A Krishnamurti Centre in New Zealand?

The following is an article by Clive Elwell. It is a personal view, and does not purport to represent the ideas of KANZ or anyone else. Any feedback is very welcome. To:  

A New Zealand Krishnamurti Centre – some reflections 

I know there has been an interest in creating a Krishnamurti Centre of some sort in NZ for many years. I believe the interest has waxed and waned, and shifted from person to person. It may have ended up in the "too hard" file, or been felt that "it will happen when the time is right", "it must grow organically", etc. I feel concerned to enquire if the time is now right; if the soil is now ready for organic growth to begin. 

Without presenting much in the way of argument, it seems to me that a physical centre would be a valuable, significant thing, simply because Krishnamurti's words have immense relevance to the vast problems facing the world, both globally and personally. If a Centre can help people to come into direct contact with Krishnamurti's words, and with themselves, such a venture must be worth while. 

There are many "reforms" of society being undertaken, but how can they succeed if they do not recognise the root cause of the human problem – human consciousness? That is where the crisis is, and that is where the "teachings" of Krishnamurti point. And so I personally do not know any other action in New Zealand that could have greater significance than the creation of a Centre from which the teachings can be made available for study, and where people could go to look at themselves without distraction. 

I have been thinking over what form such a Centre might take, what functions it might have. Several occur to me. And one of them would be a place for retreat. 

A Place for Retreat 

A place for putting aside all the everyday concerns of one's personal, daily life, and looking at more fundamental issues of living. 

This seems to imply a quiet place, free of distractions. And also a place rich in the beauty of nature. 

As a retreat, this function of the Centre may be of interest to those who are concerned with "religious enquiry", but are not especially focussed on Krishnamurti's teachings. It could be advertised as such, but I do not have in mind some eclectic place, catering for all philosophies of life.  

A Study Centre for Krishnamurti's Teachings 

As such, a large collection of books, journals, video tapes, audio tapes, CDs could be gathered together there. Also, a copy of the CD ROM of the collected teachings. In general, a larger, more varied selection of Krishnamurti's teachings could be put together, more economically than individuals purchasing these things, and they would be open to all. As well as making the teachings available to those visiting the Centre, it could function as a lending library of books and tapes, centralising work which is done at the moment by separate individuals.

Also the Centre could have archival importance. 

As a Krishnamurti study Centre, it could be advertised world wide – especially through the internet. Being a link in the global Krishnamurti network, it would probably attract travellers from overseas 

A Focus 

In addition to the obvious functions mentioned above, I feel there would be benefits not so readily comprehended. It would be a focus, in several different meanings of that word. 

In a material way it might act as a focus for financial donations/legacies to further the work of the Centre or of KANZ. There would certainly be an ongoing need for funds. Funding is always made easier if there is funding in place to some degree already and an anticipated cash flow. It would be something concrete; so that people could see, or specify, what their donations would bring about – from tree planting to buying books, from erecting a building to providing a piece of furniture, etc 

It may attract people who have recently been exposed to Krishnamurti's words, and could solidify their interest. In this respect it might have a special significance for young people, an alternative to their deadening education, a focus for their energy and natural spirit of enquiry.

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Looking back at what I have written, this analysis doesn't seem to touch upon the real significance a Centre could have. It is not enough merely to supply books and tapes for study; it needs to be a place that is living, vibrant, dynamic. I feel it could be a Centre in the real meaning of that word, a hub, the middle of things, a centre of sanity in an insane world, a centre for renewal, both personally and for society. A focus for dialogue and for real learning, such as individuals have tried to create in other parts of the world. A truly religious place. 

"This is a place for learning,... the art of questioning, the art of exploring.
It is a place which must demand the awakening of that intelligence which comes with compassion and love" 

So, I wonder if there are other people who share my concern to investigate the possibility of creating such a Centre in New Zealand. I would certainly like to hear the views of others on this important issue, and I would welcome sustained dialogue. However, I am concerned here not with creating an ideal place in the thought world, but looking at how a Centre can actually be brought about.

 November 2002 

"The first stone we lay must be religious"

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