What is needed, rather than running away or controlling or

Yes — that quote is correctly attributed to Jiddu Krishnamurti, the Indian philosopher and spiritual teacher known for his teachings on psychological freedom, self-awareness, and the nature of human consciousness.

“What is needed, rather than running away or controlling or suppressing or any other resistance, is understanding fear; that means, watch it, learn about it, come directly into contact with it. We are to learn about fear, not how to escape from it.”
— Jiddu Krishnamurti

Context and Background

Jiddu Krishnamurti often spoke about the importance of facing our fears rather than avoiding or suppressing them. He believed that fear is a natural human emotion, but we often misunderstand or react to it in ways that reinforce its control over us. In this quote, Krishnamurti advocates for a more mindful approach — one in which we observe and understand our fears rather than trying to escape from them. This approach allows us to dissolve fear by engaging with it directly, ultimately leading to greater psychological freedom.

Interpretation

• “Rather than running away or controlling or suppressing or any other resistance” — Krishnamurti rejects traditional methods of dealing with fear, which often involve avoidance or attempting to control it, only to have it resurface later.

• “Understanding fear” — emphasizes the importance of awareness and acceptance. Instead of avoiding fear, we must acknowledge and understand it in order to free ourselves from its grip.

• “Watch it, learn about it, come directly into contact with it” — advocates for a direct, observational approach, where we face fear without judgment, allowing us to see it as it truly is.

• “We are to learn about fear, not how to escape from it” — Krishnamurti argues that true freedom from fear comes from understanding it, not from escaping it. Through understanding, fear loses its power over us.

Summary

Jiddu Krishnamurti’s quote provides a profound approach to dealing with fear. Rather than running from it or trying to suppress it, Krishnamurti advocates for direct engagement and understanding of fear. By observing it without judgment or resistance, we can dissolve its influence and ultimately find freedom from it. This perspective calls for a deep awareness of our emotions, encouraging us to confront them directly to achieve greater psychological peace and self-awareness.