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Como Pode a Mente Estar Quieta?
One of the great thinkers of the 20th century discusses the nature of the lived experience, the details of profound self-inquiry, and how to live a fulfilled life with spiritual seekers from around the world
These 60 chapters—with titles like “Solitude Means Freedom”, “All Seeking is from Emptiness and Fear”, and “Life is an Extraordinarily Beautiful Movement”—carry the essence of Krishnamurti’s teaching style and profoundest wisdom.
Each one reflects an encounter “K” had at different times during the sixties and seventies. It opens with a poetic account of the location where the encounter took place, plus occasionally a description of the seeker that K has met. The chapter then moves back and forth between the seeker and the teacher, giving the reader plenty to reflect upon.
This is previously unpublished material. Readers will be captivated by the luminous prose and the piercing insight. The style is enigmatic and poetic but each chapter contains more than enough for the reader to consider, perhaps as a daily practice. In the style of Paulo Coelho, they have the quality of fables, but the teaching is far more profound and challenging.
These 60 chapters—with titles like “Solitude Means Freedom”, “All Seeking is from Emptiness and Fear”, and “Life is an Extraordinarily Beautiful Movement”—carry the essence of Krishnamurti’s teaching style and profoundest wisdom.
Each one reflects an encounter “K” had at different times during the sixties and seventies. It opens with a poetic account of the location where the encounter took place, plus occasionally a description of the seeker that K has met. The chapter then moves back and forth between the seeker and the teacher, giving the reader plenty to reflect upon.
This is previously unpublished material. Readers will be captivated by the luminous prose and the piercing insight. The style is enigmatic and poetic but each chapter contains more than enough for the reader to consider, perhaps as a daily practice. In the style of Paulo Coelho, they have the quality of fables, but the teaching is far more profound and challenging.
240 pages, Paperback
Published July 1, 2021
127 people are currently reading
326 people want to read
About the author
J. Krishnamurti
1,334 books4,266 followersJiddu Krishnamurti was born on 11 May 1895 in Madanapalle, a small town in south India. He and his brother were adopted in their youth by Dr Annie Besant, then president of the Theosophical Society. Dr Besant and others proclaimed that Krishnamurti was to be a world teacher whose coming the Theosophists had predicted. To prepare the world for this coming, a world-wide organization called the Order of the Star in the East was formed and the young Krishnamurti was made its head.
In 1929, however, Krishnamurti renounced the role that he was expected to play, dissolved the Order with its huge following, and returned all the money and property that had been donated for this work.
From then, for nearly sixty years until his death on 17 February 1986, he travelled throughout the world talking to large audiences and to individuals about the need for a radical change in humankind.
Krishnamurti is regarded globally as one of the greatest thinkers and religious teachers of all time. He did not expound any philosophy or religion, but rather talked of the things that concern all of us in our everyday lives, of the problems of living in modern society with its violence and corruption, of the individual's search for security and happiness, and the need for humankind to free itself from inner burdens of fear, anger, hurt, and sorrow. He explained with great precision the subtle workings of the human mind, and pointed to the need for bringing to our daily life a deeply meditative and spiritual quality.
Krishnamurti belonged to no religious organization, sect or country, nor did he subscribe to any school of political or ideological thought. On the contrary, he maintained that these are the very factors that divide human beings and bring about conflict and war. He reminded his listeners again and again that we are all human beings first and not Hindus, Muslims or Christians, that we are like the rest of humanity and are not different from one another. He asked that we tread lightly on this earth without destroying ourselves or the environment. He communicated to his listeners a deep sense of respect for nature. His teachings transcend belief systems, nationalistic sentiment and sectarianism. At the same time, they give new meaning and direction to humankind's search for truth. His teaching, besides being relevant to the modern age, is timeless and universal.
