KRISHNAMURTI FOUNDATION OF AMERICA2016- 17 ANNUAL REPORT

2016- 17 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 3

Jacob Sluijter | Executive Director Jodi Grass | Head, Oak Grove School

EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT TEAM

Melissa Navarro | melissa@kfa.org Jodi Grass | jodigrass@oakgroveschool.org Holly Johnson | holly@kfa.org

DEVELOPMENT CONTACTS

Vishwanath Alluri Joseph Gaudino Rama Mohan Kilaru John Marchi Edmund McCurtain Russ Wesp

Toni Aspin Robert “BD” Dautch Karen Hesli Mark Lee Nick Oatway Rabindra Singh | Secretary/Chair Frode Steen Leone Webster

ADVISORY BOARD BOARD OF TRUSTEES

The Krishamurti Foundation of America shall advance public understanding and realization of human potential by means of the study of the teachings of J. Krishnamurti, to be accomplished by:

• Promoting and assisting in the dissemination of said teachings to members of the general public throughout the world.

• Establishing, organizing and holding classes, lectures, courses, schools, seminars and study groups for the exploration of such teachings.

• Publishing and associating in the publication of papers, periodicals,

pamphlets, books, tape recordings and recordings of all other kinds promulgating said teachings.

• Providing facilities for the study of said teachings.

• Other charitable, scientific or educational purposes that meet the requirements for exemption provided by Section 214 of the Revenue and Taxation Code.

DEAR FRIENDS,

We at the KFA, together with you, are the caretakers of Krishnamurti’s teachings. These insights are for us to share with the world in innovative, inspiring and transformational ways. With your help, we have been able to explore new ways to make them available to anyone, rich or poor, whatever their station in life, and wherever they are in the world. There are no tools to measure the impact of the teachings; together we are part of something immeasurable that has, and will continue, to impact lives.Thank you for your ongoing support and collaboration.

In this annual report we highlight two important areas of the foundation’s activities: outreach to new audiences and opportunities for live engagement with the teachings at our center in Ojai.

The spirit of inquiry and the intention to create opportunities for reflection and inner exploration extends to all areas of the foundation’s work including our new online magazine for young adults entitled The Immeasurable. The new website offers unique articles and short videos intended to introduce the teachings to new audiences.

While our online channels may support more individual exploration, the Krishnamurti Educational Center in Ojai California offers opportunities for live engagement with the teachings. Our intention for the Krishnamurti Center is to preserve an atmosphere of reflection, and to create a space where individuals from all over the world may come to learn about themselves using the teachings as a basis for inquiry. Weekly and monthly dialogues, speaker panels, study programs, and conferences are offered throughout the year, all within a context of cooperative, shared inquiry into the fundamental questions of human life.

We hope you will enjoy this glimpse into the current work of the foundation of which you play an integral part.

Jacob Sluijter Executive Director

T H E M I S S I O N

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Our online magazine entitled The Immeasurable is now one year old. The intention is to communicate the teachings to younger audiences, focusing on themes relevant to our world and lives today, without drawing attention to the person Krishnamurti or the foundations. It functions as an entry point to the infinite depth of the teachings. The modern format of the content aims to speak to the current generation, so they may begin their own journey of discovery. We post articles with excerpts of Krishnamurti’s work next to writings of others in the fields of philosophy, education, psychology, etc. This helps illustrate how Krishnamurti approaches these topics, often offering a very different angle which the general public rarely reflects upon. We also create short videos based on excerpts from Krishnamurti’s public talks which have been very well received on social media – the video entitled Meditation has reached 600,000 views within one year.

Please visit theimmeasurable.org for more information.

R E A C H I N G N E W AU D I E N C E S

SCREENSHOTS FROM THE IMMEASURABLE V IDEOS

TOP: ACTUALLY, WE HAVE NO LOVE

MIDDLE: WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN IN THE FUTURE?

