Jiddu Krishnamurti: World Teacher of Global Citizenship
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Abstract
This article investigates the humanistic relevance of the idea of “global citizenship” by examining some critically neglected metaphysical ideas and philosophical writings in the context of the late Covid19 pandemic era. Recent research has noted degrees of “post pandemic stress” terming the pandemic a “trauma” with recursive effects and global citizenship has been simultaneously encouraged to unite the disparate parts of society.
The research appraises the personal writings of the philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti (1895-1986) aimed at a young readership, namely, Happy is the One Who is Nothing, Letters to a Young Friend (1948-1960) and the diary entries published in Krishnamurti’s Notebook (1961-1962). Despite their subjectivity, these writings reveal the philosopher’s universal message that a “world teacher” is not necessary for peace and self-realisation and, it will be argued, “global citizenship.”
It is suggested that Krishnamurti’s conceits, are useful material for educators and humanity at large in critiquing “global citizenship” in the traumatic post-pandemic era. The analysis contextualises Krishnamurti’s establishment as a global philosopher by utilising a biographical approach and historical contextualisation. A critical and literary appraisal of his seminal works is presented in this article. Then, a thematic analysis between these works and the message of “global citizenship” is presented.
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