One of my nieces asked me why I hadn’t written a blog post for more than a month. It is nice to know that at least one person is looking forward to my blog.
The reason is that this blog is mostly about my experiences and the insights that I have gleaned from them. It is hard to come up with a life changing insight every week. I can of course write about the books I have read and am reading. I can summarize the lessons – the takeaways – of those books. But that is a very poor second best. The main focus is MY experiences and the insights derived from them.
And writing about my experiences this week – I can only repeat the points that I have made earlier in this blog at various points. But that also has its value. It is in fact necessary. Quoting J. Krishnamurti:
“The seed has been planted, allow it to germinate – let it lie fallow for a while. This has been quite new to you. Coming to it with no preconceptions, no notions, no beliefs, the impact has been direct, the mind now will need rest. Don’t push it.
I am not comparing my blog with the teachings of Krishnamurti who was enlightened. I just want to make the point that repetition is very important when it comes to digesting important concepts.
So I will make this the main point of today’s blog.
This week – like most other weeks – I have been subjected to some malice and have had some disturbing insights. This is, I think, common to all people. It is certainly a part of my life. And this is how I dealt with the disturbed feelings. I reminded myself that:
- Life is suffering according to Buddhism. So what is so surprising that I should suffer?
- I have been fortunate enough to have the time and the energy to be able to read and learn philosophy, spirituality and meditation. So I am in a much better position than almost everybody to deal with the disturbances.
- So all that remained for me to do is to put these teachings into practice.
Another point regarding Krishnamurti’s quote. When you come across an important concept in your reading – whether philosophy, spirituality or academic – don’t be in a hurry to read on and finish the book. Unless you are reading for entertainment that is. Reread the passage that impacted you. Many times over. And think and ponder.
Quoting from Osho:
Then with sympathy think it over, reflect upon it, search for the true meaning of the statement and its many, many conclusions. Grope for its inherent depths from many, many angles, touch them, taste them, drown yourself in them, contemplate and find that it is true.
This is a part of Shravana, Manana and Nididhyasana tradition of Hinduism by which you learn Vedanta concepts and have them become part of your experience. Osho was specifically teaching how to digest the Mahavakyas. But it might be useful to apply Osho’s method even to secular reading.
The important thing to aim for is to understand what the author of the book is wanting you to understand. You have to see what he sees; you have to see what he wants you to show you.
Critical thinking and analysis of the subject matter comes afterwards. Don’t be in a hurry to criticize. See what is being shown to you. If you criticize without understanding you will never learn anything new.
I hope you enjoyed this article. Please share it on X, WhatsApp and FB and let me have your comments. Feedback from my readers keeps me going.
I am looking for paid consultancy work. If you think I can give you value please get in touch with me at nikhil dot gangoli @ gmail dot com. Do not use the Contact Me or Comments forms.