At the Feet of the Master

This book, attributed to Jiddu Krishnamurti, authored under the name Alcyone when he was only fourteen years old, was closely related to the so called World Teacher Project, a contemporary messianic endeavor launched by the Theosophical Society. Considered a spiritual classic, it was seen as being closely related to Krishnamurti's expected mission, an early indication of his spiritual and worldly destiny. The book explains the four important requirements for disciples on the spiritual path-Discrimination, Desirelessness, Good conduct, and Love.

Jiddu Krishnamurti was an Indian philosopher, public speaker and writer. In his early life, he was groomed to be the new World Teacher by the, but later he rejected this mantle and withdrew from the Society. Subject matter of his talks included psychological revolution, the nature of mind,. inquiry, human relationships, and bringing about radical change in society. Many of his talks and discussions were published as transcripts; among them The First and Last Freedom, and The Only Revolution, and also several diaries were published, including Krishnamurti's Notebook.

THE privilege is given to me, as an elder, to pen a word of introduction to this little book, the first written by a younger Brother, young in body verily, but not in Soul. The teachings contained in it were given to him by his Master in preparing him for Initiation, and were written down by him from memory-slowly and labori ously, for his English last year was far less fluent than it is now. The greater part is a re production of the Master's own words; that which is not such a verbal reproduction is the Master's thought clothed in His pupil's words. Two omitted sentences were supplied by the Master. In two other cases an omitted word has been added. Beyond this, it is entirely Krishnaji's own, his first gift to the world.
May it help others as the spoken teachings helped him-such is the hope with which he gives it. But the teaching can be fruitful only if it is LIVED, as he has lived it, since it fell from his Master's lips. If the example be followed as well as the precept, then for the reader, as for the writer, shall the great Portal swing open, and his feet be set on the Path.

THESE are not my words; they are the words of the Master who taught me. Without Him I could have done nothing, but through His help I have set my feet upon the Path. You also desire to enter the same Path, so the words which He spoke to me will help you also, if you will obey them. It is not enough to say that they are true and beautiful; a man who wishes to succeed must do exactly what is said. To look at food and say that it is good will not satisfy a starving man; he must put forth his hand and eat. So to hear the Master's words is not enough; you must do what He says, at tending to every word, taking every hint. If a hint is not taken, if a word is missed, it is lost forever; for He does not speak twice.