Volume V, Issue 1 of 3

The newsletter of the Krishnamurti Foundation of America and Oak Grove School October 2007

DISCOVERING YOURSELF

Photo credit: Friedrich Grohe

The following is an excerpt from materials by J. Krishnamurti in the
Krishnamurti Archives, circa 1955. ©--Krishnamurti Foundation of America

“The doctor said that he was Being a psychiatrist, you

Become aware of curing others when he was not able understand very well that
your thoughts and to cure himself; the same problems inward peace must come
feelings; don’t pick which confounded his patients through the awareness of
and choose but be confounded him also. He was able self-knowledge, not through suppression
to deal with others and help them but through integration. This awareness
aware of them, how-
but, as for himself, he had no inner produces meditation.
ever trivial and igno-
ble, lofty and serene.
peace. “Meditation and concentration are Inside:
“How easy it is, with words, to two different things. Concentration is
As each thought or help others upon something,
feeling arises, think to cure and but meditation is Letter from the
out, feel out that heal them- the awareness of Executive Director
selves, but the self, the ‘me’ page 2
thought or feeling,
how much and the ‘mine’,
follow it through. In
more difficult with all its implica- Teacher’s Academy
following it through, it is to cure tions and contents, Report on Summer
you will be con- oneself! To which brings un- Intensive for
stantly interrupted heal one- derstanding born Educators
by other thoughts self, to have of right thinking. page 3
Photo credit: Asit Chandmal
and feelings, and so peace within This awareness
oneself, one has to pull down the has a different quality of concentration The Oak Grove
will begin to dis- Preserve
barriers that one has sedulously than the concentration upon something,
cover the lack of true built round oneself, such as pres- page 4
however lofty. The one brings about deep
concentration; in tige, the trappings of wealth and inward integration, the transcending of
following it through, all that it gives, friends and com- the opposites, whereas the other creates Publications
you will become panions, reputation, the brilliancy duality and deeply maintains the cause of page 5
aware that you are of learning. These, I pointed out, conflict.
the doctor had, which he himself “Become aware of your thoughts Priorities for 07-08
judging, condemn-
acknowledged, and these superficial and feelings; don’t pick and choose but pages 6 - 7
ing, and so you will
attributes—the layers of refined ego- be aware of them, however trivial and
be discovering your tism—prevented him from realizing ignoble, lofty and serene. As each thought Life at Oak Grove
bias, your prejudice, the peace for which he was longing. or feeling arises, think out, feel out that School
your secret reserva- “’What you are saying is true, thought or feeling, follow it through. In pages 8 - 10
tions and motives; in but I find those things very difficult to following it through, you will be con-
following it through, put aside, they have become part of stantly interrupted by other thoughts and Calendar of Events
my nature.” feelings, and so will begin to discover the page 11
you are discovering
“Either you go on strengthen- lack of true concentration; in following it
yourself, and this ing that nature, suffering more and through, you will become aware that you
discovery is liberating more, or you must set about weak- are judging, condemning, and so you will
and creative. ening, dissolving it. What you are be discovering your bias, your prejudice,
— J. Krishnamurti creating is a lull in sorrow, an interim your secret reservations and motives; in
between two conflicts, a peace, following it through, you are discovering
or rather a weariness of struggle.
Continued on page 2

