Top 10 Best Books by Author J. Krishnamurti

1. First and Last Freedom

“First and Last Freedom” is a collection of 20 lectures and 38 question-and-answer sessions on various topics by the 20th-century Indian philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti (1895-1986). It is also one of the first titles to establish Krishnamurti's name as a highly influential philosopher in the world.

In “First and Last Freedom,” Krishnamurti emphasizes the importance of breaking free from all prejudices, regulations, mental networks, all systems, authorities, to achieve absolute freedom. He clearly points out that correct thinking is not the result of simple mental cultivation or conformity to models – no matter how noble those models may be. He also emphasizes that right thinking must be accompanied by self-awareness. Unlike other spiritual books, this book is profound in that Krishnamurti has shown that through repetition, the mind can become still. But if stuck here, this repetition will become a substitute for seeking Truth. Or, by focusing absolute thoughts on something, you will build a barrier - a place only nurturing, fostering resistance and focusing solely on an idea we choose.

Krishnamurti introduces a new concept called “Creative Reality” - that is when we perceive with a non-selective, prejudiced, comparative awareness. When “creative reality” enters the ego and subconscious, human beings will emerge with genuine love and understanding. It is complete freedom in the mind, when truth exists in every moment. It is a love that is neither personal nor impersonal, indescribable by the mind, whether individual or inclusive.

Only when this “first and last freedom” is achieved can human beings eliminate selfish activities such as conflicts, dangers, purposeful deception. When this process stops, love and proper awareness appear, and human beings can solve crises, end wars, sufferings, and collapses... This is a crucial and comprehensive thought in all of Krishnamurti's works.

“First and Last Freedom” compiles direct lectures and question-and-answer sessions by Krishnamurti in public lectures. Each lecture is divided into topics that delve straight into the innermost, self of human beings like belief, idea, mind, hatred, power, perception… or specific topics like prayer, meditation, war… The book is a vast collection and comprehensive perspective, profound comments of Krishnamurti on the issues of each individual and humanity as a whole.

First published in 1954, over 60 years later, the book “First and Last Freedom,” along with the teachings of the great philosopher Krishnamurti, still leaves immense and timeless values. This is a book not to be missed by those who love knowledge and desire self-improvement. Jiddu Krishnamurti is known as the “great philosopher” of the 20th century. The work “First and Last Freedom” is considered the most important work to understand his thoughts.

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2. Education and the Meaning of Life

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The book recounts the content of eight spontaneous talks by Krishnamurti in front of hundreds of people, held under the shade of a small oak grove in the Ojai Valley (California, USA) in the summer of 1955. Here, Krishnamurti led listeners to directly face the disorder, habits, and thoughts of a mind influenced by all conditioning, while discovering that this is the root of all violence and suffering worldwide.

Throughout the work, Krishnamurti emphasizes the only path to discovering the core truth of all these matters, leading to liberation, is self-knowing; seeing oneself as 'as we are' in reality, rather than 'as we should be' or 'as we ought to be.' He points out that by recognizing how one's mind is being conditioned by authorities, frameworks, scopes, traditions, regulations, etc., one can break free from all of that.

In a straightforward manner, Krishnamurti demands that listeners recognize that all apparent progress of the self is not progress towards freedom but merely the old cycle of illusions; that understanding one's own mind, self-knowing, is the only path to freedom.

He courageously confronts essential societal issues and guides listeners to understand them philosophically to self-explore, discover all truths with a completely free mind. In 'As We Are,' Krishnamurti addresses core issues such as: the nature of violence, the issue of change, the conditioning of the mind, genuine peace, the nature of worship, spiritual practice, and what true listening is...

He also helps to resolve some 'on-the-spot' questions such as: desire; the state of crime in adolescence; the nature of disorder in the mind; the meaning, purpose of life; raising children; reincarnation... With simple language, direct approach, and persuasive arguments inherent to Krishnamurti, 'As We Are' offers readers enlightening wisdom, fresh spiritual insights. These reflections, although spoken more than half a century ago, still contain new and practical values for the world to this day.

As the book concludes, it is hoped that everyone can find their inner truths through complete attention and self-observation every moment. 'As We Are' is an indispensable companion for all who are truly serious on the path of spiritual knowledge through the teachings of Krishnamurti.

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The content of this book is selected and organized from other books, along with articles and audio recordings of Krishnamurti's public talks. Now, read the book and experience it for yourself, as well as observe what will happen to us.

The aggregation of prejudices, loneliness, greedy desires, physical or spiritual hunger, anger, and pain within each of us all contribute to the world.

The world is not separate from us, the world is us. If each of us changes, then together, we change the world. Even if only one of us changes, it is enough to create ripples of reflection, something good that is very easy to spread.

If you try to escape mental pain and disorder casually by indulging in drugs and various indulgences, sex, or trying to make yourself busy, the problem still persists, along with exhaustion and addiction. Pay attention to the ways of the self, and realize that fear, desire, or anger are all natural; you don't necessarily have to express them outwardly or obtain everything you want. This insight will dissolve mental suffering, while preventing it from becoming more serious.

