J Krishnamurti on Judgmentalism: Viewpoint, Quotes and Inspired Poem

VIEWPOINT

Jiddu Krishnamurti, a well-known thinker and philosopher, believed that being judgmental is a major obstacle to freedom of mind and clear thinking. He explained that constantly judging, criticizing, comparing, and approving creates inner conflict by separating the 'self' from the 'not-self' and the 'observer' from what is being 'observed'. He saw this as a defense mechanism used by the conditioned mind to protect its ego. When we judge others, we attack their ego, which leads to conflict and division in society. Krishnamurti stressed the importance of understanding the difference between simply observing facts and having emotional reactions to them. He encouraged people to stop being judgmental toward themselves and others and just be neutal observer of 'what is'.

QUOTES

• The ability to observe without evaluating is the highest form of intelligence.

• If I want to understand something, I must observe, I must not criticize, I must not condemn, I must not pursue it as pleasure or avoid it as non-pleasure. There must merely be the silent observation of a fact.

• Confusion exists only when there is the fact plus what I think about the fact: my opinion about the fact, my disregard of the fact, my evasion of the fact, my evaluation of the fact, and so on.

• When there is the observation of fact without any emotional [reaction], any prejudice, any judgment according to a conclusion, then that judgment is merely an observation of the fact. and therefore it is truth.

INSPIRED POEM

The mind, when judging, splits its inner space,

One part observes, the other finds a fault.

Our learned ways have built a judging face,

That scans for flaws, a silent, stern assault.

This mental war drains energy unseen,

Each thought of blame demands a psychic fee.

Why waste gift of, neutral witnessing, sharp 'n keen,

On judging others, when you could be free?

To watch the world, with open, quiet eyes,

And see 'what is', without any decree,

Pure psychic gift, where true awareness lies.

This choiceless gaze, a deep tranquility.

So uncondition mind to neutral grace,

True wisdom blooms in choiceless space.