www.kfa.org AND www.oakgroveschool.com

2
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
ARE WE WALKING THE TALK?
In August, at the KFA Dialogues at Santa Sabina, San Rafael,
California, and at the inauguration of the Swanwick Retreat Centre,
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, the subtle and significant differences
between meditation, contemplation, awareness, alertness, and living
with a meditative mind were explored in depth. Staff and directors
were joined by others from across the U.S. or Canada to watch
DVDs, listen to audio recordings, and study print talks by Krishnamurti;
and to engage in a living exchange by means of the dialogue process.
All of these activities are at the heart of Foundation’s ongoing
work to preserve and disseminate the teachings and to take respon-
sibility in the workplace for the living dimension of the teachings. Staff
don’t just clock in daily to perform specific tasks, but they participate
more fully as they reflect on their lives and their professional work and
the relationships therein.
Buzzword mongers today ask if KFA is a “learning organization”;
whether we are “walking the talk” and what does it mean on a daily
basis to be operating as a Krishnamurti Foundation? For the staff, most
of whom spend a significant portion of their lives working for the KFA,
to be here is much more than talk. Like the psychiatrist in the quoted
unpublished interview
herein, Foundation
staff are challenged
with the “strenuous
alertness” required
that brings forward the
relationship challenges
of the workplace.
What are the
qualities of taking on
The weekly “Legacy” Meeting for staff and trustees
this challenge at the
KFA? To begin with, once a week on Mondays staff and trustees are
invited to meet together at the end of the working day at Pine Cottage,
where Krishnamurti lived towards the end of his life when he was in
Ojai. We listen to a 20 minute or half-hour tape of a Krishnamurti talk;
and then explore in dialogue whatever emerges. This open space sets
the tone for looking at issues that may run through our work related
activities, such as how to share the teachings with others, the nature of
hierarchy, the tendency to look to the past for explanations and predic-
tions.
In the workplace, staff meet bi-weekly to share information
or ask for help. There is no head of these meetings. A moderator is
chosen on the basis of who is next in line or who wants to chair the
session. There is a free flow of ideas from everyone, which is most
Continued from page 1
yourself, and this discovery is liberating and creative.
“Thus, you are consciously freeing the mind and, into that free and open mind, however limited it may be at the beginning, the
contenĐ
solvedĐ
tion of the highest. All this is a patient and gentle process, needing strenuous alertness, a deep and significant awareness.”
By J. Krishnamurti from materials in the Krishnamurti Archives, circa 1955.
refreshing, and helpful to me as Executive Director. We can do this
because we are still a small group, about 16 or so at any particular
meeting. Collectively we care for the
archives, the retreat, the public events,
fundraising, publishing, IT operations,
collaborative projects with the other K
Foundations, and the ongoing work of
maintaining our facilities. Since every
person’s workload can be shared
at least verbally with everyone else,
expertise flows to where it is needed.
This open framework makes it possible
to respond where compartmentaliza-
tion would fail. Of course, there are
communication challenges, but in
general, I see a movement towards
relationship, towards that living quality of which Krishnamurti spoke
so eloquently.
In working together this way, the movement of relation-
ship naturally extends out. And so our official communications, like
Foundation Focus, have changed in tone over the years. We have
communicated the pressures of trying to fulfill the mission. We are
working out collaborations with the other Foundations, and we
are developing new technologies for dissemination. And we have
leaned into deeper relationship with you, our friends and support-
ers. We have increased the emphasis on names and specific people
within the KFA in order to provide opportunities for our friends to
interact with real live people.
To all I would say, we are exploring. Our adventures in com-
munication will take a new turn in November when we anticipate
launching our new website. Interactivity will be given a much higher
priority. You have asked for, and we will provide, opportunities to
post the names and contact information of dialogue or study groups,
and an experimental forum for discussion. Additionally there will be
more streaming video, audio, and downloadable Krishnamurti text.
If the KFA is to succeed fully in its mission to preserve and
disseminate all of Krishnamurti’s work, it will need strong, open
relationships with friends and supporters far into the future – real
people talking to real people. I hope this issue of Foundation Focus
will stimulate and engage you, communicate our challenges and
opportunities, and keep that living edge that is so important to us all.
Call or write!
— R.E. Mark Lee, Executive Director
Ph 805-646-2726, x.18, email marklee@kfa.org
-
-
©—Krishnamurti Foundation of America
TRANSFORMATION THROUGH INQUIRY
How Does a Revolution In Education Happen?
T
By Paul Herder, Director, Oak Grove Teacher’s Academy
his summer the second Oak Grove Teacher’s Academy was
held on the campus of Oak Grove School. The majority of par-
ticipants came from the U.S. Most traveled from the New England
states and one from Chicago. We had one participant from London,
England, and one staff member from Brockwood Park School. The
group consisted mostly of students of education, several of whom
were in the final year of their undergraduate degree programs.
Each participant shared an enthusiasm and dedication for both
education and Krishnamurti’s teachings. Every participant arrived
having been touched by Krishnamurti’s work, and all shared a passion
about changing society through a revolution in education. Each one
expressed great excitement and appreciation for the opportunity to
spend three weeks together with like-minded educators. I must say,
working with them was a privilege.
The daily format for the Teacher’s Academy is broken down
into morning and afternoon sessions. The morning session is dedi-
cated to exploring the building blocks of Krishnamurti’s approach.
We look at such things as creating a classroom atmosphere, bringing
about order without authority, or the use of rewards and punish-
ments, among many other areas. The participants learn about various
classroom strategies experientially, getting to see the value of these
practices firsthand. The afternoons are dedicated to dialogue ses-
sions, explor-
ing our own
questions, and
Krishnamurti’s
approach to
education
through tapes
and CDs, as
well as hikes
into the sur-
rounding hills
Back in the classroom again!
and canyons.
Participants in the Teacher’s Academy This year we had a number
of special guest presenters that
brought their experience and expertise to the program. Tim Hall,
the Dean of the lower school and Oak Grove’s 4th grade teacher,
brought his insights into issues of classroom management. Adrienne
Hoskins, Dean of the Early Learning Program, shared experiences
and strategies of working with inquiry-based conflict resolution. Frode
Steen, a current KFA Trustee and Assistant Professor in Communica-
tion Studies at UCLA, spoke on the nature of consciousness. Ellen
Hall, the Director of Oak Grove School, discussed involving parents
in the educative process. Also, Mark Lee, the Executive Director of
the KFA, brought his understanding of Krishnamurti’s intent for Oak
Grove and its general educational vision, gleaned from the many
years of Mark’s association with the school’s founder.
For more information on study and retreat programs, visit www.kfa.org
3
The reason for starting the Academy was twofold: first to ensure
that teachers interested in Krishnamurti’s vision of education could
inquire deeply into their conditioning, both as human beings and as
teachers; secondly, to explore the implementation of Krishnamurti’s
radical educational approach. At this moment, there is no other pro-
gram for teacher development in the world that shares this intention.
We hope it won’t be long before
more programs dedicated to this
purpose exist elsewhere.
In my view, the greatest chal-
lenge facing Oak Grove, and all the
Krishnamurti schools worldwide, is at-
tracting and developing the right kind
of educators – ones who are open
and curious about such a radically
personal approach to relationship in
the educational process. I’m confident
that eventually Academy participants
will begin to filter into the K schools.
For those who go elsewhere, there Paul Herder
is no doubt in my mind that they will
have an impact in bringing about a different kind of education.
After spending three weeks working intensively with these dedi-
cated teachers and teachers-to-be, I came away with an odd feeling. I
felt a deep sense of optimism about the future of education. It seemed
odd because I realized that it had been a long time since I felt that way.
— Paul Herder, Director, Oak Grove Teacher’s Academy
To be on the mailing list for information about
next year’s program, please send an email to
paulherder@oakgroveschool.com
“I have a much clearer understanding of and ap-
preciation for K’s approach to education…I have
gained insight into the great importance of seeing
teaching and learning as one and the same.”
— Mary
“These have honestly been some of the most
transformative days of my life. You have created an
incredible program and your sensitivity and wealth
of knowledge about group process, Krishnamurti
and education are inspirational. I feel so lucky for
having the opportunity to come here.”
— Hannah
4
The Oak Grove Under Siege
T H E P E R F E C T S TO R M A T TA C K S T H E O A K G R O V E : T H I RT Y -S E V E N T R E E S S U C C U M B
The historic oak grove, where Krishnamurti spoke to thousands every spring from 1922 to 1985, faces a devastating threat.

