The Notebooks of Paul Brunton

Perspectives: The Notebooks of Paul Brunton Volume 1

by Paul Brunton
The “Complete Sampler” of PB’s Notebooks Series, a great travel companion
0-943914-12-4
978-0-943914-12-1
$19.95, 408 pp., 5.75 x 8.5
eBook also available from major online retailers (Amazon, Barnes & Noble)

Read reviews for: Perspectives

This volume contains paras from all 28 categories and every subsection of those categories of The Notebooks.  PB wanted his categories to be studied as a whole and in a specific order.  Reading this book is a simple, singular treat that will open your mind and heart to many new perspectives of the spiritual journey. This is a true and accurate map of the modern spiritual journey, from its inception in mild curiosity to its realization in the compassionate immersion in Mind Alone. A singular volume perfect for your briefcase, suitcase, or meditation space.

The Quest: The Notebooks of Paul Brunton Volume 2

by Paul Brunton
Not just for beginners, but for everyone ready to begin in earnest
0-943914-14-0
978-0-943914-14-5
$22.95, 384 pp., 5.75 x 8.5
eBook also available from major online retailers (Amazon, Barnes & Noble)

Read reviews for: The Quest

Covering a range of topics from “What is the Quest?” to the issues surrounding relationships to teachers and the importance of spiritual independence, the information in this volume is central to anyone’s spiritual quest and clearly defines PB’s own approach while honoring the myriad of valid and viable paths available to the earnest seeker. PB’s reflections provide remarkable insight throughout, but especially on the teacher student relationship and the advantages and difficulties of belonging to any spiritual organization.

Practices for the Quest /Relax and Retreat: The Notebooks of Paul Brunton Volume 3

by Paul Brunton
A balanced look at the both the disciplined and natural phases of the Quest
0-943914-16-7
978-0-943914-16-9
$18.95, 390 pp., 5.75 x 8.5
eBook also available from major online retailers (Amazon, Barnes & Noble)

Read reviews for: Practices for the Quest/Relax and Retreat

Part 1, Practices for the Quest:  This part incorporates the most relevant practices and disciplines of yoga and other religious traditions as tools that allow us to purify and transform our individuality into a proper receptacle for higher consciousness.  Without these disciplines, error and harm will eventually befall us; with them, we will maintain a grounded relationship to the world and our loved ones even as we seek the inner reality of the Overself.

Part 2, Relax and Retreat:  In contrast to the first half, this category inspires and encourages the seeker to do what comes naturally—to relax and become open to the wonders and gifts of Nature and to simply look within when it is easy to do so.  PB discusses various types of retreats and provides many safe exercises (including breath control) to help us relax our bodies and our minds.

Meditation: The Notebooks of Paul Brunton Volume 4, part 1

by Paul Brunton
“Meditation is THE fundamental practice of the Quest.”- Paul Brunton
0-943914-19-1
978-0-943914-19-0
$15.95, 272 pp., 5.75 x 8.5
eBook also available from major online retailers (Amazon, Barnes & Noble)

Read reviews for: Meditation

PB considered meditation to be such an essential element of the quest that he gave it two categories: this one and also Advanced Contemplation (category 23 in volume 15).  Here he presents us with all the ingredients essential for a successful entry into the world of meditation.  He tells us what time of day and what environment is best for meditation; how to begin and end a session; and he provides a wide selection of exercises suited for different needs and temperaments.  The sixth chapter includes a wonderful list of mantras and affirmations, all of which one can return to time and again with renewed, deepened understanding.

The Body: The Notebooks of Paul Brunton Volume 4, part 2

by Paul Brunton
An essential resource for the don’ts and do’s of bodily existence
0-943914-20-5
978-0-943914-20-6
$14.95, 160 pp., 5.75 x 8.5
eBook also available from major online retailers (Amazon, Barnes & Noble)

Read reviews for: The Body

Throughout this category PB describes the necessary modifications of modern spiritually unhealthy habits if we are to achieve and maintain any spiritual progress.  For if the body is weak, polluted, distracted or unshaped, the influx of Grace will inevitably exaggerate these tendencies; in contrast, the incorporation of genuinely natural habits will increase our sensitivity to, and pleasure of, the presence of the Overself.  The importance and benefits of a vegetarian diet, occasional fasting, and deepening a conscious relationship to our bodies is explained. PB’s instructions on breathing exercises and kundalini are of particular use to the experienced meditator.

