Krishnamurti is considered one of the major spiritual figures of the 20th century. His life reads like an adventure tale, and controversy still surrounds his experience and teachings.

The story of Krishnamurti is one mired in the world of the 19th century occult revival that was spurred on by the discovery of spiritualism and flowered in the teachings of the Theosophical Society and related movements.

Its influence is still felt today in that most (if not all) of the ideas found in the “new age” movement originated during this period. The story of this time is fascinating, filled with larger than life characters, great spiritual insights and all too human failures.

In this sympathetic but objective volume, Roland Vernon explores not only the life of Krishnamurti but the story of those around him. He offers us a perceptive journey into the flowering of the occult revival and the Theosophical Society.

It is into this crucible that Krishnamurti is born, trained and ultimately revealed as the world teacher – with very surprising results!

Along the way we meet a range of characters ranging from the eccentric clairvoyant Charles Leadbeater, to Annie Besant, Madame Blavatsky and others. Vernon offers insight into each of their characters, their place in the Theosophical Society, and the history of Western occultism and their role in the Krishnamurti story.

We also learn about a wide range of esoteric organisations and the stranger than fiction story of their members. This is a discerning read. It is not an acolyte’s guide to pure masters. It offers an honest and objective look at a controversial group of individuals and does not shy away from the more painful episodes of their lives.

Vernon avoids offering either a whitewash or a cult expose; he works very hard to be objective while holding the value of spiritual wisdom in high regard.

The twists and turns in Krishnamurti’s life are fascinating and we learn a lot about the development of Hindu and Buddhist thought in the West. Some aspects of his life seem more like a movie than reality. One episode that especially stays in my mind is his rejection of the role as world saviour at the height of the Theosophical movement. While thousands worshipped him as the new Christ, he refused to be swayed by their adoration and not only walked away, but told them all to wake up and find the pathless path beyond hierarchy, masters, cults, societies and churches.

“I maintain that Truth is a pathless land, and you cannot approach it by any path whatsoever, by any religion, by any sect. That is my point of view, and I adhere to that absolutely and unconditionally. Truth, being limitless, unconditioned, unapproachable by any path whatsoever, cannot be organised; nor should any organisation be formed to lead or coerce people along any particular path. If you first understand that, then you will see how impossible it is to organise a belief. A belief is purely an individual matter, and you cannot and must not organise it. If you do, it becomes dead, crystallised; it becomes a creed, a sect, a religion, to be imposed on others.”
(Except from speech by Krishnamurti as he rejected his role as world teacher.)

Especially intriguing is the way Krishnamurti rejected his role as “world guru” within the Theosophical mould and yet became a sort of anti-guru as his life progressed. Many believed, and still believe, he became the world teacher as prophesied but in a way no one expected.

His teachings were direct, confronting, insightful and without gloss or superficialities and brought a refreshing view to esotericism that many believe had gone stale. He continued to teach throughout his life leaving a large body of work and reaching an ever wider audience than when he was within the cocoon of his earlier life.

Star in the East is challenging. It does not allow us off the hook. It offers no easy answers or conclusions about the beliefs and characters that populate its pages.

It is at times painful, but also inspiring. In any event it is not easy to put down. By the time you reach the last pages we come away with a deeper appreciation of the suffering involved in real spiritual growth and the difficult path trod by those seeking wisdom.

While Vernon exposes the all too human face of frailty, he also records events of great light and bliss. In the end the tale of Krishnamurti and the controversies around him remind us of our own spiritual quest – for it is from the pain and suffering of life, from its dark crevices and frightening shadows, that ultimately our greatest growth occurs.

– Reviewed by Robert Burns in New Dawn No. 88