A Search in Secret India [Paperback]

Paul Brunton (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1984

2010 Reprint of 1935 American Edition. Illustrated Edition. Paul Brunton (1898 - 1981) was a British philosopher, mystic, traveler, and guru. He left a journalistic career to live among yogis, mystics, and holy men, and studied Eastern and Western esoteric teachings. Dedicating his life to an inward and spiritual quest, Brunton felt charged to communicate his experiences about what he learned in the east to others. His works had a major influence on the spread of Eastern mysticism to the West. Taking pains to express his thoughts in layperson's terms, Brunton was able to present what he learned from the Orient and from ancient tradition as a living wisdom. His writings express his view that meditation and the inward quest are not exclusively for monks and hermits, but will also support those living normal, active lives in the Western world. Brunton is credited with introducing Ramana Maharshi to the West through his books A Search in Secret India and The Secret Path.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Born in London in 1898, Paul Brunton published 13 books between 1935 and 1952. He is generally recognized as having introduced yoga and meditation to the West, and for presenting their philosophical background in non-technical language. He died in Switzerland, where he lived for 20 years, in 1981.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Weiser Books; Revised edition (December 1984)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0877286027
• ISBN-13: 978-0877286028
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #662,184 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

50 of 51 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A western journalist's truth-seeking trip in India (1900s), July 15, 2000

By 

S.Venkatesan - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Search in Secret India (Paperback)

The author has written many books in spirituality; This is one of earlier books. It records his experiences in India, when he met many kind of peoples of various spiritual inclinations. This India is in sense ' secret India' to a typical modern indian also. He is not a impartial traveller. He is also personally seeking, but skeptical and cautious. He discusses about Mehar Baba who claimed himself as Messiah (avatar). He gives details of their discussions. He introduces us to different yogis, their life styles and their world views. Sage-head of Kanchi mutt directs him to Ramana of the Hill of the Holy Beacon. In the conversions with Ramana, Burton is quite clear about skeptical views. He stays for some time with Ramana and later leaves for further travel. He meets magicians (siddhas) and astrologers. He decides to leave India, books for his ship in Bomabay. Suddenly, he evalutes his experiences and decide to return to Ramana for further guidance. He goes to Ramana, learns about " Who am I?" enquiry and practices it with his support. He leaves India with a positive outlook of spiritual nature of man. Later he continues his search; wirtes many books; guides people; (Recently critized in a book for his guru role). The book is highly readable. It is true is that his pride and judgements distort the true picture, but it is seeker's book.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sincere account of a westerner about yogis & sages of India, March 1, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: A Search in Secret India (Paperback)

Dr.Paul Brunton visits India in the early part of this century in search of yogis and mystics. He was fortunate to meet some true saints and finally he reaches his master, Maharishi (The great sage) Ramana of Arunachala (The red mountain) and finds what he came for. This book is a sincere account of a rational and skeptical westerner who was very impartial, but had the guidance of light from God which apparently moved in in the right direction. This book can serve as a lighthouse for both westerners and even the young Indians of this age who can appreciate what they are gifted with than anybody else in the world

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A genuine seekers' true account of his spiritual journey, September 25, 2004

By 

Dinyar N. Jalnawalla (Pune, Maharashtra India) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Search in Secret India (Paperback)

When Paul Brunton decided to take up a long journey into mystical India in search of its secret spirituality he must have had a genuine urge to study Indian spirituality. The thirst to get a real `Darshan' of a true yogi. He had something more than a journalists' inquiring mind. During his days India was ruled by Gora (white) Sahibs and the Indian treasure in terms of its spirituality, herb medicines, yoga etc. lay hidden from the world. The world was just amazed by the new scientific inventions taking place in the west. Indians themselves had begun doubting their ancient systems and methods. To set his foot in India in those times to discover its hidden mysticism is quite commendable.
Paul Brunton lands in Bombay from where he begins his mystical experiences and travels south in search of a true yogi. His experiences which he jots down in very lucid English are a pleasure to read.