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The traditional approach is from the periphery inwards, and through time, practice and renunciation, gradually to come upon that inner flower, that inner beauty and love-in fact to do everything to make oneself narrow, petty and shoddy; peel off little by little; take time; tomorrow will do, next life will do-and when at last one comes to the centre one finds there is nothing there, because one's mind has been made incapable, dull and insensitive. Having observed this process, one asks oneself, is there not a different approach altogether-that is, is it not possible to explode from the centre?

Jiddu Krishnamurti#18

AwarenessSpiritualityChangeTime

About this quote

What does it mean?
Traditional approaches try to reach inner beauty gradually over time but often dull the mind. A different approach is to explode from the centre rather than peel from the outside.
In plain terms
Gradual change dulls the mind; starting from the centre is more effective.
What can you take from it?
True change comes from the centre not gradual steps.

Where it applies

  • spiritual practice
  • personal change
  • religious tradition

Putting it to work

  • starting from the centre
  • rejecting gradualism

Questions to consider

  • Are you waiting for tomorrow to change?
  • How do you approach inner growth?

Another view

Explosive change might be harder to sustain than gradual progress.

More from Jiddu Krishnamurti

  1. Throughout theological history we have been assured by religious leaders that if we perform certain rituals, repeat certain prayers or mantras, conform to cert…

    Permalink to quote #17
  2. The world accepts and follows the traditional approach. The primary cause of disorder in ourselves is the seeking of reality promised by another; we mechanical…

    Permalink to quote #19
  3. Only the free mind knows what Love is.(from a speech at Univ. of California, Berkley as broadcast by Pacifica Radio 1.4.69)

    Permalink to quote #16

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