Challenge of conventional thinking

Jiddu Krishnamurti often challenged conventional thinking by questioning the role of thought, imagination, and attention in daily life. His inquiry into whether it is possible to sustain a constant state of alert awareness—one that discerns between necessary thought and illusion—remains profoundly relevant. In this chapter, we explore his reflections on why humans create images, the role of imagination, and the importance of complete attention in navigating thought and reality.

Why Do We Create Images?

Krishnamurti asks an essential question: Why do we create images about others, about ourselves, and about symbols that we deem sacred? This tendency, he suggests, is deeply embedded in human psychology. Temples, churches, and mosques are filled with representations of the divine, and even in traditions that forbid physical images, symbolic constructs such as calligraphy serve the same function.

But beyond religious and cultural imagery, we also construct mental images—about people, about relationships, and even about ourselves. These images are shaped by past experiences, conditioning, and accumulated knowledge. The moment we meet someone, our mind unconsciously categorizes them based on prior encounters, biases, and expectations. This mental imagery creates a barrier between direct perception and reality, making it difficult to truly see things as they are.

The Power and Danger of Words

Language is an essential tool for communication, yet words are also symbols, shaping how we perceive reality. Krishnamurti asks: Is there thought without words, without constructing symbols? He suggests that much of our thinking is a network of words and ideas, shaping how we interact with the world. But if we become entangled in these words without direct awareness, they can limit perception rather than clarify it.

Thus, he emphasizes that words should be used as practical tools—much like knowledge in skilled work—but they should not distort reality by creating conceptual illusions.

The Role of Imagination

Krishnamurti acknowledges that imagination is essential for artists, poets, and writers. However, he questions: Is imagination necessary in daily life? He warns that while imagination has value in creative expression, it can be detrimental when it replaces actual perception. When faced with fear, for instance, we may imagine a life free of fear rather than truly observing the nature of fear itself. This leads to a psychological escape rather than a resolution, preventing deep understanding.

He points out that when imagination takes the place of reality, it leads to illusion and conflict. If we invent an idea of what our relationships should be, rather than observing them as they are, we set ourselves up for disillusionment and suffering.

The Nature of Complete Attention

Krishnamurti argues that one can only discern the fine line between thought and illusion by cultivating constant and alert attention. He asks: Are we ever truly aware—not only of the world around us but of our inner state?

He describes two types of awareness:

1. Awareness of the external world – observing nature, people, movement, and surroundings without judgment.
2. Awareness of the inner world – perceiving thoughts, emotions, and conditioned reactions without distortion.

True observation, he suggests, is free from choice. When we are confused, we seek to choose between different thoughts, ideas, and paths. But clarity does not require choice—when we see clearly, action follows naturally.

The Relationship Between Thought and Psychological Freedom

Krishnamurti distinguishes between two functions of thought:

• Practical thought – essential for navigating daily life, skills, and professions.
• Psychological thought – the continuous accumulation of knowledge about oneself, often leading to distortion and conflict.

He questions whether we can ever truly “know” ourselves in the same way that we acquire knowledge about external things. The self is constantly changing, yet we create static images of ourselves and act based on these mental constructs. He suggests that rather than accumulating knowledge about the self, we should observe the movement of the self in real time.

Insight

Krishnamurti’s exploration of thought, imagination, and attention reveals a fundamental truth: Freedom comes not from suppressing thought but from understanding its rightful place. By developing constant and alert awareness, we can differentiate between thought’s necessary function and the illusions it creates. In doing so, we cultivate clarity and the ability to engage with reality as it truly is. His teachings offer a profound reminder that true intelligence lies not in accumulated knowledge but in the capacity for clear, direct perception—a state where attention is not divided, and thought finds its proper place. Shunyam Adhibhu