Moran, Mae Kristine Goopio EL 303-Advanced Philosophy in Education

Reaction Paper # 9
JIDDU KRISHNAMURTI

Jiddu Krishnamurti was an Indian speaker, writer and a spiritual leader. He was
educated in theosophy by the British social reformer. His interests included
psychological revolution, the nature of mind, meditation, inquiry, human relationships,
and bringing about radical change in society. He stressed the need for a revolution in
the psyche of every human being and emphasized that such revolution cannot be
brought about by any external entity, be it religious, political, or social. Krishnamurti
said he had no allegiance to any nationality, caste, religion, or philosophy, and spent
the rest of his life travelling the world, speaking to large and small groups, as well as
individuals. He established Krishnamurti Foundations in US, Britain, India, Spain and
Canada. He said he doesn’t want followers because the moment you follow someone
you cease to follow the TRUTH and thus he is concern only on setting the man free.

Strengths
Krishnamurti had a passion for education especially in educating children. When
he was a child he said he experienced the right way and wrong way of education that’s
why he wanted to help others towards the right way. And for the rest of his life he did
try to help others towards a better form of education. He has a deep understanding of
education and thus equate it in becoming religious human being. But being religious for
him doesn’t mean anything about religion or worshipping someone or something. It is
liberating oneself, being free from anything. This is having consciousness that sees
reality. He also doesn’t like the fact that the school is merely there for the students to
get a job in the future and not understanding what true freedom is. This will lead to
destruction, greater wars and this is what is happening in the world. For Krishnamurti
the school that is there merely to stuff the child with a lot of information, making him
pass examinations, is the most unintelligent form of education. I agree with him
because I know in Korea and maybe in other countries as well having a high score in
CSAT will lead you to a good university of your choice and being a graduate in a
prestigious university will land you in your ideal job and in your dream company which
a lot of people wanted or dream to have. This CSAT will determine your future career
and sometimes relationship will also be affected by this CSAT. It is unintelligent
because one of the reasons of Korea’s high percentage of younger suicides is the
school grades or stress from studying. Sadly until now they don’t want to change the
system or their standard, maybe they think it is better for their country that most of their
citizens are very competitive.
Weaknesses
Listening from the discussants, reading their forwarded power point
presentation, reading from my own research and watching Jiddu Krishnamurti’s
bibliography in youtube and some of his recorded discussions about life and education
made me think that he is such a deep man. That his knowledge about life is
unfathomable and so immense that sometimes you cannot understand him. Most
people are not deep so I think it is better to lower down ourselves and to be at the level
of our audience, just like in the classroom, we teachers tend to be at par with our
students for them to understand our discussion and instruction. I cannot think of
anything negative about him or his philosophy except the things I mentioned above.

In conclusion, Jiddu Krishnamurti just wanted to have a peaceful environment

through educating children properly. He wanted his school is for all, avoiding
discrimination at all kinds. That education is helping our brain to be have a healthy
function avoiding hate, fear, pride etc. That education helps us in being the best
version of ourselves and not imitating anyone. And his reason of starting school is to
set a man free. Freedom is without fear of punishment and reward. Freedom is without
motive and it is found in the choiceless awareness of our daily existence and activity.