'The treasure-trove of the real self is within us, but it can be lifted out only when the mind is still.'
Paul Brunton, born this day in 1898, was one of the twentieth century's greatest explorers of, and writers on, the spiritual traditions of the East. He travelled widely throughout India and met gurus and teachers who enriched his life immeasurably. By translating for us, in his own vivid language, the wisdom he learned from from these holy men, he is widely credited with having introduced yoga and meditation to the West.
Time rushes onward like a roaring stream, bearing the human race with it and drowning our deepest thoughts in its noise. Yet this sage sat apart, quietly ensconced upon the grassy bank, and watched the gigantic spectacle with a calm Buddha-like smile. The world wants its great men to measure their lives by its puny foot-rule. But no rule has yet been devised which will take their full height, for such men, if they are really worth the name, derive their greatness not from themselves but from another source. And that source stretches far away into the Infinite. Hidden here and there in stray corners of Asia and Africa, a few seers have preserved the traditions of an ancient wisdom. They live like ghosts as they guard their treasure. They dwell outwardly apart, this spectre-race, keeping alive the divine secrets which life and fate have conspired to confide in their care.
from The Secret Path
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