U. G. Krishnamurti

UGKrishnamurti

U. G. Krishnamurti (9 July 1918 – 22 March 2007), often referred to as U.G., was a thinker and speaker who questioned the value of the search for enlightenment and the nature of spirituality. Despite sharing a name, he had no relation to Jiddu Krishnamurti, another prominent speaker on spiritual matters, though their lives and teachings occasionally intersected.

Early Life

U.G. Krishnamurti was born in Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India, into a Brahmin family. From an early age, he was deeply influenced by the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and other spiritual texts, which were part of his upbringing. His quest for enlightenment began in his teenage years, leading him to meet and engage with several spiritual teachers, including the renowned Swami Sivananda.

Philosophy

U.G. Krishnamurti's philosophy can be challenging to categorize, as it fundamentally denies the validity of any spiritual or philosophical system. He often referred to his state of being as the "natural state," arguing that the pursuit of enlightenment or spiritual transformation is a futile endeavor, bound by the limitations of thought and the structures of society. His teachings emphasize the dismissal of conventional wisdom and the exploration of life free from the constraints of traditional spiritual pursuits.

The Natural State

The concept of the "natural state" is central to U.G.'s teachings. He describes this state as a condition of being that is beyond the dualities of happiness and suffering, knowledge and ignorance. According to U.G., this state is not something to be achieved or attained through effort or practice but is the underlying condition of all human beings, obscured by the mind's activities and societal conditioning.

Critique of Traditional Spirituality

U.G. Krishnamurti was known for his vehement critique of traditional spiritual and religious practices. He argued that the promises of these systems are illusory and that they only serve to perpetuate the individual's sense of lack and separation. His views challenge the foundations of many spiritual traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and New Age movements, suggesting instead that freedom comes from the cessation of the search for liberation.

Legacy

U.G. Krishnamurti left behind a legacy that continues to intrigue and challenge individuals interested in questions of spirituality and enlightenment. His talks and dialogues have been compiled into several books and recordings, maintaining a following among those who resonate with his radical perspective. Despite his critique of spiritual systems, U.G.'s insights into the nature of human consciousness and the pitfalls of spiritual seeking have contributed to contemporary discussions on non-duality and the nature of the self.

Selected Works

Some of U.G. Krishnamurti's notable works include:

• The Mystique of Enlightenment
• Mind is a Myth
• The Natural State in the Words of U.G. Krishnamurti

See Also

• Jiddu Krishnamurti
• Advaita Vedanta
• Spiritual Enlightenment
• Non-duality