Resident Scholar Program

Location: Krishnamurti Center, Ojai, CA

Duration: 6 months to 1 year

Maximum Participants: 3 participants

A residential program designed for individuals seeking deep reflection and exploration of J. Krishnamurti's teachings. The program welcomes high school graduates and individuals experiencing mid-life transitions who wish to explore their inner world and develop self-inquiry.

Eligibility

• Strong interest in Krishnamurti's teachings
• High school graduates or those at mid-life transitions
• Must be available to commit full-time (no outside work or school obligations)
• U.S. work-eligible applicants receive stipend; international applicants with proper visas may apply as volunteers
• Note: The foundation cannot sponsor work visas

What is Provided

• Room and board (single or shared living space)
• Meals (vegetarian with vegan and gluten-free options available)
• Access to Krishnamurti library and quiet study room
• Small monthly stipend: $200/month (before taxes) for U.S.-eligible workers
• Access to retreat programs (Yoga and Inquiry, Summer Teacher Education Program)

Program Components

Work: Residents exchange labor for room and board, supporting:

• Online and in-person book sales
• Retreat breakfast preparation
• Landscaping and maintenance
• Data entry
• Cooking lunches

Study: Careful exploration of Krishnamurti's teachings through dialogue, discussion, text, video, and audio recordings

Activities: Educational programs including:

• Dialogue-intensive programs focused on collective inquiry
• Academic-style programs with comparative study
• Weekend retreats (public and residents-only)
• Written reflection projects

Living Environment

• Wooded campus with orange trees and herb garden
• Hiking trails nearby
• Located approximately 5 miles from downtown Ojai
• No public transportation available

Important Policies

• Partners/Couples: Program discourages couples to maintain focus on individual self-inquiry; maximum 2-month overlap if exception is made
• Pets: Not allowed (area has plentiful wildlife to preserve)
• Dietary: Vegetarian meals; can accommodate gluten-free and vegan diets with advance notice
• Transportation: Students typically bring own vehicle; arrangement possible for arrival/departure

Background

The program is based on Krishnamurti's understanding that "awakening of intelligence" and "flowering of goodness" in the individual is essential for societal transformation. The program creates a living community where residents explore their thoughts, feelings, interpersonal dynamics, and the nature of human relationship.

Application Process

1. Contact the Foundation to request an application form and obtain detailed information
   • Phone: (805) 646-2726 (Tue-Fri 10am-4pm)
   • Address: PO Box 1560, Ojai, CA 93024
2. Complete and submit the online application form available through their website
3. Prepare for acceptance with information about:
   • What to bring (complete list provided upon acceptance)
   • Living space preferences (single or shared)
   • Any dietary restrictions or concerns
   • Visa status (for international applicants)

Required Materials

Not explicitly detailed in provided content; contact the foundation for specific application requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

• What to bring: A complete list of essentials will be provided once accepted
• Timeline: Program is now accepting applications for 2022 (as of content date); check website for current application periods
• Visa sponsorship: The foundation cannot sponsor work visas; international applicants must have proper visas to apply as volunteers