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Who was Paul Brunton?

Before he became Paul Brunton, Raphael Hurst was a curious young Londoner eager for knowledge. Born in 1898, he grew up amid the rapid changes of the early 20th century. Fascinated by philosophy and spirituality, Hurst felt that the truth about life and the universe could not be found in books alone, but by experiencing and exploring the world and its mysteries.

What is his relationship with Mysticism and the uncanny?

Paul Brunton dedicated much of his life to the study and practice of mystical and spiritual traditions. His interest in mysticism and the unusual led him to explore diverse cultures and become deeply involved in ancient spiritual practices. He believed in the existence of a perennial wisdom, a universal truth that transcends cultures and religions, and he sought this wisdom in his travels.

Brunton has written extensively about his experiences and insights in books such as "A Search in Secret Egypt", "A Search in Secret India" and "The Hidden Teaching Beyond Yoga". He sought not only to describe the practices and beliefs he encountered, but also to understand and experience their essences.

What were his most memorable experiences in Egypt?

Paul Brunton's trip to Egypt is one of the most fascinating of his career. In his book "A Search in Secret Egypt", he recounts several remarkable experiences:

The Great Pyramid Experience: One of Brunton's most notable experiences was his night spent inside the Great Pyramid of Giza. He describes experiencing altered states of consciousness, encounters with spiritual forces, and a deep sense of connection to ancient Egypt and its mysteries. Below is a very rich and interesting excerpt from his work.

I resumed my seat on the stone block and surrendered myself to the terrifying dead silence that reigned in the King's Chamber and the dominant darkness that enveloped it. With a docile spirit I continued in my expectation. For no apparent reason I remembered that there, to the west, the Suez Canal followed its course in a straight line between the sands and swamps, and the majestic Nile formed the backbone of the country.
The deep sepulchral stillness of the room, the empty sarcophagus next to me, certainly did not help to calm my nerves, when, moreover, my sensation continued to accuse the living, although invisible, presence of beings that surrounded me, becoming a certainty. Yes, there was something throbbing next to me, alive, although I saw absolutely nothing. Until I suddenly realized how reckless I had been, I understood my situation.
I was alone, isolated in a strange enclosure, more than sixty meters high, shrouded in impenetrable darkness, prisoner in a fearsome legendary building hundreds of kilometers away, the oldest building in the world and flanked by a dated and disturbed cemetery of an old metropolis that stood on the edge of a desert. There was no longer any doubt for me, who had delved into the mysteries of the occult, the magic and sorcery of the East, the psychic side of being, that the King's Chamber room had been populated by invisible beings, spirits that guarded the Pyramid. At any moment I expected to hear a spectral voice coming out of that overwhelming silence. I was grateful to the builders for having installed those tubes that provided fresh air, reduced but constant, that traveled about ninety meters through the Pyramid before reaching that enclosure, but welcome in any case. I am a man accustomed to solitude, which I have always delighted in, but the solitude of that room had something fearful and terrifying about it.
The surrounding darkness began to oppress my head, like an iron helmet. The shadow of unspeakable fear shook my entire being; I chased her away immediately. To remain in the heart of that desert monument, one needs not only courage but also a certain moral fortitude. There were no snakes emerging from holes or crevices, nor homeless scoundrels climbing the steep sides of the Pyramid to enter calmly at night. The only signs of animal life that I found were those of a mouse in the horizontal corridor that, frightened by the torchlight, ran desperately, trying in vain to find a refuge in the smooth granite stones; of the incredibly old yellow-green lizards glued to the ceiling in the narrow passage of the Queen's Chamber and, finally, of the bats in the underground den. There were also, of course, crickets, which greeted me with a prolonged chirp when I arrived at the Grand Gallery, but they soon fell silent.
All of that was behind me, and at that moment there was only the invincible silence that kept me trapped in its mute captivity. There was nothing of a physical nature that could do me any harm, and yet, for the second time, this vague restlessness caused by invisible eyes staring at me came back to me. In this place there was a fantastic mystery, a spectral unreality...
Paul Brunton - A Search in Secret Egypt

Encounter with the Anonymous Adept: Brunton reports an encounter with an unknown adept who possessed in-depth knowledge of ancient Egyptian mysteries. This anonymous master revealed to him secrets about the nature of reality and the path to self-realization.

