Jiddu Krishnamurti was an Indian writer and speaker on philosophical and spiritual subjects. His subject matter included: psychological revolution, the nature of the mind, meditation, human relationships, and bringing about positive change in society. He constantly stressed the need for a revolution in the psyche of every human being and emphasized that such revolution cannot be brought about by any external entity, be it religious, political, or social.
He claimed allegiance to no nationality, caste, religion, or philosophy, and spent most of his life traveling the world, speaking to groups and individuals.
WHO IS HE TO ME?
In December 1994, my father died. I was 18 years old and struggling to live my life's purpose even before his death. Floating around in my local library some time after, I saw a title called, 'On Living and Dying'. It was these two things that I had been obsessing over and I desperately needed a mentor {or a therapist - let's call it for what it is} to guide me . . . I read it. I cried. I raged. I felt as though Krishnamurti had slapped me around the head several times. The book on its own wasn't enough to pull me out of the darkness but it did prove to be an excellent foundation once I had arrived back into reality.
The guy really tells it like it is without the fairy dust that we tend to sprinkle over most of the big issues. I guess that's why many people critisise him. He's very dry and unremitting. He's also pretty tough to listen to.
The Mr got his hands on some great conversations between Krishnamurti and the physicist, David Bohm. Yowser! Both blokes take their time to put their thoughts together. There is no way that my 18 year old self would have had the patience to endure Krishnamurti's lectures! Even these days it's a struggle to sit still for a 90 minute stretch - but one endures because it would be worse not to!
Whilst I'm in the quoting mood, I am reminded of some of Krishnamurti's words that helped me during my skydiving days.
One cannot possibly fear the unknown, for it is not known. It is LOSING THE KNOWN that we fear!
When I was flying in a single engine Cesna with no door at 10,000 feet I would gladly let go of the known {for it wasn't much chop} and hurtle into the 'unknown' with great relief :)
More recently I've been pouring over Education and the Significance of Life which he wrote in 1953. I have since discovered that there are Krishnamurti schools around the globe and I bet they would be absolutely fantastic!
Krishnamurti's work leaves me feeling inspired, motivated, exhausted and enlightened {although he'd hate that word!} Having said that, there really is only one Krishnamurti publication that leaves me with a warm, fuzzy feeling . . . It was written by a cook from his Californian school. I picked it up in Nepal {another wonderful bonus} and it chronicles the Krishnamurti visits and the food that he put together to feed the wonderful man. What a pleasure :)
