Krishnamurti in Ommen: a story you can just live here

Photo: Old Ommen

But what exactly is this story?

It begins with Baron Philip van Pallandt. A man who looked not only at what he had, but at what he could do with it. His meeting with Jiddu Krishnamurti, at the time a world-class philosopher, led to a decision that still captures the imagination: Van Pallandt donated his estate. Eerde estate. One of the most beautiful places in the Netherlands. What came next was extraordinary. Thousands of people traveled from all over Europe to Ommen. To listen, to be together, to reflect on questions they could not easily ask at home. Krishnamurti said:

"Don't follow me. Investigate for yourself." And they did. Here.

That story is now alive again. And the great thing is: you don't have to just read about it. You can just experience it. In the landscape. In the places where it once began.

Read and listen

Want to immerse yourself first? Then there are plenty of great starting points. The Guru and the Baron by Rick Nieman tells the story behind the special relationship between Krishnamurti and Van Pallandt. On sale at the local bookstore in Ommen. [The accompanying podcast]](https://open.spotify.com/show/654j0odIMYdD6lE8QEcbxz?si=1d0cac1aae164c89&nd=1&dlsi=d82db02397074bf2 "") by Sacha de Boer and Rick Nieman takes you on a personal quest, ideal for listening on the road, perhaps even on the way to Ommen itself. And those who want to discover the story from a completely different perspective will find in [VERderGAAN](https://www.riakroon.nl/VERderGAAN/ """) by Ria Kroon a historical novel that takes you back to that time. At the library in Ommen you will find a special place with books and background information on this subject. A fine first step.

See and discover

In the Historical Museum Ommen runs until July 31 an exhibition on Krishnamurti and the Star Camps. With photos, films and special objects from that time, things you won't see anywhere else. At the Bezoekerscentrum Ommen you can watch a documentary and then go straight into nature. Because the walk along the sites of the Sterkampen is exactly as beautiful as it sounds. Prefer to go at your own pace? The walking route Krishnamurti in Ommen takes you past Landgoed Het Laer and Kasteel Eerde. With the booklet Walking along forgotten paths by Siem van Eeten, Emmy Oudejans and Evert Ruiter in your pocket, you know exactly where you are walking (and why).

Out and about with a guide

Natuurmonumenten is organizing a guided walk on Eerde Estate on April 25, with stories about Krishnamurti and Van Pallandt. The Bezoekerscentrum Ommen offers a guided walk of about 7 kilometers along historical sites, possibly combined with a lecture.

Lectures and events.

On May 12 and September 15, Wildthout in Ommen organizes a special evening around The Guru and the Baron, with dinner, a lecture by Rick Nieman and Sacha de Boer and a book signing. On July 4 and August 8, Natuurmonumenten is organizing readings on Eerde Estate itself, on the spot where the story was set.

And there is more to come

This is just the beginning. In the coming period we will work hard to make the story of Krishnamurti in Ommen even more visible, with new routes, extra activities and collaborations. For residents and visitors alike. Krishnamurti spoke about freedom, conscious living and letting go of fixed beliefs. Themes that are perhaps more topical today than ever. Perhaps that is exactly why this story touches so many people again today. In any case: Ommen is ready for it.