The high-ranking yogi explained how some men's paths intersect and intersect under the command of unseen forces and how apparent coincidences can be pre-arranged links in a chain of causes destined to have certain effects. Without the slightest vanity, but as a mere statement of an existing fact, he referred to himself as an Adept (p. 330)…. He called himself Ra-Mak-Hotep and explained that to him the name means only one thing: at peace. “Egypt is not my home. Today the whole world is my home. Asia, Africa, Europe and America – I know all these lands and move through them. I am only oriental in body, because in mind I do not belong to any country and in heart I belong only to Peace.” He spoke rather quickly, vigorously and sentimentally, but it was quite obvious that all his feelings were under perfect control.
For more than an hour we talked about spiritual things, sitting on the top of the hill under a sun whose light still shone in our eyes and whose warmth still caressed us closely. However, I forgot these conditions in my absorbed interest in this man and his words. He told me some matters that concerned the world and many others that concerned only myself. He gave me precise instructions and special exercises related to my own efforts to reach a degree of spiritual balance and enlightenment beyond that which I had hitherto achieved. He spoke candidly and critically, even harshly, about certain obstacles in my path arising from my personal failings. He finally arranged a meeting with me for the next day, near the Roman altar, inside the colonnade on the banks of the Nile, in the Temple of Luxor.
Without getting up from his rocky seat, he said goodbye to me, excusing himself from continuing the conversation as he was extremely busy and had a lot to do at the moment….
The descent from the hill was steep and slippery; I climbed down the rocks and rubble on foot, holding the donkey's bridle with one hand. When we reached the base, I swung into the saddle and took one last look at the peak, which stood so portentously.
Ra-Mak-Hotep had not even begun his return journey. Evidently, he was still crouched atop that desolate hill. What could he be doing up there to keep him “extremely busy” while he sat still as a statue? Would he still be there when the twilight shadows deepened over the pink terraces of the Libyan hills? (pp. 331-332.)
Paul Brunton - A Search in Secret Egypt

Exploration of Sacred Sites: Brunton visited several sacred sites and ancient monuments, including Luxor, Karnak, and the Valley of the Kings. In each location, he sought to capture the spiritual essence and hidden teachings left behind by ancient civilizations. During his stay in Egypt, Brunton experienced several visions and intuitions that gave him a deeper understanding of spiritual mysteries and the purpose of life. These experiences reinforced his belief in the perennial wisdom and interconnectedness of all spiritual traditions.

Where to Visit in Egypt to Follow Brunton's Experiences?

For those who wish to follow in Paul Brunton's footsteps and explore Egypt's sacred and mysterious sites, here are some essential places to visit:

Great Pyramid of Giza:

Spending a night inside the Great Pyramid, particularly in the King's Chamber nowadays is practically impossible. However, you can visit the place with different guides and expeditions at conventional times. Brunton reported profound spiritual experiences and altered states of consciousness at this location. Furthermore, the purpose and usefulness of the site in the past remains a great mystery to the general public to this day.

Luxor, Karnak and Valley of the Kings:

Visit Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple to feel the grandeur and spirituality of ancient Egyptian places of worship. These temples are rich in symbolism, stories and spiritual architecture. Hire a local guide who can offer a deeper perspective on the symbology and history of these places, without prejudice or schizoterism.

Oases, Secret Orders and Lesser Known Places in the city:

Brunton also explored oases and lesser-known sites in Egypt, where he met people of great wisdom and preserved occult traditions. Venturing beyond the usual tourist destinations can reveal unique experiences and meaningful encounters with Egyptian culture and spirituality.

What are the questionable points and what are the irrefutable points of Brunton's Experience?

Paul Brunton's experiences in Egypt, while fascinating and inspiring, generate debate among scholars and spiritual seekers. Here are some questionable and irrefutable points:

**Questionable Points:**

The experiences described by Brunton, such as visions and altered states of consciousness, are subjective and difficult to verify objectively. Critics may question whether these experiences were influenced by personal expectations or self-induced suggestion.

Many may also interpret Brunton's account of meeting an unknown supporter as dubious. The real existence of this master and the authenticity of the revelations received may be weakened by the lack of concrete evidence or witnesses to the reports.

Some of Brunton's interpretations of Egyptian symbols and spirituality can be seen as subjective and influenced by his own cultural and spiritual perspective. This can lead to divergent interpretations of the same phenomena or locations.

**Irrefutable Points:**

Brunton's descriptions of the sites he visited, such as the Great Pyramid, Luxor, and Karnak, are detailed and correspond to the known features of these monuments. His observations on the architecture and atmosphere of these places are incredible. Many mystery schools teach and endorse stories and experiences similar to Brunton's.

The cultural and spiritual impact of Brunton's works is undeniable. He played a significant role in introducing and popularizing Eastern mysticism in the West, influencing many subsequent spiritual seekers and writers. Brunton is considered a name of respect in mystical traditions, both Eastern and Western. His search for spiritual wisdom and his dedication to the study of mystical practices are aspects that are widely recognized and respected.

Conclusion

Paul Brunton was a tireless explorer of spiritual mysteries and a mediator between East and West. For me, he is a perfect example of an explorer who sought not only this world, but others, for answers to timeless questions and constant learning. His experiences, not only in Egypt but in other places, contributed significantly to his understanding of mysticism and influenced subsequent works and other explorers. That is the great objective. You can climb mountains, descend caves and visit expanded states of consciousness, but what are you really looking for? I leave this answer for reflection here.

The truth is out there! Until the next!

Paul Brunton and his Search in Secret Egypt