J. Krishnamurti: The Freedom From the Known

In this philosophical discussion, J. Krishnamurti and Dr. Allan Anderson consider whether meditation is a practice apart from life, or, the very essence of fully living.

J. Krishnamurti examines the degeneracy of modern society and religion, where mechanical living has replaced curiosity, inquiry, and direct perception.

Outlining the absurdity of religion, J. Krishnamurti and Dr. Allan W. Anderson explore the man-made quality of God across all cultures. Just joining the podcast? Be sure to start with Ep. 1: Knowledge & Transformation to get the most out of this 18-part dialogue on consciousness, spirituality, and navigating life with J. Krishnamurti and Dr. Allan W. Anderson.In this episode, J. Krishnamurti and Dr. Allan W. Anderson explore:How religion has lost its substance and become ‘utterly meaningless’ The problem with worshipping man-made concepts of GodThe sense of security that people seek through religionOur attachment to religion and the panic experienced when we question itWhy the mind demands more experiencesDespair and loneliness: the reasons we accept religion’s authority over our livesFreedom, intelligence, and reasoning as central to real spirituality The absurdity of ‘gurus’ and being influenced entirely by another human being This talk was originally recorded in 1974 at San Diego State University and curated by the Krishnamurti Foundation of AmericaAbout J. Krishnamurti:For nearly six decades until his passing in 1986 at the age of ninety, Jiddu Krishnamurti traversed the globe, delivering spontaneous and captivating discourses to large audiences. Krishnamurti assumed the role of an investigator rather than an authority figure, encouraging individuals to question assumptions and explore the depths of their consciousness. His extensive body of work, estimated at over 100 million words, spans more than six decades of relentless inquiry and dialogue. His teachings, compiled in numerous books and translated into multiple languages, continue to inspire seekers worldwide, inviting them to embark on a profound journey of self-discovery and understanding. J. Krishnamurti’s legacy endures as a guiding light, offering timeless wisdom for those who dare to challenge conventional thinking and explore the complexities of existence.About Dr. Allan W. Anderson:Dr. Allan Anderson was a poet, author, Professor Emeritus, beloved teacher, scholar of the Oracular Tradition, and a gifted religious linguist. He helped to form the Department of Religious Studies at San Diego State College in 1969. Dr. Anderson later became chair of that department, specializing in Eastern Religions, until his retirement in 1985.Photo by Frances McCann Courtesy Krishnamurti Foundations 1977“It begins there, the desire for human beings to find something more than what thought has put together. Not being able to find anything, they romanticize it, they create symbols, and that's called religion—which has absolutely nothing to do with behavior, with our daily life. So, seeing all of this, both in the West and the East, Islam, Buddhism, it is the same principle of worshipping an image in which they have created. It is the human mind which has created the image. They are worshipping themselves." –J. Krishnamurti See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Discussing humanity’s deep fear of death, J. Krishnamurti and Dr. Allan W. Anderson analyze how freedom arises when we understand the inseparable connection of life and death.Just joining the podcast? Be sure to start with Ep. 1: Knowledge & Transformation to get the most out of this 18-part dialogue on consciousness, spirituality, and navigating life with J. Krishnamurti and Dr. Allan W. Anderson.This time on Freedom from the Known, J. Krishnamurti and Dr. Allan W. Anderson discuss:The fear and avoidance of death that most human beings experienceFreeing the mind from fear and understanding death as something beautifulOur many human theories about death and the afterlife Considering what actually dies outside of the organism The radical relation of birth and death The futility of ceaselessly analyzing the content of the mindHow humans have attempted to sell immortality The destructibility of all man-made creations and conceptsUnderstanding that living, love, and death are one thingThis talk was originally recorded in 1974 at San Diego State University and curated by the Krishnamurti Foundation of AmericaAbout J. Krishnamurti:For nearly six decades until his passing in 1986 at the age of ninety, Jiddu Krishnamurti traversed the globe, delivering spontaneous and captivating discourses to large audiences. Krishnamurti assumed the role of an investigator rather than an authority figure, encouraging individuals to question assumptions and explore the depths of their consciousness. His extensive body of work, estimated at over 100 million words, spans more than six