Life’s Purpose

Life’s Purpose

Recollections From ‘The Book Of Life’.

Passage 2.

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The Book of Life by Jiddu Krishnamurti is still on my reading list. And today I came across a simple yet profound passage from the book. It’s included in the chapter titled November. But, before I give you the passage, a brief introduction for you. 

Jiddu Krishnamurti (11 May 1895—17 February 1986) was one of the greatest philosophers and spiritual teachers of all time. He was born in Madanapalle, Andhra Pradesh, but was raised and educated in England under the tutelage of Annie Besant and Charles Webster Leadbeater who were the pioneers of the Theosophical Movement in England. For nearly 60 years, he travelled and talked extensively. He authored several books, including Freedom From The Known, The First And The Last Freedom, The Flight of The Eagle, Life Ahead and many others. 

The Book of Life: Daily Meditations With J. Krishnamurti contains 365 daily meditative themes divided into 12 chapters. Each chapter is named after a month and deals with four themes. The first theme of November is Life. 

Note: Previously, I discussed a passage from this book. The passage is titled Full Heart, Empty Mind. Do you remember? Anyway, go check it if you haven’t. This is the second recollection from the book. 

Here’s the passage. 

Life's Purpose

There are many people who will give you the purpose of life; they will tell you what the sacred books say. Clever people will go on inventing what the purpose of life is. The political group will have one purpose, the religious group will have another purpose, and so on and on. So, what is the purpose of life when you yourself are confused? When I am confused, I ask you this question, "What is the purpose of life?" Because I hope that through this confusion, I shall find an answer. How can I find a true answer when I am confused? Do you understand? If I am confused, I can only receive an answer that is also confused. If my mind is confused, if my mind is disturbed, if my mind is not beautiful, quiet, whatever answer I receive will be through this screen of confusion, anxiety, and fear; therefore, the answer will be perverted. So, what is important is not to ask, "What is the purpose of life, of existence?" but to clear the confusion that is within you. It is like a blind man who asks, "What is light?" If I tell him what light is, he will listen according to his blindness, according to his darkness; but suppose he is able to see, he will never ask the question, "What is light?" It is there. 

Similarly, if you can clarify the confusion within yourself, then you will find what the purpose of life is; you will not have to ask, you will not have to look for it. All that you have to do is to be free from those causes that bring about confusion. 

A brilliant passage, isn’t it? The Buddha said something similar. He talked about two arrows. He advised us to be free from the pain of the pierced arrow and not to try to find out who shot the arrow. We have to be free from all the pain, confusion and suffering. And everything will be automatically revealed.

With this, I end this post. I will showcase other beautiful passages from the book. Until then, rejoice in your life. 

Jai Shri Hari. 🍁

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Thank you. 

Image Credit: photo taken from www.kfoundation.org & edited by me.