Emotions and Ethics / The Intellect: The Notebooks of Paul Brunton Volume 5

by Paul Brunton
The Conscious Transformation of the Personality, and Spiritualization of the Intellect
0-943914-22-1
978-0-943914-22-0
$18.95, 432 pp., 5.75 x 8.5
eBook also available from major online retailers (Amazon, Barnes & Noble)

Read reviews for: Emotions and Ethics

Part 1, Emotions and Ethics:  Emotions and ethics directly follows upon the purification of the body and its habits. This is a key foundational area of practice: many aspirants undertake the purification of the body or develop the intellectual understanding—but evade the challenging labor of character refinement and emotional transformation. Centered around the individual’s development into a cultured, beautiful, and noble human being, this category outlines the specific virtues essential to our spiritual development—love, compassion, courtesy, tolerance, and moderation—virtues which will be a direct means of transforming our lives and the world around us. PB offers many specific exercises for educating our feelings, disciplining our desires, and civilizing our relationships.

The Ego / From Birth to Rebirth: The Notebooks of Paul Brunton volume 6

by Paul Brunton
How to recognize the Ego & reflections on the problem of Fate and Freewill
0-943914-25-6
978-0-943914-25-1
$18.95, 320 pp., 5.75 x 8.5
eBook also available from major online retailers (Amazon, Barnes & Noble)

Read reviews for: The Ego/From Birth to Rebirth

Healing of the Self / The Negatives: The Notebooks of Paul Brunton volume 7

by Paul Brunton
A study of the forces of Good & Evil as they manifest in the body and the world
0-943914-27-2
978-0-943914-27-5
$16.95, 320 pp., 5.75 x 8.5
eBook also available from major online retailers (Amazon, Barnes & Noble)
Read reviews for: Healing of the Self/The Negatives

Part 2, The Negatives:  PB returns to his reflections on the ego as the source of a great deal of the negativity in ourselves and in the world.  He teaches us about the special challenges facing those who would go against the ego in themselves and others and how to survive such confrontations—and even how to arrive at a positive outcome!  He also addresses the impact of evil in the world and the quester’s place in responding to it.  This material, while a bit heavy, is absolutely practical, and worth studying, as it will invariably become intimately relevant at some point in our journey.

Reflections on My Life and Writings: The Notebooks of Paul Brunton volume 8

by Paul Brunton
PB’s reflections on his writings, his life, and those he met along the way
0-943914-29-9
978-0-943914-29-9
$14.95, 272 pp., 5.75 x 8.5
eBook also available from major online retailers (Amazon, Barnes & Noble)
Read reviews for: Reflections on My Life and Writings

What little autobiographical material PB chose to share with the world, (or in private, for that matter), is largely to be found in this volume. He shares his observations and experiences of the worlds in which he traveled and describes his encounters with some of the many teachers and seekers with whom he met over the course of his long and peripatetic life. He also describes some of his mystical experiences and reflects on their impact on his life. Chapter 5, “The Literary Work” is a remarkable combination of PB’s own critique of his works, his acceptance (and rebuttal) of his critics, and, most importantly, a unique description of how a sage writes. Two additional chapters stand out in particular: “Reflections on Truth” and “The Profane and the Profound.” The former reveals the thoughts of an individual who lives far above the familiar world of our own consciousness, and the latter shows us PB’s humor and his comfortable relationship with all things ordinary. All in all, this volume is a refreshingly disarming collection of observations, reflections and anecdotes scattered across the many years of PB’s remarkable life. For an additional resource, we recommend the book Paul Brunton: A Personal View written by PB’s son, Kenneth Thurston Hurst.

Human Experience / The Arts in Culture: The Notebooks of Paul Brunton volume 9

by Paul Brunton
The Philosopher’s guide to daily life, and to Beauty
0-943914-31-0
978-0-943914-31-2
$16.95, 400 pp., 5.75 x 8.5
eBook also available from major online retailers (Amazon, Barnes & Noble)

Read reviews for: Human Experience/The Arts in Culture

Part 2, The Arts in Culture:  Often excluded from the ascetic and the intellectual’s purview of philosophy, PB pauses here to remind us of the simple and nourishing beauties of the world, of the arts, and of culture.  PB writes about the sacred mission of the arts and explores the positive (or negative) impact that art has upon our sensibilities and character—and even the whole social environment in which we live.  While there is much that passes for art that is unhelpful to the mystic’s journey, PB points us towards those geniuses and masters whose works can truly deepen our awareness of the Overself.  There are many beautiful paras here, worthy resources of inspiration in their own right.