decades of relentless inquiry and dialogue. His teachings, compiled in numerous books and translated into multiple languages, continue to inspire seekers worldwide, inviting them to embark on a profound journey of self-discovery and understanding. J. Krishnamurti’s legacy endures as a guiding light, offering timeless wisdom for those who dare to challenge conventional thinking and explore the complexities of existence.About Dr. Allan W. Anderson:Dr. Allan Anderson was a poet, author, Professor Emeritus, beloved teacher, scholar of the Oracular Tradition, and a gifted religious linguist. He helped to form the Department of Religious Studies at San Diego State College in 1969. Dr. Anderson later became chair of that department, specializing in Eastern Religions, until his retirement in 1985.“Unless the mind frees itself from fear, there is no possibility of understanding the extraordinary beauty, strength, and vitality of death.” –J. Krishnamurti See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Challenging the idea that struggle and conflict are a necessary part of life, J. Krishnamurti and Dr. Allan Anderson explore a different way of living.Just joining the podcast? Be sure to start with Ep. 1: Knowledge & Transformation to get the most out of this 18-part dialogue on consciousness, spirituality, and navigating life with J. Krishnamurti and Dr. Allan W. Anderson.This time on Freedom from the Known, J. Krishnamurti and Dr. Allan W. Anderson discuss:What it truly means to live and face the profound mystery of deathDiscovering the meaning of existence through awareness of the present momentWays that people attempt to escape from the monotony of daily routine How to meet the ‘battle of life’ with clarity and compassionThe highest form of education: teaching that there is a way of living without conflictBeing aware of the correct uses of thought and knowledgeThe destructive, negative energy that is created through conflict and battleConsidering how love can exist in a world filled with inner and outer battleDigging deeper into the reality of consciousness, beyond definitionsThis talk was originally recorded in 1974 at San Diego State University and curated by the Krishnamurti Foundation of AmericaAbout J. Krishnamurti:For nearly six decades until his passing in 1986 at the age of ninety, Jiddu Krishnamurti traversed the globe, delivering spontaneous and captivating discourses to large audiences. Krishnamurti assumed the role of an investigator rather than an authority figure, encouraging individuals to question assumptions and explore the depths of their consciousness. His extensive body of work, estimated at over 100 million words, spans more than six decades of relentless inquiry and dialogue. His teachings, compiled in numerous books and translated into multiple languages, continue to inspire seekers worldwide, inviting them to embark on a profound journey of self-discovery and understanding. J. Krishnamurti’s legacy endures as a guiding light, offering timeless wisdom for those who dare to challenge conventional thinking and explore the complexities of existence.About Dr. Allan W. Anderson:Dr. Allan Anderson was a poet, author, Professor Emeritus, beloved teacher, scholar of the Oracular Tradition, and a gifted religious linguist. He helped to form the Department of Religious Studies at San Diego State College in 1969. Dr. Anderson later became chair of that department, specializing in Eastern Religions, until his retirement in 1985.“If you could, as a professor, teacher, parent, point this out, the impracticality of the way we are living, the destructiveness of it, the utter indifference to the earth. We are destroying everything we touch. And, to point out a way of living in which there’s no conflict. That seems to me is the function of the highest form of education.” – J. Krishnamurti See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Exploring how modern culture often reduces love to sex and pleasure, J. Krishnamurti points to a deeper understanding: love as a mirror for self-knowledge and true relationship.Just joining the podcast? Be sure to start with Ep. 1: Knowledge & Transformation to get the most out of this 18-part dialogue on consciousness, spirituality, and navigating life with J. Krishnamurti and Dr. Allan W. Anderson.In this episode, J. Krishnamurti and Dr. Allan W. Anderson consider:How to love without focusing on achievement or rewardWhy reducing love to sex and pleasure distorts its true natureReal love as the total absence of egoThe Christian perspective on love and dissolving the “I”Pure joy as an effortless state and how this is connected to loveThe role of celibacy across spiritual traditionsHow chastity can open the mind to clarity and truthThe idea of enjoyment as pleasure How ambition, nationalism, and identification, can deeply isolate a personThis talk was originally recorded in 1974 at San Diego State