In the late 1800's there was increasing interest in mysticism and eastern religions in the West. One lady, Helena Blavatsky an Ukrainian co-founded a movement called Theosophy which made it's way to India and merged with a mish-mash of Indian nationalists and Hindu philosophers around 1880-1890.

[0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helena_Blavatsky#India:_1879%E...

As a young boy JD Krishamurthy (born 1895 in south India) was picked by leaders of the Theosophical Society of India as a 'vehicle' for an expected World Teacher. JDK quickly gained a following and wrote profound philosophical books that people found hard to understand which only increased his popularity among those seeking Eastern mysticism.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jiddu_Krishnamurti

Like many Indian godmen and spiritual entrepreneurs, JD Krishnamurthy set out for the most lucrative market for his work: California. He spent the rest of his life churning out psychobabble and settled in lovely Ojai valley (having an affair with his best friend's wife). For a sampling of JDK's profound wisdom you should check out his quotes [3].

Here's a sampling:

“One is never afraid of the unknown; one is afraid of the known coming to an end.” ― Krishnamurti

“Real learning comes about when the competitive spirit has ceased.” ― J. Krishnamurti

“Tradition becomes our security, and when the mind is secure it is in decay.” ― J. Krishnamurti

[3] https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/850512.J_Krishnamurt...