At the Feet of the Master authored by Jiddu Krishnamurti when he was 14 years old. Written under the name Alcyone, it was first published in 1910. It was his first recorded message to the world. Included in this selection are a collection of quotes from the 1960’s talks representative his midlife wisdom. Krishnamurti died when he was 90 years old in 1986.

To communicate, we must know that the word is not the thing and also be in that state of mind whose quality is attention, care. That can only take place if we are serious. We are the world and the world is us. To bring about a radical transformation, which is so essential in society, there must be radical transformation in ourselves. Analysis of violence does not end violence, nor is violence ended by thinking of non-violence.

What is the operation of thought? 14 July 1974. Duration: 84 minutes. In the world around us and inside us, is there a relationship between the inner and the outer? Are you free to listen, or do you listen with interpretation and prejudices? Do I observe the content of my consciousness as an outsider?

Does learning require thinking, or only awareness? To be aware is to be conscious, to be in relationship with what you observe outwardly and also our inward reactions. Awareness reveals that I have a conclusion from which I act, which prevents the free flow of energy. You see that you have many opinions and conclusions. You don't know why you have them or how to be free of them. Start with not knowing.

When you are really quiet, alone with yourself, you begin to know yourself and to see the intricacies of your mind. When we say anything that is a bit alternative to what our elders think, we are stopped. There is great tension between us. Will you say what we should do about it? What is humanity, and when can a man be called a human being?

Why do we divide the world, the human being and the divine? Do good and evil really exist or are they simply conditioned points of view? Is there a permanent ‘me’. Is there in me a place where there is no corruption, where there is real, absolute peace, order? Are the various scriptures of India and the Middle East similar to or in contradiction to your teaching? Is there any connection between the supernatural and religion?

Why are you being educated? 1 December 1965. Duration: 75 minutes. What is the function of education? Some people say that we must live now, and others say that we must be concerned further, beyond the present. Can man really be human without any effort? What is the difference between affection and love? How am I to know that I am bad? How am I to improve? Why does nature attract us?

Is thought detrimental? 15 August 1965. Duration: 63 minutes. Why does one seek pleasure? Can the mind face only facts and not thought? Why have I never said, 'Thought is poison' to myself? Meeting something one doesn't know, facing something which has no answer. Acting without knowing. What is a state of mind which is silent? Time is detrimental. Are we twisting everything to our core of pleasure?

The role of the teacher. 26 March 1971. Duration: 56 minutes. There is much talk of a spiritual revolution among young people. Do you see in this very mixed phenomenon any hope of a new flowering for civilisation or possibility of growth? One can go into oneself at tremendous depths and find out everything. To go into oneself is the problem. Not being able to do it, we ask for help. If there were no books, no gurus, what would you do?

The roots of psychological conflict. 1 April 1980. Duration: 82 minutes. Has humanity taken a wrong turn? What is the root of this tremendous inward conflict of humanity? When I am trying to become something, it is a constant battle. Can the brain itself see that it is caught in time and as long as it is moving in that direction conflict is eternal, endless? Can the mind realise, resolve a psychological problem immediately?