University and curated by the Krishnamurti Foundation of AmericaAbout J. Krishnamurti:For nearly six decades until his passing in 1986 at the age of ninety, Jiddu Krishnamurti traversed the globe, delivering spontaneous and captivating discourses to large audiences. Krishnamurti assumed the role of an investigator rather than an authority figure, encouraging individuals to question assumptions and explore the depths of their consciousness. His extensive body of work, estimated at over 100 million words, spans more than six decades of relentless inquiry and dialogue. His teachings, compiled in numerous books and translated into multiple languages, continue to inspire seekers worldwide, inviting them to embark on a profound journey of self-discovery and understanding. J. Krishnamurti’s legacy endures as a guiding light, offering timeless wisdom for those who dare to challenge conventional thinking and explore the complexities of existence.About Dr. Allan W. Anderson:Dr. Allan Anderson was a poet, author, Professor Emeritus, beloved teacher, scholar of the Oracular Tradition, and a gifted religious linguist. He helped to form the Department of Religious Studies at San Diego State College in 1969. Dr. Anderson later became chair of that department, specializing in Eastern Religions, until his retirement in 1985.“Western civilization has put this over the whole of the earth through cinema, books, pornography, advertisements, stories. This sense of love is identification with sex, which is pleasure, basically. Can a mind pursuing pleasure, ambitious/competitive mind, can such a mind love? It can love sexually, but love of sex is the only thing.” – J. Krishnamurti See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Exploring the ways that religion has been misunderstood and distorted, J. Krishnamurti discusses the nature of human suffering and how a religious mind can move beyond it. Just joining the podcast? Be sure to start with Ep. 1: Knowledge & Transformation to get the most out of this 18-part dialogue on consciousness, spirituality, and navigating life with J. Krishnamurti and Dr. Allan W. Anderson.This time on Freedom from the Known, J. Krishnamurti and Dr. Allan W. Anderson discuss:How the word or concept of religion has been abused, distorted, and mischaracterized across timeReligion as a reality beyond thought, belief, and organized systemsKrishnamurti’s powerful redefinition of religion: the total gathering of one’s energy in complete attentionHow losing touch with nature and the universe led to the arising of superstition and false religionThe essential role of a completely silent and attentive mind Understanding suffering and moving beyond it rather than getting stuck in it Looking into why human beings are hurt in both psychological and physiological sensesThe roots of suffering in childhood and dealing with comparison Becoming aware of our personal hurts and how they have impacted our perceptionsHow an innocent mind is incapable of being hurt This talk was originally recorded in 1974 at San Diego State University and curated by the Krishnamurti Foundation of AmericaAbout J. Krishnamurti:For nearly six decades until his passing in 1986 at the age of ninety, Jiddu Krishnamurti traversed the globe, delivering spontaneous and captivating discourses to large audiences. Krishnamurti assumed the role of an investigator rather than an authority figure, encouraging individuals to question assumptions and explore the depths of their consciousness. His extensive body of work, estimated at over 100 million words, spans more than six decades of relentless inquiry and dialogue. His teachings, compiled in numerous books and translated into multiple languages, continue to inspire seekers worldwide, inviting them to embark on a profound journey of self-discovery and understanding. J. Krishnamurti’s legacy endures as a guiding light, offering timeless wisdom for those who dare to challenge conventional thinking and explore the complexities of existence.About Dr. Allan W. Anderson:Dr. Allan Anderson was a poet, author, Professor Emeritus, beloved teacher, scholar of the Oracular Tradition, and a gifted religious linguist. He helped to form the Department of Religious Studies at San Diego State College in 1969. Dr. Anderson later became chair of that department, specializing in Eastern Religions, until his retirement in 1985."There is suffering of the world and it isn't that one must go through it, but, as it is there, one must understand it and go beyond it. That’s one of the qualities of a religious mind, that is incapable of suffering—it has gone beyond it. That doesn’t mean it becomes callous, on the contrary, it is a passionate mind." – J. Krishnamurti See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

J. Krishnamurti considers the mechanical quality of seeing and listening that humans often suffer from, and why it prevents us from being free.

