Customer Reviews

This Light in Oneself

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Or, "The Quintessence of Krishnamurti" would be even more informative. This is the best effort yet to reduce the vast volume of Krishnamurti's teachings to one small volume, worth re-reading again and again.

This is an excellent collection of Krishnamurthy's thoughts on the subject of Self and Truth. For those who intent to seek truth, shredding the inhibitions of narrow mindedness that religions have burdened us with, this book makes an excellent reading. Among the vain voices of the so-called champions of various religions who vehemently strive to prove the superiority of one religion over other, here is a voice that tells 'You and Only You' can liberate yourself. The thoughts in this book can become more than mere ideas provided one gathers the courage to look in the direction they point to.

Krishnamurti summarizes in a small book what other religions, philosophers, and lineages have made so incredibly complicated. "Who am I" To know this truth all we need to do is to watch ourselves in action, our thoughts, fears, and desires. We like to make things complicated and to make "techniques" out of otherwise simple notions. Mindfulness, Bare Attention, and all of the other Buddhist terms do not quite apply to what K speaks of. Like K says "the description is never that which is described." One cannot analyze the self and then try to experience it. One must experience first through observation and the truth reveals itself.

I have read much from Krishnamurti. I have learned much from this enlightened soul. This book provides all one needs to see the mirage we have created through thought and the path beyond. If you understand what he says, you are on the way to awakening from your sleep. Good luck.

I was reading books such as Ayn Rand's "virtue of selfishness" until I realized I did not know what a self was. Great book.

It took me several readings to get into the flow of the book and the messages it contained but it was worth the effort. I always try and introduce myself to different points of view and ways of thinking. This book was accomplished that goal and more, it helped stretch me. I recommend it.

When one realizes that the concept of "future" or "time" is a made up entity to satisfy one's own vanity, then one will begin to understand this book.

When one realizes "foresight" is just a repetitive illusion that does not predict "future" but predict a past (like any science field), then one can begin understanding this insightful book.

This book attempts to answer one of the most enduring philosophical questions - why do we fear, with the best effort I've seen thus far. The best part is that Krishnamurti also provides a solution!!

Krishnamurti not only plays the role of the devil's advocate, and at times, may sound contradictory and "begging the question," but those are all part of his playful joust with our own prejudice and preconception of wisdom. His deduction is logical and sound as long as one can stomach the idea that "hope" and "wishing for the best" are for the naive.

To read this work was a trilling, yet horrific (to be proven naive) experience personally. Yet, I kept coming back to read it over and over.

"What it is can be a bit slippery, though." I'll say. I think of myself as fairly intelligent (I'm a software developer, a Mensan, etc.), but this book was beyond me. It was trouble from the first page, but I read into the 9th chapter before setting it aside. For me, a large problem is the style of writing. He takes a long time and uses many words and at the end of the chapter, I say to myself - "What was that about?" or "What was his point?". It could be a East meets West thing. I admit that he may just be too brilliant or insightful or radical in thinking for me.