The Orient : The Notebooks of Paul Brunton: Vol.10

This tenth volume in The Notebooks of Paul Brunton presents, in depth and detail, the fifteenth of twenty-eight major sections in the personal notebooks Dr. Paul Brunton (1898-1981) reserved for posthumous publication. 

The Orient has three distinct elements. Chapter one consists primarily of inspiring reflections on the value of Eastern thought in general, differences and parallels between Eastern and Western cultures, and how changes in both hemispheres are pointing toward the birth of a new and necessarily creative world culture that will integrate the best values of ancient and modern, mystical and scientific cultures worldwide. 

Turning next to specific elements within Oriental culture, the book reflects one major editorial decision. The entries in this section of 
The Notebooks can be approached in a variety of ways. The two most obvious alternatives involve choosing between a structure that reflects primarily geographic distinctions and one that reflects religious or ideological ones. This geographical structure seems more in keeping 
with the 'travel book' style of Brunton's earlier writings. 

The Orient gives a sympathetic and fascinating view of traditional and contemporary Oriental life-customs, arts, philosophies, and many spiritual leaders. Often reading like a colorful travelogue, it has sections on India, China, Angkor, Wat, Ceylon, Japan, Egypt, Tibet and other Himalayan countries. 

Volume ten of The Notebooks of Paul Brunton, it emphasizes the need of both East and West to learn from one another and contribute creatively to a new world-culture. The entries in this section of The Notebooks can be approached in a variety of ways. The two most obvious alternatives involve choosing between a structure that reflects religious or ideological ones. The book delivers a more direct view into the world-traveling, adventurous side of P.B. than the more academic ideological structure was able to give. (jacket)