Discussing how passion is derived from being able to remain with sorrow, J. Krishnamurti describes the depth of beauty.

Explaining the unfulfilling nature of pleasure, J. Krishnamurti describes joy as something that happens independently without possession.Just joining the podcast? Be sure to start with Ep. 1: Knowledge & Transformation to get the most out of this 18-part dialogue on consciousness, spirituality, and navigating life with J. Krishnamurti and Dr. Allan W. Anderson. This time on Freedom from the Known, J. Krishnamurti and Dr. Allan W. Anderson discuss:The relationship between pleasure and enjoymentWhat keeps pleasure going, or, why we continuously pursue pleasureThe pleasure of possession (of people, things, and ideas)Registering beauty with complete attention and then letting it goThe possibility of delight without thoughtControlling our senses, body, thoughts, and desiresThe problem of boredom and lack of fulfillmentDiscipline within the realms of pleasure and joyThe freedom to observe our fear of pleasureConsidering what it means to attend to somethingThis talk was originally recorded in 1974 at San Diego State University and curated by the Krishnamurti Foundation of America“Just be wholly there. When you see the sunset, see it completely. When you see a beautiful line of a car, see it and don’t let this thought begin. At that moment be supremely attentive, completely with your mind, your body, your nose, your eyes, your ears, everything and thought doesn’t come through at all.“ – J. Krishnamurti See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Discussing natural vs. unnatural desire, J. Krishnamurti and Dr. Anderson explore the destructive seduction of consumerism. Just joining the podcast? Be sure to start with Ep. 1: Knowledge & Transformation to get the most out of this 18-part dialogue on consciousness, spirituality, and navigating life with J. Krishnamurti and Dr. Allan W. Anderson.In this episode, J. Krishnamurti and Dr. Allan W. Anderson explore:What it means to be intrinsically freeThe deep, internal roots of pleasure and fearDesire in relation to appetite (physical vs. psychological appetite)Our invested interest in self-seduction and the effects of consumerismHow desire is born and cultured into each one of usPerception, contact, and sensation as the precursors to desireThe cruelty of self-deception and understanding the nature of pleasure Investigating the truth of fear and moving beyond itHow humans seek power and control via abolishing pleasurePleasure’s relationship to enjoyment and true happiness This talk was originally recorded in 1974 at San Diego State University and curated by the Krishnamurti Foundation of America"We are not condemning pleasure, we are trying to understand why pleasure has become such a strong importance in life; pleasure of enlightenment, pleasure of sex, pleasure of possession, of knowledge, of power.” – J. Krishnamurti See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Continuing his talk with Dr. Allan W. Anderson, J. Krishnamurti explains how thought and the pursuit of pleasure are at the root of all fears.Just joining the podcast? Be sure to start with Ep. 1: Knowledge & Transformation to get the most out of this 18-part dialogue on consciousness, spirituality, and navigating life with J. Krishnamurti and Dr. Allan W. Anderson.This time on Freedom from the Known, J. Krishnamurti and Dr. Allan W. Anderson discuss:The connection of fear and pleasureConscious and unconscious fearsThe necessity of security for the individual and for humanityHow national division has destroyed our physical securityFear of public opinion and judgement from othersSelf-identification and the fear of non-beingHow thought produces fearObserving without the interference of thoughtThe transformation of fearThis talk was originally recorded in 1974 at San Diego State University“Fear is a dreadful thing. It darkens the world, it destroys everything. I don’t think we can discuss fear without also discussing the pursuit of pleasure.” – J. Krishnamurti See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

J. Krishnamurti returns to explain how we must grasp the movement of disorder to have and maintain an orderly life.

Exploring responsibility, J. Krishnamurti explains that freedom isn’t the absence of constraints, but rather the ability to act with awareness.Just joining the podcast? Be sure to start with Ep. 1: Knowledge & Transformation to catch all of this 18-part dialogue on consciousness, spirituality, and navigating life with J. Krishnamurti and Dr. Allan W. Anderson.This week, J. Krishnamurti and Dr. Allan W. Anderson philosophize about:The distinction between being ‘responsible for’ and being responsibleResponsibility as the ground within action takes placeWhy acting must be free from the pastHaving a mind that thinks clearlyHow choice exists when there is confusionHuman responsibility in relationshipHow images of each other prevent real relationshipsBeauty as goodness in behavior and actionFact an abstraction of factThe responsibility of being a parent and educating childrenCare in relation to responsibilityHow freedom implies responsibility, not negligenceThe act of learning all the timeAbout J. Krishnamurti:For nearly six decades until his passing in 1986 at the age of ninety, Jiddu Krishnamurti traversed the globe, delivering spontaneous and captivating discourses to large audiences. Krishnamurti assumed the role of an investigator rather than an authority figure, encouraging individuals to question assumptions and explore the depths of their consciousness. His extensive body of work, estimated at over 100 million words, spans more than six decades of relentless inquiry and dialogue. His teachings, compiled in numerous books and translated into multiple languages, continue to inspire seekers worldwide, inviting them to embark on a profound journey of self-discovery and understanding. J. Krishnamurti’s legacy endures as a guiding light, offering timeless wisdom for those who dare to challenge conventional thinking and explore the complexities of existence.About Dr. Allan W. Anderson:Dr. Allan Anderson was a poet, author, Professor Emeritus, beloved teacher, scholar of the Oracular Tradition, and a gifted religious linguist. He helped to form the Department of Religious Studies at San Diego State College in 1969. Dr. Anderson later became chair of that department, specializing in Eastern Religions, until his retirement in 1985.This talk was originally recorded in 1974 at San Diego State University and was provided by the Krishnamurti Foundation Of America“Freedom implies responsibility and therefore freedom responsibility means care, not negligence. Not doing what you want to do.“ – J. Krishnamurti See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Inspecting the quality of responsibility, J. Krishnamurti and Dr. Anderson discuss how adequate communication can help the response to global crises.Just joining the podcast? Be sure to start with Ep. 1: Knowledge & Transformation to catch all of this 18-part dialogue on consciousness, spirituality, and navigating life with J. Krishnamurti and Dr. Allan W. Anderson.In this episode, J. Krishnamurti and Dr. Allan W. Anderson speak about:Walking together on the same path of communicationThe art of listening and giving complete attentionBeing in communion with each otherMaintaining seriousness and passion throughout conversationResponding adequately when talking to othersThe connection of all human beings through sufferingHuman beings as the sustainers of chaos and destructionThe observer as the pastNegating the immorality of societyReligions as being based on self-denialFreedom and responsibility in relationshipBeing a light to yourselfTotal commitment to responding completely to crisesAbout J. Krishnamurti:For nearly six decades until his passing in 1986 at the age of ninety, Jiddu Krishnamurti traversed the globe, delivering spontaneous and captivating discourses to large audiences. Krishnamurti assumed the role of an investigator rather than an authority figure, encouraging individuals to question assumptions and explore the depths of their consciousness. His extensive body of work, estimated at over 100 million words, spans more than six decades of relentless inquiry and dialogue. His teachings, compiled in numerous books and translated into multiple languages, continue to inspire seekers worldwide, inviting them to embark on a profound journey of self-discovery and understanding. J. Krishnamurti’s legacy endures as a guiding light, offering timeless wisdom for those who dare to challenge conventional thinking and explore the complexities of existence.About Dr. Allan W. Anderson:Dr. Allan Anderson was a poet, author, Professor Emeritus, beloved teacher, scholar of the Oracular Tradition, and a gifted religious linguist. He helped to form the Department of Religious Studies at San Diego State College in 1969. Dr. Anderson later became chair of that department, specializing in Eastern Religions, until his retirement in 1985.This talk was originally recorded in 1974 at San Diego State University and was provided by the Krishnamurti Foundation Of America“To be in communion with each other, both of us must be serious about the same problem, at the same time, with the same passion, otherwise it is not communication. If you’re not interested in what is being said, you’ll think of something else and communication stops.” – J. Krishnamurti See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Continuing his dialogue with Dr. Allan W. Anderson, J. Krishnamurti discusses how freeing the mind of the observer is the only way that true relationships with one another can exist.Just joining the podcast? Be sure to start with Ep. 1: Knowledge & Transformation to catch all of this 18-part dialogue on consciousness, spirituality, and navigating life with J. Krishnamurti and Dr. Allan W. Anderson.This time on Freedom from the Known, J. Krishnamurti and Dr. Allan W. Anderson speak about:Looking into the “I” and the observerCreativity, knowledge, and the absence of noveltyFreedom which brings about inner austerityThe utmost importance of human relationshipsHow our own pursuits and ambitions separate us from othersThe division which comes from the observer (I)Why human beings are so violent with each otherVirtue and orderliness within relationshipsThe act of listening as a stimulant for connectionAbout J. Krishnamurti:For nearly six decades until his passing in 1986 at the age of ninety, Jiddu Krishnamurti traversed the globe, delivering spontaneous and captivating discourses to large audiences. Krishnamurti assumed the role of an investigator rather than an authority figure, encouraging individuals to question assumptions and explore the depths of their consciousness. His extensive body of work, estimated at over 100 million words, spans more than six decades of relentless inquiry and dialogue. His teachings, compiled in numerous books and translated into multiple languages, continue to inspire seekers worldwide, inviting them to embark on a profound journey of self-discovery and understanding. J. Krishnamurti’s legacy endures as a guiding light, offering timeless wisdom for those who dare to challenge conventional thinking and explore the complexities of existence.About Dr. Allan W. Anderson:Dr. Allan Anderson was a poet, author, Professor Emeritus, beloved teacher, scholar of the Oracular Tradition, and a gifted religious linguist. He helped to form the Department of Religious Studies at San Diego State College in 1969. Dr. Anderson later became chair of that department, specializing in Eastern Religions, until his retirement in 1985.This talk was originally recorded in 1974 at San Diego State University and was provided by the Krishnamurti Foundation Of America“There is really no relationship at all. I may sleep with my wife and so on and so on, but actually there is no relationship. Because I have my own pursuits, my own ambitions, my own idiosyncrasies, and she has hers. So we are always separate and therefore always in battle with each other which means the observer (as the past) is the factor of division.” – J. Krishnamurti See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

J. Krishnamurti and Dr. Allan W. Anderson explore transcending the degeneration of our culture through individual transformation.This talk was originally recorded in 1974 at San Diego State UniversityIn this inaugural episode, J. Krishnamurti and Dr. Allan W. Anderson illuminate:The degeneration of literature, art, religion and cultureUndergoing radical transformation on an individual levelMoving from fragmentation to wholenessThe oneness of society and individualThe non-temporal relationship between action and understandingCultures of superficiality without any ground in the beauty of goodnessThe limits of knowledge and finding freedom from itWhat it means to end knowledge and be in the presentThe brain’s impulsive function to recordBeing a light to oneselfAbout Allan W. Anderson:Dr. Allan Anderson was a poet, author, Professor Emeritus, beloved teacher, scholar of the Oracular Tradition, and a gifted religious linguist. He helped to form the Department of Religious Studies at San Diego State College in 1969. Dr. Anderson later became chair of that department, specializing in Eastern Religions, until his retirement in 1985.For more information about J. Krishnamurti visit www.kfa.org“It isn’t society first or individual first; it is the human change which will transform the society. They’re not two separate things.” – J. Krishnamurti See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.