rickScott: If we are really present, fully in flow, free from time (past, future, now), are beliefs/authorities nullified?
saurab: what is the need to nullify authority when you are on a K forum obviously because of his influence on you. And this good influence is what gentle, kind, genuine authority is all about. The other kind of authority of those gurus and teachers who use declarative remarks in their teachings instead of exploratory remarks, can be left aside. But there is no need to leave aside genuine authority, any more than leave aside good influences. K may have said that he is not an authority, but it is clear to me that he was an authority of a different kind. In his dialogues with David Bohm, he played the role of the authority. That is clear from the way he used to steer the conversation. And it is good that he did that because he understood more about life than David Bohm.
Now let us talk about beliefs: What is a belief ? Dont answer this question by quoting Krishnamurti. Let us see what it is. There are some beliefs that are sheer nonsense like the kids’ belief in Santa Claus. Then there are some other beliefs like the belief in the existence of a burning hell. This belief is unproven, so you can reject this as well, unless you have an experience that proves to you that hell does indeed exist. So until that time, you can reject this belief. Then there is a belief in God. This also is unproven, so you can reject this as well. Then there is belief in patriotism. But going by the effects of patriotism, like war and hatred and cunning diplomacy, you can reject patriotism as well.
Next, come beliefs that are of a more personal nature, like your believing that the world is just or unjust, fair or unfair. This belief should not be rejected, but understood. We should understand fully about the way we consider the world to be, otherwise our whole life may be conditioned by this belief. But this is an example of a belief that is personal and therefore should not be rejected but thoroughly understood.
Then there are other personal beliefs, like if you work hard you will have a good time in the office and you might be promoted. This is an example of a trivial belief. so you can ignore it. (you dont need to be a perfect man with zero beliefs. there is no competition here as to who can be the most perfect NON-believer).
then there is a belief in the way you personally have dealings with the law of karma. this belief should be understood. no need to reject such a belief. just a need to refine the understanding of the way this law operates.
then there are beliefs specific to the religion you have been born into. For example, for hindus, there may be a belief in the various gods and goddesses. Since you do not really know for a fact the reality behind the claim that they are indeed gods and goddesses, hindus can safely reject this belief as well.
My main point is that having no or very few beliefs is not an indication of spiritual maturity. There is more to spirituality than just ending some or all beliefs. For example, just by having no beliefs, you may not become a loving person. You may not be able to forgive some thing extremely nasty that your friend did to you, just by ending all beliefs. So there is much more to life than just ending beliefs and authority.
. As I try to control the uncontrollable things inside (like controlling ourselves after having some guilty pleasures ), even after listening to Jiddu words over these years.
. What can I say?