Krishnamurti wanted the oak grove where
he often spoke to be preserved as a sanctuary for
anyone who wanted to just sit peacefully in nature.
Even today it seems imbued with his presence.
But the grove is under attack.
As I write, the sound of chain saws resounds
in what is normally one of the most
peaceful spots to be found anywhere.
Close inspection tells the story. The
deadly Ambrosia Bark Beetle has
invaded in massive numbers, bring-
ing with it a fungus, and a rapacious
reproductive cycle that can cause the
death of a mature tree in weeks.
Just above the main grove,
many of the trees on the upper
reaches of the north facing slope are dead or
dying. Small bore holes are not apparent to
the eye, but nodules of sap on the bark show
where the trees have tried to heal themselves.
These efforts might prevail in different times,
but the grove is caught in a perfect storm of
environmental conditions against which these
trees fight a losing battle.
Drought runs in ten-year cycles in these
Cut trees await chipping and hauling.
sleepy valleys of southern California. And we are
Trees dead or dying must all come down.
at the beginning of a new cycle. In addition to
With help, this peaceful spot can still be saved.
shallow layers of top soil that in better times hold
barely enough moisture to meet the trees’ needs,
massive forest fires in the surrounding areas during
the past two years have forced beetle populations
outwards in vast numbers. An oak tree’s protec-
tive mechanism is its sap. When under beetle
attack, the tree pushes sap back out, filling the
bore holes and resealing them against the beetle
invasion. But a drought-weakened tree is like a
person. When a human being suffers from dehydra-
tion, the blood thickens and the heart struggles to
push the equivalent of molasses around the body.
In somewhat the same way, a stressed tree cannot
circulate enough sap to keep the balance; and it
must inevitably succumb.
In our precious oak grove, many of
the trees look like they are weeping sap as
they try to heal themselves. We have no
option but to clear cut 37 trees that are
too far gone, in an effort to create a barrier
around the center of the grove. Crews
are working as fast as possible to complete
this process, hauling away every scrap of
infested timber.
The oak grove can be healed and rejuvenated.
Watering will calm the drought conditions and bring
surviving trees back into balance. The KFA will begin
a program of reforestation that in 30 or 40 years will
see many stately oaks living out healthy life cycles.
In the meantime, we hope the core of the Grove
can remain as the sanctuary Krishnamurti intended
it to be.
Clockwise from top If you are inspired to help, here is what
we need:
$35,000: clear cutting and clean up.
The process runs its course. $10,000: reforestation over three years.
$8,000: annually for maintenance
and irrigation.
Please help us meet these unanticipated ex-
penses; and help preserve the oak grove for those
seeking a quiet place to rest and contemplate. Call
Development Director Jackie Saunders at 805-646-
2726, x. 16 or email giving@kfa.org; or make an
online donation at www.kfa.org/giving

