A Taste of Life: The Last Days of U.G Krishnamurti

by Mahesh Bhatt

U.G. Krishnamurti famously described enlightenment as a neurobiological state of being with no religious, psychological or mystical implications. He did not lecture, did not set up organizations, held no gatherings and professed to have no message for mankind. Known as the anti-guru, the raging sage and the thinker who shuns thought, U.G. spent his life destroying accepted beliefs in science, god, mind, soul, religion, love and relationshipsall the props man uses to live life. Having taken away all support systems from those who came to him, he refused to replace them with those of his own; always insisting that each must find his own truth. And when U.G. knew that it was time for him go, he refused all attempts to prolong life with medical help. He let nature, and his body, take their course. On the afternoon of 22 March 2007, U.G. Krishnamurti passed away in Vallecrosia, Italy.

172 pages, Paperback

First published June 8, 2009

Reviews

[Priya · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is paradoxical that that book titled A taste of Life is actually about death. This book is a feeling and to be receptive to the feeling, there are three prerequisites. 1.) You need to be fan of U.G 2.) You need to be fan of Mahesh Bhatt 3.) You need to be atheist. Now if you do not have these three, please do not pick up this book.

I love it because I fit in all the three categories. Every page of this book is intense, the whole 161 pages talking about death refreshes one's perspective on death and loss. The scene where U.G's almost dying body is covered with black ant is so beautifully described. It gave me goosebumps. Death is not macabre but a constant companion of life. If not positive, it is something very neutral. There were moments when I felt a strong lump in the throat and my mind taking me twelve years back to last days of U.G. Finishing this book has probably left me with similar emptiness as friends of U.G would have faced. I am wondering if I am a fan of U.G's ideology or Mahesh Bhatt's writing.

My third read in past one month to explore on 'so-called' negative emotions like fear and death. This one stands out to be the best.

[Mukta · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mahesh Bhatt writes well. But this book is strange. For a man who was constantly telling everyone I am no Godman, go away! he invites people to another's house - a villa - in a foreign land, just so he could bid the final farewell. And he takes his time. Perhaps I should have read the other book Bhatt wrote on UG to understand his greatness. The account in this book makes him seem an irresponsible drifter, living off other people. The bizarreness of the entire scenario makes it an interesting read. Otherwise, it reveals one to a circle of people living quite pointless lives.

[Kantesh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think it gives only a glimpse into the passing away of U.G. Krishnamurti the great philosopher and guide to Mahesh Bhatt. And perhaps into the mind of Mahesh Bhatt who excels at autobiography. But this book tells us little (if at all) about the person himself or his life story or his philosophy or his rivalry with another contemporary J. Krishnamurti. In that sense, it leaves one wanting more.

[readingbits ☕️ · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I began this book I knew little of U.G Krishnamurti. After finishing this book I feel like I still know little of him. The central theme of U.G not wanting to be thought of as a guru/teacher, and then continuing to be treated as one, allowing people to kiss his feet becomes somewhat tiresome.

One of the strengths of this book is illustrating the mundanity of death, and peoples unrealistic longing for something prophetic to take place.

There were some interesting observations but they were unfortunately outweighed by the writers saccharine pining for his "master".

[Nisarg Joshi · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's the most difficult thing to be an ordinary person
- U G Krishnamurthy

[Clay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed it. A quick, light read centered on the last weeks of UGK's life written mostly in a sort of journal, day-to-day style, which I liked. An interesting, unique, and intense human being. Highly recommended to anyone into U. G. Krishnamurti, or biographies on radical people.

[Pallavi Singh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting. Not sure if I understood it. Not yet evolved .....

[Amit Bolakani · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's a dissapointing book for me. Better to read other books on UG or see his youtube videos.

[Vanshika]

This book has left me craving to know more of U.G.Krishnamurthy