Jeevan Vidya Intro

Jeevan Vidya... it's not really a philosophy... it is kind of... and I don't think it's exactly like Buddhism. It basically puts out this whole proposal of Existence. And, then, observe yourself and the world around you... and you'll start to come to an understanding, and check it with the proposal.

The basics are - Everyone person wants to be happy/have harmony/be fulfilled/content (whatever you want to call it). So, everything we do, in some way or another, we are trying to achieve this happiness. But, why aren't we always happy? The actions that we undertake to bring us happiness are based on our understanding. So, if there is a glich in our understanding, then the result of the action will not bring us the happiness we desired. So, the main work has to be done on our understanding. If one takes a look at any of the problems that one has, that is an obstacle to harmony/happiness than they will find that the root of each of these problems is a lack of understanding, somewhere.

So, then, it goes into the understanding of what? Of everything... what's everything? Well, there's me, and then there's everything else. So, understanding the "I" and understanding everything else in "Existence" - which consists of I, my family, society, and nature. And the relationship btwn each of these.

It goes on to give a proposal to the Reality of all these things.

One thing that stands out for me is in the understanding of the "I"... understanding the difference btwn. "believing" something and "knowing" something. Almost EVERYTHING we live by is our beliefs... and this is where differences arise. Also, we have to closely examine where these beliefs come from... they come from some type of conditioning or memories.... books, TV, parents, education, media, alternate media, prior memories, etc. "Knowing" something is the ability to naturally accept something and is universal for everyone. "Knowing" is knowing that when one is thirsty, water will quench their thirst. "Believing" is that with this meal, a soda would jive better. "Knowing" is knowing that everyone wants to be happy/ fulfilled/ in harmony/ content. "Believing" is I need x amount of money to be happy.

It goes on... and in more detail... which I haven't really even delved into too much. For now, I'm sticking with the basics.

And I think... the process in this... and in Vipassana... and according to Krishnamurti.... is developing the ability of PURE OBSERVATION. What is pure observation? The ability to observe with all our senses... without any preconceived notions, prejudices, conditioning, memories, etc. clouding our vision. With this, the separation of believing and knowing becomes clearer. Is it possible? I don't know....