Under the trees it was very quiet; there were so many birds calling, singing, chattering, endlessly
restless. The branches were huge, beautifully A young, vigorous sapling that should shaped, polished, smooth and it was quite startling
survive if watered and monitored.
to see them and they had a sweep and a grace that brought tears to the eyes and made you wonder
at the things of the earth. The earth had nothing more beautiful than the tree and when it died it would still be beautiful ... But now the
tree was Đ
and listen to everything that was alive and dead, outside and inside. You cannot see and listen to the outside without wandering on to the
inside. Really the outside is the inside and the inside is the outside and it is difficult, almost impossible, to separate them. You look at this
magnificent tree and you wonder who is watching whom and presently there is no watcher at all. Everything is so intensely alive and there
is only life and the watcher is as dead as that leaf. There is no dividing line between the tree, the birds and that man sitting in the shade and
the earth that is so abundant.
— Krishnamurti’s Notebook, pp. 279-280
 Publishing 5

CREATING RELATIONSHIPS IN CHINA

At the beginning of September, Krishnamurti Publications went to China
to attend the Beijing International Bookfair for the second time. In 2006,
we made a presentation at Peking University. This year we returned to
the university and showed a talk by Krishnamurti, Ojai 1982 Talk # 1, with
simplified Chinese subtitles. We then took questions from an audience of
mostly students. After the presentation, we had lunch with our friend at
Peking University, Professor Zhang, who helped arrange the presentation,
and about 10 students who were interested in continuing a conversation.
Here are some of the questions raised in the Q & A session and at the
lunch:
• How did Krishnamurti become such a clear person?
• Is there any practice that can help one to be aware in the way that K is
talking about?
• Do the English words “attention” and “observation” mean the same
thing as when K uses
them?
• It seems to me that what K is saying is for a few people. Or is it for everyone?
If it is for a few people, how can that change the world?
• I want to know if K was a usual person, because if he was unusual, then I
probably can’t do what he is talking about.
• Does understanding oneself influence other people?
• Is there a difference between influence and propaganda?
• Isn’t K talking about universal love? Then how can I love just one person?
We started discussions with several publishers on new titles in China, met
with a group that holds bi-weekly dialogues in Beijing, and talked with the people
managing an online Krishnamurti forum in Chinese. Development of a translation
team in China is ongoing. We plan on returning to Beijing in 2008.

UBLICATIONS TO LOOK INTO

To purchase any item from Krishnamurti Publications of America’s extensive

catalogue, go to www.kfa.org and click on “Bookstore.”
6
Can You Help?
Summary of urgent needs
make it happen
in the coming year

world wide Above all Digitization $50,000

We have the equipment. Now we
must begin the work of convert-
ing everything. Two new positions
at $25,000 each.
no authority
Publications $50,000
Book: Krishnamurti on Education, $5K
Book: Choiceless Awareness, $2K
Book: Action, $2K
Book: Individual & Society, $2K
CDs: Ojai 1985, set of 10, $10K
DVDs: Remastering 50 new DVDs, $20K
Translation & Subtitling: $9K

