A place inspired by J. Krishnamurti

The story of mankind is in you, the vast experience, the deep-rooted fears, anxieties, sorrow, pleasure and all the beliefs that man has accumulated throughout the millenia. You are that book. It is not printed by any publisher; it is not for sale. You can't go to any analyst because his book is the same as yours. And without reading that book carefully, patiently, hesitantly, you will never be able to change the society in which we live, the society that is corrupt, immoral. There is a great deal of poverty, injustice, and so on. Any serious man would be concerned with this things as they are in this word at present, with all the chaos, corruption, war - the greatest crime is the war. In order to bring about a radical change in our society and its structure, one must be able to read this book which is oneself, and the society in which we live is brought about by each one of us, by our parents, granparents, and so on. All human beings have created this society, and when the society is not changed there will be more corruption, more wars and more destruction of the human mind. So, to read this book that is oneself, one must have the art of listening to what the book is saying. To listen implies not to interpret what the book is saying. Just observe it as you would observe a cloud. You can't do anything about the cloud, or the palm leaves swaying in the wind, or the beauty of the sunset; you can't alter it. So one must have the art of listening to what the book is saying. The book is you; it will reveal everything.

(from 'The book of life' published by Krishnamurti Foundation, India)

Krishnamurti discussed, for over 60 years until his death in 1986, love, death, religion, meditation, sorrow; all the fundamental issues of life. Unceasingly he pointed out the real possibility of ending sorrow and all conflict, both in the world around us and within us.

He maintained that there is no separation between the outer and the inner, between thought and the manifestations of thought as society, between the "individual" and humanity as a whole. Thus the resolution of human problems lies in self enquiry, which, as it brings about transformation in the mind, naturally will bring about a transformation in society.

To undertake this inner journey implies observation of oneself; an observation which is balanced, penetrating and deeply honest. One has to be aware of, for example, violence at the moment it arises. Justification, condemnation, analysis, all reactions to it are merely forms of escape, and as such they distort the clarity of observation. Such awareness does not choose its object; it is not limited by what one might want to see, not diverted by any disturbance. To use Krishnamurti's own words, it is a "choiceless awareness".

Krishnamurti's many public talks, his dialogues with various public figures and private individuals have been recorded and widely published as books, tapes, CDs, DVDs; so it is possible to go to the well-spring, the source of "the teachings" directly. Krishnamurti insisted that there are no authorities when it comes to these teachings, no interpretations of them. And that he himself should never be put in the position of authority – he constantly denied the role of "Guru". What is written here is the author's personal view point.

Here at Casa della Pace there are books, cassettes and DVDs in English and Italian. One can meet people with a deep interest in Krishnamurti's work; in self enquiry and in meeting others, especially through dialogue.

From time to time retreats are organized here, where the fundamental issues of life are explored together in a non-dogmatic way. These may take various forms - studying K's words, dialogue, and self reflection in the silence afforded naturally by the place's unique situation in the mountains.

Those seeking a personal retreat, solitude, a break from the turmoil of daily life are also welcome at any time.

For more information about Krishnamurti, and to contact those who have a serious interest in his work, both in Italy and globally, visit: