What do you think?
Rate this book
On Education
This book is the outcome of talks and discussions held in India by J. Krishnamurti with the students and teachers of schools at Rishi Valley School in Andhra Pradesh and Rajghat School at Varanasi. These centres are run by the Krishnamurti Foundation India, which was set up to create a milieu where the teachings of Krishnamurti could be communicated to the child. Krishnamurti regards education as of prime significance in the communication of that which is central to the transformation of the human mind and the creation of a new culture. Such a fundamental transformation takes place when the child, while being trained in various skills and disciplines, is also given the capacity to be awake to the processes of his own thinking, feeling and action. This alertness makes him self-critical and observant and thus establishes an integrity of perception, discrimination and action, crucial to the maturing within him of a right relationship to man, to nature and to the tools man creates.
189 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1974
30 people are currently reading
410 people want to read
About the author
J. Krishnamurti
1,336 books4,269 followersJiddu Krishnamurti was born on 11 May 1895 in Madanapalle, a small town in south India. He and his brother were adopted in their youth by Dr Annie Besant, then president of the Theosophical Society. Dr Besant and others proclaimed that Krishnamurti was to be a world teacher whose coming the Theosophists had predicted. To prepare the world for this coming, a world-wide organization called the Order of the Star in the East was formed and the young Krishnamurti was made its head.
In 1929, however, Krishnamurti renounced the role that he was expected to play, dissolved the Order with its huge following, and returned all the money and property that had been donated for this work.
From then, for nearly sixty years until his death on 17 February 1986, he travelled throughout the world talking to large audiences and to individuals about the need for a radical change in humankind.
Krishnamurti is regarded globally as one of the greatest thinkers and religious teachers of all time. He did not expound any philosophy or religion, but rather talked of the things that concern all of us in our everyday lives, of the problems of living in modern society with its violence and corruption, of the individual's search for security and happiness, and the need for humankind to free itself from inner burdens of fear, anger, hurt, and sorrow. He explained with great precision the subtle workings of the human mind, and pointed to the need for bringing to our daily life a deeply meditative and spiritual quality.
Krishnamurti belonged to no religious organization, sect or country, nor did he subscribe to any school of political or ideological thought. On the contrary, he maintained that these are the very factors that divide human beings and bring about conflict and war. He reminded his listeners again and again that we are all human beings first and not Hindus, Muslims or Christians, that we are like the rest of humanity and are not different from one another. He asked that we tread lightly on this earth without destroying ourselves or the environment. He communicated to his listeners a deep sense of respect for nature. His teachings transcend belief systems, nationalistic sentiment and sectarianism. At the same time, they give new meaning and direction to humankind's search for truth. His teaching, besides being relevant to the modern age, is timeless and universal.
Krishnamurti spoke not as a guru but as a friend, and his talks and discussions are based not on tradition-based knowledge but on his own insights into the human mind and his vision of the sacred, so he always communicates a sense of freshness and directness although the essence of his message remained unchanged over the years. When he addressed large audiences, people felt that Krishnamurti was talking to each of them personally, addressing his or her particular problem. In his private interviews, he was a compassionate teacher, listening attentively to the man or woman who came to him in sorrow, and encouraging them to heal themselves through their own understanding. Religious scholars found that his words threw new light on traditional concepts. Krishnamurti took on the challenge of modern scientists and psychologists and went with them step by step, discussed their theories and sometimes enabled them to discern the limitations of those theories. Krishnamurti left a large body of literature in the form of public talks, writings, discussions with teachers and students, with scientists and religious figures, conversations with individuals, television and radio interviews, and letters. Many of these have been published as books, and audio and video recordings.
This author also writes under: Jiddu Krishnamurti
In 1929, however, Krishnamurti renounced the role that he was expected to play, dissolved the Order with its huge following, and returned all the money and property that had been donated for this work.
From then, for nearly sixty years until his death on 17 February 1986, he travelled throughout the world talking to large audiences and to individuals about the need for a radical change in humankind.
Krishnamurti is regarded globally as one of the greatest thinkers and religious teachers of all time. He did not expound any philosophy or religion, but rather talked of the things that concern all of us in our everyday lives, of the problems of living in modern society with its violence and corruption, of the individual's search for security and happiness, and the need for humankind to free itself from inner burdens of fear, anger, hurt, and sorrow. He explained with great precision the subtle workings of the human mind, and pointed to the need for bringing to our daily life a deeply meditative and spiritual quality.
