Jiddu Krishnamurti or J. Krishnamurti (12 May 1895 – 17 February 1986) was a writer and speaker on philosophical and spiritual issues. His subject matter included psychological revolution, the nature of the mind, meditation, human relationships, and bringing about positive social change. Works about his life and his philosophy first appeared in the early-20th-century; related works have continued appearing in several subject areas, and in a variety of formats and media.Some of his works are used in Universities around the world.

About the works

Subject biography

Jiddu Krishnamurti was born 1895 in the town of Madanapalle in then-colonial India, to a family of middle class Telugu Brahmins. His father was associated with the Theosophical Society, and in the early part of the 20th century young Krishnamurti came to be promoted by the leadership of the Society as the so-called World Teacher, a new messiah. In 1929 he disavowed this role and dissolved the worldwide organization (the Order of the Star) formed to support it. He severed his ties to Theosophy and the Theosophical Society, and declared independence from all religious, philosophical, and cultural disciplines and practices. He spent the rest of his life presenting a uniquely expressed philosophy of life around the world, asserting that only unflinching self-inquiry can lead to genuine discovery and to resolution of all personal and social conflict. Until his death in 1986 he was constantly stressing the need for a revolution in the psyche of every human being, while positing that such revolution cannot be brought about by any external entity, be it religious, political, or social.

Timeline and availability

Works and news items about Krishnamurti started appearing in the beginning of the 20th century, shortly after his "discovery" as a possible new Messiah. The extraordinary circumstances surrounding young Krishnamurti, and the related proclamations of Theosophical leaders, resulted in intense scrutiny and publicity throughout his "messianic" period. Interest was renewed and amplified by his later repudiation of the so-called World Teacher Project and of Theosophy. During his middle years publicity and interest lessened, but did not disappear; by the late 1960s he was firmly reestablished in the public stage, with a corresponding increase in the number of works and news items about him. Since his death in 1986 books, monographs, research papers in various disciplines, news items etc., in print and other media, have continued to appear, examining various aspects of Krishnamurti and his message. Krishnamurti has additionally been the subject of, or a claimed source of inspiration in, the works of artists in diverse fields (see section Artistic depictions below). They have included playwrights and actors, musicians, novelists, and at least one choreographer. , according to one source, Krishnamurti-related materials numbered "2,412 works in 4,580 publications in 53 languages and 46,822 library holdings".

Listing of works

List guidelines and format

Format: Last, First (date [per point 1 above]). Title [in italics or "quotation marks"]. [comments].<further references as needed [appearing under Notes and sources]>

Principal biographies

The following people were authorized by Krishnamurti to write his biography.

Other biographies

A number of biographical works have been published. Many are by people who knew Krishnamurti at some point in his life, or had been associates of his for various lengths of time. Others are posthumous scholarly or lay works produced with or without the cooperation of people close to him.

Other representations

Among the following works are interpretations, studies, or comparative analyses of his life and message. Krishnamurti did not accept any interpreters, contemporary or future; instead, he advocated the unmediated examination of his work.

Bibliographies, indices, and other helpers

Reference resources

Mass media items

Krishnamurti had been in the public spotlight more or less consistently since his adolescence; items about him appeared in mass media and periodical publications throughout his life with varying frequency depending on his perceived topicality. After his death, and, Krishnamurti's life, message, and perceived influence continued to be the subject of occasional media attention. The following selections are listed (per media category) by date of issue or release in ascending order, then by author, editor or other creator. If the author etc. is unknown, items are sublisted by publication name or program title.

Artistic depictions

** Film, television, and theater** ** Literature and poetry** Indian Classical Dance Inspired by Jiddu Krishnamurti's teachings, Dega Deva Kumar Reddy, an alumnus of Rishi Valley School conceptualized and produced 'Essence of Life' dance form with five classical Indian dance schools - Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Kathak and Mohiniyattam across India. Essence of Life received rare accolades. ** Music and song** Krishnamurti's message has found resonance in the life and work of composers, performers and songwriters in a variety of music genres. He has been cited as an influence in the artistic and personal development of pioneering jazz musician John Coltrane and has been similarly acknowledged by singer-songwriter Van Morrison, and Garry Cobain of the experimental electronic music act The Future Sound of London, among others. ** Visual arts** The French expressionist sculptor Antoine Bourdelle produced drawings and two bronze busts of him in the 1920s, while photographers Cecil Beaton and Edward Weston each shot several portraits and studies, a number of which illustrated Krishnamurti books.

Miscellaneous other

Notes and sources

Sources for notes