Straight-forward and Easy to ReadJune 24, 2006 4 out of 6 found this review helpful
With a series of concise essays that are penetrating and remarkably to-the-point, Krishnamurti presents the reader with a many-sided exploration of spirituality, morality, ethics, religion, and belief.
What a way to see the world!March 10, 2006 8 out of 9 found this review helpful
J. Krishnamurti is a unique voice. He describes a new way to view the world, and it really does lead to spontaneity and freedom. A terrfic book for people who really do want a new perspective for changing their lives.
Down-to-earth advice for seekers of truthFebruary 28, 2006 14 out of 14 found this review helpful
Krishnamurti states with clarity and deep insight the truth that is sought so earnestly by many folowing the paths of various meditative practices, Buddhism, Zen, and the like. He does this without doctrine, without myth and mysticism, and with an uncanny directness. In these pages, and throughout his works, Krishnamurti reveals the essence of spirittuality as found within oneself, and clues to finding the truth you may be seeking, as long as you can detach yourself from the desire to seek. You can read Tich Nact Hahn, the Dalai Lama, Alan Watts, and the works of a dozen excellent and wise teachers, or you can read Krishnamurti and obtain direct access to the same wisdom with 20/20 vision. This book is a good introduction to Krishnamurti... you can find may more here on Amazon.com.
a fascinating readOctober 15, 2005 8 out of 8 found this review helpful
"First and Last freedom" is the simplest book of K i have gone through. It delineates his philosophy of life in the most lucid terms. He shares his views on love, freedom, relationship, nature which forces the reader to stop and think. I have read this book innumerous times since i bought it. A must for everyone interested in learning Krishnaji, the man and his teachings.
.October 8, 2005 11 out of 16 found this review helpful
Freedom from the Known I've found a great resource as part of my own explorations - taken other than strictly in the context of one's own, I know how it can lead persons way way up a garden path, as opposed to somehow help through a pathless land. Yet - underscoring the drives and processes of self-reinforcing self-deception - this is one of the book's own implicit warnings. I strongly concur with F Barya's appraisal of Krishna. He knew the man well. Barya's review of this book is worth reading if you're looking at any of Krishna's works. I second the recommendation of Shankara, and would add Ramana Maharshi. The messiah ref plainly fits what the Theosophists & later K devotees tried to make of their Master. For anyone contemplating the 'Don't mistake the teacher with the teaching' question, Barya's hit the Krishnamurti configuration of it right on the head. And having done so he is naturally making a lot of people angry - ironically, of course, out of just the kind of inherent fear, disguised religiosity, etc etc - that Krishna's Freedom warns us of. The subtle achievements and benefits of this book are extensive, and can only really be appreciated in the thick of reflective conscious activity. Likewise its crucial failures - which to the religiously persuaded of K himself, naturally, cannot be believed, cannot be seen. Much as the religiously persuaded against him may never appreciate his message at all. I would suggest Chogyam Trungpa's Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism, taken with some unprejudiced biography, as a useful comparative study to this book.