Krishnamurti spoke not as a guru but as a friend, and his talks and discussions are based not on tradition-based knowledge but on his own insights into the human mind and his vision of the sacred, so he always communicates a sense of freshness and directness although the essence of his message remained unchanged over the years. When he addressed large audiences, people felt that Krishnamurti was talking to each of them personally, addressing his or her particular problem. In his private interviews, he was a compassionate teacher, listening attentively to the man or woman who came to him in sorrow, and encouraging them to heal themselves through their own understanding. Religious scholars found that his words threw new light on traditional concepts. Krishnamurti took on the challenge of modern scientists and psychologists and went with them step by step, discussed their theories and sometimes enabled them to discern the limitations of those theories. Krishnamurti left a large body of literature in the form of public talks, writings, discussions with teachers and students, with scientists and religious figures, conversations with individuals, television and radio interviews, and letters. Many of these have been published as books, and audio and video recordings.
This author also writes under: Jiddu Krishnamurti
In 1929, however, Krishnamurti renounced the role that he was expected to play, dissolved the Order with its huge following, and returned all the money and property that had been donated for this work.
From then, for nearly sixty years until his death on 17 February 1986, he travelled throughout the world talking to large audiences and to individuals about the need for a radical change in humankind.
Krishnamurti is regarded globally as one of the greatest thinkers and religious teachers of all time. He did not expound any philosophy or religion, but rather talked of the things that concern all of us in our everyday lives, of the problems of living in modern society with its violence and corruption, of the individual's search for security and happiness, and the need for humankind to free itself from inner burdens of fear, anger, hurt, and sorrow. He explained with great precision the subtle workings of the human mind, and pointed to the need for bringing to our daily life a deeply meditative and spiritual quality.
Krishnamurti belonged to no religious organization, sect or country, nor did he subscribe to any school of political or ideological thought. On the contrary, he maintained that these are the very factors that divide human beings and bring about conflict and war. He reminded his listeners again and again that we are all human beings first and not Hindus, Muslims or Christians, that we are like the rest of humanity and are not different from one another. He asked that we tread lightly on this earth without destroying ourselves or the environment. He communicated to his listeners a deep sense of respect for nature. His teachings transcend belief systems, nationalistic sentiment and sectarianism. At the same time, they give new meaning and direction to humankind's search for truth. His teaching, besides being relevant to the modern age, is timeless and universal.
Krishnamurti spoke not as a guru but as a friend, and his talks and discussions are based not on tradition-based knowledge but on his own insights into the human mind and his vision of the sacred, so he always communicates a sense of freshness and directness although the essence of his message remained unchanged over the years. When he addressed large audiences, people felt that Krishnamurti was talking to each of them personally, addressing his or her particular problem. In his private interviews, he was a compassionate teacher, listening attentively to the man or woman who came to him in sorrow, and encouraging them to heal themselves through their own understanding. Religious scholars found that his words threw new light on traditional concepts. Krishnamurti took on the challenge of modern scientists and psychologists and went with them step by step, discussed their theories and sometimes enabled them to discern the limitations of those theories. Krishnamurti left a large body of literature in the form of public talks, writings, discussions with teachers and students, with scientists and religious figures, conversations with individuals, television and radio interviews, and letters. Many of these have been published as books, and audio and video recordings.
This author also writes under: Jiddu Krishnamurti
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 13, 2019
Krishnamurti is always good to read even if I have to admit that I really cannot distinguish him from all the other Gurus, but hopefully and more or less it is not so different from what all the other guru said.
Thanks Netgalley for the preview!
Thanks Netgalley for the preview!
October 24, 2021
A little hard to understand some of what the author is saying, and, I suspect, even harder to put into practice. But certainly thought-provoking.
Organized mostly as conversations between Krishnamurti and common folks trying to understand his thoughts. Three main topics as noted in the title - living, learning, meditation.
Probably the one area that was most difficult for me was the idea that meditation is not just sitting and focusing on one object but more just focusing on nothing (at least that was my take).
Not something you want to read straight through, each little section (60 of them) requires some time to think over.
