Learning is attention

 

 

Learning is possible only in a state of attention, in which there is no outer or inner compulsion.

 Right thinking can come about only when the mind is not enslaved by tradition and memory.

It is attention that allows silence to come upon the mind, which is the opening of the door to creation.

Knowledge and experiences are not as an end in itself.

One cannot cultivate the mind through persuasion, comparison, reward or punishment, all of which are forms of coercion.

One can't teach concentration, just as one cannot possibly teach freedom from fear. Loving attention does not compare, and so the envy and torture of “who is who in the zoo that fit the shoe’’, ceases.

Discontent is the way of inquiry, but there can be no inquiry if the mind is tethered by tradition or to some ideals.

Inquiry is the flame of attention and constantly inquires further.

When we understand the nature of real discontent, we shall see that attention is part of this burning flame which consumes the pettiness and leaves the mind free of the limitations of self-enclosing pursuits and gratifications. 

True attention comes into being only when the inquiry not based on self advancement or gratification.

The personal inheritance in our culture destroys real independence and limits intelligence; for it breeds a false sense of security, giving a false self-assurance of what really is.

It is perception of the truth that brings us together, and not opinion, belief or theory. 

There is a vast difference between the conceptual and the factual. When the truth is seen by all, the detail can never become an issue over which there is dissension.

Working under the stimulus of authority - whether it be the authority of an ideal, or the authority of a person who represents that ideal - is not real cooperation.

Those who cooperates because they see the truth as the truth, the false as the false, and the truth in the false, will also know when not to co-operate - which is equally important.

Beauty is that state in which the mind has abandoned the center of self in the passion of simplicity.