The First and Last Freedom

Jiddu Krishnamurthi

A central theme is self-awareness -- realizing the fact that each person is a sum total of years of conditioning and to be conscious of the conditioned responses. K defines creativity as a state of mind free from the conditioned resonses, where each response is spontaneous. Yet another focus is the idea we are continually conditioned to fear and be afraid, and it is possible to be free of it.

I read the book in a really non-linear fashion, skipping across chapters. The book contains an appendix of question-answer type discussions that K has had with various people, where he discusses various issues ranging from relationships to enlightenment to pure action.

I found the book interesting, and gained something for it. A good book to read for someone interested in such topics.