Jiddu Krishnamurti: All you need to know about Zerodha's Nikhil Kamath's 'favourite philosopher'

Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar

Favourite Philosopher

Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath, in the 10th episode of his 'WTF' podcast, disclosed that Jiddu Krishnamurti is his all-time favourite philosopher.

Why J. Krishnamurti

Nikhil Kamath emphasised J. Krishnamurti's unconventional approach, highlighting that despite not writing books, Krishnamurti's speeches, collated into books, conveyed a message that competition, in essence, signifies self-defeat. Krishnamurti believed that inner peace precedes external competition, echoing the philosophy that true societal winners are akin to figures like Buddha.

Who is J. Krishnamurti

Jiddu Krishnamurti, born on May 11, 1895, in Madanapalle, India, was an influential philosopher, speaker, and writer. Initially groomed to be the World Teacher within the Theosophical tradition, he later distanced himself from this role, spending his life sharing his philosophies globally.

Early Life and Childhood

Raised in a Telugu-speaking Brahmin family, J. Krishnamurti's birth date is disputed, with May 11, 1895, considered as per Mary Lutyens, a biographer. He faced a rigorous upbringing under Theosophical Society guidance, including physical and spiritual discipline.

Move to USA

In 1922, Krishnamurti and his brother Nitya moved to California from Sydney, seeking a climate beneficial for Nitya's tuberculosis. They settled in the Ojai Valley, where Krishnamurti's official residence was established through a trust formed by his supporters.

Life-changing Experience in Ojai

In August and September 1922, J. Krishnamurti underwent a 'life-changing' experience in Ojai, described as a spiritual awakening, psychological transformation, and physical reconditioning. This transformative change persisted until his death.

Later Years and Influential Connections

J. Krishnamurti continued to engage in public lectures and discussions globally, meeting influential figures such as physicist David Bohm. Their friendship led to extensive dialogues over nearly two decades, delving into diverse fields like religion, education, psychology, physics, and consciousness studies.

Philanthropic Endeavours

J. Krishnamurti founded schools in India, England (Brockwood Park School), and California (Oak Grove School). The Krishnamurti Foundations, established in the 1960s in India, the USA, and England, manage seven schools globally. Krishnamurti's legacy includes his teachings on holistic education and environmental consciousness.

Death and Wishes

J. Krishnamurti passed away on February 17, 1986, at the age of 90, succumbing to pancreatic cancer. In adherence to his wishes, no memorial service was conducted, and his ashes were divided among Ojai, India, and England, symbolizing the global impact of his teachings.