Organized mostly as conversations between Krishnamurti and common folks trying to understand his thoughts. Three main topics as noted in the title - living, learning, meditation.
Probably the one area that was most difficult for me was the idea that meditation is not just sitting and focusing on one object but more just focusing on nothing (at least that was my take).
Not something you want to read straight through, each little section (60 of them) requires some time to think over.
March 13, 2023
I have no doubt about the knowledge of the author. My troubles reading this mostly came from what I deemed incomplete thought and understanding. Right as the point was coming through to fruition, the chapter was over, and the next topic was being discussed.
It is very difficult to grasp concepts and would have enjoyed longer chapters.
It is very difficult to grasp concepts and would have enjoyed longer chapters.
August 8, 2019
Lovely thought-provoking read. Was exactly what I need whilst taking a quiet break. A great book to reflect upon after meditation or yoga. Would highly recommend for anyone exploring their own spirituality.
August 21, 2019
This is quite good, quite deep. Be prepared to take your time with this, as it is not a quick read. Lots of wisdom and reminders here. Recommended for knowledge seekers.
I really appreciate the advanced copy for review!!
I really appreciate the advanced copy for review!!
July 27, 2023
Note: Thank you, Watkins Publishing and NetGalley for the preview copy of this incredible book.
This book does not actually require a "review" or needs to be promoted, below are just some of my thoughts:
"The mind is like a child absorbed by an intricate toy. As long as the toy holds interest, the child is absorbed by it; when the toy is broken or taken away the child cries."
Can The Mind Be Quiet? starts with a wonderful foreword by Terence Stamp. The chapters are well structured and the contents are "packaged nicely". Jiddu Krishnamurti is often difficult to understand and tough to read. In this book, the chapters are written in a way to first capture the reader's attention, and then the teachings are delivered. Most of the content in the book is in a simple Q&A style, instead of the usual essay format.
"The man who enjoys what he is doing is not possessed by what he is doing. The man who loves is anonymous. The man who possesses is clamorous; for him there is conflict, and not for the other. The important thing in all this is not being possessed by that which occupies you."
Jiddu Krishnamurti is tough, difficult and much different from the "normal" teachers. Most of his teachings will go 'over the head'. But, Jiddu Krishnamurti is a required and much needed reading for one and all. Terence Stamp has summarized it so well in his foreword of this book:
I might not have been sure about what he (Jiddu Krishnamurti) was saying, but there was always this shift.
So, how important it is for the mind to unburden itself?
"and knowing that to take a really long journey you must travel lightly..."
***
"So let us be concerned with understanding the enormous wastage of energy that we human beings indulge in. It is wasted in pursuit of ideologies and so avoiding what is. It is wasted in daydreaming and in the images that one has built about oneself; in the pictures of pleasures, sensuous, sexual or so called spiritual; in the grudges that one bears; in the memorable pleasures that one keeps locked in the privacy of one's own mind; in the self-concern with all one's little problems and private quarrels with oneself and others; in the assumptions, the formulas, the opinions and the judgements. All these are a great waste of energy."
This book does not actually require a "review" or needs to be promoted, below are just some of my thoughts:
"The mind is like a child absorbed by an intricate toy. As long as the toy holds interest, the child is absorbed by it; when the toy is broken or taken away the child cries."
Can The Mind Be Quiet? starts with a wonderful foreword by Terence Stamp. The chapters are well structured and the contents are "packaged nicely". Jiddu Krishnamurti is often difficult to understand and tough to read. In this book, the chapters are written in a way to first capture the reader's attention, and then the teachings are delivered. Most of the content in the book is in a simple Q&A style, instead of the usual essay format.
"The man who enjoys what he is doing is not possessed by what he is doing. The man who loves is anonymous. The man who possesses is clamorous; for him there is conflict, and not for the other. The important thing in all this is not being possessed by that which occupies you."
