Not Minding What Happens
J. Krishnamurti, the great Indian philosopher and spiritual teacher, spoke and traveled almost continuously all over the world for more than fifty years attempting to convey through words - which are content - that which is beyond words, beyond content. At one of his talks in the later part of his life, he surprised his audience by saying, "Do you want to know my secret?" Everyone became very alert. Many people in the audience had been coming to listen to him for twenty or thirty years and still failed to grasp the essence of his teaching. Finally, after all these years, the master would give them the key to understanding. "This is my secret," he said. "I don't mind what happens."
He did not elaborate, and so I suspect most of his audience were even more perplexed than before. The implications of this simple statement, however, are profound.
When I don't mind what happens, what does that imply? It implies that internally I am in alignment with what happens. "What happens," of course, refers to the suchness of this moment, which always already is as it is. It refers to content, the form that this moment - the only moment there ever is - takes. To be in alignment with what is means to be in a relationship of inner nonresistance with what happens. It means not to label it mentally as good or bad, but to let it be. Does this mean you can no longer take action to bring about change in your life? On the contrary. When the basis for your actions is inner alignment with the present moment, your actions become empowered by the intelligence of Life itself.
What does 'not minding what happens' mean to you? Can you share a personal experience of a time you were able to be in a relationship of inner nonresistance with what was happening? What practice helps you develop an inner alignment with the present moment?
Yes Krishnamurti did not mind what happens, and yet he may have had an affair with his best friend's wife. Krishnamurti also never had to work a regular job, or had a family or struggled financially. He was taken care of --drove nice cars, wore expensive suits. It is easier to not mind what happens when you are given all the necessities of life and the comforts. Krishnamurti was indeed wise, but let's not forget the circumstances in which he said them. I'm sure many of us have had stretches of time when we did not mind what happened so much...until the bills have to be paid, or our children become sick. Actually wakefulness has preferences, it just doesn't base its existence on them...
This passage is short and simple but there is deeper meaning hidden in it. There is reason to whatever happens in our lives. It is a Karma theory--Theory of Cause & Effect. There are also a number of external factors that are not in our control. This reminds me of my sailing days. While sailing you have to be very alert regarding wind direction, water waves etc. You do not think why wind changed direction or as to why water waves came. You constantly keep looking for them and take corrective action. You simply accept the reality of the moment and act accordingly. We have control over our present and we should act wisely in our present.
We should always do our best and leave it to nature.When we accept unwanted things in life we are in line with nature.We should not get agitated when things don't happen our way.
For me, "not minding what happens" means that I can learn from every experience. My 12 year old daughter listened in with me during the live AW at the Kindness Temple. After Nipun's story, Emma-Leigh commented on how she was first sad that the man did not get the job, but then she thought aloud, "...but if he had gotten the job, I feel his mom would probably have died." This led her to the beautiful and powerful realization that even when something seemingly negative happens, it can often be for the best.
Observing, accepting, centering in light, sharing & finding the lessons/blessings.
"I don't 'mind what happens" for me is accepting the fact that whatever happens, it can be a source of inspiration, learning and growth. Even when what happens is very sad, unjust or difficult, I try to see what tiny seed life has put on my path that can help me grow and achieve my purpose and try to focus my attention and energy on that.
I am able to look back a lot of incidents and events, which I then saw as negative and detrimental to my being, and now see that it was completely ok. The path from then to now has been fine, with the ups and downs. This realization now helps me deal with current events, the present moment- the people, the events even my state of mind -which I no longer tend to resist as before. I have stopped yearning for things, people and relationships and actually am mystified by the possibilit of NOW. It is a journey and a learning experience. I discover this inner peace, silence in and around me, even in the midst of chaos sometimes.
This is a BIG one! (or THE big one :)
In saying this, essentially to me, J is talking about calling the 'bluff' of the mind (which tends to 'mind' what is happening, which in turn ensures its own significance and survival)
A lot of life, lately has been about dealing with the mind (and its unintended side effects) and being fully present....that to me is the doorway to real insight, authentic gratitude and sponteneous kindness :)
Last Thursday night, I realized I was counting on getting the job that I was interviewing for the next day. I stopped expecting it, and wrote all kinds of things I could be doing instead. I went to bed at peace with whatever might happen. I interviewed without wanting or not wanting the job. When I remember to breathe and be grateful for each moment, I experience the luxury of living. Life is, and when I open my eyes and heart to what is, I always see and appreciate more. Gracias a la Vida. l'chaim