Internet Dissemination $15,000

Prep new free downloadable
materials, $3K
Redesign of website to include
internet forum, $10K
Expansion of e-Newsletter
service, $2K
undistorted
community
Outreach Coast to Coast $29,000
San Francisco Area x 3, $5K
LA Area x 8, $8K

nature
New York Area x 2, $8K
Miami x 1, $4K
Boston x 1, $4K

Preserving The Oak Grove $53,000

Crisis Management (see p. 4), $35K
Reforestation, $10K
Annual Maintenance & Care, $8K

revolutionary
Oak Grove School $80,000
Teacher’s Academy
additional funds, $10K
Help to build financial aid, $20K

thank you
Facilities: seed money for urgent
renovation of two classrooms, $50K

For more information, contact Jackie Saunders, Director of Development, at 805-646-2726, x.16; email giving@kfa.org
 7

In November the KFA will launch its new website. It will be far more interactive, allowing people to
communicate with a frequency and directness we have never had. One of the topics sure to be frequently There must be a
highlighted will be the pressing need to fund digitization of the teachings. sense of urgency.
If the Foundation doesn’t make a leap into the electronic environment now, it puts the teachings at risk Because the house is
of being unknown except by the few. And the greater risk is that the lifetime body of Krishnamurti’s work will burning: there is so
never be digitized to completion; and therefore will never be able to be shared in print, or electronically. much misery, chaos,
We need funds to address the complexities of digitization. Beyond the labor costs of real time transfer, callousness, war,
digital files take error checking, redundant copies, naming conventions, metadata collection, and metadata
indifference, butch-
hierarchy standards. It takes a completely different skill/mind set than analog, and hundreds of museums,
ery that is going on
libraries, nonprofits and corporations are struggling to find the expertise.
in the world; there is
Fortunately, the KFA has been given a tremendous start. The Grace Foundation Corporation has
committed two million dollars worth of state-of-the-art equipment and services for a digital archive, includ-
the dirt, the squalor,
ing system design, installation, and updating over a five year period. Now the infrastructure for digitization is the poverty – all
completely available to us. Because of this incredibly generous gift, we can begin immediately to digitize the this needs a solu-
holdings of not only the KFA, but the Krishnamurti Foundation Trust in England, and the Krishnamurti Founda- tion. And one cannot
tion in India. be indifferent; one
Together, the Foundations have a massive inventory of print and analog materials to digitize. This cannot hide behind
shouldn’t take a hundred years, but twenty-one have already elapsed since Krishnamurti’s death. Pacing is formulas, concepts,
crucial, and that is why building a restricted cash reserve fund for the project is so important. We need more gods, theories – they
committed donors who can help us accomplish the main objective – which is to save the teachings. Then have no meaning any
the secondary point can flow – to distribute them in many formats, in many languages, and fast! Only then more; and I doubt if
will the trustees have come close to fulfilling the task that Krishnamurti charged them with – to make the work they ever had.
available to everyone, everywhere.
Technologies are developing at rocket speed. But donating the funds is a starting point without which
— J. Krishnamurti
the Krishnamurti Foundation is stymied. Thanks to the Grace Foundation, we have the engine, but we need
Madras, 3rd public talk,
fuel to make it run. Digitization is a project of enormous scope and importance. We can work together to
29 Dec 1965
give something incredibly precious to the world that can make a difference to this generation and for genera-
tions to come. I am confident that many will make that commitment – the risk of loss is simply too great.
— Jackie Saunders, Director of Fund Development
Ph 805-646-2726, x.16; Email: giving@kfa.org

The Grace Foundation Corpo-
ration has provided hardware
and design expertise for the
entire digital archive infra-
structure. Their gift includes
care and management of the
system for a period of 5 years.
Derek Dodds wears many
hats. He’s a trustee, head of
Krishnamurti Publications,
head of IT operations, and
holds several key committee
positions. Derek is the proj-
ect manager for digitization.
A graduate of MIT, trustee
Tom Heggestad was instru-
mental in the creation of
early systems of computer-
izing the archives. He now
lends his technical skills to
the massive effort underway.
Ken Andreassen is the principal
worker for digitizing analog
materials. Although a part-time
employee, Ken generously
volunteers far beyond his con-
tracted hours.

The KFA gratefully acknowledges the expertise and participation of trustees and staff from the
Krishnamurti Foundation Trust in England and the Krishnamurti Foundation India.
8

Oak Grove was founded by

Krishnamurti in 1975. Currently,
it serves over 200 students, pre-K
through 12th grade, including a family-
style boarding program for high
school students.

