The Inner Reality ─ Jesus, Krishna, and the Way of Awakening

First published in the 1930s, this remarkable book skillfully interweaves the teachings of two great religious figures: Jesus and Krishna. Identifying a common current running through both Christianity and Hinduism, Brunton argues that an "inner reality" or "kingdom of heaven" can be found within each of us. Defining religion as, simply, the practice of binding oneself with divinity, he prepares readers for a quest leading to mystical communion and the realization of one's highest spiritual potential.

Centrally important to success in this inner adventure is meditation--properly practiced according to one's life situation. Brunton carefully explains this inward process, the essential experiential shifts that occur as meditation deepens, and the signs of success for each stage. To "be still" connects us with the liberating forces of the Overself, and even a brief period of quiet can yield tremendous results. Brunton emphasizes a life balance that considers the needs of the whole person. He points out common errors of spiritual seekers and the dangers of occultism.

Through unfolding the initiatory teachings hidden within the Lord's Prayer, the Gospel of St. John, and the Seven Beatitudes as well as the teachings of Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita, he skillfully maps a journey into our rich interior world. With his grounded and practical knowledge of the world's spiritual traditions, Paul Brunton is a trusted guide in this great inner adventure.

This new edition has been updated to incorporate the author's final revisions and includes an introduction by the Paul Brunton Philosophic Foundation.

PAUL BRUNTON (1898-1981) is one of the twentieth century's most brilliant spiritual writers. Generally recognized as having introduced yoga and meditation to the West, he was the most popular and authoritative source of information on Eastern philosophies, gurus, and meditation systems from the mid-'30s to the '60s. His books have sold over two million copies in seventeen languages. In 1954, he withdrew from public life and continued writing the material that was posthumously published asThe Notebooks of Paul Brunton--a truly East-West spiritual philosophy. Written with the passion of an authentic pioneer and the thoughtfulness of a seasoned practitioner, his work is re-emerging as a beacon for all contemporary seekers.