J. Krishnamurti: The Freedom From the Known

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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. Despite his lack of a permanent home, he found moments of respite in Ojai, California, Brockwood Park, England, and Chennai, India. Krishnamurti's early life took a significant turn when he and his brother were adopted by Dr. Annie Besant, then President of the Theosophical Society. Initially hailed as a potential world teacher by Theosophists, Krishnamurti's perspective shifted dramatically in 1929. He renounced the role assigned to him, dissolved the Order of the Star in the East, and returned all assets associated with it. This bold move was accompanied by his seminal declaration: "Truth Is A Pathless Land," emphasizing the individual's journey to truth devoid of institutional or doctrinal guidance. From that pivotal moment, 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. The Freedom From the Known is a series of profound discussions between Professor Allan W. Anderson, Emeritus Professor of Religious Studies at San Diego State University, and J. Krishnamurti. These conversations took place at San Diego State University in 1974. At a time of unprecedented outer change in the political and social spheres, is there a fundamental inner change that is demanded of each one of us? In these eighteen dialogues, Krishnamurti suggests that relying on organized religion, science, political ideologies, or the market economy not only falls short in addressing fundamental human issues but ultimately contributes to their creation. According to Krishnamurti, the way to transcend our challenges must begin within the individual mind—through awareness of our personal perceptions of life, self, and others. During these discussions, Professor Anderson refers to many passages from both Western and Eastern religious texts, which he says align with Krishnamurti’s teachings but are often misunderstood. For more information visit www.kfa.org Stay connected: Instagram Facebook YouTube

  1. JAN 22

    Ep. 16 – An Inquiry into Religion & Authority

    J. Krishnamurti examines the degeneracy of modern society and religion, where mechanical living has replaced curiosity, inquiry, and direct perception. To start at the beginning of this 18-part dialogue on consciousness, spirituality and navigating life with J. Krishnamurti and Dr. Allan W. Anderson: Click Here This time on Freedom From the Known, J. Krishnamurti and Dr. Allan W. Anderson discuss: The human tendency to prioritize mechanical functioning over curiosity, inquiry, and direct perceptionHumanity’s impulse to translate nature and beauty into art, rather than fully experiencing presence within itReligion understood as a quality of attention that regenerates the human mind and enables authentic inner transformationThe necessity of setting aside rigid structures of thought and belief systems built around organized religionFreeing oneself from psychological conditioning and inherited beliefs about reality, identity, and truthHow humans have divorced conduct, relationship, death, and love from religionThe inevitability of moral and cultural degeneracy in today’s society “We don’t know, we pretend we know. When a man says ‘Jesus is savior’, it is a pretension. It is saying I know and you don’t know. What do you know in the name of heaven? You know nothing, you just repeat what you have learned from somebody else.” –J. Krishnamurti  This talk was originally recorded in 1974 at San Diego State University and curated by the Krishnamurti Foundation of America "Unless you have this quality of the mind that is really religious, degeneracy is really inevitable. look at the politicians who are supposed to be the rulers, the guides, the helpers, they are degenerates. They are so corrupt, and they want to bring order. They are so irreligious, but they go to church. Man is becoming more and more degenerate, you can see it. "  –J. Krishnamurti About 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. “The mind becomes dull, restless, its curiosity is only in the direction of functioning. It has no capacity to inquire. To inquire you must have freedom first." –J. Krishnamurti 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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    59 min

  2. 12/23/2025

    Ep. 15 – The Gods We Have Invented

    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 America About 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.

    59 min
  3. Ep. 14 – The Vitality of Death

    11/26/2025

    Ep. 14 – The Vitality of Death

    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 America About 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.

    59 min

  4. 10/08/2025

    Ep. 13 - A Different Way of Living

    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 America About 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.

    1 hr

  5. 09/04/2025

    Ep. 12 - Defining Love Beyond Sex and Pleasure

    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 America About 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.

    1 hr

  6. 08/01/2025

    Ep. 11 - The Nature of Hurt

    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 America About 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.

    59 min

  7. 05/20/2025

    Ep. 10 – The Art of Seeing and Listening

    J. Krishnamurti considers the mechanical quality of seeing and listening that humans often suffer from, and why it prevents us from being free.  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: Seeing through the screen of our own prejudices, fears, and egos  The separation between us and our object of perception Listening through the screen of irritations and personal translations rather than directly hearing what others sayWhat occurs when we are able to listen without any interference, interpretation, or conclusionThe black and white quality of listening versus non-listening Giving our total attention to what is being said to us The way that our minds are oriented towards commercialism  Considering the ways in which we learn, or if there is even learning at allHow the brain can only function within complete security Action based on ideas such as inaction, and the mechanical quality of our seeing and listeningThe living death of never being free and only focusing on what we think we knowThis talk was originally recorded in 1974 at San Diego State University and curated by the Krishnamurti Foundation of America About 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. "Seeing and listening have become mechanical. We never see anything new. Even the flower is never new which has blossomed overnight. It is always from the known to the known. A movement in time and therefore time-binding, and therefore never free." – J. Krishnamurti See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1 hr

  8. 03/26/2025

    Ep. 9 - The Depth of Beauty

    Discussing how passion is derived from being able to remain with sorrow, J. Krishnamurti describes the depth of beauty. 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: Austere beauty and total abandonment of the selfThe deep relationship between suffering and beauty Humility and the beauty of not knowing Becoming aware of global suffering and less self-absorbedHow people rationalize sorrow in the east and are able to remain with itOur lack of an intimate relationship with nature  How artificiality has become supremely important in our modern world Losing the delicacy of the mind, heart, and body The misguided purpose of education and what students should be learningConsidering the true definition of action in order to understand sorrowThis talk was originally recorded in 1974 at San Diego State University and curated by the Krishnamurti Foundation of America “Passion won’t come out of sorrow. And, without passion, how can you see beauty? You can intellectually appreciate a painting, poem, or statue, but you need this great sense of inward bursting of passion that creates in itself a sensitivity that can see beauty. It is, I think, rather important to understand sorrow. I think it is related: beauty, passion, sorrow.” – J. Krishnamurti See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1 hr
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4.7
out of 5
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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. Despite his lack of a permanent home, he found moments of respite in Ojai, California, Brockwood Park, England, and Chennai, India. Krishnamurti's early life took a significant turn when he and his brother were adopted by Dr. Annie Besant, then President of the Theosophical Society. Initially hailed as a potential world teacher by Theosophists, Krishnamurti's perspective shifted dramatically in 1929. He renounced the role assigned to him, dissolved the Order of the Star in the East, and returned all assets associated with it. This bold move was accompanied by his seminal declaration: "Truth Is A Pathless Land," emphasizing the individual's journey to truth devoid of institutional or doctrinal guidance. From that pivotal moment, 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. The Freedom From the Known is a series of profound discussions between Professor Allan W. Anderson, Emeritus Professor of Religious Studies at San Diego State University, and J. Krishnamurti. These conversations took place at San Diego State University in 1974. At a time of unprecedented outer change in the political and social spheres, is there a fundamental inner change that is demanded of each one of us? In these eighteen dialogues, Krishnamurti suggests that relying on organized religion, science, political ideologies, or the market economy not only falls short in addressing fundamental human issues but ultimately contributes to their creation. According to Krishnamurti, the way to transcend our challenges must begin within the individual mind—through awareness of our personal perceptions of life, self, and others. During these discussions, Professor Anderson refers to many passages from both Western and Eastern religious texts, which he says align with Krishnamurti’s teachings but are often misunderstood. For more information visit www.kfa.org Stay connected: Instagram Facebook YouTube

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