The Phenomenon of Consciousness in the Works of Lev Tolstoy and Jiddu Krishnamurti

ABSTRACT This article is devoted to the study and comparative analysis of the metaphysical foundations of the worldview of Lev N. Tolstoy (1828–1910) and Jiddu Krishnamurti (1895–1986). The author considers the interpretation of the phenomenon of consciousness given by these thinkers as the key to understanding the unity of the world and man, true spiritual values, and criticism of traditional social institutions. The author outlines three aspects of Tolstoy and Krishnamurti’s perception of the phenomenon of consciousness (religious–metaphysical, psychological, and social) that help us understand a wide range of problems related to the worldview of the Russian and Indian thinkers. Based on analysis of sources (Tolstoy’s artistic and philosophical works, texts of Krishnamurti’s talks, etc.), the author concludes that the two outstanding representatives of world culture and philosophy are close to each other in many important aspects.