DEFINING INTELLIGENCE: THE OAK GROVE WAY

Intelligence: when the heart and mind are in perfect harmony. What a
wonderful reminder that academic excellence is just one facet of intelligence.
Without balance, learning is less than complete. As we prepare for a new
school year with near record enrollment, an exceptional group of students
from around the world, and a talented, caring staff, I am grateful to be part
of a school that recognizes and nurtures academic excellence—and balance.
Through inquiry, travel, reflection, camping, service, relationships and the
arts, we’re supporting our children as they learn the basics and so much
more. As students walk in balance, watch the intelligence unfold. . .

This year at Oak Grove we will be examining intelligence and what it

means for our students, staff and community. How do we achieve that har-
mony—a balanced education that includes preparation for college, a global
focus, and time spent immersed in nature? How do we interweave the em-
phasis on relationships and reflection and build learning opportunities from
life’s everyday events? By continuing to ask these questions, we can keep our
focus on providing a complete, balanced, harmonious education.

— Ellen Hall, Director, Oak Grove School

OAK GROVE DAY OF READING

On Wednesday, November 14, students aged 3 to 18, some perhaps
still in their pajamas, will bring books, magazines, pillows, blankets and snuggles
to the Student Center to read and be read to for the entire school day—a Day
of Reading.
The Oak Grove Day of Reading is an enrichment fundraiser that cel-
ebrates the pleasures of reading while raising funds for two new Oak Grove
vans that will provide transportation for the school’s outdoor education pro-
grams. Parents, families and friends have the opportunity to “pledge” in support
of an individual student’s participation. Camping encourages children to:
 Experience the natural world and develop a relationship with
the wilderness.
 Learn self sufficiency and confidence in one’s own ability to
sustain life.
 Have first hand experience of a science curriculum, to provide
inspiration for writing and art curricula.
 Learn to live together by planning, cooking and setting up
camp as a group.
Visit www.oakgroveschool.com and look for the Day of Reading link
on the homepage. You can learn more about the event, check out our prog-
ress and make pledges.
 “Y O U A R E T H E W O R L D . . .” 9
PATCH ADAMS TO SPEAK AT OAK GROVE SCHOOL
On Friday, November 2, at 6:30 pm, Patch Adams, M.D., a nationally
known speaker on wellness, laughter, and humor as well as on health care and
health care systems, will speak at Oak Grove School’s Pavilion on the outdoor
stage. He approaches the issues of personal, community, and global health with
“zestful exuberance,” according to Time Magazine. Dr. Adams believes that “the
most revolutionary act one can commit in our world is to be happy”
Dr. Adams explores the relationship between humor and therapy using
his unique blend of knowledge, showmanship and “hands on” teaching tech-
niques. “I interpret my experience in life as being happy, he says, I want, as a
doctor, to say it does matter to your health to be happy. It may be the most
important health factor in your life.”
Adams believes that laughter, joy and creativity are an integral part of the
healing process and therefore true health care must incorporate such life. Doc-
tors and patients in his model relate to each other on the basis of mutual trust,
and patients receive plenty of time from their doctors.
The Oak Grove talk is sponsored by Trudy Huberman-Frohlich and
Motherpod Productions. Admission is free. Call 805-646-8236 or visit
www.oakgroveschool.com