LEFT: THE OBSERVER IS THE OBSERVED

RIGHT: WHAT IS MEDITATION?

THEIMMEASURABLE.ORG

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Many years ago, Deborah and I became interested in the possibility of a total revolution of mind. After working directly with Native American shamans for several years, we became increasingly interested in finding a direct approach to bringing about a radical shift of consciousness that did not depend on any form of tradition, belief, ceremony, prayer, method or ritual.

When we read an interview with Krishnamurti in East West Journal titled “I Don’t Believe in Anything”, it hit us like a bolt of lightening. This was the radical message we had been looking for. Krishnamurti’s laser sharp intelligence emerged with the force of freshness out of that article, suggesting the potential for our perceiving a dimension of vast energy, an opening to an entirely different consciousness. K made it clear that everyone is free to ‘see’ whatever is arising, the ‘what is’, inwardly or outwardly with crystalline clarity, free to meet life as an expression of total aliveness.

Thirteen years ago, we were invited to create and facilitate a program that could engage

serious-minded people to explore together K’s teachings. This was an exciting opportunity for us to bring K’s profound message alive, to work with people for 8-days to inquire into the possibility of ‘seeing’ something new beyond our conditioned response to life. We happily moved to Ojai in order to begin these programs.

The impact of working with participants began to ripen our understanding of the depth to which ‘listening’ and ‘seeing’ can be the open door to a new perceptual life. We were profoundly moved by our participants’ willingness to look deeply as we discovered together the nature and operation of thought and its structures, to ‘see’ resistance and conflict as they arise, and how we escape from presence into ‘psychological time’.

Our own perception has changed since we began to facilitate these programs. For example, we no longer have a sense that the ‘me-consciousness’ is a problem that must be solved. Since thought cannot touch the energetic essence of being alive and is always mirroring

the past, we discovered that any attempt to bring about a change is a postponement, yet another time-based engagement of consciousness in problem solving.

OUR EMPHASIS, RATHER, IS TO ‘SEE’ DIRECTLY THAT CONSCIOUSNESS IS LIMITED AND CANNOT SOLVE ITS OWN DILEMMA. IN ‘SEEING’ THAT, THE THRUST AND MOMENTUM OF CONSCIOUSNESS CAN POTENTIALLY BEGIN TO DISSOLVE.

We feel blessed that many people who attend our Explorations into Freedom Intensives have told us that as a direct result of the work we do together, their lives have changed in many different ways including a new sense of freedom, meeting life with less anxiety and stress.

This living explorative journey continues to open itself to new dimensions of perception for us. We will always be grateful to K for the gift of his insights and his invitation to inquire into the mystery of being alive with its boundless love and beauty.

Several week-long intensives such as those facilitated by Richard and Deborah are offered at the Krishnamurti Center in Ojai throughout the year.

Please visit kfa.org/calendar for upcoming program dates and more information.

L I V E E N G A G E M E N T W I T H T H E T E A C H I N G S

RICHARD WAXBERG & DEBORAH KERNER

2016- 17 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 9

Am I different from the content of my consciousness? If I am different from the thing I observe in myself, then there is a division between ‘me’ and the thing which I enquire into...We are conditioned to the conflict of this division. We are conditioned to either suppress it, or analyze it or run away from it. We are educated to accept this division. But when one looks into it very, very deeply, one sees the observer is the observed, therefore, you eliminate all conflict.

– J. Krishnamurti

IS THE OBSERVEDTHE OBSERVER

Weekend retreats at the Krishnamurti Center allow small groups to gather with others that are keen to look at the internal process; to explore life questions together in an affectionate and relaxed atmosphere. In these retreats there is a possibility of discovering something while relating with others - about one’s judgments, convictions, the process of image making... Each retreat is centered around one theme as the starting point for exploration, and various themes are selected throughout the year.

For more information: kfa.org/events

W E E K E N D R E T R E ATS

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F I N A N C I A L R E P O RT 2 0 1 6 – 1 7

FINANCIAL NOTES

AssetsCash $1,654,633Receivables, Net $2,493,388Inventory $18,842Prepaid Expenses $519,726Investments $8,191,578Property and Equipment, Net $4,222,149Other $59,600

Total Assets $17,159,916

LiabilitiesAccounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities $633,972Deferred Revenue $3,550,015

Total Liabilities $4,183,987

Net AssetsUnrestricted $10,592,669Temporarily Restricted $1,768,408Permanently Restricted $614,852

Total Net Assets $12,975,929

Total Liabilities and Net Assets $17,159,916

Krishnamurti Foundation of America

Statement of Financial PositionAudited financials for fiscal year ending June 30, 2017

Krishnamurti Educational Center (Pepper Tree Retreat, Study Center, Intern Program), Archives, Publications, Sales & Oak Grove School

KRISHNAMURTI FOUNDATION OF AMERICA

Krishnamurti Educational Center (Pepper Tree Retreat, Study Center, Residential Student Program), Archives, Publications, Sales & Oak Grove School

Audited financials for fiscal year ending June 30, 2017

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

On the following pages you will find audited financial statements for the organization as a whole as well as separate details for the Foundation (KFA) and the Krishnamurti Educational Center (KEC). Details for Oak Grove School (OGS) may be found at oakgroveschool.org/ar

As you will see in the audited financial statements, the Krishnamurti Foundation of America which includes KFA, KEC and OGS, is healthy. Efforts to raise unrestricted funds for KFA continue to improve. Also note in the KFA statements that exclude OGS, reserves have been utilized to fund various capital projects and some of the operational costs.

2016- 17 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 13

IncomeEarned Income $532,811Contributed Income $356,283Other Investment Income $79,152

Total Income $968,246

Earned Income BreakdownPublications $98,516Educational Center $61,218Pepper Tree Retreat $298,514Miscellaneous $74,562.84

Total Earned Income $532,811

Contributed Income BreakdownUnrestricted Donations $285,522Restricted Donations $70,761Bequests ‐  

Total Contributed Income $356,283

ExpensesSalaries and Wages $528,418General and Administrative $267,536  Maintenance $17,989Publications $55,871Educational Center $65,371Pepper Tree Retreat $117,697Other Program Expense $5,075Fund Development and Marketing $87,156Other Investment Expense $11,365

Total Expenses $1,156,479

Use of Reserves and Investments ‐$188,233

Total Expenses and Reserves $968,246

KFA Foundation ActivitiesPepper Tree Retreat, Study Center, Intern Program, Archives, Publications & Sales

Income and ExpensesAudited financials for fiscal year ending June 30, 2017

Unrestricted TotalTemporarily Permanently

RevenueTuition and Fees $3,472,373 $3,472,373Royalties and Books Sales $63,895 $63,895Other Revenue $831,410 $831,410Contributions $528,989 $201,676 $730,665Interest and dividend income $31,439 $31,439Net realized and unrealized investment gains $72,733 $72,733Endowment returns made available for operations $50,000 $50,000Net Assets Released from Donor Restrictions $217,332 ($217,332) $0

Total Revenue $5,218,171 $34,344 $0 $5,252,515

ExpensesSalaries and Wages $2,776,939 $2,776,939Employee Benefits $552,615 $552,615Financial Aid $437,315 $437,315Depreciation $207,916 $207,916Other Expenses $1,444,656 $1,444,656

Total Expenses $5,419,441 $5,419,441

Net Surplus (Loss) ($201,270) $34,344 ($166,926)

Non­Operating Activities $1,276,029 $752,743 $2,028,772

Change in Net Assets $1,074,759 $787,087 $1,861,846Net Assets, Beginning of Year $9,517,910 $981,321 $614,852 $11,114,083

