Krishnamurti Group to Host Gathering

Participants from around the world will again convene under oak trees in Ojai this weekend for the annual gathering of the Krishnamurti Foundation of America.

The free event, open to all, will be held Saturday and Sunday on the grounds of Oak Grove School, which Jiddu Krishnamurti founded in Ojai. Krishnamurti regularly sat under an oak tree, clad in white, and led discussions and posed philosophical questions at the yearly convocation until his death in 1986 at the age of 90.

Mark Lee of the foundation said this gathering is especially for people unfamiliar with, but interested in, the work of the world-renowned philosopher. Krishnamurti spent his lifetime writing and speaking about the human search for truth and goodness, Lee said.

“The theme for this year’s gathering, ‘Can You Live That Way?’ is meant to bring together people seriously concerned with the disorder of the world,” Lee said. “What can we, as individuals, do to help shape the new millennium?”

Lee added that this year’s assembly will offer activities to help people understand Krishnamurti’s teachings, at the core of which was his belief that people cannot know the world unless they know themselves and become free of external and internal attachments.

First-time showings of rare film and videos of Krishnamurti dialogues and other archival material will be presented. Small-group dialogues will allow participants to explore issues of living together.

Events are planned all day Saturday and Sunday, beginning with a video to be shown under the trees at 8:30 a.m. both days. Picnic lunches will be available. Proceeds will benefit Oak Grove School.

The school is at 210 W. Lomita Ave. For more information, call the Krishnamurti Foundation of America at 646-2726.