Best Selling Books by J. Krishnamurti

Biography of Louis Armstrong, African-American jazz trumpeter who took jazz into new and exciting realms.

J. Krishnamurti, one of the most beloved and renowned religious teachers of the twentieth century, often taught his students that they must look at the state of the world, with all its violence and conflict, if they are ever to understand themselves. To turn away from world events was for him not to be alive to what life has to teach. Facing a World in Crisis presents a selection of talks that Krishnamurti gave on how to live in and respond to troubling and uncertain times. His message of personal responsibility and the importance of connecting with the broader world is presented in a nonsectarian and nonpolitical way. Direct and ultimately life-affirming, Facing a World in Crisis will resonate with readers today who are looking for a new way to understand and find hope in challenging times.

'Is it possible to live a life without conflict in the modern world, with all the strain, struggle, pressure, and influences in the social structure? That is really living, the essence of a mind that is inquiring seriously. The question whether there is God, whether there is truth whether there is beauty can come only when this is established, when the mind is no longer in conflict' says Krishnamurti in this book, which brings together the most significant excerpts on a theme that he dwelt upon frequently in his talks, writings, and dialogues.

Many have considered Buddhism to be the religion closest in spirit to J. Krishnamurti's spiritual teaching—even though the great teacher was famous for urging students to seek truth outside organized religion. This record of a historic encounter between Krishnamurti and a group of Buddhist scholars provides a unique opportunity to see what the great teacher had to say himself about Buddhist teachings. The conversations, which took place in London in the late 1970s, focused on human consciousness and its potential for transformation. Participants include Walpola Rahula, the renowned Sri Lankan Buddhist monk and scholar, author of the classic introductory text What the Buddha Taught.

On Relationship is one of a series of theme books put together from the talks and writings of J. Krishnamurti. In 1950, Krishnamurti said : 'If we are concerned with our own lives, if we understand our relationship with others, we will have created a new society; other wise we will but perpetuate the present chaotic mess and confusion. ' Providing a far-reaching basis for solving many of the world's crises, this book brings together Krishnamurti's most essential teachings on the individual's relationship to other people, to society, and to life itself. The renowned teacher makes it clear that the way we handle personal crises and relationships links us to the problems of all people and has a larger, global meaning. Ending the causes of war, for instance, cannot start without our seeing the need for real respect within the family and for all others.

This book of dialogues with Krishnamurti addresses the main, or perhaps the only, question being asked by those who have listened to him for several years: ‘Why has the teachings not brought about a radical change in my life? Has the end of my journey come about? If not, why?’ Asserting that nothing else matters in life except this and at the same time refusing to give ready-made answers, he urges his listeners to find the answer for themselves. Deny thought, he says and explains what he means by it: ‘Deny any movement of thought to reach beyond itself and go further than its own consciousness. That’s all; that’s all. To realize that is to realize something extraordinary.’ Consisting of discussions with small groups, held in India between 1965 and 1984, the book turns on this theme, which is stated in different words and in different contexts by various participants or by Krishnamurti himself. What these selections reveal is not just Krishnamurti’s answers to the questions posed by the participants, but the methodology of his dialogue itself. It is hoped that those who, over the years, have gone deeply into his teachings will find the dialogues of special significance in their own journey.

A classic collection of excerpts from one of the great spiritual leaders of the twentieth century--now in the newly designed Shambhala Pocket Library series. Jiddu Krishnamurti (1895–1986) went from his origins in a small south Indian village to become one of the great spiritual teachers of the twentieth century. He taught that the only way to create peace on earth is to transform the human psyche—but that there is no path to this transformation, no method for achieving it, and no gurus nor spiritual authorities who can help. Rather, the transformation is a truth that each of us must discover within ourselves. This classic collection of brief excerpts from Krishnamurti’s books and talks presents the essence of his teaching on meditation—a state of attention, beyond thought, which brings total freedom from authority and ambition, fears and separateness.

Here is a pocket-size collection of teachings from J. Krishnamurti, one of the most influential spiritual figures of the twentieth century. With great insight and immediacy, these teachings explore what Krishnamurti calls “the art of living.” He addresses such topics as the way of life without conflict; skill and clarity in action; living and dying; and meditation and the sacred in daily life. This previously unpublished material comes together to create a little gem to be taken to heart in living our lives simply and intelligently.

In this unique volume Krishnamurti lets us into the private world of his states of consciousness. Written as a diary, detailing his travels, the day-by-day account moves with breathtaking swiftness from the sights and sounds of his immediate environment to those moments of bliss.

'One of the greatest thinkers of the age' The Dalai Lama 'One of the five saints of the 20th century' - TIME magazine 'Krishnamurti influenced me profoundly' - Deepak Chopra Who are you? What are you? What do you want from life? One of the world's great philosophical teachers, Krishnamurti, offers his inspiring wisdom on many of life's hurdles from relationships and love, to anxiety and loneliness. He answers such questions as 'What is the significance of life?' and 'How do I live life to the full?' to reveal the best way of being true to yourself. Read by millions from all walks of life, Krishnamurti shows us there is no path, no higher authority, no guru to follow, and that ultimately it is our own responsibility as to how we live our lives.

