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J. Krishnamurti: A Biography
This is the biography of J. Krishnamurti, one of the great spiritual leaders of the 20th century. When he was just 14 in 1909, Krishnamurti was proclaimed the world teacher-to-be in which Maitreya, the Bodhisattva of compassion, would manifest. This proclamation was made by Annie Besant, the then president of the Theosophical Society, a movement that combined Western occult philosophy with Buddhist and Hindu teachings. But, despite undergoing 20 years of training, Krishnamurti rejected the Messianic role and set out alone on his spiritual quest. As a contemporary of Krishnamurti, the author, Pupul Jayakar, offers an insider's view of his life. She discusses Krishnamurti's thoughts and ideas on the mind, on meditation, on awareness and on religion, placing them in a historical context.
528 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1986
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 30, 2014
By any standard, Krishnamurti was one of the most important and fascinating spiritual figures of the 20th century; by many standards, he was one of the most important in history. This is an intimate biography written by a close friend, and explores his life and teachings simultaneously. Krishnamurti reportedly said at his death that not a single person had understood his life or teachings; this is tragically reflected in the book: many casual listeners came to him looking for a 'freedom FOR the self', when what was taught was a 'freedom FROM the self'; his closest companions seem to have spent years asking him the same questions over and over (which he patiently answered), or trying to compare the teachings to various other teachers or systems. A careful study of his life helps to reconcile the paradox of the nature of what he taught with the fact that he taught at all, and gives great hope about the true success of his life and how it will be viewed in the future; this book is an excellent diving board into that study. As always, the most important lessons cannot be taught, but only learned; therefore, they cannot be advertised, but only recognized. But if recognized, one may find from this source some of the most beautiful and profound teachings ever recorded - and they have been infallibly recorded by audio and visual media. Any serious student of religion or spirituality owes it to him or herself to thoroughly become acquainted with Krishnamurti.
October 29, 2013
I'm not sure what to make of this book. It's not a biography in any traditional sense of the word. You learn a little bit about Krishnaji's early childhood, but not enough for my taste. Although the way that his upbringing is portrayed with Annie Besant and Charles Webster Leadbeater is quite disturbing. I have quite a distaste for both of them; it seems quite clear that Leadbeater was a pedophile and I wonder about the relationship he had with Krishnaji and his brother as a result. I also think that Besant's attitude towards Krisnaji, and Indians more generally, is entirely colonial and deeply offensive--especially the idea that she had the right to remove him from his family and fight his father for custody along with the pedophile. Here is one of Leadbeater's more racist commentaries reprinted in this biography:
"Ironically, once they had been accepted into the Theosophical fold, everything possible was done to see that Krishna and Nitya were stripped of all Indianness. It is almost certain that Krishnamurti's mentors decided that he and his brother were to speak only English, so the melodious Telugu language was slowly forgotten; the Vedas and the hymns learnt in childhood were wiped away. Their hair was cut and halved by a central parting. They were taught English; they learned how to eat with a spoon and fork and to keep their elbows close to their body when they raised their forks to their mouths; to wear Western clothes with ease; to see that the crease of their trousers was pressed and to polish their shoes till they shone. They were taught how to bathe the British way. 'The boys were to become English gentlemen because in Leadbeater's scheme of evolution, English gentlemen represented the pinnacle of human development.'"(27-28)
This sort of insight was compelling, but I would have liked to have this kind of narration continue throughout the book. Instead, it feels much more like Pupul Jayakar's autobiography at times. The majority of the book is about her relationship with Krishnaji. As a result, one doesn't necessarily glean any insight about what his life was like when she wasn't in communication with him. So there is very little research on that end. Plus, the second half of the book is purely about Krisnaji's philosophy. There are numerous books extolling his thoughts, but this book promised to tell the story of his life and it falls short of that promise. Also, I find it strange that the book says very little about the founding of the Krishnamurti schools. They are mentioned, but their history is relatively absent.
