Mind Is a Myth - by U G Krishnamurti (Paperback)

About the Book

A scathing critique of contemporary spirituality by one of its most unusual figures. In a world in which spiritual techniques, teachers, concepts, and organizations are legion, U. G. Krishnamurti stands nearly alone in his rejection of it all: The natural state is acausal: it just happens. The author does not equate the natural state with enlightenment, which he describes as an illusion created by our culture. He states emphatically that one can do nothing to attain the natural state.

Book Synopsis

A scathing critique of contemporary spirituality by one of its most unusual figures. In a world in which spiritual techniques, teachers, concepts, and organizations are legion, U. G. Krishnamurti stands nearly alone in his rejection of it all: The natural state is acausal: it just happens. The author does not equate the natural state with enlightenment, which he describes as an illusion created by our culture. He states emphatically that one can do nothing to attain the natural state.

Review Quotes

Free will--its very existence is debated, but how does this apply to religion? Mind is a Myth: Disquieting Conversations with the Man Called U.G. is a skeptical manual on the debate offering one learned man's ideas on the matter. A true scholar in the field of spirituality who has studied both eastern and western religions heavily, Krishnamurti's ideas are utterly fascinating and inspiring, making Mind is a Myth is a strong pick for nonspecialist general readers with an interest in spirituality.

Readers who consider themselves enlightened or on the path to such a state will both connect to and disagree with much of what Krishnamurti has to say. These readers also will be challenged and intellectually stimulated.

U. G. Krishnamurti claims that he cannot help us in our quest for enlightenment. Paradoxically, I find this refreshingly helpful. This work is an expression of U.G.'s exquisite mastery in penetrating the many illusions to be found on the spiritual path. I highly recommend it.--Jeffrey Mishlove, host of National Public Television series "Thinking Allowed"

U.G. Krishnamurti is the Don Rickles of religion. He makes Madalyn Murray O'Hare, the infamous atheist, look pious. What we call religion, U.G. said, began somewhere along the evolutionary process when humans--unlike the rest of the animals--began feeling self-conscious and separate from nature. Humanity, he says, long ago started down the path of total annihilation and absolutely nothing can be done to save it. Have a nice day.--Don Lattin, religion editor, San Francisco Chronicle

About the Author

Born in India in 1918 to Brahmin parents, U. G. Krishnamurti was given a rigorous education in classical Hindu literature. He was raised to take on the mantle of guru, in a manner similar to J. Krishnamurti (to whom he is not related). By the time he met J. Krishnamurti in the late 1940s, both men had rejected the guru calling. For seven years they conversed daily, struggling to uncover the nature of truth, and parted without resolving their differences. U. G. continued lecturing throughout the world. Then in 1961 he left his family and went to London without means and purpose.