As One Is: To Free the Mind from All Conditioning

Another 'mind opening' (or as 'K' would have probably preferred to have called it, 'a mind freeing') book.The more I read Krishnamurti's books, I'm in awe of how simple his writings/teachings really are but yet so profound. I'm also amazed as to how most people have never heard of him or his writings. I went through University, Med School, Post Graduate training and yet had never heard or been taught any of his literature. Wish I had many years ago ....What impresses most about his stuff is that he sincerely wants us to 'free' ourselves from all authority and conditioning -- including his own !!Not many authors, teachers or religious figures can claim such austerity in their teachings.This book is a gem..... wish it would be a required reading in all our early education courses. Why shouldn't 'self understanding/knowledge' be as important (if not more than) economics, science, religions, math, etc. Psychology courses and treatments centered on 'fixing our problems' via a conditioned mind can only lead to redecorating our prison walls; however, self understanding / realization via 'attention / awareness' may finally break the prison walls and free us completely!! (I think that's the jixt of his message) Something not easy to do b/c the mind that we rely on to free us is the same mind that binds us via the guards of our conditions -- So how to be free? -- Attention / Realization of 'As One Is'.

This book jolts you as it brutally exposes how we are all conditioned to be this or that in our lives and thereby losing out every precious moment - the NOW. I got a scare, while going through the book, I became aware of myself labeling every situation and every person as this or that and I want to be this, now and that-the next moment and so on. How the conditioning rules the mind is amazing and how this conditioning lends itself to anxiety and stress. The funny part is how we label certain emotions as this or that and instead of seeing them as they are in their pristine form. We are busy, trying to get rid of those emotions or thoughts about those emotions (which I find even more ridiculous) which are only labels !! See the fears and anxieties and obsessions as they are and the very seeing brings about a huge change. I am certainly ending my quest for spiritual experiences after reading these set of talks as I am convinced that they are only another form of entertainment that the mind is seeking. As I conclude this, my mind says - are you sure, you'll be peaceful just by observing the feelings and emotions ? All I can do is laugh at it without answering the question. Afterall, who is the one who asks the question and who is the one who seeks an answer and who is the one who might answer ? Its all the same - the ego - the conditioning - the mechanical mind whcih can operate only in the field of known - as Krishnamurti often says. Amazing book !! In a nutshell, life as we know is not to be taken too seriously !!

I bought almost all J. Krishnamurti's books and this is the best. His method of reader to get involved in seeing life rather than interpreting mere words which quiets the mind while reading. Human mind is always busy thinking of something because of conditioning. busy with either past events or planning for future but never enjoying the present reality of life. Krishnamurti is able to bring mind to halt while reading his books. But as our daily lives are filled with responsibilities, anxieties and worries, it's difficult to develop virtue or try to remove a single defect and make serene mind with worries about family, earning money, job and other daily affairs. After reading Krishnamurti's books when reader goes back to life muddled with activities cannot keep mind conscious of the pure self as world is back superimposed and mind gets busy with either past or future. His method is good like eastern religions Buddhism, Jainism and its offshoots, in which God is not needed as world is divided in to evolving to divine of living beings and nature (physical world outside of living beings). I like his books because he has ability to quiet the mind and to see reality of the world surrounding but just for time being. Divinity is missing from his method which is the ultimate solution in Vedic literature gives for final resting mind to either (Hindu, Islamic, Christian, Jew or any) religious mind in to divine. Search for sources for Vedic teachings.

Some things that Krishamurti says I don't really agree with.However, I must admit I am a fan of Krishnamurti. I like a great deal of what he has to say, I think he was a brilliant and insightful person, and it's too bad there aren't more minds out there like his. Just because I don't agree with everything he says doesn't mean I dislike it or think it's wrong. I don't think he would really want us to look at it that way anyway. I think he would suggest that like everything else, we question it and ponder it. Actively consider the teachings and spend some time thinking on them.It's a bit deep, and at times and hard to wrap your mind around, but hey, that's what reading is for...expanding your mind. Work at it and try to understand what he's talking about. Ponder it, question it. That's what it's about.If you are interested in expanding your mind and broadening your horizons, and don't mind a nice mental challenge, pick up this, or other Krishnamurti books.I haven't finished it yet, but I'm working on it. The man had an intriguing mind. I am a fan!

I swear, this man will demand the very last inch! The very last iota of energy! I'm sorry, but, I must go back and read this book again!When I do, I will let you know what I think of this book....... Only then........

This book delves into the intricacies of the mind in a clear and logical manner. The writing style is very inviting and, dare I say, almost addictive.

Amazing insight in knowing how to live peacefully in day today life with endless happiness and joy that too without struggle.

Brilliant book.

With broad-sweeping words and penetrating observations of the human condition, this is J Krishnamurti at his best. This book is a collection of 8 consecutive talks held in Ojai during the month of August 1955.The theme, if you could narrow it down, is "To free the mind from all conditioning" and to "Dare to understand the unexplored assumptions that govern your life". Whilst K avoids the use of jargon as always, this collection of talks is especially straightforward and so the message is direct and powerful.Some quotes:"When the mind is free from all conditioning, then you will find that there comes the creativity of reality, or God...""Everywhere the society is conditioning the individual, and this conditioning takes the form of self-improvement, which is really the perpetuation of the 'me', the ego...""Cultures create religions but not the religious man. The religious man comes into being only when the mind rejects culture...and is therefore free to find out what is true."

This book is one among special and magical books of J K.