J Krishnamurti on Judgmentalism: Viewpoint, Quotes and Inspired Poem

VIEWPOINT

According to Jiddu Krishnamurti, noted thinker and philosopher, judgmentalism — which manifests as a continuous cycle of evaluation, condemnation, comparison, and approval — is a major barrier to psychological freedom and clear perception. He was of the view that, invariably, judgementalism creates without  conflicts within foremost such as 'me' and 'not-me' or the 'observer' and 'observed' and is used as defensive mechanism by a conditioned mind to rationalized ego. And, without judgement on others, it is seen as attack on their ego leading to conflicts and disunity. One needs to distinguish sharply between stating a fact (observation) and projecting a psychological reaction (judgment) and avoid being judgmental on others.

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 this gift, this power, sharp and 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.