COMPOSER TO DISCUSS UNITY THROUGH MUSIC

AT OAK GROVE SCHOOL

On Wednesday, October 17
from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, Maestro
Edin Dino Zonic will give a talk
and video presentation at Oak
Grove School Student Cen-
ter. He will discuss his unique
history and how it led him to
form an international organiza-
tion, Unity Through Music, that
strives to bridge cultural and political barriers.
Maestro Zonic was born and raised in Sarajevo, in the area of the world
known as Bosnia and Herzegovina. But the Sarajevo of Dino’s youth, once
hailed as one of the world’s most beautiful cities, did not remain so. The rav-
ages of the war terrorized the people and scarred this once proud capital. This
life altering experience inspired Maestro Zonic to dedicate his work to the
service of life-affirming music, music that bridges cultural, national and religious
barriers to bring a universal message of peace and hope to all people.
Named as Cultural Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina he rose from
that war to become the Balkans’ most prominent composer and music direc-
tor, creating deeply emotional, highly kinetic, and powerfully dynamic musical
works. The result of Maestro Zonic’s mission is to inspire fresh awareness of
the spiritual and social opportunities available to human kind by reconnect-
ing every person to their innate human capacity for unity and peace. Maestro
Zonic was recently awarded the Prestigious 2006 Golden Karma International
Award for Philanthropic Works, as further testament to his dedication to pro-
moting global peace. He joins the ranks of honorees including Paul Newman,
Robert Redford, Angelina Jolie, Jane Seymour, Muhammed Ali, and several
other philanthropic leaders. He is the first to be recognized for his efforts in
uniting the world through music.
We hope you can join us on October 17th. Admission is free. Call 805-
646-8236 or visit www.oakgroveschool.com
10 OAK GROVE NEWS
OAK GROVE’S SCHOOL BOARD FOR 2007-08
As Oak Grove continues to strengthen, the formation of a board of directors is an important step. This school year, eleven in-
dividuals will work tirelessly to ensure fiscal sustainability, represent the school in the community, plan for facilities improvements
and expansion, and provide oversight for the implementation of the school’s mission.
Craig Walker, Chair
Craig Walker is currently a trustee of the KFA
and a staff member at Oak Grove School.
He has an extensive background in educa-
tion, having taught at both the secondary and
college levels. Recently, Craig visited several
Krishnamurti schools in India and at Brockwood
Park in England. Craig will serve as the OGSB
chairperson for 2007-08.
Derek Dodds
Derek Dodds joined the KFA in 1999, he is
a KFA Trustee and is the Chair of the Board
Finance Committee. Derek runs Krishnamurti
Publications, and oversees IT operations at KFA
and OGS. Derek has a Master’s in Public Policy
and Administration and he has started several
businesses, combining his entrepreneurial spirit
with his commitment to sustainability.
Ellen Hall
Ellen Hall is delighted to be serving in her fourth
year as Head of Oak Grove School. She came
to the school with a background in nonprofit
management and teaching high school literature.
Ellen authored a book, “High Schools in Crisis,”
in 2004 and served as the mayor of the City of
Ojai.
Tom Heggestad
Tom Heggestad is a KFA trustee, staff member,
and Oak Grove parent. He is currently helping
to build a digital archive of Krishnamurti’s teach-
ings and make it available online. Tom was a staff
member at Brockwood Park, and came to Ojai
in 1989 to help establish the new archives build-
ing and its operations. Tom and Mary moved
back to Ojai in 2006 and enrolled their children
Yulia and Tanya at Oak Grove School.
R.E. Mark Lee
Mark Lee is Executive Director of the
Krishnamurti Foundation of America. Prior to
that he was Director of Krishnamurti Publica-
tions. He was the Founding Director and
Principal of the Oak Grove School from 1975-
1985. Prior to that he was the Principal of the
Rishi Valley Elementary School, A.P. India from
1965-1972.
Joy Maguire-Parsons
Joy has lived in Ojai for the past 15 years,
during which time she has worked exclusively
with nonprofit organizations. Joy is Director
of Admissions at Oak Grove, and has also co-
ordinated many events and fundraisers for the
school, most recently as a Co-Chair for the
Parent Forum and the EarthDay Celebration.
Joy has three children that attend OGS.
Michael Morton
Michael Mortan has 30+ years experience in
philanthropic, grants and research administra-
tion, nonprofit program development, health
care and program management, strategic
planning and program reengineering. He has
taught at the Masters level in psychology and
counseling at several colleges. He is currently
the Executive Director of Vitamin Relief USA.
Carol Smith
Carol Smith has lived in Ojai since 1978 arriv-
ing here after teaching Biology at Brockwood
Park for four years. She is a Registered Nurse
and has been a full-time faculty member at
Ventura College for 28 years. She also is a
City of Ojai councilwoman who is currently
serving as Mayor.
Frode Steen
Frode Steen attended Brockwood Park in
1975-78, and visited our sister schools in
India. He is a certified teacher in Norway,
and taught the science lab at the Oak Grove
in 1990. After getting his PhD in English from
UCSB, he moved to UCLA as Assistant Pro-
fessor in Communication Studies.
Tony Winecoff
When Tony and Nina’s youngest son gradu-
ates in 2009, they will have been Oak Grove
parents for twenty years, having had four
children attend the school. Tony co-owns
BitVision, an IT company serving clients
nationwide. He is a graduate of the University
of South Carolina and a lifetime student of
Buddhist and Shambhala teachings.
Willem Zwart
Willem teaches Social Studies at Oak Grove
School. He has a BA from UCLA and an MA
from CU Boulder. Before joining OGS, he
was Interim Executive Director at the Colora-
do nonprofit The Center of the American West.
Before that he taught at Brockwood Park, the
Krishnamurti school in England.
 11
Calendar of Events Can the mind be aware of itself
without the watcher?
If the whole of life
Krishnamurti in the 21st Century is a movement,
Beverly Hills, California a flux, then how
Sunday, October 21, 2007 - 2:00 to 4:30 pm can it be watched
This is a free presentation at the Beverly Hills Public Library. The event includes unless there is a
a half-hour film of a Krishnamurti talk, and a complimentary publication. To get watcher? Now,
directions and reserve your place online, go to www.kfa.org (click on “Introduc- we are condi-
tory Programs”) or call 805-646-27826, x.10. tioned to believe,
and we feel we
know, that there
The Krishnamurti Foundation comes to New York is a watcher as
Sunday, October 28, 2007 - 2:30 to 5:00 pm well as a move-
at Tibet House, 22 W. 15th St., NYC ment, a process,
This is a free presentation at Tibet House. KFA’s Executive Director Mark Lee will so we think we
give a presentation that includes a half-hour film of a Krishnamurti talk, and a com- are separate from
plimentary publication. Due to space limitations, early registration is advised. To get the process. To
directions and reserve your place online, go to www.kfa.org (click on “Introductory most of us there is the thinker and the thought,
Programs”) or call 805-646-27826, x10. the experiencer and the experience. For us that is
so; we accept it as a matter of fact. But is it so? Is
there a thinker, an observer, a watcher apart from
Unlocking Change In The World thought, apart from thinking, apart from experience.
A fundraiser for the KFA in Los Angeles Is there a thinker, a centre, without thought? If you
Sunday, November 11, 2007 - 11:30 am to 12:30 pm remove thought, is there a centre? If you have no
Brunch at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Beverly Hills thought at all, no struggle, no urge to acquire, no
If you’re in the Los Angeles area and would like to be a guest at a fundraiser for effort to become something, is there a centre? Or
the KFA, or even host a table, please contact Rowan Frederick at 805-646-2726, is the centre created by thought, which feels itself
x.14, or email her at rowan@kfa.org. To find out more, go to www.kfa.org. to be insecure, impermanent, in a state of flux?
If you observe, you will find that it is the thought
process that has created the centre, which is still
Winter Dialogue and Retreat within the field of thinking. And is it possible—this is
February 15 - 18, 2008 the point—to watch, to be aware of this process,
The beautiful campus of Oak Grove School in Ojai will provide the venue for the without the watcher? Can the mind, which is the
weekend Dialogue and Retreat. The event begins Friday, February 15th, at 6:30 pm process, be aware of itself?
with a buffet dinner and ends Monday, February 18thth, at 3:00 pm. Special rates — J. Krishnamurti
for seniors and students. Fees for the Dialogues include vegetarian meals, dialogues, From “The Collected Works,” Vol. X - 14
video showings and a complimentary book or tape of Krishnamurti’s teachings. For To subscribe to the Daily Quote mailing list, send an
information, call Diane White at 805-646-2726, x.20; or email dialogue@kfa.org. email to dailyquote-join@jkrishnamurti.org

