A lot of what I share is simply so that I can hear it again rephrased so I can understand it. Actually most of it, really. But I share also to bring you along with me in my quest for the good life. Without introduction, I’ve often shared the words and thoughts of Jiddu Krishnamurti. His words are just simply too concise and thought-provoking not to share with the philosophical journeyman. I give no apology for not introducing Jiddu Krishnamurti the man, before I’ve introduced his thoughts, since his logic stands on its own. However, I have been meaning to do a little background.

So here goes…

Note: To save my fingers from fatigue, I’ll abbreviate his name to JK a LOT.

JK circa 1920s

Born in 1895, JK was discovered in British controlled India by some key leaders of the Theosophical Society, in particular Charles Webster Leadbetter and Annie Besant.  At the young age of 14, he was brought under their care, and mentored to be a great teacher. It was intended that JK would be the “World Teacher” of the Theosophical principles, a combination of both spiritual and philosophical teachings.

At this point, I would like to comment on the Theosophical society from my point of view. Simply put, like so much organized religion, it purported (and still does, apparently theosophical.org) a lot of good ideas and much that would make one (by one, I guess I mean “me”) raise an eyebrow and think, “Whaat?” The original intentions were good: to create brotherhood of humanity, encourage comparative thought, and investigate unexplained laws of nature and humanity. This makes me chuckle, it sounds a lot like what I keep attempting here…talk about lofty goals. It is not my intent, to argue with or endorse any of their ideas; however, in my research I discovered I was about as interested as a fish would be in purchasing a bicycle. In any case, if you are interested in theosophy, Wikipedia awaits you.

So, perhaps in 1929 JK felt the same way about the Theosophical society. He dissolved his association with the society, gave back the money which was donated to the World Teacher Project and broke out on his own.  His reasons for doing this were stated by him:

“I maintain that Truth is a pathless land, and you cannot approach it by any path whatsoever, by any religion, by any sect. That is my point of view, and I adhere to that absolutely and unconditionally. Truth, being limitless, unconditioned, unapproachable by any path whatsoever, cannot be organized; nor should any organization be formed to lead or to coerce people along any particular path. If you first understand that, then you will see how impossible it is to organize a belief. A belief is purely an individual matter, and you cannot and must not organize it. If you do, it becomes dead, crystallized; it becomes a creed, a sect, a religion, to be imposed on others. This is what everyone throughout the world is attempting to do. Truth is narrowed down and made a plaything for those who are weak, for those who are only momentarily discontented. Truth cannot be brought down, rather the individual must make the effort to ascend to it. You cannot bring the mountain-top to the valley. If you would attain to the mountain-top you must pass through the valley, climb the steeps, unafraid of the dangerous precipices. “

The full excerpt of his words can be found here. I think the entire excerpt is worth a read and thought.

So, truth is a pathless land. By this, JK certainly meant geographically and temporally. What is, just is. It is not walked to, nor does knowing it require a someday. It is now without you thinking about it.

No path necessary to truth.

JK went on to teach his entire life until his death in 1986.