Net Assets, End of Year $10,592,669 $1,768,408 $614,852 $12,975,929

Krishnamurti Foundation of AmericaKrishnamurti Educational Center (Pepper Tree Retreat, Study Center, Intern Program),

Archives, Publications, Sales & Oak Grove School

Statement of ActivitiesAudited financials for fiscal year ending June 30, 2017

Restricted

KRISHNAMURTI FOUNDATION OF AMERICA

Krishnamurti Educational Center (Pepper Tree Retreat, Study Center, Residential Student Program), Archives, Publications, Sales & Oak Grove School

KFA FOUNDATION ACTIVITIES

Pepper Tree Retreat, Study Center, Residential Student Program, Archives, Publications & Sales

Audited financials for fiscal year ending June 30, 2017 Audited financials for fiscal year ending June 30, 2017

STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES INCOME AND EXPENSES

2016- 17 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 15

D I A L O G U E

MELISSA NAVARRO & JULIEN GRIFFAULT

A dialogue is very important. It is a form of communication in which question and answer continues till a question is left without an answer. Thus the question is suspended between two persons involved in this answer and question. It is like a bud with untouched blossoms... If the question is left totally untouched by thought, it then has its own answer because the questioner and answerer, as persons, have disappeared. This is a form of dialogue in which investigation reaches a certain point of intensity and depth, which then has a quality which thought can never reach. It is not a dialectical investigation of opinions, ideas, but rather exploration by two or many serious, good brains.

– J. Krishnamurti

Krishnamurti referred to dialogue as a means of religious inquiry, beginning with two or more friends that have acknowledged that they do not know, but wish to understand, and through shared exploration, possibly touch that which is true.

There is a unifying quality within dialogue - as beliefs, opinions, and conclusions loosen and fall to the periphery and a shared meaning discovered together. In dialogue, there is an opportunity to observe the fragmentation of our thinking, its various manifestations and possibly its root, in real time. Within the space of dialogue, we may notice moments of thinking free from reflex reactions and responses…

While essays could be written about the qualities of dialogue, it is something one must experience for oneself. Therefore, dialogue is at the heart of the activities offered at the Krishnamurti Center in Ojai. The staff and residential students have an ongoing engagement, regularly exploring topics that are alive for them. Weekly and monthly opportunities for dialogue are offered to the public. Deeper exploration through dialogue is made possible during weekend retreats and week-long intensives.

The spirit of inquiry extends far beyond the group experience practiced in a center by a few individuals. Dialogue seems to awaken a love for learning; an openness to questioning old patterns, fears, attachments and beliefs in the midst of daily life. How might this affect our communities and world at large?

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10 years after discovering Krishnamurti’s teachings, I had the chance to be a part of the Residential Student Program at the KEC, and it was a dream come true. In my mind’s eye and heart, I can still see the beauty of the grounds, the surrounding hills with their endless trails, and the flowers that were completely new to me. I was amazed how the trunks of the orange trees turned pink as the sun began to set and I watched the hummingbirds and lizards with great joy. I established a relationship with nature that I didn’t know was possible and that will never leave me.

On the campus, there is an essence of enquiry, openness and dialogue that makes living the teachings possible. Spontaneous exploration with staff, residents, visitors and program participants was part of the ebb and flow of the day as time seemed to disappear.

One thing that fascinates me about Krishnamurti’s teachings is that it seems that there can be an insight, a seeing of something totally new by reading his teachings or watching talks that is endless. It was fun to be at the KEC and to pull a K book off the shelf at random and have it speak to the exact “theme” that was unfolding as life in that moment. I couldn’t decide if this was synchronicity, salience or some other mysterious quality of the campus that was once Krishnamurti’s home. The buildings have a maginficence and energy that can be felt.

This opportunity provides just the right mixture of energy, space and time to reflect, look, see, relax, wonder, be surprised, enjoy, and feel awe. This opportunity for leisure is rare and essential. As I wander on, I continue to wonder about the “totally different way of living” that Krishnamurti spoke of.

