To Be Human

To Be Humanpresents Krishnamurti's radical vision of life in a new way. At the heart of this extraordinary collection are passages from the great teacher's talks that amplify and clarify the nature of truth and those obstacles that often prevent us from seeing it. Most of these core teachings have not been available in print until now. Besides presenting the core of Krishnamurti's message, the book alerts the reader to his innovative use of language, the ways in which he would use "old words with new interpretations," then gives practical examples, showing that we can clarify our understanding of life itself-and act on this new understanding. The splendid introduction by David Skitt discusses Krishnamurti's philosophy as a guide to knowledge and experience, the roles knowledge and experience should play in our lives, and the times when it is best to cast them aside and "look and act anew." The book's source notes will aid the inquisitive reader who wishes a deeper understanding of this great teacher's message.

J. Krishnamurti (1895–1986) was a unique spiritual figure who was "discovered" by members of the Theosophical Society when he was a young boy in India and groomed to be a world teacher. As a young man, he departed the Society—and organized religion altogether—to become a teacher of even greater renown. He drew large audiences at his lectures up until his death at the age of ninety.