Subscribe to Newsletter
Subscribe to Newsletter
Stay spiritually nourished with our fortnightly newsletter
Jiddu Krishnamurti, commonly known as Krishnamurti, was a renowned philosopher, spiritual teacher, and speaker who transcended traditional religious and philosophical boundaries. Here is a comprehensive biography of Jiddu Krishnamurti:
Early Life and Background: Jiddu Krishnamurti was born on May 11, 1895, in Madanapalle, a small town in present-day Andhra Pradesh, India. He was the eighth of eleven children born to a Telugu-speaking Brahmin family. At the age of fourteen, Krishnamurti was discovered on the grounds of the Theosophical Society headquarters in Adyar, near Chennai, by Annie Besant, the then president of the society, and Charles Leadbeater, a prominent member. They believed him to be the prophesied “World Teacher” or “Messiah” of the Theosophical tradition.
Education and Early Spiritual Training: Under the auspices of the Theosophical Society, Krishnamurti received a Western-style education, traveling extensively and residing in various parts of the world. He was groomed to become the leader of a new spiritual movement, the Order of the Star, which was founded to prepare humanity for the coming of the World Teacher.
Dissolution of the Order of the Star: In 1929, Krishnamurti underwent a profound spiritual crisis that led to the dissolution of the Order of the Star and his renunciation of all formal affiliations and roles as a spiritual teacher or leader. He famously declared, “I maintain that Truth is a pathless land, and you cannot approach it by any path whatsoever, by any religion, by any sect.”
Teaching and Philosophy: Following the dissolution of the Order of the Star, Krishnamurti embarked on a lifelong journey of inquiry and exploration into the nature of truth, consciousness, and the human condition. His teachings emphasized the importance of self-awareness, observation, and the direct perception of reality without the filter of beliefs, ideologies, or conditioning. Krishnamurti encouraged individuals to inquire into the nature of their own minds and to free themselves from psychological suffering and conflict.
Dialogues and Lectures: Krishnamurti traveled extensively and held public talks, dialogues, and discussions around the world, addressing diverse audiences and engaging in dialogue with scientists, scholars, religious leaders, and seekers of truth. His talks and writings cover a wide range of topics, including the nature of thought, meditation, freedom, love, relationship, education, and the future of humanity.
Legacy and Influence: Krishnamurti’s teachings have had a profound impact on individuals and spiritual movements around the world. His emphasis on self-inquiry, radical questioning, and the direct experience of truth continues to inspire millions of people to explore the depths of their own consciousness and to live with greater clarity, insight, and freedom.
Writings and Publications: Krishnamurti authored numerous books, including “The First and Last Freedom,” “Freedom from the Known,” “The Awakening of Intelligence,” and “The Only Revolution.” These writings articulate his philosophical insights and offer practical guidance for individuals seeking to understand themselves and the world more deeply.
Later Years and Passing: Krishnamurti spent his later years residing in Ojai, California, where he continued to hold dialogues and discussions with visitors from around the world. He passed away on February 17, 1986, at the age of 90, leaving behind a rich legacy of wisdom, compassion, and insight.
Stay spiritually nourished with our fortnightly newsletter