Education and the Art of Living

A course for young adults at Brockwood Park

Introduction

In a rapidly changing world and an increasingly demanding, competitive and materialistic society it is important that education prepares a you 20120q164u ng person to meet the complex challenges of living. However, education has generally been concerned primarily with an investigation of the outer world and neglected an exploration of our inner world. Even the study of psychology and philosophy often tend to be a study of ideas, theories and beliefs about the mind as if they existed out there. An understanding of oneself and an exploration of the inner world are essential for a radical transformation of society and culture. For without the 'awakening of intelligence' and a 'flowering of goodness' in the individual one has little or no basis for action.

J. Krishnamurti's teachings address themselves to these and other deeper issues. We feel that there is a need to engage in a serious exploration of these issues and their implications in our daily lives, in the light of Krishnamurti's teachings. In Krishnamurti's own words, "I think this teaching covers the whole of human existence. I don't know if you have studied it. It will cover the whole of human life, from the physical to the most inward depth of human beings.There is nothing in it that sets it apart as a cult; as something other. When you look into it, it is a marvellous thing - not because I have said it - as something extraordinarily life-giving. And this life-giving river will never go dry.."

On studying his Teachings, Krishnamurti said that; "They (students) should study the teaching thoroughly, soak in it deeply as you would do if you were to study medicine or Buddhism or any other subject. Studying means to go deeply into the subtleties of the words used and their contents and seeing the truths in them in relation to daily life. They should be able to discuss the teaching with specialists in any branch of knowledge, as scholars do. While they are studying these people should have a spirit of cooperation."

And

"These letters are not meant to be read casually when you have a little time from other things, nor are they to be treated as entertainment. These letters are written seriously and if you care to read them, read them with the intent to study what is being said as you would study a flower by looking at the flower very carefully - its petals, its stem, its colours, its fragrance and its beauty. These letters should be studied in the same manner, not read one morning and forgotten in the rest of the day. One must give time to it, play with it, question it, enquire into it without acceptance, live with it for some time; digest it so that it is yours and not the writer's."

J. Krishnamurti (from the Introduction to "Letters to the Schools")

As a response to these concerns a study programme has been created for young adults preferably between the ages of 21 and 28 based in the U.K., at Brockwood Park School (Hampshire).

Intent of the Programme:

The aim of the programme is to explore Krishnamurti's teachings and its implications in our daily life. In this course you will also learn about education in the light of Krishnamurti's teachings. The course will cover both teaching subject material and student welfare. There will be a practical part to this course, working with students, alongside teachers and other staff. Studying Krishnamurti's teachings means giving ones time and energy for a careful exploration of the issues and questions raised. The programme will provide the necessary forum for such a study and exploration. There will be time set aside for dialogues and discussion; study using reading materials, video and audio tapes. The intention of the programme is to engage in a 'study' of the teachings as outlined above.

Who is the programme for?

This programme is intended for young adults who are serious in exploring Krishnamurti's teachings and its implications in daily life. A willingness to live and work with adolescents is a vital requirement. This programme would be of particular interest to students who are concerned with exploring serious issues and who may want to take a "gap year" in pursuing their other interests and studies.

Requirements

The course requires 18 hours of study and participation per week.  Participants will be expected to come prepared to the sessions and reading material will be assigned throughout the course. Discussions, seminar facilitation, essay writing, quiet time and time for preparation are an essential part of the course.

In order to keep the costs low and to integrate mature students into the daily life of the school where they will be staying, they are required to work 20 hours per week in return for their food and accommodation.