R E S I D E N T I A L ST U D E N TP R O G R A M

ANDREA HOLLEBAKKAN

Residential students live at the Krishnamurti Center campus in Ojai for one year, immersed in self-study and reflection. Students participate in the weekly staff dialogues, and have

opportunities to join weekend retreats and week-long intensives hosted at the Center.

For more information: kfa.org/rsp

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JOE RAIOLA | WHY I GIVE

REFLECTION ON UNDERSTANDING ONESELF OUTGOING FAMILY–THE MORRISONS

The generosity of Oak Grove’s donors and volunteers is felt every day in the milestones of student life and the daily joys of exploration and learning on our campus. The growth of our Annual Fund, Endowments, and Capital Fund during the 2016-2017 school year is a testament to the commitment of our community—parents, alumni families, grandparents, philosophical donors, foundations, faculty and staff—all those who are honored within the pages of the Oak Grove Annual Report.

At the end of June, we said goodbye to Willem Zwart, our former Head of School. We continue to feel gratitude toward Willem for his service and wish him well in all current and future endeavors. The tireless efforts of Willem, and before him Meredy Benson Rice, laid the groundwork for an impressive number of capital improvements this past summer including new soundproof music rooms, 5,200 square-feet of new decking, upgraded heating and cooling, a restored athletic field, repaired and extended walking paths, new infirmary and renovated admissions and reception offices.

Please enjoy the following glimpse of what was made possible at Oak Grove School as a direct reflection of your support during the 2016-17 academic year. Last year, like most years, was filled with inquiry, projects, celebrations, academic exploration, and moments of profound beauty. On behalf of the Oak Grove School Board, the Krishnamurti Foundation, staff, parents and students, I thank you for your support of Oak Grove School, and the Krishnamurti Foundation.

Read the complete annual report: oakgroveschool.org/ar

I am on a crowded subway in New York City thinking about Krishnamurti and wondering how he would handle it down here.

A man stands up and offers his seat to a pregnant woman. It strikes me as an action without thought, a spontaneous act of kindness, one might even say love.

Next, we arrive at the Lexington Avenue station. The subway doors open and a throng of commuters rush into the car. A recorded announcement reminds us to watch out for pickpockets. Also: if we see a suspicious

package to immediately notify the police.

We are in conflict with our world, with ourselves actually, our thoughts scattered, fractured and contradictory. It seems too much to bear, so we go about our day on automatic pilot, not sleepwalking, but not awake either. Our minds have been dulled.

It has been over 30 years since I first encountered K’s teachings. He would often say that the speaker …

Read the full article: oakgroveschool.org/ar

When Seamus was 11 years old, before we moved to Ojai from Los Angeles, he wrote two short reflections on courage, defining it for a poetry assignment in his elementary school: “Courage is falling to the feet of the unknown willingly” he wrote, and, “Courage is doing the hardest thing possible with a smile on your face.” What he was doing, though he may not have known it at the time, was coming to the understanding

that courage defined him. To anyone who knows his story of surviving cancer, his life nothing less than a prof ile in courage, and these two definitions sum up the way he faced it perfectly.

... But something happened when he got to the high school. He discovered poetry. He jokes that when they took out his brain tumor they also removed the math part of his brain. But Riad and I suspect that poetry

is the natural extension and volatile mixture of Seamus’ own idea of what courage is and what he acquired at Oak Grove, through his teachers, the environment and Krishnamurti’s own ideals of what education and self-inquiry is and should be. In other words …

Read the full article: oakgroveschool.org/ar

O A K G R O V E S C H O O L

JODI GRASS | HEAD OF SCHOOL

THANK YOU FOR HELPING USTO SUSTAIN THIS IMPORTANT WORK.

PO Box 1560 | Ojai, California 93024

805.646.2726 | kfa.org | info@kfa.org