Come spend a few days at the Krishnamurti Retreat

The Krishnamurti Retreat makes wonderful use of the old California bungalow where Krishnamurti often
stayed. It has four ensuite bedrooms, some with sitting rooms, a lounge, beautiful gardens; and the Library
and Archives building is just a two-minute walk through the trees. Rates are reasonable, with discounts for
seniors and students. For more information, visit www.kfa.org or call the Retreat at 805-646-4773.

Did you know . . . ?

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P.O. Box 1560

Ojai, CA 93024
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OAK GROVE SCHOOL

is accredited by the California Association of
Independent Schools (CAIS) and the Western
Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
For information on admissions,
contact Joy Maguire-Parsons at:
220 W. Lomita Avenue, Ojai, CA 93023
Ph 805-646-8236, Ext. 109 Fx 805-646-6509
Email: enroll@oakgroveschool.com
Visit our website at www.oakgroveschool.com

2008 Calendar
TIMELESS CHANGE
KFA’s new calendar for 2008 is here, full of beautiful
photographs by Friedrich Grohe and quotations from
the works of Krishnamurti. Order yours now, and
perhaps one for a friend. Or maybe you know someone
for whom a Krishnamurti book would be a gift in more
than the usual sense of the word. Try “Freedom from
the Known,” or “Can Humanity Change?” Sales of the
calendar benefit the Krishnamurti Foundation.

To browse the complete catalog of publications, visit WWW.KFA.ORG and click

on “bookstore.” For free streaming audio and video, downloadable text, or to
subscribe to the Daily Quote service, go to WWW.JKRISHNAMURTI.ORG
Telephone orders: 805-646-2726, X. 17

Krishnamurti Foundation of America • P.O. Box 1560 • Ojai, CA 93024 • tel 805-646-2726 • web www.kfa.org