What does it take to change?

What we learn by reading or listening to the teachings of spiritual teachers, depends very much on how we read or listen. Some people feel that they did not change much by reading Krishnamurti’s books for many years. That may be because they tried to understand Krishnamurti’s teachings instead of looking within to see how their own mind worked in the daily activities and in their relationship with human beings, nature and things around. It seems to me that if Krishnamurti’s books or talks did not make an immediate impact on your life, then it is most likely that you were not interested in learning about yourself. You were interested in collecting knowledge or ideas about Krishnamurti and his teachings just like scholars and professors. One professor told Krishnamurti-“Sir, I have studied your teachings for 30 years but I have not moved at all (I have not changed).” Krishnamurti said-“You have not moved because you have not stopped!” To stop means to stop reading and looking within in daily activities of relationship. By looking within in awareness, we learn directly. This direct learning by looking within begins to change the quality of our life and relationship. Then we do not repeat Krishnamurti’s ideas. We become more authentic in our observation and expression.