Post By: Vishwanath Iyer Published on: March 10, 2017 Reading time: 2 minutes
Paul Brunton (21 October 1898 – 27 July 1981) wrote “A Search in Secret India” about his search for a Spiritual Guru, Yogi or guide in India. Paul Brunton was a theosophist, spiritualist and writer. Also, he was educated at St. George’s College and got his doctorate in Philosophy from Mc.Kinley – Roosevelt College, USA. Additionally, he fought the World War 1 in the Tank Corps. Post war, after a brief stint as a bookseller and journalist, he came to India in 1931 in search of a Guru or Master. As a result, he came into contact with many Yogi’s and the book is about that experience.
“A Search in Secret India” is about his search for a meaning to life. It was published in 1934. Importantly, the book can be broadly divided into four sections. Additionally, the first section deals with Brunton’s early encounter with Yoga in the UK. Following this, there is a section on the circumstances which increased his interest in the subject and the esoteric world of yoga and spiritualism.
Later, the book then moves into the search, starting with an encounter with an Egyptian, Mahmoud Bey in Mumbai. Also, this is followed by a meeting with Meher Baba, followed by many yogi’s, Guru’s, teachers and spiritual leaders. Importantly, the book then touches his meetings with some of India’s most significant spiritual leaders – Shankaracharya of Kanchi – Paramacharya Chandrashekarendra Saraswati, Ramana Maharishi, Mahendranath Gupta – a disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahansa, Vishuddhananda and Sahabji Maharaj.
Subsequently, there is the frustration and helplessness at having spent so much time and money without achieving anything.
Finally, there is deliverance. Brunton has presented his experience dramatically. Lastly, he leaves the reader with a feeling that maybe, he was to find his solution in India.
For people wishing to understand the ancient Indian yoga and spiritual environment until the mid 1930’s, this book is a precious gift. Additionally, the faint colonial haughtier and old fashioned English would only add to the exotic appeal of the book. At the end, as one comes back to reality, there is a nagging feeling that India has lost a valuable heritage.
Visit India with open mindedness.You will be amazed the beauty of Indi with broadminded feelings.Plenty of rich, poor,average but at least no starvation in my opinion.Spirituality is keeping India stronger. Faith on God & find your own path when you visit.No expectations.No fixed time for dinner, lunch or visiting rest room.India is known for spirituality & you will be at peace when you visit India with that faith in mind,I was born in India 1941 & moved to United States with my young general surgeon husband & have visited Indi many times.Love of that land & beauty is spirituality & peace in the heart
Inspite of struggles,poverty & illness,spirituality of India is amazing.Yoga practice ,traditional way has it’s own charm.See the goodness in the heart of many average people.They are generous & caring.Some wealthy people are brutal,use the poor people for their own selfish reason.Believe me India is still beautiful place to visit & enjoy
India has everything,rich poor & middle class. Most of the time hungry get food somewhere may be even in the temples.life is interesting,challenging but more peaceful than any other country because of religion & faith on God.rich are taking advantage of course that happens everywhere.hard work & faith on god,keep india flourishing.yoga, meditation,martial arts help to maintain physical & mental peace.Education is amazing.internets,cell phones almost every child of 5 years has it.beauty ,culture & family values are amazing.visit india & enjoy the indian food with spices,take fresh deep nose breathing around ganges & practice yoga,enjoy the hospitality of indian families.amazing culture