For nearly half a century the charismatic, strikingly handsome spiritual teacher J. Krishnamurti gathered an enormous following throughout Europe, India, Australia and North America. From the age of eighteen he was the forerunner of the type of iconoclasm that would bring immediate fame to cult figures in the late twentieth century. Yet recent biographies have left large areas of his life in mystifying darkness. This, however, is no ordinary study of Krishnamurti, for it is written by one whose earliest memories are dominated by his presence as a doting second fathertolerant of pranks and pets, playful and diligent. For over two decades in their Ojai California haven, where Aldous Huxley and other pacifists found respite during the war years,Krinsh developed his philosophical message. He also placed himself at the centre of her parents Rosalind and Rajagopals marriage. In a spirit of tenderness, fairness, objective inquiry, and no little remorse, the author traces the rise of Krishnamurti from obscurity in India by selection of the Theosophical Society to be the vehicle of a new incarnation of their world teacher. Breaking from Theosophy, Krishnamurti inspired his own following, retaining the dedication of his longtime friend Rajagopal, himself highly educated, to oversee all practicalities and the editing and publication of his writings. How this bond of trust was breached and became clouded in confusion with a new wave of devoteeism lies at the heart of this extraordinary story. So does a portrait of intense romantic intimacy and the conundrum of Krishnamurtis own complex character.

Mary Zimbalist's account of her time with Krishnamurti

A longtime student and friend reveals both the spiritual greatness and the human pathos of his remarkable teacher.

Among the most famous visionaries of our times, J. Krishnamurti (1895–1986) continues to transform thought, lifestyles, and education across continents more than three decades after his death. In this new biography, tracing the nine long decades of his life, from his growing-up years, his relationships to his writings and talks, Roshen Dalal provides a much-needed corrective – an objective and balanced view of his legacy. Adopted by Theosophists at the age of fourteen, and proclaimed a world teacher and messiah, in 1929, Krishnamurti dissolved the Order of the Star created for him and went on to develop his own philosophy. What is it about his ideas that draws the following of generations of people? Delivered to a divided world then, what makes his message so relevant now? While his ideas on education are idealistic, why do they continue to be everlasting in their contribution and appeal? Krishnamurti’s vision is of a world without boundaries or wars, a world where compassion and goodness predominate, and his message is that such a world can be arrived at only through individual transformation.B24 There is no direct path to transformation, yet through intense perception and understanding, it is possible to achieve this goal. Carefully reconstructing the events and extracting the essence of his talks, Dalal dispels several myths, explains his teachings, and reveals the underlying theosophical and occult influence in Krishnamurti’s life. Here is the most complete biography yet, of one of the greatest thinkers of the twentieth century.

‘The material contained in this volume was originally presented in the form of talks to students, teachers and parents in India, but its keen penetration and lucid simplicity will be deeply meaningful to thoughtful people everywhere, of all ages, and in every walk of life. Krishnamurti examines with characteristic objectivity and insight the expressions of what we are pleased to call our culture, our education, religion, politics and tradition; and he throws much light on such basic emotions as ambition, greed and envy, the desire for security and the lust for power – all of which he shows to be deteriorating factors in human society.’From the Editor’s Note‘Krishnamurti’s observations and explorations of modern man’s estate are penetrating and profound, yet given with a disarming simplicity and directness. To listen to him or to read his thoughts is to face oneself and the world with an astonishing morning freshness.’Anne Marrow Lindbergh

An Intimate And Insightful Portrait Of A Remarkable Teacher And Spiritual Leader J. Krishnamurti (1895 1986) Was Born In Madanapalle, A Small Town West Of Chennai, To Brahmin Parents. In 1909, At The Age Of Fourteen, He Was Proclaimed As A Saviour And Subsequently Taken To England By Annie Besant. There, He Was Educated Privately And Groomed For The Role Of World Teacher. In 1929, However, He Rejected The Mantle And Disbanded The Organization Of Which He Was The Head, Declaring That He Did Not Want Disciples, Thereby Unleashing A Storm Of Controversy. A Gentle, Unassuming Teacher, Over The Next Half-Century Krishnamurti Would Travel The World Bearing His Message, Inspiring The Likes Of Jawaharlal Nehru, Aldous Huxley, George Bernard Shaw And The Dalai Lama. For The First Time, The Complete Biography Of J. Krishnamurti Is Available In One Volume: The Years Of Awakening, 1895 To 1935 Recounts His Childhood Days And Grooming For His Messianic Role; The Years Of Fulfilment, 1935 To 1980, A Comprehensive Account Of The Years He Spent Spreading His Extraordinary Philosophy Of Enlightenment And Truth; And The Open Door, 1980 To 1986, The Final Chapter Of An Epic Life. Mary Lutyens, Who Had Known Krishnamurti Since She Was Three Years Old, Has Drawn On The Unpublished Letters And Personal Recollections Of The Great Man To Bring Us An Unforgettable And Affecting Account Of The Life Of This Beloved Religious Figure Who Touched The Hearts And Minds Of Millions.

A classic biography of one of the greatest spiritual teachers of our times In 1909, when he was just fourteen, Krishnamurti was proclaimed the world teacher in whom Maitreya, the Bodhisattva of compassion, would manifest. The proclamation was made by Annie Besant, then president of the Theosophical Society, a movement that combined Western occult philosophy with Buddhist and Hindu teachings. Besant trained Krishnamurti in his role as the chosen one but twenty years later he chose to disband the order he was head of and set out alone on his endless journey— As a contemporary of Krishnamurti and one of his closest associates. Pupul Jayakar offers an insider's view of the fascinating life and thought of an extraordinary individual.

J Krishnamurti (1896-1986) was one of the most important spiritual leaders of his time. Discovered by the Theosophist as a boy in India, he was groomed by them as the new Messiah, a role he rejected when he set out independently on his own spiritual quest. Travelling the world, lecturing and teaching, he acquired an enormous following, including many eminent statesmen and intellectuals. As one of Krishnamurti’s closest friends and devotees, Mary Lutyens is uniquely qualified to write his biography. Indeed, she has written three previous volumes on him, but only after his death in 1986 did she feel able to produce this book, bringing the life and philosophy of this fascinating and complex man into true perspective.

"The first edition was published in 1976 by Victor Gollancz Ltd., but additional pages in Krishnamurti's handwriting were found in 2000."