Only a Krishnamurti can ask such a question. Why do we want to sustain attention?
The Dance of Attention and Inattention: A Path to Self-Remembering
Krishnamurti’s exploration of attention reveals profound insights into the nature of consciousness and its relation to our habitual, mechanical state of being. His reflections emphasize the futility of effort-driven attention, the illusory nature of distraction, and the transformative potential of observing thought without division. These teachings resonate deeply with Gurdjieff’s concept of self-remembering, providing a framework for transcending mechanical consciousness and awakening to a higher state of awareness.
The Illusion of Sustained Attention
Krishnamurti begins by questioning why we seek to sustain attention. Is it born from a desire for continuity, pleasure, or gratification? The search for sustained attention often stems from a conditioned need to hold onto experiences, relationships, or outcomes. This desire reflects the mechanical functioning of the mind—a process driven by habit, memory, and thought. As Krishnamurti notes, thought is inherently in motion, perpetually shifting and creating the illusion of distraction.
Key Insight: The concept of “distraction” arises only when there is a predefined goal or object of focus. that is our selection at the moment. Thought’s natural movement is labeled a distraction when it diverges from this predetermined focus. Read this Again! However, as Krishnamurti suggests, there is no real distraction—only the movement of thought. Whoa yes.
Inattention as a Gateway to Attention
Krishnamurti challenges us to understand inattention rather than striving to sustain attention. He proposes that inattention is not separate from attention; rather, it is a part of the same continuum. By observing inattention without judgment—by following the so-called “distraction”—we dissolve the division between attention and inattention. This state of pure observation, free from resistance or effort, is the essence of true attention.
This perspective aligns with Gurdjieff’s notion of self-remembering, where the act of watching oneself in the moment bridges the gap between mechanical existence and conscious presence. In self-remembering:
- One observes thoughts, emotions, and actions as they arise, without interference.
- The observer (self) and the observed merge into a unified field of awareness.
- This unity dissolves the duality of attention and inattention (related to our predefined goals only), creating a state of presence.
Effort vs. Natural Attention
Krishnamurti critiques the idea of practicing attention as a skill, pointing out that effort-driven attention becomes mechanical and conditioned. True attention is not the result of repetition or training but arises naturally when one deeply understands inattention. This mirrors Gurdjieff’s teachings that the key to self-remembering lies in watching rather than forcing oneself into a state of awareness.
For instance:
- When you notice yourself lost in thought, simply watch the process of getting lost and returning.
- This act of watching breaks the cycle of mechanical behavior and initiates a higher state of consciousness.
- Through sustained observation, the triggers of inattention—conditioning, memory, and habitual responses—are unveiled and transcended.
The Nature of Distraction and Thought
Krishnamurti illuminates the root of inattention: the nature of thought itself. Thought is a material process, grounded in memory and experience. Its constant movement creates the perception of distraction. However, if we stop labeling this movement as a problem and instead observe it, we realize that thought’s rhythm is part of the natural flow of consciousness.
Gurdjieff also emphasized the mechanical nature of thought, likening it to a machine that operates on habit and conditioning. Self-remembering provides a way out of this mechanical state, enabling us to engage with thought without being dominated by it.
From Attention to Self-Remembering to Rigpa
Krishnamurti’s teachings on attention and inattention culminate in the realization that pure attention is effortless and arises naturally when we understand the nature of distraction. This effortless state of presence is a precursor to the deeper state of self-remembering described by Gurdjieff.
In self-remembering:
- Attention is not sustained through willpower but arises spontaneously through awareness.
- The duality of observer and observed dissolves, revealing the unified field of consciousness.
- This state prepares the practitioner for an even deeper realization: Rigpa, the luminous clarity and emptiness at the heart of Tibetan Buddhist teachings.
Rigpa, like self-remembering, requires no effort. It is the natural state of awareness that arises when we let go of striving and simply rest in the present moment.
A Practice of Watching
Krishnamurti’s reflections and Gurdjieff’s teachings converge in the practice of watching:
- Observe Thought: Notice the movement of thought without labeling it as distraction.
- Embrace Inattention: See inattention not as a failure but as part of the natural rhythm of consciousness.
- Be Effortless: Let go of striving for sustained attention and allow awareness to unfold naturally.
- Self-Remember: Recognize the watcher and the watched as one, dissolving the separation between self and experience.
The Essence
Krishnamurti’s exploration of attention and inattention offers a profound pathway to self-remembering. By understanding the nature of thought, distraction, and effortless observation, we transcend the mechanical state of being and awaken to a higher state of consciousness. This process mirrors Gurdjieff’s teachings on self-remembering and prepares us for the ultimate realization of Rigpa—a state of luminous clarity and boundless presence. Through watching and awareness, we move beyond conditioning, entering a life of freedom, authenticity, and profound connection with the present moment. Shunyam Adbhibhu
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