The Orient: Its Legacy to the West: The Notebooks of Paul Brunton volume 10

by Paul Brunton
The interchanges of East and West; the burdens and benefits of various traditions
0-943914-33-7
978-0-943914-33-6
$14.95, 272 pp., 5.75 x 8.5
eBook also available from major online retailers (Amazon, Barnes & Noble)

Read reviews for: The Orient

While we frequently hear about the cross-pollination of Western Science and Eastern Mysticism, we still have a long way to go before the new fruit is born. PB sheds new light on the process of the commingling of Eastern and Western wisdom and bears witness to its multifaceted significance.  PB has both criticism and praise for each hemisphere and clearly demonstrates the ongoing need for a fusion of these paradigms as the only panacea to the problems and opportunities of our times. There are lots of little gems throughout this book and a veritable treasure-trove of information about the great lights of 20th century India, including Shankaracarya, Ramana Maharshi, Aurobindo, Ananda Mayee, and Gandhi. PB also shares with us his experiences and reflections on his travels in China, Japan, Burma, Java, Egypt, Greece, and of course, India.

The Sensitives: The Notebooks of Paul Brunton volume 11

by Paul Brunton
The phases of inner development, from Occultism to Philosophy
0-943914-34-5
978-0-943914-34-3
$24.95, 350 pp., 5.75 x 8.5
eBook also available from major online retailers (Amazon, Barnes & Noble)

Read reviews for: The Sensitives

A subtitle for this book could be: This could save your Life!  PB presents a fully rational and objective evaluation of the esoteric, occult, mystical and magical realms—and those who are drawn to them.  Although there is much to learn from these realms, it is also easy to get lost, distracted, and even seriously harmed by them.  To confuse the occult with the spiritual is to lose the true value of both; PB clearly distinguishes them here, and details the specific ways in which the occult can be used to help—or hinder—our spiritual journey.  This is a very practical guide for any who become—or already are—aware of the grand and sometimes exquisitely inspiring forces at play within our ordinary lives.  Read it carefully, and know that it was written by a man who directly experienced all that he writes about here. PB spent a lifetime around the occult and the esoteric, and encountered the full range of its practitioners, from the shallowest of charlatans to the most revered of saints.  The sheer size of this volume is a testament to his researches; there is no better guidebook for the sincere spiritual seeker, no better source for determining what is spiritually destructive, what is merely distracting, and what rare aspects of the esoteric are truly priceless.

The Religious Urge / Reverential Life: The Notebooks of Paul Brunton volume 12

by Paul Brunton
The Truth of Religion, and how to integrate its practices within the Quest
0-943914-34-5
978-0-943914-37-4
$16.95, 384 pp., 5.75 x 8.5
eBook also available from major online retailers (Amazon, Barnes & Noble)

Read reviews for: The Religious Urge/The Reverential Life

Relativity, Philosophy, and Mind: The Notebooks of Paul Brunton volume 13

by Paul Brunton
From Thinking to Thought to Mind
0-943914-39-6
978-0-943914-39-8
$24.95, 550 pp., 5.75 x 8.5
eBook also available from major online retailers (Amazon, Barnes & Noble)

Read reviews for: Relativity, Philosophy, and Mind

Part 1, The Reign of Relativity:  The five chapters in this section address many of the traditional topics of modern Western science and philosophy: phenomenology, cosmology, the nature of consciousness, time, causality, and—a more recent addition—emptiness.  However, PB includes the wisdom of the East; he introduces several key ideas from Hinduism and Buddhism here.  From Hinduism he introduces the study of the four states of consciousness—waking, dreaming, sleeping, and the absolute, or “fourth state”—and he brings in the teachings of the Buddha on the transience of the world, and pure emptiness as a necessary metaphysical fact.  Furthermore he manages to do all this without burdening the text (or the reader) with unfamiliar jargon or ritualized logic; he simply asks that we actively inquire into ourselves, our world, and our consciousness, and let reason be our guide.

Part 2, What is Philosophy?  PB answers: “Philosophy cannot be limited to being some metaphysical system, or an ethical code, or a kind of logical enquiry, or somebody’s opinions about this and that: it must give a whole overview, a fruit of enlightenment.” This section contains the heart of PB’s teachings and life-practice. Here he outlines the requirements for philosophy, which he regards as demanding a far greater discipline than mystical yoga or metaphysics—he considers the mastery of this essential to its realization. Throughout PB emphasizes the importance of balance in all things and demonstrates the subtle power this can have on all aspects of the quest, the quester, and his or her impact on the world. PB introduces the unique faculty of the sage: Insight.  He gives us a glimpse of significance and its operation here, while reserving a full explanation of how it works for the final volume of the Notebooks.

