The Study frequently conducts workshops and/or informal study sessions for teachers & parents of the school, monthly meetings for the general public and seminars for groups of individuals deeply interested in the teachings. It also organizes annual gatherings with the aim of bringing together people who have a common interest in understanding life's problems in the light of Krishnamurti's teachings. Aside from all this, residents & visitors to the Centre regularly sit down to have dialogues on deeper questions concerning the psychology of human mind, education, the implications of a religious life and the quest for Truth. One of the Centre's primary functions is to help with the dissemination work of Krishnamurti's teachings. This happens mainly through distribution of Krishnamurti's books, sale of a limited number of pre-recorded audio and video tapes, participation in book fairs & exhibitions, and holding of gatherings and public meetings in various towns, cities of Karnataka. There is also a Translation Cell that is actively involved in translating Krishnamurti's English books into the Kannada language. This Cell also brings out a quarterly Kannada newsletter called "Sahapayana" which has articles, quotes and all the latest news & announcements concerning the BEC and KFI.
The children’s programme at the study centre has been conducted since 1993. The sessions are designed to bring about sensitivity of children to nature, and create space to observe and inquire. As the Valley school is divided in small learning groups of 15-17 children, the children come with their learning groups for half day sessions. The program is designed keeping the age of children’s group under consideration. For younger ones, we have many sense oriented activities, some observations, and sharing. We take up themes such as friendship and with the older ones we may take up theme such as responsibility, freedom, justice, religion, and so on.
The retreat for young people is organized to address some unique challenges young people face as the questions of earning a livelihood is vital at this stage of life. Many young people are in the process of starting new relationships with opposite sex. This involves looking at questions of expectation, commitment, and sometimes breaking of relationships. Some young people have a spiritual inclination and they begin to search for truth through various Gurus, systems, and organizations. After being completely dissatisfied with the different popular approaches they may come across a book of J. Krishnamurti. Then the vital question is how to bring into one’s daily living what JK is pointing out in his talks, dialogues, and writings.
Some of the questions that could be examined during the week:
Staff Meetings: (Half a day session) the staff members of the Valley School come to the centre once every month to study Krishnaji’s Teachings and have small group dialogues and watch a complete video of Krishnaji’s talk or discussion. We take up themes such as thinking together, order, discipline, what is right relationship and action. The teachers can relate with the intention of the school and what is right education.
Interaction with parents: Before the report meetings all parents came to the study in small groups to see a video of K and have interactive session about education. As the school is structured into learning groups and senior horizontal groups, the parents came for report meetings at the end of both the terms. These scheduled meetings take place after the Study Center interaction. During the Study Center interaction themes such as parents expectations, discipline, order, and so on are discussed. These meetings are essential to bring parental achievement oriented expectations in line with the intention of the school. The school teachers relating with the respective group also participate and highlight the general considerations for a learning group and how parents could contribute in the education process.
One of the Study Centre's primary functions is to make the teachings of J. Krishnamurti available to anyone who is interested in exploring a different way of living. This happens mainly through distribution of Krishnamurti's books, sale of a limited number of pre-recorded audio MP3s and DVDs, participation in book fairs & exhibitions, and holding of gatherings and public meetings in various towns, cities of Karnataka.
Thursday Meetings (weekly): Staff and guests meet to see a video and discuss. This is mainly to bring together the staff staying on the campus to consider questions related to the teachings. Study centre guests and visitors can also participate. These meetings are generally one hour long. We watch a video of Krishnaji responding to questions for 20-30 minutes followed with dialogue. This meeting is held at the Study Centre.
Guidelines for the First Sunday Meetings:
Kannada Translation: There is also a Translation Cell that is actively involved in translating Krishnamurti's English books into the Kannada language. This Cell also brings out a quarterly Kannada newsletter called "Sahapayana" which has articles, quotes and all the latest news & announcements concerning the BEC and KFI.
Learning in Sharing: The intent of this interaction is to understand oneself in the various human dimensions. We invite you to explore a wholly different way of inquiring and living. It can enable us to address our deep individual and social concerns. The interaction is to explore our life in the light of ‘The Teachings’ of J. Krishnamurti
Some fundamental questions need to be asked. The answers are not in words, thought or knowledge, but in perception, in finding out for oneself first hand - why do we live in conflict?
J. Krishnamurti’s original works are available in English language in the form of books, audios and DVDs. The Study Centre, Bangalore (KFI) is engaged in translating his books into Kannada language. So far twenty books have been published. We wish to communicate with interested groups and educational institutions in various parts of Karnataka in Kannada language.
Such an interaction can be arranged in your town or organization. We are especially interested to interact with the young people who plan to venture in the field of education
The questions that we would address are:
- What is learning?
- Can we pursue what we love to do?
- What is fear and desire?
As responsible human beings, we need to address the human aspects of sorrow, suffering, death and the consequences of religious dogmas, divisions created by nationalistic attitudes and the consumerist lifestyles that we live.
The programmes could include watching a DVD of J. Krishnamurti followed by a dialogue and an interactive questioning.
We would like to communicate with persons interested in starting small, informal study groups based on J. Krishnamurti’s teachings. An exhibition of books and photographs can also be organized.
The Study Centre (KFI) Bangalore has a Kannada newsletter ‘Sahapayana’ and also a e-newsletter to keep in touch with interested persons.
Please communicate with us at least two months in advance for organizing a programme in your institution or town.
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