In Memoriam: R.E. Mark Lee (1940-2024)

DeNiro · April 9, 2024, 2:37am

Dear Friends,

The Krishnamurti Foundation of America (KFA) is deeply saddened to announce the death of Roger Edwin Mark Lee, an ardent guardian of J. Krishnamurti’s legacy. Mark passed away due to pneumonia complications on April 6, 2024, at Ventura Community Memorial Hospital in California. Surrounded by his loving family at his bedside, his departure marks a profound loss to our community.

Born in Kellogg, Idaho, on August 19, 1940, Mark’s association with Krishnamurti, one of the most revered philosophers and spiritual teachers of our era, began in his teens through the discovery of Krishnamurti’s writings. This pivotal moment led to their first in-person meeting in 1965, initiating Mark’s lifelong dedication to Krishnamurti’s work.

Mark pursued higher education in California, earning a Bachelor’s degree in English from California State University, San Francisco, in 1965, followed by a Master’s degree in Education from the University of California, Santa Barbara, in 1977. His career, spanning over four decades, was primarily devoted to the Krishnamurti foundations, where he held various pivotal roles including teacher, principal, director, and trustee. His notable positions included his time as a teacher and junior school principal from 1965 to 1972 at the Krishnamurti Foundation India’s Rishi Valley School in Andhra Pradesh, India, and as the founding director of the Krishnamurti Foundation of America’s Oak Grove School in Ojai, California, from 1975 to 1985. In 1986, he was asked by Krishnamurti to take up leadership of the KFA, where he served as the KFA’s Executive Director for 20 years, and as a Trustee from 2000 until his death. Mark also served as a Trustee of the Krishnamurti Foundation India. Additionally, as director of Krishnamurti Publications, he oversaw the editing of several significant works, including the 17-volume Collected Works of J. Krishnamurti, The Book of Life, and The Little Book on Living. Mark founded Edwin House Publishing, focusing on memoirs of Krishnamurti’s associates, and himself authored several books on Krishnamurti, including Knocking at the Open Door: My Years with J. Krishnamurti; World Teacher: The Life and Teachings of J. Krishnamurti; and Probing the Mystery: J. Krishnamurti’s Process.

Interwoven with his professional life, Mark’s interests were wide-ranging, from architecture and gardening to travel and literature, all of which he pursued with zest while residing in Ojai, California, with his beloved wife, Asha Singh Lee, their three children—Gayatri Anna Lee, Gitanjali Luia Lee, and Nandini Marina Lee Rao, their son-in-law Sudeep Motupalli Rao, and their granddaughter, Sequoia Lee Rao. Mark and Asha’s home in Ojai was always a welcoming oasis for those interested in Krishnamurti’s teachings, offering warm hospitality and engaging discussions.

Mark Lee’s enduring commitment to Krishnamurti and his teachings has profoundly impacted the Krishnamurti Foundation of America and the broader community of seekers worldwide. His legacy is a testament to a life dedicated to the exploration of human consciousness. As we remember Mark, we celebrate his profound influence, leaving an everlasting imprint on all who had the fortune to cross his path. His love of Krishnamurti and his devotion to the teachings were evident in the dignity and compassion he embodied. His spirit remains a guiding light for future generations in their quest for understanding and self-discovery.

The KFA will be hosting a memorial for Mark in Ojai. If you are interested in attending, please click here to sign up, and we will ensure you receive updates regarding the time and date.