Silence beyond thought

Meditation is the movement of love.

"Meditation is one of the most extraordinary things, and if you do not know what it is you are like a blind person in a world of bright color, shadows and moving light. It is not an intellectual affair, when the heart enters into the mind, the mind has quite a different quality: it is really, then, limitless, not only in its capacity to think, to act efficiently, but also in its sense of living in a vast space where you are part of everything.

Meditation is the movement of love. It isnât the love of the one or of the many. It is like water that anyone can drink out of any jar, whether golden or earthenware: it is inexhaustible...

This meditation cannot be learned from another. You must begin without knowing anything about it, and move from innocence to innocence.

The soil in which the meditative mind can begin is the soil of everyday life, the strife, the pain, and the fleeting joy. It must begin there, and bring order, and from there move endlessly... You must take a plunge into the water, not knowing how to swim. And the beauty of meditation is that you never know where you are, where you are going, what the end is."

J. Krishnamurti
Excerpt from Meditations, 1969

Dear Friends,

Krishnamurtiâs teachings invite us to look within and uncover the essence of silence, which he describes not as an absence but as an openingâa boundless awareness that reveals our true relationship with life. This journey asks whether we can observe the mindâs movement without the noise of conditioning and self-centered thought, discovering instead a state of quiet that is deeply connected to all things. Embracing silence, then, becomes an act of transformation, a path toward seeing ourselves and the world without distortion. Guided by the theme of "Silence" in the coming year, we are encouraged to explore whether we can observe the mindâs movement freshly and without the weight of the known or the past.

This month, take part in an online exploration from November 18-22 for a journey into the nature of individuality. The program Is Individuality an Illusion? aims to challenge the deep-seated sense of a distinct, separate self that many of us take for granted. Facilitated by Jackie McInley, each session invites participants to explore whether our experience of individuality is a fixed reality or an illusion that shapes and limits our lives. Through open dialogue, participants will examine what creates our sense of self and how it influences our view of others and the world. This inquiry is not simply an intellectual exercise but an invitation to observe ourselves in real time, to see directly how the perception of separateness affects our relationships and daily lives. Together, weâll explore whether true understanding and connection come from dissolving the boundaries of individuality.

From December 9-13, join us at the Krishnamurti Center in Ojai for a week-long investigation into the nature of thought. Led by Darcy Gray, who brings decades of experience with Krishnamurtiâs teachings, this program delves into how thought shapes our reality, often creating division and conflict. Each afternoon session includes dialogue, video clips, and readings that encourage participants to look at thought itselfânot merely as a tool for practical matters but as a process that may contribute to human suffering. Krishnamurti challenges us to question whether thought lies at the heart of personal and societal conflicts, exploring if and how a deeper awareness can lead to a more authentic understanding of ourselves and others. The Nature of Thought offers a rare opportunity to step back and reflect on the very nature of thought, engaging in inquiry in a quiet and focused setting.

For those seeking a retreat experience where silence replaces the necessity for words, the Silent Retreat from December 6-8 at the Krishnamurti Center offers an opportunity to explore the quiet space within. Over this weekend, participants will gather in shared silence, guided by Mary Kelley, a lifelong student of Krishnamurtiâs teachings. Designed as a retreat in the deepest sense, this program invites participants to step away from external distractions and connect without words, refraining from reading, writing, and speaking to cultivate a deeper sense of presence. The schedule allows for group gatherings while honoring each personâs individual journey inward. Each day begins and ends with sunrise and sunset sittings, providing a space for stillness to unfold, letting the mind slow down, empty itself, and come closer to the essence of oneâs being.

In addition to our in-person and online programs, the Foundation is dedicated to introducing Krishnamurtiâs teachings to younger audiences in ways that resonate with them today. The Immeasurable is an online publication crafted to present these teachings in a fresh and relevant format, reaching those who may be exploring his work for the first time. This platform engages with modern themes and serves as an accessible entry point for young adults and newcomers alike. You can find The Immeasurable on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms.

In a world filled with constant noise and distraction, the Foundation remains dedicated to creating spaces for silence and true inquiry, inspired by Krishnamurtiâs invitation to observe without judgment or prescription. His teachings remind us that genuine understanding doesnât come from expertise or authority but from the quiet awareness of our own minds. We are deeply grateful for the continued support of our donors, whose generosity allows us to maintain these spaces for stillness and reflection. If you feel moved to help preserve and share these teachings, we invite you to view our Annual Appeal and consider contributing to this ongoing effort.

Sincerely,

Jaap Sluijter
Executive Director

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The Nature of Thought
In-person Program
December 9-13

How does thought shape our reality, and might it also be the root cause of our conflicts and challenges?

Participants in this online program will dive into Krishnamurtiâs insights on thoughtâexploring whether our thinking, often valued as humanityâs greatest asset, may also be the source of our deepest issues.

Through guided dialogue, participants are invited to question the role that thought plays in shaping our relationships, our actions, and our world.

Oak Grove School
Age & Stage Meetings

This fall, Oak Grove School published an Age & Stage Booklet that provides students and parents with a snapshot of each developmental stage.

Is Individuality an Illusion?
Online Program
November 18-22

Is our sense of individuality a true reflection of reality, or is it an illusion that shapes how we see ourselves and others?

In this online program, attendees will explore the nature of individuality and question whether the separation we feel between ourselves and others is genuine or constructed.

Through dialogue and inquiry, this session invites participants to reflect on how this perception of separateness impacts our relationships and understanding of life.

Silence
Our Annual Appeal

The KFAâs Annual Appeal is essential to our mission of preserving and sharing Krishnamurtiâs teachings. Your support enables us to offer programs, publications, and resources that bring these teachings to people around the world. With your help, we can extend this important work to a broader audience and to future generations.

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Krishnamurti Foundation of America

PO Box 1560

Ojai, CA 93024

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