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by Jiddu Krishnamurti (Author)
Jiddu Krishnamurti was one of the greatest spiritual teachers of modern times. While very young he was seen as something special so he and his brother were adopted by Annie Besant of the Theosophical Society and brought to England in 1911. He was groomed to be the next World Teacher, which Theosophists had been predicting would come. A worldwide organization was created around him called The Order of the Star of the East, which became enormously popular. In 1927 he was officially recognized by the group as being the World Teacher, but was not comfortable in this role. He was a man of great wisdom by this time--one whose ego did not need validation from this role; nor did he believe that he could "save" others, as was often being asked of him. This book is a collection of talks from 1928. They impart useful wisdom to the listener/reader, rather than create a dependency on him. These talks often contradict the expectations of him, and instead provide the reader with tools to live a "Life In Freedom." It was something he sought as well. In 1929, shortly after this book came out, Krishnamurti renounced his role and dissolved The Order of the Star. He returned all the property and money that had come with his position and left with nothing--except Freedom. A rare, 14-page announcement, The Dissolution of the Order of the Star, was distributed to his followers. It is included here as an addendum, which allows this book to be seen in a better context. Krishnamurti was in fact a great world teacher who, to many, turned out better than what was expected of him. He cast his ego aside and taught people how to empower themselves. He understood the inner strength we have available and how one can access it--without depending on groups or outside agencies that might claim to provide one with salvation. In a quieter and more powerful way, he continued teaching up to his death in 1986. This book outlines the main ideas of his life's work, which caused his break with the Order of the Star. These ideas were so powerful they could not be denied. Chapters include The Purpose of Life, Happiness and Desire, Understanding, The Search, Stand In Your Own Strength, The Hidden Well, Be in Love With Life, Time, and Formless Creation.