These dialogues and writings are done by a man living the way of great outsiders in society: rebels, wandering poets and educators, religious philosophers, idol excluders, breakthrough scientists, and psychologists. Krishnamurti spent over 65 years lecturing on psychological freedom for anyone willing to listen to his message. He founded schools for children and adolescents, where children and young people could learn about every topic, subject, as well as about themselves. In his classroom lectures and in all his speeches, articles, he pointed out that it is not inner struggles or external battles that will liberate us, but the truth about ourselves that will do that.

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This unique book, 'Conversations with the Present Moment,' is an imprint of J. Krishnamurti's direct spoken recordings made during moments of complete solitude. At the time, his hand was somewhat shaky (he was 87 years old), so instead of writing, he recorded his own words. After returning from India to California in February 1983, he began 'Conversations with the Present Moment.'

All the talks, except one, were conducted at his home in Pine Cottage in the Ojai Valley, eighty miles north of Los Angeles. At times, his voice became distant, but the ideas were very close to Krishnamurti in his spirit. Each day for him was entirely new, an online bookstore completely free from all burdens of memory. The conclusion, perhaps the most miraculous part, discusses death. This is also the last time we hear Krishnamurti converse. Two years later, he passed away here. Jiddu Krishnamurti (1895 – 1986) was born into a Brahmin family in India, nurtured under the guardianship of Theosophical Society leaders who believed he would become a spiritual teacher in the future. However, Krishnamurti asserted that he belonged to no nationality, class, religion, or philosophical school, spending the rest of his life traveling the world as an independent speaker.

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'The World Within You' (original title: 'The World Within') compiles conversations between Jiddu Krishnamurti and those who sought him out during his secluded period during World War II. Despite that, the book remains relevant to modern life.

People approached Krishnamurti with questions about everything: livelihoods, relationships, parenting, daily conflicts, life's stagnation, chaining pains, emptiness, career disillusionment, chaotic dreams, organizational conflicts, wars, and even ways to change the world…

Reading 'The World Within You,' one sees that Krishnamurti's responses to every question help readers see their own issues by understanding themselves. Because all the world's joys and sorrows are reflections of joy and sorrow within us, as we are the world, so any change must start from within. 'Like a tree will die if its branches and leaves are cut off many times, ignorance and suffering must be eradicated as soon as they arise, through continuous awareness and understanding,' he said.

However, how to truly understand oneself and self-awareness deeply? The answer slowly unfolds through 80 dialogues in the book 'The World Within You.' Essentially, according to Krishnamurti, complete self-awareness begins by thoroughly examining thoughts and emotions, transcending knowledge, avoiding comparisons, judgments, dependency on others, and above all, not conforming to any pattern.

“Self-awareness is not easy,” Krishnamurti said. “It's like a thick book. You can't skip any page, because each page offers hints for exploration and experience.” Once we know how to read our own book, we will also know about the world around and its issues. 'You are the world,' Krishnamurti said.

Krishnamurti's dialogues are direct and sober, his arguments sometimes sharp as a knife, other times fluid with images of trees, rivers, fires... Thus, through each short dialogue, he astounded both the audience of the past and present readers, as a respondent shared: “What you just said seems to open up great prospects, I have to think about it.”

Without advice or teaching, Krishnamurti's approach is to prompt individuals to introspect, to think for themselves to seek answers. He constantly reminds people to look inward, to see the world through themselves, to liberate themselves from constraints, thoughts, and authorities. And to start that journey, we don't need to look far, nor do we need to seek anyone's intercession; we can start from ourselves, through correct meditation and right thinking.

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The life and thoughts of Krishnamurti are extraordinarily fascinating; his vast body of work and writings about him amount to about 400 medium-sized books; it's not easy to grasp everything he tried to convey. There are over 70 volumes synthesizing the content from Krishnamurti's lectures, discussions worldwide, released and reprinted many times, and his works are widely received and cherished. Among them, 'Freedom Beyond Knowledge' always holds a special place in the hearts of readers. Krishnamurti himself proposed Mary Lutyens – a professional author and long-time friend – to compile this book, giving her full authority to decide everything, including the genre and title of the book.

Mary began by summarizing the content of Krishnamurti's lectures, conversations from 1963 to 1967; then, she selected the most profound, beautiful, and freshest excerpts to compile into a small book in your hands. For many years thereafter, Krishnamurti continued to discuss, question, and present on various topics related to religion, politics, authority, psychology, philosophy,... making it difficult to consider any single document as accurate and complete. However, I believe 'Freedom Beyond Knowledge' remains the most ideal introductory book for you to explore the valuable thoughts and messages from Krishnamurti.

If you read this book for the first time, you may wonder how a document dating back to the 1960s can be closely related to the present world. There have been countless trends that rose and fell over each era, or abandoned by the very people who initiated them. Has Krishnamurti become outdated because of this? Krishnamurti made many experimental statements throughout human history, not just this era; we have enough reason to believe in the enduring value of his ideas. Indeed, it can be said that his views in today's era – the early 21st century – have become more relevant than ever.

