Talks from Jiddu Krishnmurthi - On listening

Talks from Jiddu Krishnmurthi

What is the ensuing relationship between the teacher and the student, when both realize they are conditioned, culturally and deeply? What takes place then?

Our conditioning is part of our self-centeredness. What happens when we both become aware of our mutual self-centeredness? When both are ‘caught in a similar trap?’ What is the actual relationship then? It is only through this understanding of the ‘conditioning in self and other’ that an authentic bond can be formed. How can one trust the other, and establish a mutually supported goal and responsibility to cause dissolution of the individual conditioning.

Part of the conditioning is Ambition we have for ourselves, one form of that is the search for success. Success gives us security. It gives us pleasure. When self-centered ambition drives our behavior in relationship with the other (for instance with Spouse, etc.) it creates division. Where there is a division, there is no relationship.

Both the student and the teacher come together pre-conditioned. Is the teacher concerned with the subject, or concerned with overall holistic development of the student. 

At the core, is responsibility. In that, Listening to the other is a fundamental aspect of caring and loving. One cannot listen, when one is prejudiced.