I first picked up Time, Space, and Knowledge back in 1990, but was heavily into J. Krishnamurti’s work at that time and did not see the real value in the vision until around seven years later, when I began to study the TSK books in earnest. I have explored a number of world’s religious traditions over the years, concentrating most heavily in Buddhism (primarily Dzogchen, Mother Tantra, and Burmese Theravadin), Vedanta (Jean Klein, Nisargadatta Maharaj, etc), Almaas’ Diamond Approach, and Christian mysticism, and have benefitted from all of these studies, but in the past eight years or so I have developed an abiding and ever deepening appreciation for the TSK vision, which I am hoping to “tend” and further water in this online course.
I hold an MA in Integral Psychology and have also been a serious student of Ken Wilber’s work for the past ten years. One of my current interests is in exploring the interface and potential for “cross-pollination” between TSK and Integral Theory. A recent theme in Integral studies is the need for a “post-metaphysical spirituality,” and I believe TSK is indeed already such an animal.
Currently, I work for Educational Testing Services and reside with my wife and son in the SF Bay Area. My first name is Robert (hence my screen name), but for anyone addressing me on this forum, I prefer to go by my middle name, Bruce.
Hi, Ron, that’s interesting that you’ve been having similar thoughts. I’d enjoy talking about this sometime.
Best wishes,
B.
Hi Bruce,
I just wanted to say that I agree with your statement about TSK being a “post-metaphysical spirituality.” I have felt this way about it for many years–even though I didn’t have that language for expressing my feeling until Wilber gave us the term a few years ago. I think it is clear that Krishnamurti’s teachings also qualify for that status.
Tarthang Tulku himself offers something akin to this idea in his book Mind Over Matter (84-5), in which he says, “TSK could be seen as a teaching for [the] open spaces” between the “narrow enclaves” of “certain religious groups” and “competing sets of beliefs.”
I’m also interested in your exploration of the interface between TSK and integral theory. Perhaps we could discuss that on the side.
Ron Stewart
Hi, Ron,
I love Varanasi too, and stayed for a time in a small room right on the ghats (where I could sit every day and practice flute while watching people go about their morning ablutions). I’ve also visited Kathmandu on a number of occasions (my wife is from Nepal), but I haven’t been back since January 2000.
I’m quite interested in what Wilber is up to in this latest phase of his work. I don’t believe I agree with all of it, but I think he is issuing an important challenge to religions in our postmodern age. A challenge which I think TSK meets quite well, in my opinion, though of course I wouldn’t really classify TSK as a “religion” in any traditional sense…
I’m putting together a workshop on Integral Postmetaphysics and TSK; I’ll let you know how it comes out.
Best wishes,
B.
Hi Bruce
I set aside my interest in Wilber probably around 1985. I had read his first book Spectrum of Consciousness right when it came out in 1977…but then I discovered TSK around 1980.
Recently I read an interview of Wilber in the What Is Enlightenment magazine on his new book Integral Spirituality. That interview really rekindled my interest in his work. Particularly his critique of religions in a postmodern world, and how they could get stuck in stages.
I recall very clearly when I met Wilber in 1983, and I asked him if he had read TSK and what he thought of it…he said, “It is one of the most ***clean*** spiritual paths that he had ever come across”…..
Ron
Hi Bruce
I visited the school briefly when I was in Varanasi. I have been to Varanasi twice; I really like the old city. I usually stay at the Ganapati Hotel or the Alka right on the ghats. Last year, I did not make it Varanasi –instead I visited Kathmandu valley, which was great.
Ron
Hi, Ron,
Yes, I was at the Rajghat school, which is right at the outskirts of Varanasi — and a good half-day’s walk from Sarnath.
Have you been there?
Best wishes,
B.
Hi Bruce
What Krishnamurti school were you at in India? The one in Varanasi?
I must confess that I have not read your paper yet, but now I intend to do next week.
Ron