Described by the Dalai Lama as one of the greatest thinkers of the age, J. Krishnamurti has influenced millions throughout the 20th century, and his thoughts continue to resonate even a decade after his death. His words have influenced such notables as Dr. Jonas Salk, Aldous Huxley, Joseph Campbell, Van Morrison, Bruce Lee and countless other students of the spiritual path, ranging from scientists to philosophers to artists of all kinds. Practical, profound and timeless, Krishnamurti's ideas -- rejecting the prejudices of traditional learning, celebrating personal, spiritual freedom, and the individual's search for Truth -- are inspiring now more than ever. Collected in this comprehensive volume are the most illuminating and essential of his writings and talks: words that are of vital relevance to today's spiritual environment, and catalytic in guiding us toward a deeper understanding of ourselves, our place in the universe, and the mysteries of the human condition. Total Freedom is both an introduction to Krishnamurti and an essential, extensive collection. It includes selections from his early work to his later, Krishnamurti to Himself: His Last Journal, and his valuable insight into the nature of the self, meditation, sex, love, and the mysteries of life and death. Revealing his core teachings in all their eloquence and power, these writings incite us to recognize that Truth is a pathless land, to accept no spiritual authority -- not even himself -- and to think critically, that we may free our minds and see clearly on our own personal journey.
As revolutionary now as ever, Krishnamurti remains, for independent minds, one of the most influential guides in the quest for spiritual understanding and enrichment.
"[Krishnamurti's] language is naked, revelatory and inspiring. It pierces the clouds of philosophy which confound our thought and restores the springs of action... He initiated no new faith or dogma, questioned everything, cultivated doubt and perseverance, freed himself of illusion and enchantment of pride, vanity, and every subtle form of dominion over others... I know of no other living man whose thought is more inspiring." --Henry Miller
"In my own life Krishnamurti influenced me profoundly and helped me personally break through the confines of my own self-imposed restrictions to my freedom." --Deepak Chopra, M.D.
Table of Contents
| Foreword | |
| Preface | |
| Introduction | |
| Truth Is a Pathless Land | 1 |
| What I Want to Do | 10 |
| What Are You Seeking? | 15 |
| The Significance of Environment | 21 |
| A Dynamic Society | 30 |
| Living in Ecstasy | 37 |
| To Be a True Human Being | 44 |
| Being Vulnerable to Truth | 52 |
| The First and Last Freedom | 60 |
| Ambition | 67 |
| The Individual and the Ideal | 71 |
| Fear and Escape | 76 |
| Time and Transformation | 80 |
| Sorrow from Self-Pity | 84 |
| Education and the Significance of Life | 88 |
| Life Ahead | 93 |
| Freedom from the Known | 109 |
| Krishnamurti to Himself | 134 |
| Krishnamurti's Journal | 153 |
| Krishnamurti to Himself | 163 |
| What Is It to Be Serious? | 168 |
| Can We Create a New Culture? | 178 |
| Can You Understand the Fact of Emptiness? | 188 |
| What Is Our Basic Problem? | 191 |
| How Do You Approach the Problems of Living? | 198 |
| What Is the Central Core of Your Thinking? | 210 |
| What Is the Relation Between Krishnamurti's Teaching and Truth? | 227 |
| The Core of Krishnamurti's Teaching | 257 |
| Total Action Without Regret | 259 |
| A Relationship with the World | 289 |
| The Wholeness of Life | 322 |
| The Ending of Sorrow | 335 |
| Truth Most Holy | 343 |
| Sources and Acknowledgments | 361 |
| Index | 365 |