KFA Annual May Gathering

"So, please, most respectfully, consider all this because we are concerned with your life as a human being. And that life, our daily living, has become extraordinarily complex, extraordinarily dangerous, difficult, uncertain. The future of humanity is really at stake. This is not a threat; this is not a pessimistic point of view. The crisis is not only physical but the crisis is in consciousness, in our being. So please, in talking over together, become aware of all this. So in becoming aware, you begin to discover: you begin to find out for yourself how your life has become such pain, such anxiety, such uncertainty. If you are so aware, you can then proceed further, deeply, more and more but if you merely listen to the words - and words have very little meaning - words have certain significance, but if one lives in words, as most people do, in symbols, in myths, in romantic nonsense, then we make life more and more difficult, more and more dangerous for each other. So please be good enough to listen, to find out, to question, to doubt, so that your own brain becomes aware of itself.

So we are asking why human beings who have developed the most marvellous technology the world has ever known: easy communication, electricity, sanitation and so on; we don't have to go into all that. But psychologically, inwardly, we remain as we have been more or less for the last forty thousand years. Inwardly, I wonder if one realises that: we have systems, we have ideals, we have all the so-called sacred books which are not sacred at all, they are just words. Why human beings, which is you, have not radically brought about a change, a psychological revolution, and we are going to enquire into that. And whether it is possible to bring about total mutation in the brain cells themselves.

I hope this is clear that we are talking about human condition and whether that condition can be radically changed; bring about a mutation in that, not transformation. Transformation means transforming from one form to another form. But we are talking about the radical change of human behavior so that humans are not terribly self-centered as they are, which is causing such great destruction in the world. If one is aware - and one hopes that you are - aware of your conditioning, then we can begin to ask whether that conditioning can be totally changed so that a human is completely free. Now one thinks they are free to do what they like. Each individual thinks they can do what they like, all over the world, and their freedom is based on choice, because they can choose where to live, what kind of work they can do, choose between this idea and that idea, this ideal or that ideal, change from one god to another god, from one guru to another, one philosopher from another. This capacity to choose brings in the concept of freedom. But in the totalitarian states, there is no freedom, you can't do what you want to do. It is totally controlled. So choice is not freedom. Choice is merely moving in the same field from one corner to another. Is this clear? I hope you are following all that is being said. So our brain being limited, we are asking is it possible for the brain to free itself so that there is no fear, completely no fear; we have right relationship with each other - man, woman; right relationship with all the neighbors in the world.

So we are going to ask the nature of our consciousness. Our consciousness is what you are: your belief, your ideals, your gods, your violence, fear, myths, romantic concepts, your pleasure, your sorrow, and the fear of death, and the everlasting question of humanity which has been from time immemorial, whether there is something sacred beyond all this. That is your consciousness. That is what you are. You are not different from your consciousness. So we are asking whether the content of that consciousness can be totally changed.

First, your consciousness is not yours. Your consciousness is the consciousness of all humanity, because what you think, your beliefs, your sensations, your reactions, your pain, your sorrow, your insecurity, your gods and so on is shared by all humanity. Go to America, go to England, Europe or Russia, China, human beings suffer; they are frightened of death, they have beliefs, they have ideals, they speak a particular language but the thinking, the feelings, the reactions, the responses generally is shared by all human beings. This is a fact, not merely the invention or speculation of the speaker. This is a fact that you suffer; your neighbor suffers; that neighbor may be thousands of miles away, he suffers. He is insecure, as you are. You may have a lot of money, but inwardly there is insecurity. So is a rich man in America or the man in power, they all go through this pain, anxiety, loneliness, despair. So your consciousness is not yours any more than your thinking is not individual thinking. Thinking is common, is general, from the poorest man, the most uneducated, unsophisticated man in a little tiny village to the most sophisticated brain, the great scientist, they all think. They may think differently. Their thinking may be more complex, but thinking is general, shared by all human beings. Therefore it is not your individual thinking. This is rather difficult to see and recognize the truth of it, because we are so conditioned as individuals."