Part 3, Mentalism:  The title of the last chapter sums up the importance of mentalism nicely: “The Key to the Spiritual World.”  Mentalism is one of several viable epistemologies, or examinations of how (if at all) we might know that we know the truth.  While it is simple to summarize—all we know is mind—it is quite another thing to comprehend and directly experience.  PB first introduced mentalism in The Hidden Teaching Beyond Yoga, and The Wisdom of the Overself.  Some of these paras were written at that time, but many of them were written much later, when PB’s own spiritual life had reached its zenith, so those who have read these volumes will find fresh insights into this remarkable doctrine, while those who are new to it will find this volume surprisingly accessible.

Inspiration and the Overself: The Notebooks of Paul Brunton volume 14

by Paul Brunton
Initiation into the Mysterious Presence of the Overself
0-943914-41-8
978-0-943914-41-1
$14.95, 270 pp., 5.75 x 8.5
eBook also available from major online retailers (Amazon, Barnes & Noble)

This volume is all about what PB calls a Glimpse of the Overself.  This experience begins with the first authentic contact by the Overself, passes through several intermittent phases, and concludes when it has prepared the seeker for permanent illumination.  It is foreshadowed by a strengthened intuition, and PB carefully describes both genuine as well as pseudo-intuitions.  He tells us of the Interior Word, of spiritual Light, and of Grace.  PB describes how to prepare for—and even attract—a Glimpse and describes its effect on the ego during and after such an exalted experience, for it must pass away, as must all states that have a beginning.  Even so, PB teaches us how to retain the “glow” of the glimpse, how to avoid any backlash of negativity, and how to prepare for its return.  This volume is a treasure of uplift and inspiration, even in the darkest times.

Advanced Contemplation / The Peace within You: The Notebooks of Paul Brunton volume 15

by Paul Brunton
Deepening the Stillness, entering Contemplation
0-943914-43-4
978-0-943914-43-5
$16.95, 382 pp., 5.75 x 8.5
eBook also available from major online retailers (Amazon, Barnes & Noble)

Read reviews for: Advanced Contemplation/The Peace within You

Part 1, Advanced Contemplation:  This part is divided into two sections: the first section focuses on the “Short Path” of directing all attention towards the Overself, while the second section contains a collection of advanced meditations.  PB begins with a description of the Short Path and the Dark Night of the Soul, which often presages its onset.  He follows this discussion with guidance on how to balance the “Long Path” of self-development with the newly-introduced Short Path phase of spiritual growth.  Then in the second half, he provides us with a wonderful list of advanced meditations, including the “As If” (one is enlightened) exercise, the Remembrance (of a Glimpse) exercise, the Witness meditation, and several meditations to practice while falling asleep.  These practices are profound, simple, and can take a lifetime to master; however, if one is sincere and intense, these practices can bring about changes in one’s inner life practically from the first day they are undertaken.  The final chapter contains truly advanced meditations on the Void, meditations that become viable—and necessary—for those who have experienced a Glimpse; this is very rare and rarefied material, instructive to some while inspiring for us all.

Part 2, The Peace within You: This is largely a continuation of the topic introduced in Part 1—the Short Path.  PB has written this material for those moments when the ‘work’ of trying to do what the Short Path asks—surrendering our attention to the Overself—becomes a reality.  In that moment we are filled with Peace, but that peace does not annihilate the ego, which will find several subtle ways to dissipate this wonderful state.  So PB tells us how to navigate daily life without having to lose that peace, how to confront problems, and how to train our feelings to be ever attuned to that inner joy.   As the Short Path becomes integrated into our consciousness, we become more aligned with the Overself, which produces an inner state PB calls “the Witness;” and thereafter we will be drawn evermore into the Deeper Stillness of the Overself itself.

Enlightened Mind, Divine Mind: The Notebooks of Paul Brunton volume 16

by Paul Brunton
The Sage, The Infinite World-Mind, and the Absolute
0-943914-46-9
978-0-943914-46-6
$19.95, 480 pp., 5.75 x 8.5
eBook also available from major online retailers (Amazon, Barnes & Noble)
Read reviews for: Enlightened Mind, Divine Mind

Part 1, World-Mind in Individual Mind: While all the parts of this volume are short, their profundity more than makes up for their brevity.  Here we find PB describing the Sage, and the Sage’s relationship with the World Mind, or God. He makes it clear that while there is an interchange, there is never a complete merger or dissolution of the individual—and he explains why. He goes on to describe the degrees of enlightenment, culminating in the realization called sahaja, which generates the capacity in the sage to be simultaneously present in the Absolute and in appearance. After describing the qualities—and imperfections—of the sage, PB concludes this topic with guidance on how to seek the sage, how to recognize a sage, how to interact with the sage, and how to participate in a relationship with a sage, should one become blessed by such an extraordinary opportunity.

