what are you doing with your life
Page 1: Introduction to J. Krishnamurti
J. Krishnamurti: Renowned thinker and teacher with over 4 million books sold.
The Dalai Lama called him "One of the greatest thinkers of the age."
Page 2: Contents of the Book
Cover
About the Book
About the Author
Title Page
Epigraph
Foreword
Introduction
Section One: Your Self and Your Life
What Are You?
What Do You Want?
Thought, the Thinker, and the Prison of the Self
Insight, Intelligence, and Revolution in Your Life
Escape; Entertainment; Pleasure
Why Should We Change?
What Is the Purpose of Life?
Section Two: Self-Knowledge: the Key to Freedom
Fear
Anger and Violence
Boredom and Interest
Self-Pity; Sorrow; Suffering
Jealousy; Possessiveness; Envy
Desire and Longing
Self-Esteem: Success and Failure
Loneliness; Depression; Confusion
Self-Ending—Not Self-Improvement—Ends Suffering
Section Three: Education, Work, and Money
What Is Education?
Comparison and Competition, or Cooperation?
Work: How Do You Decide?
What Is the Basis for Right Action?
Section Four: Relationships
What Is Relationship?
Love; Desire; Sex; Dependency
Family and Society: Relationship or Exclusion?
Nature and Earth
Marriage: Love and Sex
Page 3: About the Book
Krishnamurti addresses life challenges—relationships, love, anxiety, and loneliness.
Key questions include meaning and significance of life.
Advocates for self-responsibility, rejecting authority and external guidance.
Page 4: About the Author
J. Krishnamurti, born 1895 in India, significant thinker and teacher.
Author of numerous works; addressed psychological and existential concerns.
Died in 1986, leaving a broad philosophical legacy.
Page 5: Reach and Influence
Krishnamurti influenced many notable figures across various fields.
Described as both revolutionary and insightful in understanding human behavior.
Page 6: The Book Titles and Themes
The essence of Krishnamurti's teachings revolves around understanding the self.
Emphasis on relationships devoid of conditions, jealousy, and societal expectations.
Page 7: Foreword
Emphasizes the rejection of spiritual and psychological authority in favor of self-knowledge.
Discusses the universality of problems like fear, conflict, and violence across societies.
Page 8: Introduction to Life's Relationship
Relationship with oneself and society creates the world we live in.
Individual transformation as a means to change the world.
Page 9: Self-Observation and Inquiry
Krishnamurti emphasizes the importance of self-observation in daily life.
Acknowledges the ripple effect of individual change on society.
Page 10: The Concept of Self
Defines 'self' as complex, shaped by individual and social conditioning.
Urges awareness of self to understand deeper societal issues.
Page 11: The Need for Freedom from Fear
Highlights that freedom from fear requires understanding and observation of one's conditioning.
Fear is identified as a barrier to emotional and psychological wellness.
Page 12: Understanding Love and Relationships
Questions the nature of dependency and true love.
Advocates for relationships based on understanding rather than possession.
Page 13: Exploring Suffering
Encourages individuals to confront suffering directly instead of attempting to escape it.
Identifies sorrow and self-pity as significant societal issues.
Page 14: Education and Its Importance
Distinguishes between technical education and true understanding of life.
Argues for education that fosters self-awareness rather than conformity.
Page 15: The Role of Relationships in Society
Discusses how family dynamics can conflict with broader societal understanding.
Encourages love and connections free from possessiveness.
Page 16: The Impact of Desire and Ambition
Describes ambition as an expression of fear and insecurity.
Promotes understanding of desire as a core component of human experience.
Page 17: The Dilemma of Marriage and Love
Analyzes the complexities of marriage, loyalty, and exclusivity.
Points out that true love transcends possessiveness and dependency.
Page 18: The Nature of Meditation
Defines authentic meditation as self-understanding and a tool for growth.
Highlights that silent observation and awareness in thought lead to clarity.
Page 19: The Essence of Being
Spells out that genuine happiness is found in understanding oneself and relationships.
Concludes that love is an essential component of a fulfilled life.