Krishnamurti belonged to no religious organization, sect or country, nor did he subscribe to any school of political or ideological thought. On the contrary, he maintained that these are the very factors that divide human beings and bring about conflict and war. He reminded his listeners again and again that we are all human beings first and not Hindus, Muslims or Christians, that we are like the rest of humanity and are not different from one another. He asked that we tread lightly on this earth without destroying ourselves or the environment. He communicated to his listeners a deep sense of respect for nature. His teachings transcend belief systems, nationalistic sentiment and sectarianism. At the same time, they give new meaning and direction to humankind's search for truth. His teaching, besides being relevant to the modern age, is timeless and universal.
Krishnamurti spoke not as a guru but as a friend, and his talks and discussions are based not on tradition-based knowledge but on his own insights into the human mind and his vision of the sacred, so he always communicates a sense of freshness and directness although the essence of his message remained unchanged over the years. When he addressed large audiences, people felt that Krishnamurti was talking to each of them personally, addressing his or her particular problem. In his private interviews, he was a compassionate teacher, listening attentively to the man or woman who came to him in sorrow, and encouraging them to heal themselves through their own understanding. Religious scholars found that his words threw new light on traditional concepts. Krishnamurti took on the challenge of modern scientists and psychologists and went with them step by step, discussed their theories and sometimes enabled them to discern the limitations of those theories. Krishnamurti left a large body of literature in the form of public talks, writings, discussions with teachers and students, with scientists and religious figures, conversations with individuals, television and radio interviews, and letters. Many of these have been published as books, and audio and video recordings.
This author also writes under: Jiddu Krishnamurti
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 31, 2023
This is a 1974 book published by the Krishnamurthy Foundation and divided into 2 parts - Talks to Students and Discussion with Teachers. Krishnamurthy has discussed all important issues - Religious Spirit, Scientific Mind, Knowledge, Intelligence, Freedom, Order, Sensitivity, Fear, Violence, Behaviour, Competition, Action, Vision, Meditation, etc.
Krishnamurthy questions the very roots of our culture so that a comprehensive view on education emerges which is central to the transformation of the human mind and the creation of a new culture. While he gives emphasis to the cultivation of the intellect, he lays far greater stress on a heightened critical awareness of the inner and outer world. In this book he has touched upon how to bring up the children who can be shaped only till they are young.
Reading and understanding JK is not easy. His views range from the profound to the unintelligible. But there is always enough to ponder upon and wonder at his profundity.
Krishnamurthy questions the very roots of our culture so that a comprehensive view on education emerges which is central to the transformation of the human mind and the creation of a new culture. While he gives emphasis to the cultivation of the intellect, he lays far greater stress on a heightened critical awareness of the inner and outer world. In this book he has touched upon how to bring up the children who can be shaped only till they are young.
Reading and understanding JK is not easy. His views range from the profound to the unintelligible. But there is always enough to ponder upon and wonder at his profundity.
November 20, 2023
Ground-breaking book for me personally - expressed things I've thought about how the world is but which seem taboo to say, and introduced me to other new concepts, and things like meditation, how violence happens and not just the obvious physical violence either. I'd recommend this because I found it more practical and easier to understand than 'Freedom From The Known' mainly because Krishnamurti is explaining his philosophy and spiritual practice to students.
November 4, 2020
"¿Cómo educan ustedes a un niño para que sea capaz de afrontar la vida sin ajustarse meramente a los patrones establecidos de la sociedad, a determinadas pautas de conducta. De modo que pueda ir mucho más lejos y profundizar mucho más en el problema total de la existencia?"
El tema de la educación siempre ha sido todo un tema de investigación, debate, análisis y ha tenido diferentes opiniones de como debería de ser, a lo largo del tiempo. Aquí Krishnamurti habla de cómo esta educación que necesita realmente un niño, no proviene solamente de estudios, practicas y disciplinas académicas, pues de esta manera, no ocurriría una transformación en él y sólo lo formaríamos para que entre en los moldes ya establecidos de la sociedad. Se le debe pues capacitar para que este despierto a los procesos de su propio pensar, sentir y actuar. Que sea autocritico, observador, que integre una línea de percepción, discernimiento y acción para que forme una relación madura con el hombre, la vida, la naturaleza y con las herramientas que el mismo hombre produce. Que indague y deje florecer también sus propios pensamientos.