Jiddu Krishnamurti is tough, difficult and much different from the "normal" teachers. Most of his teachings will go 'over the head'. But, Jiddu Krishnamurti is a required and much needed reading for one and all. Terence Stamp has summarized it so well in his foreword of this book:
I might not have been sure about what he (Jiddu Krishnamurti) was saying, but there was always this shift.
So, how important it is for the mind to unburden itself?
"and knowing that to take a really long journey you must travel lightly..."
***
"So let us be concerned with understanding the enormous wastage of energy that we human beings indulge in. It is wasted in pursuit of ideologies and so avoiding what is. It is wasted in daydreaming and in the images that one has built about oneself; in the pictures of pleasures, sensuous, sexual or so called spiritual; in the grudges that one bears; in the memorable pleasures that one keeps locked in the privacy of one's own mind; in the self-concern with all one's little problems and private quarrels with oneself and others; in the assumptions, the formulas, the opinions and the judgements. All these are a great waste of energy."
May 30, 2020
My favorite Krishnamurti book and kudos to the Krishnamurti Foundation for publishing it, showing a side of the guru not seen in his many other books. This small volume shows K's, ability to write about the quotidian in India and California with a Zen eye, including in the Ojai valley and foothills. Usual themes of truth being a pathless land, the futility of belonging to a esoteric organization but presented in such a way to quietly resonate. Worth a thousand other esoteric books, including K’s other books..
March 9, 2025
this was my first time reading anything like this & I’m pretty sure I picked it up because of the title (very interested in knowing, asking for a friend). anywho, you definitely have to lock in to read it & take it part by part. there’s a lot there beyond the words & not something you can just read straight through back to back. lots of annotations in my copy though & evoked some critical reflections!
January 1, 2025
First book of the year and a great one. This is written as short chapters on different topics based on Krishnamurthi’s 1-1 meetings and writings. Each chapter is thought provoking and profound and requires introspection. I bought a few more books of Krishnamurthi’s immediately after finishing this one.
October 1, 2022
When I read this book, my mind was never quiet! This was thought-provoking and not an easy book to read. It requires a lot of patience to understand because of its depth. In the end, it was all worth it!
March 29, 2020
Beautiful. To the point. Clear and crisp.
December 31, 2024
This is the best self help book, he is truly an amazing teacher and a great person.
September 25, 2025
Much direct and important guidance, set amidst descriptive prose
November 25, 2025
Good reading
Very good. Although it describes thought as very limiting, the book invokes a lot of thought. If you have a “running mind” as I do, this book is very helpful.
Very good. Although it describes thought as very limiting, the book invokes a lot of thought. If you have a “running mind” as I do, this book is very helpful.
May 14, 2022
Hello there, i’m almost done reading this book.
I was enjoying a lot, since i was reading it in Albanian my main language.
Needs a lot of concentration to read this book.
By the way is first book that I’m reading of J.Krishnamurt
I love how he interprets the people that he was dealing with, friends, and family in general.
Also as I mention concentration he uses a lot of smart terms that need to think about it. “A lot of think “
I suggest to everybody this book.
I was enjoying and loved reading it.
Definitely will read his other books too.
I was enjoying a lot, since i was reading it in Albanian my main language.
Needs a lot of concentration to read this book.
By the way is first book that I’m reading of J.Krishnamurt
I love how he interprets the people that he was dealing with, friends, and family in general.
Also as I mention concentration he uses a lot of smart terms that need to think about it. “A lot of think “
I suggest to everybody this book.
I was enjoying and loved reading it.
Definitely will read his other books too.
September 16, 2019
I thought this was really interesting, and easy to follow.
Well done! I recommend to everyone!
I loved the title. Like we all wish we could have a quiet mind for a day or so, right?
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book. This is my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Well done! I recommend to everyone!
I loved the title. Like we all wish we could have a quiet mind for a day or so, right?
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book. This is my honest review. All opinions are my own.
August 6, 2019
This beautiful book shows you how to quiet your mind and live fully in the present. I found it beautiful and well written. I would recommend it to all spiritual seekers.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews