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Freedom from the Known

Freedom from the Known

List Price: $13.00
Your Price: $9.75
Product Info Reviews

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Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Best single K book
Review: I've read (and re-read) about 15 of K's books. This is the single best, most concise, most thorough of the them all, in my humble opinion. I bought 20 copies of it and gave them all to friends, family, co-workers, and some of my students (I teach at a college). I probably will buy 20 more (at least) of this book to give to others. I would also highly recommend "The First and Last Freedom" and "Total Freedom" for good, more in-depth and relatively thorough overviews of K's teachings; as well as "On God" (for those seeking "god"); "On Relationship" (for those looking for relationship advice); "On Right Livelihood" (for those considering career choices) "On Education" (for teachers and students) and "Think on These Things" as a simply-worded introduction that even children can read and undertand (K was speaking to schoolchildren and their parents). "Krishnamurti's Journal", "Commentaries on Living, First Series", "Krishnamaurit's Notebook" and "Krishnamurti to Himself" all offer beautifully poetic descriptions of nature and people, as well as answers to questions, all of which are fabulous for meditation. "Freedom, Love and Action" is a relatively short read compared to most of K's books, but I've found it to be particularly touching. But then, I would *strongly* recommend *all* of K's books for those so inclined! But if I had to pick ONE K book to share with the world (as I have done) THIS is that book. And every time I read it (about half a dozen times now) it speaks volumes every time. But as other reviewers have warned, don't read anything by K unless you are ready and willing to have your entire current belief system cut to shreds, as all your most "sacred" beliefs and values are exposed for the false, conditioned ideas that they are . . .

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: A liberating view on fear and knowledge
Review: If there is a core teaching with regard to the many dialogues of J. Krishnamurti then this is it. The book tackles the basic problem of perception with regard to the knowlegde, which an individual aquires through education, society and culture. Further, Krishnamurti deals with the nature of human fear, and provides thought-provoking insight to this issue. Highly recommended - one of the most important books in my library!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: A Challenge to be you
Review: In book after book, the central message is the same, and yet new appearing. Krishnamurti's challenge is to find yourself rather than follow someone else's path.

This may seem rather scary. There's no shortage of churches and groups that will willingly take you in and instruct you in your thinking and doing. And you will emerge thinking another person's thoughts, doing as another thinks you should do.

J. Krishnamurti is unique in his writings. Sure, you will find a little inconsistency, and he will even admit to this. He does not claim to know it all. But he does know how to inspire one to search for that which is within and to do so indepently.

You will not find immediate answers in Krishnamurti's writing. The answers are to be found in yourself. But this book along with his others will give you the impetus.

And this is probably the best "first" book of his to read.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: KRISHNAMURTI IS AN AMAZING TEACHER
Review: It is impossible to find arguments against what Krishnamurti is saying because he only uses known facts; facts that everyone has to accept because they come from common sense. His teachings are amazing, but difficult to live. I recommend this book and all of his other books to anyone interested in going deeper in his/her understanding of life.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Understanding
Review: It seems amazingly trite to assign stars and write a paragraph about a teaching that has turned the world and therefore me upside down. This is the most concise of Krishnamurti's writings and is a good introduction to the teachings. Would also recommend Total Freedom and You are the World. Like me, you'll probably have to read them more than once to really digest the powerfully simple facts of life that Krishnamurti explains. It won't be easy so if you are just looking for a quick fix or a validation of your own ideology, keep looking. If however, you are interested in Truth and transformation, then read and be amazed.

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: A fatally flawed work
Review: Krishnamurti feels that all present forms of spirituality are phony or invalid. Well who is to say that they are? And why is his point of view "valid" then? Well his point of view is "valid" only in the sense that he really doesn't take a stand on anything.

And who is to say that other forms of spirituality are invalid and false? He cannot provide any evidence. He can SUGGEST why he thinks they are all invalid, but in the end it is only his OPINION.

PEOPLE WHO HAVE ALREADY BOUGHT INTO THE FALSE AND UNPROVEN PREMISE THAT ALL PRESENT FORMS OF SPIRITUALITY ARE BANKRUPT MYTHS CANNOT GO ANYWHERE SPIRITUALLY.

To him there never was a truth, there couldn't be or else all his writings would be close to worthless. And I am sorry Mr. Krishnamurti, please don't tell me that in over 10,000 years of rich human history that no one, not Plato, not Aristotle, not Abraham, not Jesus, not Buddha, not Confucious...that NOBODY has presented a beautiful image of truth for humanity. So in a sense Krishnamurti is utterly inhumane. And in a comical and ironic sense his brooding intellectualism is just a long and protracted joke of many books.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: there is no escape
Review: Krishnamurti tells it like it is. He shatters us, taking away every possible comfort, leaving us with nothing, but ourselves. Krishnamurti talks about how all knowledge is "old". In order to discover the "new" we must let go of all beliefs, preconceptions, theories, ideas, attitudes, systems, disciplines, etc. To live with great intelligence, we must forget EVERYTHING WE KNOW and simply be alert to life, as it is happening right now.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: the most important writer of the 20th century
Review: Krishnamurti's message is simple but profound: all religious teachings have failed, all meditations and techniques cannot work because they take place within the same old field of knowledge, thought, experience, time, and so can never lead to consciousness without content. There has never been a message quite like this, not even in the best of Zen or Taoism. If all the spiritual seekers of the world could just understand this man's work, all the other "religious" teachers would have to close up shop--because Krishnamurti, as you might one day discover for yourself, was right all along.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: The long road home
Review: Krisnamurti urges us to follow a path that runs entirely contrary to modern conditioning. The paradox of modern man lies in the fact that for the first time in human history he has the luxury of time and wealth to find himself, but the certainty that he automatically knows everything that needs knowing. Modern man hides in the forest of the known, secure and out of reach of meaning for his existence.

This book is not to be taken lightly, to be read and tossed aside for the next mystery or adventure story. It is not about escape from, but rather about escape to a reality most of humanity hasn't the courage to acknowledge, much less enter to find a different foundation for continuing.

It's tempting not to recommend this book at all without a certified statement from prospective buyers to read the words carefully, to examine the phrases and the meaning behind the phrases. If you are unwilling to do so your money will be wasted.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: A Fatally Narrow Mind
Review: Mr. Bankard is obviously one of those individuals with a seriously narrow mind, It seems to be pretty well cluttered up with DOGMA, not allowing much room for dialog. Lighten Up!!! All K. says is follow no man, know your own heart, for you are the world...


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