I happened to watch a you tube video – Theosophy and Krishnamurti by Mr. O.P. Krishna. Mr Krishna, an excellent orator took me through the formation and evolution of Theosophical Society, Annie Besant’s magnanimous persona, young Krishna’s dilemmas, difference between the meaning of the word Secularism from the viewpoint of the east and the west, friendship between Gandhiji and Annie Besant and finally puts in a nutshell all of Krishnamurti’s ideas.

From his speech, I gathered that Annie Besant and Krishnamurti believed and lived for the fact that the truth is the highest religion. The orator referred to a book ‘Buddha’s life’ by Mathew Harold. And, in this book we get to understand the difference between Secularism . According to the West – Secularism meant no religion, it meant belief in science and materialism; Whereas in the East – Secularism meant that all religion is important.

I gathered from the talk that Gandhiji was part of Theosophical Society when he lived in South Africa. And, Annie Besant was good at occultism. Infact, the founder of Theosophical Society was well trained in occultism.

The video highlights the Dual Consciousness Theory and how theosophist who were initially fond of Krishnamurti, asked him to leave later as he stood by his convictions of not wanting to form a new religious order. Krishnamurti’s teachings emphasis about learning from experience, questioning and critical-thinking. He spread the message through all his speeches and talks about taking responsibility for one’s own life and not relying on spiritual guru’s for enlightenment.

The takeaway from this one hour long session – was be a light to yourself.

Donot miss this video.

• G.Meena
• Economics and Business Studies Faculty