An Extraordinary Opportunity for the Krishnamurti Center

I want to go to Ojai because I want to live with people, be with people who are doing it more intensely, have gone into it deeper. I want to discuss with them. I have understood all that, but I want something more. I want something much more than merely to discuss with people.
– J. Krishnamurti speaking about those dedicated to deeper exploration of his teachings.

Dear Friends,
The Krishnamurti Center is designed to be a sanctuary for the study and contemplation of Krishnamurti’s teachings—a space of quiet and natural beauty where one can engage deeply with his work and its relevance to our daily lives. Our aim is to provide an environment that nurtures reflective inquiry and understanding.

For many years, we have worked toward the expansion of the Krishnamurti Center at our East End campus in Ojai, where Krishnamurti lived. The expanded Center is envisioned as a hub for learning and self-inquiry, offering development for educators, interdisciplinary exploration of philosophy and psychology, and reflective spaces for personal and communal inquiry that emphasize the interconnectedness of human consciousness, nature, and society.

This expansion includes plans for residential retreats, a scholar-in-residence program, and dedicated spaces for exploration, dialogue, and connection. We’ve secured county permits and are now poised to enter the next important phase of realizing this vision.

However, an unexpected and extraordinary opportunity has presented itself.

The Krishnamurti Foundation of America has been offered the opportunity to purchase a fully functional retreat with 12 rooms, known as the Ojai Retreat. This beautiful 5-acre property is adjacent to the Oak Grove School and overlooks the Grove, where Krishnamurti gave public talks. It also borders the Saddle Lands—120 acres of preserved land donated by Annie Besant to support Krishnamurti’s work.

Krishnamurti once envisioned these lands being used as part of an educational center focused on his teachings. The existing facilities allow us to begin hosting programs without delay, extending Krishnamurti’s work to more people. If integrated with our existing infrastructure, this centrally located retreat would align seamlessly with our mission.

While this is a unique opportunity, we remain steadfast in our commitment to developing the Krishnamurti Center at the East End campus should this acquisition not come to fruition. Our purpose remains unchanged—to create a space where people can come together for inquiry, contemplation, and connection.

We have only a short window to secure this property. To make this a reality, we need to raise $7 million over the next two months, having already secured $1.3 million in pledges. This money would go toward purchasing the property and making the necessary developments. Your support—whether through a donation or pledge—will be instrumental in making this vision a reality.

On behalf of the Board of Trustees of the Krishnamurti Foundation of America, I invite you to be part of this pivotal moment. Your contribution can help us build something truly meaningful for generations to come.

Jaap Sluijter
Executive Director