La primera parte lo aborda partiendo de una conversación con los estudiantes, la cuál disfrute muchísimo, pues cuestiona las misma preguntas que ellos tienen sobre su percepción de la educación. Dice textualmente: "La educación no es un mero pasar los exámenes, conseguir un título y un empleo, casarse y establecerse, sino también saber escuchar a los pájaros, ver el cielo, la extraordinaria belleza de un árbol, la forma de las colinas; es sentir todo eso, estar directamente en contacto con ello."
La segunda parte incluye una conversación con los maestros, es mucho más profunda, habla sobre el rol de educadores que tienen, lo importante que es su propia perspectiva, auto critica y análisis con respecto a la vida, la educación, la influencia y relación que obviamente tienen con los niños.
Además en ambas partes Kishnamurti también hace énfasis en el tema de la meditación y en lo personal, me encantó leer su percepción y fueron de las parte que más resonaron en mí.
Definitivamente este libro tendrá muchísimas relecturas de mi parte en el futuro, porque en esta primera lectura, lo disfrute y analicé muchas de las ideas que él mismo expone, pero el libro está lleno de ideas, conceptos que para mí fueron totalmente nuevos y quiero releerlos, investigar y llegar a comprenderlos aún más. Fue una lectura maravillosa.
El tema de la educación siempre ha sido todo un tema de investigación, debate, análisis y ha tenido diferentes opiniones de como debería de ser, a lo largo del tiempo. Aquí Krishnamurti habla de cómo esta educación que necesita realmente un niño, no proviene solamente de estudios, practicas y disciplinas académicas, pues de esta manera, no ocurriría una transformación en él y sólo lo formaríamos para que entre en los moldes ya establecidos de la sociedad. Se le debe pues capacitar para que este despierto a los procesos de su propio pensar, sentir y actuar. Que sea autocritico, observador, que integre una línea de percepción, discernimiento y acción para que forme una relación madura con el hombre, la vida, la naturaleza y con las herramientas que el mismo hombre produce. Que indague y deje florecer también sus propios pensamientos.
La primera parte lo aborda partiendo de una conversación con los estudiantes, la cuál disfrute muchísimo, pues cuestiona las misma preguntas que ellos tienen sobre su percepción de la educación. Dice textualmente: "La educación no es un mero pasar los exámenes, conseguir un título y un empleo, casarse y establecerse, sino también saber escuchar a los pájaros, ver el cielo, la extraordinaria belleza de un árbol, la forma de las colinas; es sentir todo eso, estar directamente en contacto con ello."
La segunda parte incluye una conversación con los maestros, es mucho más profunda, habla sobre el rol de educadores que tienen, lo importante que es su propia perspectiva, auto critica y análisis con respecto a la vida, la educación, la influencia y relación que obviamente tienen con los niños.
Además en ambas partes Kishnamurti también hace énfasis en el tema de la meditación y en lo personal, me encantó leer su percepción y fueron de las parte que más resonaron en mí.
Definitivamente este libro tendrá muchísimas relecturas de mi parte en el futuro, porque en esta primera lectura, lo disfrute y analicé muchas de las ideas que él mismo expone, pero el libro está lleno de ideas, conceptos que para mí fueron totalmente nuevos y quiero releerlos, investigar y llegar a comprenderlos aún más. Fue una lectura maravillosa.
October 21, 2008
Has aided my pathway towards teaching. Although it mirrors a lot of my "hippie-mindedness" I am somewhat perplexed as to how to join the tow worlds of spiritual journey and "worldly-knowledge".
April 21, 2018
this book is pure gold.
i understood and appreciated every word in it, but i know i will need to read it 10 more times, and meditate about it over the years, and dedicate a lot of attention to myself and to the world, before i can trully feel, or act according to, these simple yet astonishing lessons.
this shit is not Dan Brown or any other reality-escapist best-seller. this is not an entertaining book. this is the real deal - the kind of book that requires absolute attention and a genuine will to grow into something that is beyond the capricious demands of the ego or the little useless rituals that infest our lives.
the hard truths that can be unveiled in this work illustrate very well the reason why mankind is falling into such a state of apathy, morbid confort and ignorance - because it takes a lot of work and dedication to fight against the totally deficient education that has corrupted us all from the moment we were born.
