Studying Jiddu Krishnamurti's Educational Philosophy: Implications for the Sri Lankan Educational Context and Holistic Learning Approaches.

Abstract

Jiddu Krishnamurti's educational philosophy challenges conventional paradigms by advocating a transformative approach to learning, emphasising self-discovery, intellectual autonomy, and holistic development. This research explores the implications of Krishnamurti's philosophy for pedagogy and holistic learning within the Sri Lankan education system, particularly at the primary level. It critically examines his core beliefs and their relevance to educational settings, aiming to assess the feasibility and implications of integrating Krishnamurti's philosophy into Sri Lanka's primary education framework. The study addresses the need to re-evaluate existing educational structures in Sri Lanka, considering Krishnamurti's emphasis on self-awareness, freedom, and insight over rote learning and standardised testing. While Krishnamurti's ideas are theoretically compelling, their practical implementation in formal educational settings, especially in primary education, remains largely unexplored. This research aims to clarify the foundational principles of Krishnamurti's philosophy and evaluate the challenges and opportunities of applying them in the Sri Lankan context. Utilising a qualitative methodology, the study employs thematic analysis to examine the integration of Krishnamurti's philosophy into Sri Lankan primary education. It draws on primary sources, including Krishnamurti's speeches and writings, and secondary materials such as books and articles. Through coding, categorisation, and interpretation of recurring themes, the research evaluates the feasibility of applying Krishnamurti's ideas within Sri Lanka's primary education. The findings indicate that Krishnamurti's philosophy presents a profound vision for learning that transcends conventional boundaries, emphasising self-discovery, intellectual freedom, and holistic development. While adapting his ideas to the current educational framework poses challenges, the potential benefits of fostering self-aware, critical, and compassionate individuals from an early age are significant. Krishnamurti's philosophy ultimately calls for reimagining primary education in Sri Lanka, and encouraging individuals to cultivate true wisdom and meaningful societal contributions.