SIDDHARTH's Blog

Jiddu Krishnamurti was a visionary philosopher and spiritual teacher who spent most of his life challenging the status quo and promoting a radical vision of human liberation. Born in India in 1895, Krishnamurti was discovered by the Theosophical Society as a young boy and was groomed to become the new World Teacher and Messiah. However, he rejected this role and instead spent his life promoting a message of self-discovery, freedom, and truth.

Early Life and Education

Krishnamurti was born on May 12, 1895, in Madanapalle, a small town in the south of India. His father, Jiddu Narianiah, was a government clerk, and his mother, Sanjeevamma, was a homemaker. Krishnamurti was the eighth child of his parents, and his childhood was marked by poverty and illness.

At the age of 13, Krishnamurti and his younger brother, Nityananda, were discovered by the Theosophical Society, a spiritual organization founded by Helena Blavatsky and Henry Olcott in 1875. The Theosophical Society believed in the existence of a hidden spiritual reality that could be accessed through meditation and spiritual practices. They saw Krishnamurti as the potential new World Teacher, a messianic figure who would bring enlightenment to humanity.

Rejecting the Role of the World Teacher

Krishnamurti was groomed by the Theosophical Society to become the new World Teacher. He was educated in England, where he was exposed to Western philosophy and culture. However, as he grew older, Krishnamurti began to question the role that the Theosophical Society had assigned to him. He realized that he could not be the World Teacher, as he believed that true enlightenment could not be taught or transmitted by any individual or organization.

In 1929, Krishnamurti dissolved the Order of the Star, a group that had been formed around him to promote his teachings. He gave a famous speech in which he declared, "Truth is a pathless land, and you cannot approach it by any path whatsoever, by any religion, by any sect." Krishnamurti rejected all forms of authority, including religious, political, and social, and promoted the idea of individual freedom and self-discovery.

Philosophical Views and Legacy

Krishnamurti's philosophy was based on the idea that true freedom and enlightenment could only be achieved through the dissolution of the self. He believed that the self, or the ego, was the source of all conflict, suffering, and illusions. He promoted the idea of self-awareness and encouraged people to question their beliefs, assumptions, and values.

Krishnamurti believed that society was trapped in a cycle of conditioning and that individuals needed to break free from this conditioning to achieve true freedom. He emphasized the importance of observing oneself without judgment and of being aware of one's thoughts, emotions, and actions. He believed that true understanding could only come from within and that individuals needed to take responsibility for their own lives and actions.

Krishnamurti's teachings had a profound impact on many people around the world. His message of freedom, truth, and self-discovery resonated with many who were seeking an alternative to the dominant cultural and social norms of their time. Krishnamurti's legacy continues to inspire people to question authority and to seek their own truth and liberation.

Conclusion

Jiddu Krishnamurti was a revolutionary thinker who challenged the status quo and promoted a radical vision of human liberation. His rejection of authority and emphasis on self-discovery and freedom continue to inspire people around the world. Krishnamurti's legacy is a reminder that true enlightenment can only be achieved through the dissolution of the self and the pursuit of truth and freedom. His teachings remain relevant today as we continue to grapple with issues of conditioning, self-awareness, and personal responsibility.