even the possible contradictions and flaws, that are visible in K's arguments, are well worth to be explored and fully understood.
well, to me a book must be entertaining - some will say, willing to stay inside the cave and never turn their heads to the light. others will be bored to death before such inconvenient knowledge. most will not understand how someone can propose to let our weaknesses and sins blossom into their full extent. those who understand it will fear doing it. it is not a coincidence that Krishnamurti - one of the most important vehicles of wisdom the world has ever known - remains in relative obscurity. most people prefer the entertainment than the hard struggle towards a complete communion with humanity and the world we live in. what they do not know, is that beyond the struggle is the absolute ecstasy and gratitude for every single little miracle that life has to offer. every episode of light and darkness, life and death, love and hatred, is a phenomenon to admire and learn from.
i do not possess the hability to convey into words the wonders that i have, very rarely, felt with every atom of my body and soul in the most profound and beautiful events of my life. and i cannot explain how, reading the words in this book, there is a fever that strikes me and makes me want to grab life in all it's intense immensity. but Krishnamurti can find the words, and he can show the way.
i understood and appreciated every word in it, but i know i will need to read it 10 more times, and meditate about it over the years, and dedicate a lot of attention to myself and to the world, before i can trully feel, or act according to, these simple yet astonishing lessons.
this shit is not Dan Brown or any other reality-escapist best-seller. this is not an entertaining book. this is the real deal - the kind of book that requires absolute attention and a genuine will to grow into something that is beyond the capricious demands of the ego or the little useless rituals that infest our lives.
the hard truths that can be unveiled in this work illustrate very well the reason why mankind is falling into such a state of apathy, morbid confort and ignorance - because it takes a lot of work and dedication to fight against the totally deficient education that has corrupted us all from the moment we were born.
even the possible contradictions and flaws, that are visible in K's arguments, are well worth to be explored and fully understood.
well, to me a book must be entertaining - some will say, willing to stay inside the cave and never turn their heads to the light. others will be bored to death before such inconvenient knowledge. most will not understand how someone can propose to let our weaknesses and sins blossom into their full extent. those who understand it will fear doing it. it is not a coincidence that Krishnamurti - one of the most important vehicles of wisdom the world has ever known - remains in relative obscurity. most people prefer the entertainment than the hard struggle towards a complete communion with humanity and the world we live in. what they do not know, is that beyond the struggle is the absolute ecstasy and gratitude for every single little miracle that life has to offer. every episode of light and darkness, life and death, love and hatred, is a phenomenon to admire and learn from.
i do not possess the hability to convey into words the wonders that i have, very rarely, felt with every atom of my body and soul in the most profound and beautiful events of my life. and i cannot explain how, reading the words in this book, there is a fever that strikes me and makes me want to grab life in all it's intense immensity. but Krishnamurti can find the words, and he can show the way.
January 14, 2020
Absolutely loved his views on learning, knowledge, religion and his clarity of thought as well as the confidence of expression. This is my first JK book. The style of this book, more of a Q&A (with very long answers) felt a bit pedantic, which is probably intentional...
June 25, 2017
The kind of book that changed my life :)
January 2, 2019
Very interesting book. Good for someone who is in educstion sector and even teachers
November 24, 2019
This book should be read on daily basis by everyone, every child every parent, every human being. It contains the immensity and greatness of the author like no other book that I have read.
May 22, 2020
La enseñanza es un proceso bidireccional en el cual todos nos identificamos en el otro.
August 12, 2020
A beautifully written book ,I would say both for teachers and parents!
There are lot of similarities between his teachings and Dr. Montessori's.
There are lot of similarities between his teachings and Dr. Montessori's.
May 22, 2024
This book is all preaching type. Book discourse is like narrator is all knowing, rest all are of lower levels.
June 25, 2013
One of the most profound books on pedagogy. Krishnsmurti forces teachers and students to examine challenging questions about themselves and their role in education and the world. His writing pushes the reader to be reflective in ways I've never encountered in pedagogical theory before.
September 20, 2012
An intriguing introduction to the philosophy of Krishnamurti
July 11, 2016
เป็นหนังสือที่ดีมาก อ่านแล้วเข้าใจเรื่องเล่าต่างของ กฤษณมูรติ บอกความจริงของการศึกษาและการมองชีวิตได้เพียบพร้อมมาก
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews