Pages
2010-07-01

Freedom from the Known

Random House

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"Freedom from the Known" - Summary

"Freedom from the Known" by J. Krishnamurti is a profound exploration of the human condition and the nature of freedom. The book challenges conventional wisdom and encourages readers to question their beliefs, perceptions, and thought processes. Krishnamurti argues that true freedom comes from understanding the workings of our own minds and liberating ourselves from the constraints of tradition, expectation, and memory. He emphasizes the importance of self-knowledge, awareness, and the ability to live in the present moment. This book is special because it offers practical insights and tools for personal transformation, making it accessible to anyone interested in self-discovery and personal growth. By reading "Freedom from the Known," you will gain a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you, leading to greater peace, fulfillment, and a sense of openness and curiosity.

Key Ideas

1

The Self is a Product of the Known

Krishnamurti argues that our sense of self, with all its anxieties, desires, and fears, is constructed from our past experiences, knowledge, and cultural conditioning. This "known" becomes a prison, limiting our perception of reality and preventing us from living authentically in the present moment. By recognizing this, we can begin to dismantle the barriers that hold us back and experience life more fully.

2

Freedom Lies in Observing the "Thinker"

To break free from the known, Krishnamurti encourages us to develop a keen awareness of our thoughts and feelings without judgment. By simply observing the "thinker" within, we create a space between ourselves and our conditioned responses, allowing for a fresh and unconditioned perception of the world. This practice of self-observation can lead to profound insights and a deeper understanding of our true nature.

3

Transformation Happens in the Now

Krishnamurti emphasizes that true change cannot be sought through time โ€“ it can only occur in the present moment. By fully embracing the "now" without the burden of the past or the anxieties of the future, we open ourselves up to a profound transformation that leads to genuine freedom and fulfillment. This idea highlights the importance of mindfulness and living in the present moment as key components of personal growth and liberation.

FAQ's

The main theme of "Freedom from the Known" is the exploration of true freedom through self-knowledge and awareness. Krishnamurti challenges readers to question their beliefs and perceptions, emphasizing the importance of understanding the workings of our own minds to liberate ourselves from the constraints of tradition, expectation, and memory.

Krishnamurti suggests that personal transformation can be achieved by developing a keen awareness of our thoughts and feelings without judgment. By observing the "thinker" within and fully embracing the present moment, we can dismantle the barriers created by our past experiences and cultural conditioning, leading to genuine freedom and fulfillment.

"Freedom from the Known" offers practical insights such as the importance of self-observation, mindfulness, and living in the present moment. These tools help readers gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them, leading to greater peace, fulfillment, and a sense of openness and curiosity.

๐Ÿ’ก Full 15min Summary

True transformation and understanding come from a radical revolution in our psyche, replacing fear and external authorities with self-awareness and love.
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Throughout history, we humans have been on a quest for truth or meaning that transcends our physical existence. We've sought answers in religion, ideals, authorities, and belief systems, hoping to uncover a deeper reality. However, these avenues have often led to violence, conformity, and the suppression of our authentic selves, rather than providing the real answers we crave.

To uncover what's beyond our "anxious, guilty, fearful existence," we need to adopt a completely new approach. Instead of seeking answers externally from books, religious leaders, or saviors, we need to look inward and understand ourselves. This means rejecting all external authorities and ideologies that only foster conflict and allow our minds to be molded by others.

The only way to bring about true change is by taking full responsibility for our lives and for the state of the world. This involves observing ourselves closely without judgment, becoming aware of our brutality, violence, and despair. By acknowledging the totality of who we are, we can gain insights that go beyond the fragmentation of ideology.

Transformation happens when we harness the energy that comes from complete freedom from fear and authority. This is a revolution in consciousness, a "psychological mutation" that emerges when we stand alone, free from external sanctions or pressures. In this state of freedom, our actions are guided by love, not fear.

This approach calls for a radical revolution in our psyche through self-understanding. It's a call to create a different society and world, one where we are not driven by fear but by love and understanding.

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