Krishnamurti: A Biography

by Pupul Jayakar

Book Overview

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,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0062504010
• ISBN13: 9780062504012
• Release Date: January 1986
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
• Length: 516 Pages
• Weight: 1.40 lbs.

Customer Reviews

This is a remarkble biography.

No book is perfect and this one has some minor flaws in the author's perspective here and there, but overall it is comprehensive and has a depth of understanding that is truly masterful. I have read other excellent biographies and reminisces of Krishnamurti, but this one is different. It conveys something beyond mere words on a page- I sensed something I would call "sacred" beyond even K while reading this book, which led to an opening of the floodgates of my own conciousness. Since that experience I've lived a process of continual self discovery and fundamental change. Now I won't say that this will necessarily happen to you, but if you can't stand anything but the most uncontaminated, unexploited and uncompromising version of what life really is, then this book is for you. My life and experiences have led me to believe that when you are ready for the truth, it will find YOU...so if you've found this book (or maybe vice versa), then read on, my friend, for you've just taken a step towards the first taste of real freedom. As a final statement, let me give you a cue on understanding K's basic message. All real change is instantaneous, and it occurs at the non-verbal level- where direct perception always takes place. When it happens, that particular problem (or "negative emotional layer" or "conditioned reaction") you had is released and it is gone forever! Passive, non-verbal awareness of yourself in the action of relationship with others/things/ideas/thoughts/your environment, ect. is what will lead you to these perceptions if you're really serious about it...And that's what it takes; the absolute refusal to be deluded, exploited, or lulled into the stupor of life's mundane pleasures and escapes. Beyond all that nonsense there is something that you absolutely must experinece...it is the essence of beauty, of serenity, of love itself; and if you don't find it before you die, then you will have wasted your short time on this earth. This book is like an owners manual of the human mind...learn how to use it!

Integrates Krishnamurti's teaching and his history

Other biographies, although necessary for their time line chronological recording, do not match this wonderful book by P. Jayakar. She has an penetrating insight that pulls us along on her own quest to understand that which is so hard too grasp with our conditioned and structed approachs to learning and seeing. I first read this book about 6 years ago when I first became interested in Krishnamurti. I was grasping with many of the comprehensive problems that Pupal describes in her early personal association with Krishnamurti. I've read the book twice since then and I continue to pick up more and see more of what is going on in a different way. This is an important book! Not just a good book. Let American students read this before they read 'The Crucible' for instance, (which is one of the books I had to read in school). Lets open our self-imposed limitation we've put on our minds and wake up. Time is running out. Krishnamurti's life, although interesting, is not important. Or better put, it is only important to the extent that he left the teachings. This is what is important. Read this book and be intrigued, but better yet, be changed for the better. Without trying. There is no need to become anything. But, there is a dire need to change. What am I talking about? Are you confused? Read the book. Then don't take mine or Krishnamurti's word for it. See the truth for yourself. J. Krishnamurti: A Biography, is a great place to start.

Integrates Krishnamurti's teaching and his history

Other biographies, although necessary for their time line chronological recording, do not match this wonderful book by P. Jayakar. She has an penetrating insight that pulls us along on her own quest to understand that which is so hard too grasp with our conditioned and structed approachs to learning and seeing. I first read this book about 6 years ago when I first became interested in Krishnamurti. I was grasping with many of the comprehensive problems that Pupal describes in her early personal association with Krishnamurti. I've read the book twice since then and I continue to pick up more and see more of what is going on in a different way. This is an important book! Not just a good book. Let American students read this before they read 'The Crucible' for instance, (which is one of the books I had to read in school). Lets open our self-imposed limitation we've put on our minds and a wake up. Time is running out. Krishnamurti's life, although interesting, is not important. Or better put, it is only important to the extent that he left the teachings. This is what is important. Read this book and be intrigued, but better yet, be changed for the better. Without trying. There is no need to become anything. But, there is a dire need to change. What am I talking about? Are you confused? Read the book. Then don't take mine or Krishnamurti's word for it. See the truth for yourself. J. Krishnamurti: A Biography, is a great place to start.

A beautiful book.

According to me, this is the best way to get introduced to krishnamurti and his teaching. You will see that he lived his teaching, and his teaching are not mere theories.

Excellent introduction to life and teachings of Krishnamurti

The author interweaves her encounters with him with the story of his life and teachings. Well-written and personal, it is certainly the best biography around