Looking at relationship, Krishnamurti delves into topics close to each one of us. He discusses his views on sex and love, and explores the word and delusion of chastity. In Chapter 5 he says, The person who has taken the vow of celibacy knows no love, because he is concerned with himself and his own fruition. This is a great book for anyone in a relationship.

On God, is one of a series of theme books put together from the talks and writings of J. Krishnamurti. The book contemplates our search for the sacred. 'Sometimes you think life is mechanical, and at other times when there is sorrow and confusion, you revert to faith, looking to a supreme being for guidance and help.' Krishnamurti explores fully the futility of seeking knowledge of the ‘unknowable’ and shows that it is only when we have ceased seeking with our intellects that we may be ‘radically free’ to experience Reality, Truth, or bliss. He presents the ‘religious mind’ as one that directly perceives the sacred rather than adhering to religious dogma.

J. Krishnamurti was one of the most influential and widely known spiritual teachers of the twentieth century. Here, he inquires with the reader into how remembering and dwelling on past events, both pleasurable and painful, give us a false sense of continuity, causing us to suffer. His instruction is to be attentive and clear in our perceptions and to meet the challenges of life directly in each new moment.

On Love and Loneliness, another volume in the series of 'Theme books', is a compelling investigation of our intimate relationships with ourselves. others and society. Krishnamurti suggests that 'true relationship' can come into being only when there is self-knowledge of the conditions which divide and isolate individuals and groups. 'It is only when the mind is not escaping in any form that it is possible to be in direct communion with that thing which we call loneliness, the alone; and to have communion with that thing, there must be affection, there must be love', says Krishnamurti.

In 1968—a time when young Americans were intensely questioning the values of their society—Krishnamurti gave a series of talks to college students in the United States and Puerto Rico, exploring the true meaning of freedom and rebellion. Collected in this book, these lectures are perhaps even more compelling today, when both adults and young people are searching for the key to genuine change in our world.

Published previously as :Krishnamurti for Beginners The best introduction to Krishnamurti is Krishnamurti himself—his books, video and audio recordings—and not interpreters and commentators. And this book is meant primarily for those unacquainted with his vision of life which he maintained, was not his teachings but the teachings and never my teachings. The problem of daily living that confront every human being and Krishnamurti’s original approach to them, as well as his timeless vision of the sacred, form that basis of the selections, which comprise a variety of genres that he employed to communicate his message – public talks answers to questions, writings, interviews, diaries, dictations, letters, dialogues and discussions-and which range over nearly five decades, from 1948 to 1983.

This comprehensive record of Krishnamurti's teachings is an excellent, wide-ranging introduction to the great philosopher's thought. With among others, Jacob Needleman, Alain Naude, and Swami Venkatasananda, Krishnamurti examines such issues as the role of the teacher and tradition; the need for awareness of 'cosmic consciousness; the problem of good and evil; and traditional Vedanta methods of help for different levels of seekers.

Sirs, is there a very great difference between the young and the old? Youth, the young people, if they are at all alive, are full of revolutionary ideas, full of discontent, are they not? They must be; otherwise they are already old... ________________ Bangalore, 1948 In the late 1960s and the early 1970s, Krishnamurti held talks and discussions at many universities, especially in the USA, South America, and India. The present compilation, consisting of eleven conversations with the young, were held not on university campuses, but in the houses where Krishnamurti stayed during his annual visits to India. Krishnamurti talks about the fundamental difference between functional knowledge—which is necessary for survival in the world—and psychological knowledge, which creates the illusion that individuals are evolving towards a personal utopia. His insight that ‘knowledge is destroying us’ is apt for the present age which proudly calls itself the ‘knowledge society’. This insight demands a completely revolutionary approach to life, an approach which should begin from a very young age.

On love and philosophy of life (selected from the collected works of J. Krishnamurti).

Break Free From the Known. Embrace The Only Revolution. The Only Revolution invites you on a journey of inner awakening. J. Krishnamurti reveals that true change cannot come from external systems or ideologies but from a radical transformation within the self. This timeless work encourages a deep understanding of the mind's conditioning and offers a path to freedom through direct awareness and clarity. It is a must-read for anyone seeking to break free from fear, thought patterns, and societal expectations. A Revolution of the Mind Krishnamurti rejects all ideologies, embracing only direct insight and clarity. Dialogues in Nature Set across India, Europe, and America, these meditative conversations unfold in quiet gardens, forests, and along riversides. Freedom From Fear and Conditioning Explore how thought becomes a prison and how awareness can be liberated. Accessible Yet Profound Through simple language and piercing insight, Krishnamurti reaches the heart of human suffering and freedom.

This is a new release of the original 1927 edition.

"In this series of eight talks, given in Ojai, California in 1955, Krishnamurti confronts the confusion, habits, and assumptions of the human mind, and claims these lie at the root of all violence and suffering in the world."--Publisher.

This is a new release of the original 1928 edition.