Freedom From the Known Chapter 6
Violence is very broadly defined by Krishnamurti in chapter six but in particular he is discussing it within the context of thought. In this context it is a particular state of being, an attitude or mental activity with a particular content. As such, violent thoughts influence action and the method out of this state is communication to the condition of peace. Certainly, he concedes that the world is a violent place and lists the usual suspects of a violent world and the sources of violence are within and so the path out of violence is self understanding. Violence is a paucity of compassion, the absence of empathy, immorality and ethical ambivalence, and also, those designations of nationality, race, religion and politics. Violence is the unavoidable condition of being human in this world and whether it is the result of our social and cultural heritage or part of our DNA is irrelevant to Krishnamurti. Anything personally valued is violence and so the question and problem becomes whether a person can ever become non-violent.
Krishnamurti suggests first the development of a sharp mind. A mind that can strong and courageous tin its search for understanding. Becoming non-violent is a personal discipline. It is a way of living in the world. The investigation into the reality of violence is supposed to lead to the constant state of mindfulness. To be free from violence is another way of expressing the goal of a meditative life: nirvana. In Yoda-esque verbiage Krishnamurti states that there is no trying, only doing. It sounds to me that Krishnamurti’s definition of violence is comparable to Buddhism’s dukkha (suffering) and his suggestions sound like the Four Noble Truths. And so, with this in mind the way of non-violence follows the Eightfold Path. Violence ends as a way of being in the world when attachment to the self and all its clinging is overcome.
