A Hermit in the Himalayas: The Classic Work of Mystical Quest Paperback – September 4, 2003

Intriguing if you are interested in yoga, the Himalayas and personal meditative experiences.

This was the first book by Paul Brunton that I read; at the time I found it mostly interesting but a bit meandering. Years (decades) passed, and my own practices and studies deepened, as did my exposure to many major traditions and spiritual leaders, such as His Holiness the Dalai Lama and His Holiness Shankaracarya of Kanchi (the 69th). Upon re-reading "Hermit" I was astonished at its depth and its power. Gently woven between the lines is a guide to stabilizing the deeper silence which fountains forth from the buddhic (deep) mind, the mind of "clear light." Touching that silence is one thing, learning how to let it flow through one, quite, quite another. In this respect this book helped me immensely, and I found its anecdotes welcome punctuations from the inner work inspired by this book. So.. for those who are drawn into meditative quiet, this book is worthy of your time; for those looking for something more intellectual or dramatic, this book may well disappoint.

Brunton is a favorite spiritual writer of mine. I read several of his books in my youth, and have revisited them recently with pleasure. I am an armchair traveler to the Himalayas with this sensitive seeker. Brunton's writing becomes at times poetic in this solitude of immeasurable natural beauty. It took me away from the hectic world I live in.

Paul Brunton was one of the first Westerners to gain direct access to some of the remotest spiritual heritages of the world. His in-depth writings, remarkable for their insights into Eastern philosophies, gained great respect in the early part of the 20th century. Not only did Brunton speak from profound personal experience but he put into Western terminology the most esoteric concepts from the East; and he continued these writings into the later part of the century. But it was his early journals (such as this one), filled with reflections, eye-opening stories and deep understandings, which capture the essence of the young Brunton while traveling, before India started losing so much of its endearingly isolated character. Anyone with a love of the Himalayas, who is either fascinated by its spiritual possibilities or has actually been in those rugged, phenomenal mountains, should read Paul Brunton's HERMIT IN THE HIMALAYAS. The book will help you find yourself, just as all his writing do. PB, as he's known by those who read his many books, has been a major inspiration throughout my life. And he always will be.

I had expected more of a mystical work but it seemed to be more a description of the Himalayas instead. The descriptions were lovely but a bit too much at times as they went on and on.The one thing I did take from it, which is no small thing, is that the silencing of the mind is the key to finding God. But I did not need to read an entire book to get this Truth.Several years ago I had read A Search in Secret Egypt,also by Paul Brunton and really loved it. So I guess I was expecting something more along those same lines only in a different part of the world. I have been to the Himalayas myself and so would have liked to read more on the mystical experience.I have purchased A Search in Secret India by Paul Brunton and hope it will be a better read.

One would read another's journal either out of curiosity about the writer or about the writers research pursuit. For me it was latter. Though the two are tightly intertwined. It's a great treatise on spiritual pursuit and of the beauty and lure of the Himalayas. It is also too detailed at times, which I don't have the wisdom yet to truly savor. I am grateful to have come across Paul's writings.

Read one book read them all.

More like a traveler's guide to the Himalayas. Little or nothing to do with the metaphysical. Very disappointed!

Well overall it's gives a beautiful description of Tehri but in some chapters the author gets deflected from his writings. But certain chapters are highly worthy of praise.

A lovely book great to read again thanks JNR

Paul has narrated his experiences and events took place while his "Sadhna" in tehri region of Himalaya. this book compiles his internal journey as seeker chronologically as what he dis, felt, met people with and his attainments. if you want to read something real experience based on Spiritual "SADHNA" then its a book for you !

Excellent book as usual from this author. Similar to other books he has written - good if you are interested in spiritual matters

I loved this book -- more so because I'd read the author's 'A Search in Secret India' immediately before this. While 'A Search in Secret India' showed the author in action, searching earnestly for a guru and the path, in this book it's apparent that Brunton has found and settled happily with what he's looking for. This contemplative book carries a strain of exhilaration throughout on the part of the author, which is a natural result.of having perceived the Mystic Truth he was seeking. I recommend that first-time readers of Brunton read 'A Search in Secret India' before commencing upon this.