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Meditation: The Notebooks of Paul Brunton, Part 1 (Volume 4)

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"The Notebooks of Paul Brunton" - as stated in the editors' introduction - is a compilation of insights by a teacher of meditation that was reserved for posthumous publication. While the fact that these writings were reserved for posthumous publication might seem intriguing and/or ominous, I have found this particular element of this compilation very meaningful.

As a student of meditation, I have certainly witnessed my own ever changing understanding of what meditation is and have learned to remain preferably silent or, if necessary, highly tentative about sharing the ever-evolving personal definition of meditation.

While I am not entirely sure what P.B.'s motivations for reserving the publication of these notes about meditation posthumously were, I'd like to think that, perhaps, P.B. was remaining tentative, maybe, holding off to sign off on his final understanding of meditation until the last possible deadline.

The compilation itself is a thorough summary of personal, empirically- and anecdotally-validated insights about meditation practice, sub-divided into a convenient organization of contents.

The insights are presented as laconic aphorisms which are easy to digest and ponder, and are numbered for easy reference. Introspections are nuanced and phenomenologically face-valid. Perhaps, the only limitations of this volume is its occasional redundancy, which, for some, might be reframed as useful repetition.

As a psychologist in private practice, I have used some of P.B.'s observations about the dynamics of the mind in the context of meta-cognitive training for anxiety disorders. For example, such observations as "the so-called normal mind is in a state of constant agitation..." and "as the mind relaxes, the number of thoughts is reduced, the attentiveness to them is increased" (P.B., Fundamentals, p. 131) have been handy quotations with clients.

On a final note, a secular reader should be cautioned against P.B.'s religious, albeit idiosyncratic, worldview that serves as context for his writings about meditation as a tool of spirituality. This spiritual context aside, the book is a valuable resource for a secular or non-secular student of meditation.

Pavel Somov, Ph.D.
Pittsburgh, PA
USA

Paul Brunton (1888 - 1981) researched world traditions and teaches, in simple language, how to meditate. Paul Brunton's writing are short paragraphs so you can read a para even if you have just a minute of time. Each para is a gem. I go to the writings of Paul Brunton when I am troubled or depressed and I am lifted and inspired. I bought these books for my KINDLE and I start each day with a few quotes. This is one of several volumes of PB Notebooks. These notebooks are like the OCEAN.

Meditation is an inspiring invitation to the most intimate adventure of human spirituality--the direct experience of one's own soul. Paul Brunton guides us through the three stages of concentration, meditation proper, and contemplation, explaining the purpose and importance of meditation, and providing an unusually rich variety of tested and proven techniques. Useful to beginners and experienced alike, this material both confirms the possibility and indicates the methods of an inward penetration to ever deeper and more meaningful levels of our own inner reality. Meditation: The Notebooks of Paul Brunton, Volume 4, Part 1

Paul Brunton sets the benchmark for understanding meditation. I love all of his works. His energy is so clear and profound. By reading and practicing his works, I've come to a new understanding of myself. This book is superb. His other books "Discover Yourself" and "Hermit in the Himalayas" sit next to my nightstand.
They are invaluable references, especially if you feel conflicted. I've always had a hunger to know myself, and Paul Brunton was a gift from heaven in that quest.
I recommend all of his works!