Resident Scholar Program

The Art of Living Inquiry

Time/Date:
Now Accepting Applications for 2023
Location:
Ojai, CA at The Krishnamurti Center
Duration:
6 months to 1 year
Participants limit
Maximum 4 participants

The Intention

In a rapidly changing world and an increasingly demanding, competitive and materialistic society, an understanding of oneself and an exploration of the inner world are essential for a radical transformation of society and culture. The program is based on the understanding that without, as Krishnamurti stated, the “awakening of intelligence” and a “flowering of goodness” in the individual, one has little or no basis for action.

Program Description

Since 2012, we have welcomed individuals who have felt called to reflect deeply upon the teachings of J. Krishnamurti, from high school graduates and those facing life transitions, with homes as far away as China or as close as the neighboring town. Regardless of their cultural background, familial circumstances, or place of origin, all of them have had one thing in common – a true desire to question the life they’ve come to know as their own.

Residential scholars live on campus and find ample opportunity for self-inquiry and exploration of interpersonal and group dynamics. They participate in several retreat programs hosted by the KFA, including Yoga and Inquiry and the In-Depth Study Programs. The opportunity to explore one’s thoughts and feelings through written reflection is another integral part of the program.

This program is a unique opportunity in that it is a living and evolving community. The vitality of the program, and its momentum throughout the year, rely on the sincerity, care, and responsibility of each of the participants as they live and work together. The intention of the program is above all, to allow for open exploration of all aspects of one’s life, with the ongoing potential of gaining insight into the nature of life, the world, and the activity of human relationships.

Work / Study / Activities

Work
In exchange for room and board, residential scholars will support various aspects of the center including – online and in-person book sales, retreat breakfast, landscaping and maintenance, data entry – as well as cooking lunches for themselves and the staff.

Study
Studying Krishnamurti’s teachings means giving one’s time and energy to a careful exploration of the issues and questions raised. The program will provide the necessary forum for such study and exploration. Time is available for dialogue and discussion, and for study using text, video and audio recordings.

Activities
Throughout the year, there are several educational programs designed exclusively for residential scholars. The approach to Krishnamurti’s work differs from program to program and depends on the background of the facilitator. There are dialogue-intensive programs, which focus on collective inquiry-based engagements within the residential scholar’s community. And there are programs that are organized with a more academic style, which offer a comparative study of K’s teachings with various other realms of thought and/or research. Each residential scholar is asked to participate in these programs, as well as the weekend retreats offered to the public on an ongoing basis.

What to Expect

Access to the Krishnamurti Library and quiet room
Opportunities for shared inquiry with staff and retreat guests
Living on a lovely rural campus among orange and olive trees and an herb garden
Several hiking trails within easy walking/driving distance
Single or shared living space

Residential scholars receive simple accommodations, food, and a small stipend – $200/month before taxes for those eligible to work in the U.S. International applicants with proper visas are still encouraged to apply. We are unfortunately not able to sponsor people through any work visa/permit process.

This program tends to challenge people in various areas, which may not always be comfortable but is generally illuminating. One of the intents of the program is to provide the space to explore as these moments arise.

Now Accepting Applications for 2023

Please contact us for an application and more information.

Fill out my online form.

Who is this for?

The program is intended for those with a strong interest in Krishnamurti’s teachings.

Testimonials

Just another beautiful day for a residential student. You can say the fall is full swing, with cold nights and crisp mornings. The cozy bed and heated room sometimes create obstacles from getting up, but not today. Woke up before the alarm went off. Just one more little stretch, and the plan for the day is starting to take shape in my head. Ready for yoga, breakfast, maintenence, a little bit of solitude, aliveness, and other things that might swing my way.

Look afresh without baggage of past memories, knowledge and conditionings. How would I look at the tree and smell its perfume? Beyond the self lies the silence.

Mukta P.

As I come to the end of my time living at the home of Krishnamurti, I am renewed and strengthened by the opportunity I have been gifted with; with the experiences I have had, the friendships I have found, and what I have discovered about life and will continue to discover. And it is a testament to that great man, that thirty years after his death there is still much life and passion in those who have learned from his life and teachings.

Seth B.

The student program at the KFA allowed me the space and time to get to know myself. And not only was I allowed the space, but I was also provided with the structure. The program offered me the tools and support that I needed to explore myself without the imposition of belief systems or the restriction of my unique self-expression. My experience played an essential role not only in my growth as an adult but also in my journey through self-awareness as consciousness itself.

Sage S.

F.A.Q.

Can my partner join me?

This program is intended to set aside time for individual self-inquiry. Therefore, we do not accept couples into this program.

Are pets allowed?

We are located in an area where wildlife is plentiful and we want to preserve this natural space for the animals that inhabit the land. Pets are not allowed.

I am in school/have a job. Can I still join the program?

The intention of the program is to set aside space and time in one’s life for self-reflection and inquiry. Outside commitments can be a distraction from the program. For this reason, we ask that you make space in your life where you are free of any additional obligations (work or school).

Public transportation

The center is located approximately 5 miles from downtown Ojai. Unfortunately, there is no public transportation to the center. Transportation can be arranged for arrival and departure from the program.

Dietary preferences and restrictions

The Krishnamurti Center is a vegetarian campus. Please express dietary needs or concerns on your application.

About the Center

The Krishnamurti Center LLC is part of the Krishnamurti Foundation of America Trust (KFA). The KFA is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to disseminate and preserve the teachings of J.Krishnamurti and run schools and centers based upon these teachings. More info on the KFA can be found at www.kfa.org.

The Krishnamurti Center LLC is the operational arm of the KFA. The Center runs the retreat, library, orchard, development office, programs, archives, and publications.