To Be Human [Paperback]

Jiddu Krishnamurti (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 10, 2000

To Be Human presents 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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Few modern thinkers have integrated psychology, philosophy, and religion so seamlessly as Krishnamurti."— Publishers Weekly



"Captivating."—Yoga Journal



"Krishnamurti's teaching confronts the reader with insights that continually unfold and deepen. This new collection will be treasured by students of Krishnamurti as well as spiritual seekers from a variety of backgrounds."— Branches of Light

About the Author

Jiddu Krishnamurti (1895–1986) was one of the most influential spiritual teachers of the twentieth century. He traveled and lectured throughout the world until his death at the age of ninety. His talks and works are preserved in more than seventy books.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Shambhala (October 10, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570625964
• ISBN-13: 978-1570625961
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.8 x 8.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #237,127 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

J. Krishnamurti (1895-1986) was a renowned spiritual teacher whose lectures and writings have inspired thousands. His works include On Mind and Thought, On Nature and the Environment, On Relationship, On Living and Dying, On Love and Loneliness, On Fear, and On Freedom.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lively compilation of Krishnamurti most important teachings, November 14, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: To Be Human (Paperback)

Editor Skitt has written a seventeen-page Introduction to this volume of Krishnamurti's writings and talks that addresses many issues you may have wanted to raise but had no one to ask. Except perhaps for Aldous Huxley's Introduction to THE FIRST AND LAST FREEDOM, there is no other introduction to a Krishnamurti book that so completely shows his relevance for the modern mind. It makes Krishnamurti the true philosopher for the 21st Century.

The CORE OF THE TEACHINGS, a short prose outline written by Krishnamurti to describe his teachings, is used as the structure for this new book. Skitt has taken each major aspect of the teachings and given extensive quotations from Krishnamurti to give a fuller insight into such themes as, "Is there such a thing as truth apart from personal opinion?"; "In observation one begins to discover the lack of freedom"; "This division between the observer and the observed is an illusion"; among others. Of particular note is the section on Words and Meanings where Skitt has Krishnamurti explain in his own words how he used "old" words in new ways in order to convey what he has to say-where Krishnamurti's usage departs significantly from the dictionary definitions.

TO BE HUMAN is a fresh, scholarly, but lively compilation of Krishnamurti's most important teachings. It penetrates and elucidates the truth in life and where it can be found.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Recommended for students of metaphysical spirituality., January 22, 2001

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: To Be Human (Paperback)

To Be Human is an outstanding collection of previously unpublished writings and talks by J. Krishnamurti's (1895-1986) . One of the 20th century's most important and influential spiritual teachers, Krishnamurti's core message is showcased in a gifted and innovative use of language. An informative 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 re-examine life and ourselves with a fresh perspective. To Be Human is extraordinary and highly recommended reading for students of Eastern Philosophy as well as multicultural and metaphysical spirituality.

11 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars no sense in rating...., June 29, 2004

By 

Matko Vladanovic (Zagreb, Croatia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: To Be Human (Paperback)

How does one rate a philosophy book. What one can find stupid and repelling, some other can find interesting and thought provoking. And after all, for which philosophical doctrine can be said that it is irrevocably false. So, my rating of five stars doesen't really mean a thing. Rather to say something about book. Though I'm a 'fan' of western philosophy, lead by JS Mill, Nietzsche, Wittgenstein, Schopenhauer, Schelling, I find Krishnamurti's thoughts rather interesting. By neglecting possibility of freedom while conditioned by past, Krishnamurti is very close to orthodox nihilists of western philosophy. Originated from Greeks, it was widely ackonwledged, that there is no life posible outside of the community, thus the laws, ethics and such, Krishnamurti tries to deconstruct (though this sounds rather harsh) such 'trivialness' of thought, saying that ones life is lead in oneself. You may find his thoughts repelling, or you may like it, there is no easy guideline here...