We currently live in a world where the interdependence of human beings is significantly increasing, whether in economics, politics, health, or the environment. Any event in one of these areas affects each other and rebounds on itself. Every human problem now has close connections and demands – as mentioned in the UK government's report on climate change – a larger international alliance than ever before. We can clearly see that no nation can protect its national interests without caring about the needs of other nations; otherwise, it will inevitably lead to conflicts and lack of global balance.

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The question-answer segments in the book are divided by topic: from education, freedom, love, equality, to listening, creativity, ambition, thinking, openness, and the integrity of life. Each section contains profound arguments and often begins with leading questions for readers to reflect upon themselves, rather than shaping the reader's thinking or attempting to draw a rigid conclusion, because according to Krishnamurti, 'an intelligent mind is a mind that is always learning, never concluding.'

Furthermore, each issue will be integrated and related to many other issues, allowing readers to gain a comprehensive view and be inspired to learn more. For example, if you ask why most of us like luxury life, Krishnamurti will ask back 'What do you mean by luxury? Wearing clean clothes, keeping the body clean, eating proper food - do you call that living luxuriously?' and then will let you know 'the concept of luxury varies depending on each person's desire; it's a matter of level.'

In a way, the 27 parts in this book are like 27 mirrors - where you can reflect on yourself. It makes you observe and then compel you to self-inquire with questions revolving around things you think you understand, about how you perceive life, relationships, and most importantly, about yourself.

“When you go to the cinema, you don't participate in the movie; the actors are the ones playing their roles, and you are just observing. Similarly, observe your brain working. This is really interesting, more interesting than watching any movie, because your brain is the residue of the entire world and it contains everything that humans have experienced. Do you understand? Your brain is humanity, and when you realize this, in your heart, there will be an endless love. From this profound understanding arises great love; and then you will know, when you see everything as lovely, what beauty is,” Krishnamurti shared.

With those characteristic features, “Reflections to Ponder” is not only suitable for loyal readers, but also a suitable book for those who are first exploring Krishnamurti and his philosophies.

“Reflections to Ponder” makes you realize that you have never truly understood and utilized your mind to fully perceive life. You will also never feel lonely, lost, confused, or empty as before, because now, you know how to navigate life to find your true happiness: 'Happiness does not appear when you seek it; happiness is a byproduct, it appears when there is goodness, when there is love, when there is no longer ambition, when the brain quietly discovers the truth.'

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- Reflections on education and the journey to find the meaning of life - “Ahead in Life” is a book highly suitable for students, as it is a compilation of content from speeches by Krishnamurti dedicated to young people still sitting in classrooms, about to step into the threshold of university, and then facing life.

“Ahead in Life” is the first book that gathers Krishnamurti's speeches and shares about education issues as well as the journey to understand life. Krishnamurti raises many issues and concerns about how schools and society perceive the process of imparting knowledge to students. The teaching and learning process he discusses in this book go beyond the traditional educational model that we can find in schools or in the educational systems of colleges and universities today.

Learning, according to Krishnamurti, is not just a process of collecting information and accumulating knowledge, “but learning is the capacity for clear and rational thinking, not illusory, starting from events rather than beliefs and ideals.” This process needs to take place naturally, without coercion on the part of the learner. As for educators, they themselves must be dedicated teachers, ready to set aside their own egotistical tendencies, to help the learner develop a brain with the ability to inquire - rather than just transmit information in a routine manner.

With the question-and-answer format and concise content, through 24 chapters, readers will learn about the harmfulness of jealousy, the importance of understanding one's own mind, the significant difference between concentration and ordinary listening, between gathering information and learning... With his profound knowledge, Krishnamurti also explains the root causes of fear, ambition, the nature of true love...

According to him, ahead in life requires people to undergo a real revolution. This revolution does not begin with theory or idea, much less with reforms in economics or politics, but must begin with “a radical transformation within the mind itself.” Through the speeches recorded in this book, readers will have the opportunity to access detailed explanations, why such a transformation can only occur through a genuine education system and comprehensive human development.

Especially, in the last chapter The Only Revolution, readers will read Krishnamurti's remarks on the value of meditation, thereby understanding clearly that meditation is one of the ways to understand the world, as well as all its paths.

Without indoctrination or admonition, “Ahead in Life” is presented as a discussion between teacher and student, with Krishnamurti's familiar yet profound and rich style, arousing many issues that educators, teachers, and even parents may want to further experience about current teaching and learning methods.

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Awakening Intelligence records Krishnamurti's lectures and speeches worldwide, introducing the ideas of this great philosopher. In these talks, Krishnamurti discusses many issues related to life such as fear, conflict, violence, religious experience, intelligence, self-understanding, consciousness and the unconscious,... through the theme of “intelligence” as a pervasive concept. In addition to public talks, he also dialogues with professors and renowned religious figures worldwide. This is an indispensable book for all who are truly serious about the quest for spiritual understanding through teachings full of philosophy.

How does the mind become completely silent? There is harmony between body, mind, and intellect, no discord, no conflict. How to avoid conflict and always maintain harmony? By guiding the mind to focus on the essential issue and not get carried away with irrelevant content.

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