Naming and Action

This paper examines Krishnamurti's discussion of the naming process with particular regard to thoughts and feelings that appear in consciousness. It begins by pointing out that the cognitive act of naming is an almost instantaneous process that we are not aware of, which triggers a host of associated judgments in memory from which we act and which inevitably lead to conflict. We act, for example, from fear, anger, jealousy, pride and in the pursuit of pleasure, without understanding how these things work and the control they exert over us. By getting clearer about the naming process and the response which it triggers, and by becoming aware of the very feelings and thoughts as they arise, we can begin to know ourselves and free ourselves from a compulsion to act in ways which cause problems in relationship.This can open up a different way of looking at, and acting in, the world