Jiddu Krishnamurti (A Critical Study of Tradition and Revolution

Jiddu Krishnamurti is an eminent thinker of our times who has addressed the problems of the contemporary world. He has invented a new language in articulating the issues and has a global appeal. He has consciously put aside the known philosophical categories and approaches in understanding the problems of the human life and the world. He has understood that the problems are due to the partial and prejudiced understanding rather total understanding. ‘Tradition’ and ‘Revolution’ are the recurring themes of his talks. He is critical of both tradition and revolution in his own terms, which goes against the historical notions of both of these terms. Krishnamurti goes against all the organised and historical religions but retains the idea of religiousness by redefining it. He finds the solution to all existential problems in the individual. He argues for change in the individual psyche or psychological revolution. He calls it as a religious revolution. He mediates both tradition and revolution through ‘religious revolution’. This work offers an unconventional understanding of Krishnamurti and makes sense of his ideas by locating him in contemporary setting or context. This is a critical examination of Krishnamurti’s insights in the light of the contemporary thinkers and trends of the East and West. This work critically appreciates Krishnamurti in the warridden society of the present times and simultaneously provides the space for rationale of identity politics against institutionalised injustice.