"Ironically, once they had been accepted into the Theosophical fold, everything possible was done to see that Krishna and Nitya were stripped of all Indianness. It is almost certain that Krishnamurti's mentors decided that he and his brother were to speak only English, so the melodious Telugu language was slowly forgotten; the Vedas and the hymns learnt in childhood were wiped away. Their hair was cut and halved by a central parting. They were taught English; they learned how to eat with a spoon and fork and to keep their elbows close to their body when they raised their forks to their mouths; to wear Western clothes with ease; to see that the crease of their trousers was pressed and to polish their shoes till they shone. They were taught how to bathe the British way. 'The boys were to become English gentlemen because in Leadbeater's scheme of evolution, English gentlemen represented the pinnacle of human development.'"(27-28)
This sort of insight was compelling, but I would have liked to have this kind of narration continue throughout the book. Instead, it feels much more like Pupul Jayakar's autobiography at times. The majority of the book is about her relationship with Krishnaji. As a result, one doesn't necessarily glean any insight about what his life was like when she wasn't in communication with him. So there is very little research on that end. Plus, the second half of the book is purely about Krisnaji's philosophy. There are numerous books extolling his thoughts, but this book promised to tell the story of his life and it falls short of that promise. Also, I find it strange that the book says very little about the founding of the Krishnamurti schools. They are mentioned, but their history is relatively absent.
October 20, 2016
A complete and thorough insight into the life of one of the most charismatic and fascinating personalities of the 20th century....the book catches every nuance of JK's personality, his spiritual quest, his never ending search for the ultimate truth and every bit of his life...one of the best tributes to the great person that Mr. Krishnamurti was...
October 16, 2022
Amazing book and so much detail of Krishnamurti’s life, travels, work and experiences.
My interest came from the group of esotericists around in the period - 1890 - 1930 - a really interesting period. These included the Theosophists and Anthroposophy, closely linked with Rosicrucianism and the Knights Templar.
Rudolf Steiner being part of the Theosophist movement, the later to found Anthroposophy.
Annie Besant of the Theosophist movement discovered Krishnamurti as a child and saw his powers - he eventually became head of the movement and then left to pursue his own path and went on to speak publicly for over half a century on philosophical issue line the self, the mind, thinking and the route of fear, love and many other things.
The Author, Pupul Jayakar does a splendid job and goes into incredible detail, considering the busy life of the author.
One thing I have noticed about those that practice in the realm of esotericism have a tendency to become polymaths - which is an interesting phenomenon.
My interest came from the group of esotericists around in the period - 1890 - 1930 - a really interesting period. These included the Theosophists and Anthroposophy, closely linked with Rosicrucianism and the Knights Templar.
Rudolf Steiner being part of the Theosophist movement, the later to found Anthroposophy.
Annie Besant of the Theosophist movement discovered Krishnamurti as a child and saw his powers - he eventually became head of the movement and then left to pursue his own path and went on to speak publicly for over half a century on philosophical issue line the self, the mind, thinking and the route of fear, love and many other things.
The Author, Pupul Jayakar does a splendid job and goes into incredible detail, considering the busy life of the author.
One thing I have noticed about those that practice in the realm of esotericism have a tendency to become polymaths - which is an interesting phenomenon.
April 2, 2024
Such a frustrating book to go through!
Mr Krishnamurthi’s wisdom is profound; way too profound for ordinary mind like mine to comprehend. He speaks from a space of knowing and refuses to come to the level of a seeker or adapt his language in a way that can make sense to the common human.
I feel his presence must have been highly transformative, more than his words which honestly go over the head.
On top of it, Pupul Jee’s insipid writing made it a chore to complete the book! Not to mention her obsession with the Nehru-Gandhi family, which was nauseating.
Much, much better spiritual books out there. Perhaps better to hear/listen to J Krishnamurthi than read it.
Mr Krishnamurthi’s wisdom is profound; way too profound for ordinary mind like mine to comprehend. He speaks from a space of knowing and refuses to come to the level of a seeker or adapt his language in a way that can make sense to the common human.
I feel his presence must have been highly transformative, more than his words which honestly go over the head.
On top of it, Pupul Jee’s insipid writing made it a chore to complete the book! Not to mention her obsession with the Nehru-Gandhi family, which was nauseating.
Much, much better spiritual books out there. Perhaps better to hear/listen to J Krishnamurthi than read it.
June 12, 2020
You need a 10 Time read, this book and The life of Jk is not for One read
July 12, 2020
A good story of the life and teachings of K mired by the intellect of the author.
March 2, 2022
What a beautiful life he lived!
January 18, 2024
I'm left with gratitude for Pupul's openness and insight into the life and teaching of J.K.
November 23, 2024
A fantastic book!
March 23, 2023
Overall a tremendous book about a tremendous man written by a tremendous lady who knew him for many decades.
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August 27, 2012Fairly good. Inspiring and extremely honest. Good to get a different approach to life and death.
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June 8, 2014i need this book please
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews