Krishnamurti, Jiddu (1895-1986)

Indian philosopher and spiritual teacher. Born May 12, 1895 in Madanapelle, South India, Krishnamurti was educated privately. While still a child, in 1909, he was "discovered" by Theosophist Charles W. Leadbeater, who had been promoting the idea that the next world teacher would appear among Theosophists. Leadbeater presented the young boy to Annie Besant, president of the Theosophical Society, who took up his cause.

Besant saw to his education and in the 1920s began to travel the world with him. She organized the Order of the Star of the East to promote his mission. Krishnamurti emerged as a talented teacher but also began to question the role that had been thrust upon him. In 1929 he publicly announced that he did not accept the messianic role and withdrew from any association with Theosophy. He continued from that time forward as an independent teacher to those who were attracted to him. A network of foundations formed in various countries to facilitate his teaching activity and publish transcripts of his lectures.

Krishnamurti's philosophical position stemmed from his background in Hinduism and Theosophy, but he developed his own unique iconoclastic understanding. He traveled widely and addressed audiences all over the world. He attacked many other Indian teachers then working in the West, some of whom he believed were watering down Indian thought and exploiting their followers.

Krishnamurti died in Ojai, California, on February 17, 1986, at age 90. A number of books were produced from the transcripts of his talks and dialogues with various intellectuals.

Sources:

Field, Sidney. Krishnamurti: The Reluctant Messiah. New York: Paragon House, 1989.

Jayakar, Pupul. Krishnamurti. San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1986.

Krishnamurti, Jiddu. The Awakening of Intelligence. New York: Harper & Row, 1973. ——. The First and Last Freedom. London: V. Gollancz, 1954.

——. Life Ahead. London: V. Gollancz, 1963. ——. The Only Revolution. London: V. Gollancz, 1970. Lutyens, Emily. Candles in the Sun. Philadelphia: Lippincott, 1957.

——. Krishnamurti, The Years of Awakening. New York: Farrar, Straus, & Giroux, 1975.

——. Krishnamurti, The Years of Fulfillment. London: J. Murray, 1983.