Part 2, World-Idea:  Several themes addressed earlier are re-visited here, now literally illuminated by the vision of the sage.  PB speaks of the Divine order of the Universe, the ‘why’ of creation—and the ‘why (or why-not)’ of the suffering and struggles of the world.  PB deepens our understanding of change, introducing the different modalities of polarity, complementarity, and duality.  In contrast to this world of change stands the Idea of human perfection, an ever-evolving ever deepening essence that can unite the individual with the World-Mind, but cannot dissolve the one into the other.  An understanding of the Idea of Humankind as it is eternally evolving within the World-Mind is fundamental to understanding the true goal of spiritual life, and that in turn will guide our footsteps towards those practices and teachings most aligned with the True, the Mysterious, and the Real.

Part 3, World-Mind:  In three brief chapters PB writes down what little can be put into words regarding this august, Sacred Creative Mind.  He lifts his own gaze upwards from the World-Idea and the perfection of humankind to the eternally dynamic progenitor, co-nascent with the World-Idea and cooperative with the Sage.  PB then considers the various religious and natural views of God, and how they reveal or conceal aspects of the Infinitely Sacred.  He does what he can to articulate the attributes, characteristics and powers of the World-Mind, while explaining the ontological necessity that It remain essentially unknown to humankind.  The closing chapter differentiates World-Mind from Mind Absolute—the final topic of this final volume in PB’s magnum opus.

Part 4, The Alone: Here at last is PB’s wisdom regarding the Absolute Itself.  Even in life PB was reluctant to voice much about the World-Mind or Mind, not out of cleverness or intellectual incapacity, but out of sheer, intimate reverence.  Where many others boldly go, guided only by their speculation, PB humbly approaches, illumined by the impersonal consciousness within.  The first of the two chapters in this part addresses the various ways in which the Real can be described: as Mind, as Alone, as Absolute, as Void, as Consciousness.  The second chapter contains PB’s reflections on our inability—and our ability—to comprehend and describe Reality, how it can be symbolized, and, amazingly, how our own Overself contemplates It.  Then this section concludes with PB’s meditations on Mind-in-Itself, and the Silence which must follow.

The Notebooks of Paul Brunton: Paperback Edition

by Paul Brunton
The entire 16-volumes of The Notebooks of Paul Brunton
0-943914-23-X Set
978-0-943914-23-7
16 volumes, 5.75 x 8.5
Page counts vary by volume
Now $256.61 for full set (list price $313.15)

Read reviews for: The Notebooks of Paul Brunton

This is a true Magnum Opus, an utterly unique approach to Philosophy as a combined study and practice of 28 separate but interlocked Categories.  While each volume is a jewel in its own right, together they create a genuine treasure-house of wisdom, experience, and inspiration.  Their sheer presence in your library will draw your attention and they will generate an atmosphere around themselves, for they are the ‘body’ of PB’s spiritual journey far more than any physical image or biography ever could be.  While PB himself would not care to have these volumes characterized as scripture, they are without a doubt “shruti”—the direct ideational flow of a sage, and worthy of our highest reverence and our most concentrated study.

The Notebooks of Paul Brunton: CD-Rom Edition

by Paul Brunton
All 16 volumes on one CD-ROM!
0-943914-92-2
978-0-943914-92-3
IBM/Mac compatible
Opens in browser offline
Now $39.97 (list price $79.95)

Read reviews for: The Notebooks of Paul Brunton

The entire 16-volume series of The Notebooks of Paul Brunton including the introductions, indexes and dynamic TOCs.  PB intended for the 28 categories to be studied together, in sequence, and in tandem with each other.  This CD-ROM allows the reader to explore his 28 categories in any sequence and to learn how PB considers the same issues from a variety of standpoints.  Thus one can consider the law of Karma from a moral standpoint in Volume 5, in the context of destiny and free will in Volume 6, see its effect on one’s health in Volume 7, and its effect on culture and the human condition in Volume 9, learn to recognize its swift action upon the subtle plane in Volume 11, and seek its annulment through Grace in Volume 15.  This is but one of many sub-themes that run across many volumes and categories—and what better way to find and follow these than with this CD?
The CD also contains
• A complete hyperlinked index to all 28 categories
• Complete hyperlinked table of contents, including all their subsections
• Six colorful options for background and text