Monday, 19 October 2020 | Jaskiran Chopra | Dehradun
The philosophy and way of life which noted Doon-based author Roshen Dalal’s recent book on J Krishnamurti talks about makes so much more sense in these days when the world is facing unprecedented challenges and troubles.
Technology has advanced in unforeseen ways- one can travel across the world within hours and communicate in an instant. Yet human beings are still in conflict with one another and with the natural world. The over exploitation of resources has brought the world to the brink of disaster. Can things be different? The book makes us think- is there a different way of living? Dalal has presented in her work a balanced view of the various aspects of Krishnamurti, the person, while also recognising his great contribution to the world. His philosophy and a historical view of his life have been presented by Dalal, who is a well-known historian. The idea of self-knowledge as the key to change is brought out in this beautifully written biography titled J Krishnamurti: A Life of Compassion Beyond Boundaries.
Jiddu Krishnamurti [1895-1986], had pointed out a way that still has relevance. Though he died more than three decades ago, his thoughts and ideas are still alive. He is known across the world as a philosopher who touched the essence of life and sought to bring about a peaceful, harmonious way of living, through a transformation of human consciousness. He travelled incessantly, engaging with people in North and South America, Europe, India, Sri Lanka, Australia and New Zealand. He spoke to large audiences and held discussions in small groups. He spoke in English, but his works have been translated into numerous languages. Born on 11-12th May 1895 at Madanapalle, a small town in present Andhra Pradesh, his philosophy is universal, transcending distinctions of East and West.
To him, every human being, no matter where they live or to which religion they belong, is essentially the same. Each person has the same range of feelings and emotions, each person is trapped by his/her own thinking and desires. Each person struggles to get something out of life, yet dies unfulfilled. Bound by tradition and ideas of belonging, to a family, nation, or religion, most people cannot transcend their limited world, leading to divisions in society, these in turn leading to conflict, hatred and war. Was there another way, could there be a different type of human being, who together could create a world without conflict, a world of love, friendship and peace, transcending boundaries, of nation, nationality, religion or caste? Krishnamurti had a vision of such a world, which would emerge not through a social revolution, not through any ‘ism’ but through oneself. Says Dalal, “I feel Krishnamurti was a messenger of truth, urging people to change their consciousness and providing a new way to do so.”
Roshen Dalal is the author of the bestselling two-volume Puffin History of India and The Puffin History of the World. Her other books include The Religions of India: A Concise Guide to Nine Major Faiths, Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide and India at 70: Snapshots Since Independence.
Her book India at 70, Snapshots Since Independence was released on August 15, 2017. The book is a well-researched account of the nation’s evolution over the past seven decades. It captures snippets of each of these 70 years through important events in various areas like politics, culture, science, sports, literature, music and television industry. Against India’s political backdrop, it provides glimpses of the country’s vast and rich culture, its diversity and many languages, its eminent personalities and its achievements in all spheres.
In literature, the book provides accounts of various authors, poets, and works in many of the twenty-two languages recognised in the Constitution. In cinema, select actors, film and directors have been chosen out of hundreds, again across various languages. Then there are details of television and tele-serials, artists, musicians, dancers, and types of art, music and dance. The book also indicates how tradition is gradually giving way to new forms of culture, and showcases some of the latest trends.
Roshen Dalal was born in Mussoorie, and lived in various places in India, including Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi, before settling in Dehradun, where she now resides along with several rescued cats and a dog. She has an MA and a PhD in ancient Indian history from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. She has taught both at school and university level, and has been involved in research in the fields of history, religion, philosophy and education.
