The Mystique of Enlightenment - by U G Krishnamurti (Paperback)
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<p/><br></br><p><b> About the Book </b></p></br></br>A scathing critique of contemporary spirituality by one its most unusual figures.<p/><br></br><p><b> Book Synopsis </b></p></br></br>An underground spiritual classic distributed widely for the first time in the U.S., this is the story of one of the most unusual figures in contemporary spirituality, U.G. Krishnamurti, in his own words. The Mystique of Enlightenment is a scathing critique of contemporary spirituality. In a world in which spiritual techniques, teachers, concepts, and organizations are legion, U. G. stands nearly alone in his rejection of it all: "I am only interested in describing this state, in clearing away the occultation and mystification in which those people in the 'holy business' have shrouded the whole thing. Maybe I can convince you not to waste a lot of time and energy looking for a state that does not exist except in your imagination... 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. In fact, any movement towards it separates one from it. U. G. Krishnamurti is an original voice in which much of contemporary spirituality is understood in a new way. For those interested in the full spectrum of modern spiritual thought, this is a "must read." In the well-known history of J. Krishnamurti, few names have been so strongly associated with his message as U. G. Krishnamurti, who shared a close but contentious relationship with him over many years. U.G. was raised to take on the mantle of guru, much like J. Krishnamurti. When the two men eventually met, each had rejected the guru role, and for years they conversed regularly, struggling to uncover the nature of truth, before a falling out led each in a different direction. It is fairly common in reading modern spiritual books to find references to U. G. Krishnamurti's influence on both teachers and their students. His books have been translated into nearly every European language, as well as Chinese and Japanese. Widely regarded in India and Europe, The Mystique of Enlightenment is considered by U.G.'s closest associates to be the best summary of his ideas. The book consists of transcripts of informal talks with those who come to ask him questions. In one of these talks, he relates his life story, including the events leading up to and comprising what he calls his "calamity," or his entry into the natural state. Since his own experience of coming into the natural state at age 49, he has spent his time traveling throughout the world, staying with friends or in rented apartments for a few months at a time. He gives no public talks, but meets with people who come to see him. What he offers is not hope or encouragement, but stark reality: "Of one thing I am certain. I cannot help you solve your basic dilemma or save you from self-deception, and if I can't help you, no one can." His message is simple: he has no message. Nevertheless, his words can inspire you to face your own assumptions and motivations and discover for yourself what is true.<p/><br></br><p><b> Review Quotes </b></p></br></br><br>In the foreword to The Mystique of Enlightenment, the book's publisher quotes U.G. Krishnamurti in explaining the purpose of this publication: "To clear away the occultation and mystification in which those people in the 'holy business' have shrouded the whole thing." In a series of interviews that took place between 1973 and 1980 with various interlocutors in India and Switzerland, the author puts forth his political, social, and spiritual views and tells much of his story. Krishnamurti is not related to J. Krishnamurti, although the two spent seven years meeting daily to explore for truth. U.G. Krishnamurti was raised with the expectation that he would become a guru. Both his father and grandfather devoted themselves to create "a profound atmosphere for me and to educate me in the right way." Krishnamurti's spiritual radicalism began most earnestly in 1961, when he abandoned his family, sending his wife and children back to India, and moved to London. Krishnamurti dispels many common spiritual beliefs, although his own replacement concepts often sound suspiciously similar. He dismisses concepts of God and happiness and goes on to say, "I don't like to use the words enlightenment, freedom, moksha, or liberation," but admits, "It happened to me." He says, "The holy men are all phonies," although he is not, because he tells people up front, "I've nothing to say." His experience is one, he says, of "the natural state." A person in the natural state recognizes that he is "a brute," "a monster," "full of violence," "callous, indifferent, unconcerned." Entering the natural state "is like a nuclear explosion," Krishnamurti says. "It shatters the whole body S It is the end of the man--such a shattering thing that it blasts every cell, every nerve in your body." Reaching Krishnamurti's natural state is an act of "calamity." It also is what Krishnamurti calls "acausal"--you can't meditate, study, or become religious to reach it. It is similar to the Puritan state of grace that is granted by God and is unconditional and unattainable. "The solution to your real problems is, in any case, not possible for you unless you undergo the sort of biological transformation that has happened to me," Krishnamurti says. "All we can do is be ourselves, and no one can help you be that." This is no book for the faint of heart or the casual reader. One comes away with thoughts and feelings similar to having read a work of nihilism or atheistic existentialism: confused, angry, disillusioned, and frustrated. And this might be just what the provocative Krishnamurti is going for. 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. The book's cover is as provocative as the contents: A scowling photograph of Krishnamurti encompasses the entire front cover. --R. John Allcorn, National Review Network, July/August 2002<br><br>Deftly edited by Rodney Arms, this volume's conversations (which occured in India and Switzerland between 1972 and 1980) are gathered in four bounteous chapters: U.G. (which contains a wealth of autobiographical material), The Mystique of Enlightenment, No Power Outside of Man, and Betwixt Bewilderment and Understanding. What most spiritual writers call "enlightenment" U.G. Krishnamurti calls "the natural state." He says that this non-state becomes apparent to us (we don't attain it, for it is already there) when we are "completely free of culture, conditioning, religious thinking, and intellect." Further--and how unequivocal, this--"it is a state in which the questioning has stopped." People who have not read the late-author closely purport that he claims that there are no ready means to discern your natural state, that you simply have to hope it will happen. Not so. For instance, U.G. winningly tells one questioner that "so-called self-realization is the discovery for yourself and by yourself that there is no self to discover." All there is, he says, is awareness/ consciousness, and "you are not separate from that consciousness." Reflecting upon such nondual pointers--as well as speaking with an awakened person--are certainly easy and viable ways to open yourself to your Self. U.G.'s trademark humor teems throughout this ripe and refreshing work. Concerning spiritual renunciants who opt for poverty and misery, the author cautions: "The natural needs of a human being are basic: food, clothing, and shelter. You must either work for them or be given them by someone. To deny yourself the basic needs is not a sign of spiritually...but a neurotic state of mind." Sentient Publications has produced a beautiful edition of this spiritual classic. (Ditto their production of the sage's Mind Is a Myth.) The pages are sturdy, the text is easy on the eyes, the book fits holdably in the hand, and U.G.'s rakishly-handsome color photos adorn both the front and the back covers. -- Rodney Stevens, Nonduality Highlights<br><br>The Mystique Of Enlightenment: The Radical Ideas Of U. G. Krishnamurti is the compelling and candidly personal story of author U. G. Krishnamurti's life, the evolution of his beliefs, and his relentless pursuit of an enlightened state until he achieved a dramatic series of physical and psychological phenomena that rendered him fit to pass on his enlightened wisdom to readers and believers everywhere. As much a philosophical critique of contemporary spirituality as it is a autobiographically based guide to better understanding the universe without and within, The Mystique Of Enlightenment is fascinating, insightful reading for all who wish to metaphysically transcend themselves. --Midwest Book Review; May 2002<br>
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