J. Krishnamurti
Public Talk 1
Kolkatta, India
November 20, 1982

Dear Friends,

As the KFA Annual May Gathering approaches, we would like to extend another warm invitation for you to join us on May 4-5, 2024, at Oak Grove School in Ojai, or from the comfort of your home through our livestream. This year, we dive into the theme of "The Future of Humanity," offering a rich program of dialogues, workshops, and opportunities for inquiry in the beautiful environment of the campus. It's a chance not only to immerse yourself in Krishnamurti's profound insights but also to connect with a community of educators, scholars, and individuals keen on exploring these essential questions together. Whether you're joining us in person or online, your participation is invaluable. For those attending on-site, remember you can enjoy a special pre-event lunch offer by purchasing your meal online. Register now to ensure you receive all the necessary details for attending in person or accessing the livestream.

We're excited to announce a diverse lineup of sessions tailored to explore further our theme of The Future of Humanity, including:

Explorations on the theme The Future of Humanity
Engaging dialogues on Can We Meet the Future Here and Now Without the Shadow of the Past? and The Awakening of Intelligence

Workshops with the themes Emergent Learning Meets Learning Outcomes and Poetry and Krishnamurti

Presentations on topics such as The Future of Humanity: This Matter of Fragmentation, You Are Not You, and Dying to Live; Artificial Not-Intelligence; and The Future of Humanity: This Matter of Fragmentation, You are Not You, and Dying to Live

Over the years, the Krishnamurti Center's Residential Scholar program has attracted individuals keen to deeply engage with Krishnamurti's teachings within a unique, communal setting. Far more than a mere opportunity, this program represents a living inquiry, evolving with each participant's contribution to our collective inquiry into life's complexities. At its core, the program thrives on its members' genuine commitment, curiosity, and collaborative spirit, who together seek to understand the self, relationship, and broader existential questions and topics. It offers an immersive experience into self-exploration, prompted by our shared dedication to uncovering deeper truths within Krishnamurti's philosophical landscape. As participants cohabit and collaborate, they cultivate an environment ripe for open-ended exploration. Applications for the summer session of the Residential Scholar program are now open. This is an invitation to be part of a vital exploration at the Krishnamurti Center, where every day is a step toward deeper understanding and connection.

As we journey through our Spring appeal, "What is Your Future?", we're reminded of the profound words of J. Krishnamurti, "In oneself lies the whole world and if you know how to look and learn, the door is there, and the key is in your hand." These words encapsulate the essence of our mission and the transformative impact we aim to create. If you've already extended your support through a financial contribution, we want to express our deepest appreciation. Your generosity fuels our efforts to make Krishnamurti's work more accessible and continue our initiatives across the Foundation, the Krishnamurti Center, and Oak Grove School. For those who haven't had the chance to contribute, we invite you to be part of this meaningful journey. Your donation, no matter the size, makes a significant difference in helping us share Krishnamurti's message with individuals across the globe. Click here to learn more about our spring appeal and how you can contribute.

Sincerely,

Jaap Sluijter
Executive Director

Annual May Gathering
In-person and Online
May 4-5

Join us for the Annual May Gathering on May 4th and 5th, 2024, at Oak Grove School in Ojai. This event brings together a diverse cohort of individuals, spanning global scholars to local enthusiasts, to listen to speakers, participate in workshops, and enjoy the campus. Participants have the unique opportunity to interface with educators and scholars of Krishnamurti’s work, fostering a collaborative exploration of his teachings.

This year's theme is "The Future of Humanity."

Admission to this event is free.

Oak Grove School
India Night 2024

The Class of 2024 shares their experiences in India, a trip that exemplifies how Oak Grove students gradually travel further away on increasingly more challenging journeys.

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What is Meditation?
Available Now

"Meditation is freeing the mind from the known."
- J. Krishnamurti

In this inspiring collection of quotations, world-renowned spiritual thinker J. Krishnamurti offers an insightful guide to the art of meditation and why it is important in helping us all face the challenges of modern life.

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Resident Scholar Program
Accepting Applications

This program is a unique opportunity because it is a living and evolving community. The vitality of the program and its momentum throughout the year rely on each participant's sincerity, care, and responsibility as they live and work together. The program's intention is to allow for open exploration of all aspects of one’s life, with the ongoing potential of gaining insight into the nature of life, the world, and the activity of human relationships.

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Krishnamurti Foundation of America

PO Box 1560

Ojai, CA 93024

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