Paperback 124 Pages: Publisher HarperOne: Published: April 1975
£9.49 GBP
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ISBN-10: 0060648082
ISBN-13: 9780060648084
Rating:
Krishnamurti shows how people can free themselves radically and immediately from the tyranny of the expected, no matter what their age–opening the door to transforming society and their relationships.
Chapter One
“Man’s Search-The Tortured Mind-the Traditional Approach-The Trap of Respectability-The Human Being and the Individual-The Battle of ExistenceThe Basic Nature of Man –Responsibility –TruthSelf –transformation –Dissipation of Energy–Freedom from Authority”
Man has throughout the ages been seeking something beyond himself, beyond material welfare–something we call truth or God or reality, a timeless state –something that cannot be disturbed by circumstances, by thought or by human corruption. Man has always asked the question: what is it all about? Has life any meaning. at all? He sees the enormous confusion of life, the brutalities, the revolts, the wars, the endless divisions of religion, ideology and nationality, and with a sense of deep abiding frustration he asks, what is one to do, what is this thing we call living, is there anything beyond it?
Customer Reviews
A Challenge to be you by Neal C. Reynolds (Indianapolis, Indiana)
Customers Rating:
In book after book, the central message is the same, and yet new appearing. Krishnamurti’s challenge is to find yourself rather than follow someone else’s path. This may seem rather scary. There’s no shortage of churches and groups that will willingly take you in and instruct you in your thinking and doing. And you will emerge thinking another person’s thoughts, doing as another thinks you should do.
J. Krishnamurti is unique in his writings. Sure, you will find a little inconsistency, and he will even admit to this. He does not claim to know it all. But he does know how to inspire one to search for that which is within and to do so indepently. You will not find immediate answers in Krishnamurti’s writing. The answers are to be found in yourself. But this book along with his others will give you the impetus. And this is probably the best “first” book of his to read.
Best single K book by swandiver (Lafayette, LA)
Customers Rating:
I’ve read (and re-read) about 15 of K’s books. This is the single best, most concise, most thorough of the them all, in my humble opinion. I bought 20 copies of it and gave them all to friends, family, co-workers, and some of my students (I teach at a college). I probably will buy 20 more (at least) of this book to give to others. I would also highly recommend “The First and Last Freedom” and “Total Freedom” for good, more in-depth and relatively thorough overviews of K’s teachings; as well as “On God” (for those seeking “god”); “On Relationship” (for those looking for relationship advice); “On Right Livelihood” (for those considering career choices) “On Education” (for teachers and students) and “Think on These Things” or “Life Ahead” as two simply-worded introductions that even children can read and undertand (K was speaking to schoolchildren and their parents).
“Krishnamurti’s Journal”, “Commentaries on Living, First Series”, “Krishnamurti’s Notebook” and “Krishnamurti to Himself” all offer beautifully poetic descriptions of nature and people, as well as answers to questions, all of which are fabulous for meditation. “Freedom, Love and Action” is a relatively short read compared to most of K’s books, but I’ve found it to be particularly touching. But then, I would *strongly* recommend *all* of K’s books for those so inclined! But if I had to pick ONE K book to share with the world (as I have done) THIS is that book. And every time I read it (about half a dozen times now) it speaks volumes every time. But as other reviewers have warned, don’t read anything by K unless you are ready and willing to have your entire current belief system cut to shreds, as all your most “sacred” beliefs and values are exposed for the false, conditioned ideas that they are . . .
Revolution inside by A. Thompson (UK)
Customers Rating:
I have read several Krishnamurti books, all of them great. After reading them I lend them out and usually don’t get them back. But that’s good because those people will probably lend them to other people, and so on.
One need only read a single Krishnamurti book because they all contain the same themes, most important of which is the idea that “truth is a pathless land.” He states that if one wants peace in the world, TRULY wants peace, he/she must abandon the following: organized religion, nationalism, sociological ideology (capitalism, communism, socialism, etc.), leaders, teachers, the past, and more. That doesn’t sound possible, does it?
As well, he claims that true meditation is not sitting in the lotus position and pushing away thoughts or chanting mantras. Rather, true meditation is “choiceless awarness,” meaning simply observing life without judgment. Don’t ever judge at all? That doesn’t sound possible either, does it?
He says that love is all important, and we must learn to be more sensitive and compassionate. Often, he talks about sitting and looking at a beautiful sunset, or a tree, or a bird in flight. These are simple things that are full of meaning if we just take the time to admire them. They are so beautiful that just for a moment you forget about yourself, and your “self” is the cause of all your suffering.
Though he rejects all organized religion, it just so happens that his remarks are quite similar to what a Buddhist would say. He’s big on compassion, “meditation,” and living in the present. But what is refreshing about Krishnamurti is his bluntness. He doesn’t hesitate to call all religions “stupid” or “foolish” because they separate people, and that separation causes conflict.
The most profound thing that I have read by Krishnamurti is about forgiveness. He said that feeling insult and then trying to forgive the offender is USELESS! If you are hurt it is already too late. Instead, let go of your own precious self- image and such attacks lose their effect. No one has ever put it like that before! It is such wisdom that makes reading Krishnmurti so enjoyable.
The trouble is that his advice works beautifully in one’s own mind, but not so well in action. One still feels angry, jealous, and afraid. There is still war, starvation, and malice in the world. And just when you think you’ve stopped following leaders or gurus, you realize you have not. Your guru is in fact Krishnamurti.
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