IN THE September issue of this Magazine, in our Editorial we told of a book written by an English journalist,* describing an experience that came to him after searching India from one end to the other for the sacred truth that had been told were to be found there—the true spirituality spoken of in its sacred books containing the “Wisdom of the East.”

One of the incidents that inspired his search is most illuminating, and we quote it herein, as it shows how his mind was prepared for what, after his long search, he found in the experience described in our September Editorial. There is so much of real value to INNER LIFE readers in this book that we intend from time to time to quote further from it.

The author, when browsing in a small book-shop in London, while talking to the old book-seller on the subject of re-birth or metempsychosis that he discovered in an ancient volume that engaged his attention, was approached by another customer who spoke to him as follows (The stranger was an Indian of aristocratic bearing):

“My friend,” he says, quietly, “pardon me for intruding. I could not help overhearing you, while the subject you were discussing was of great interest to me. You quote the classical authors who first mention this doctrine of mans’ continual rebirth upon this earth. The deeper minds among those philosophical Greeks, wise Africans and early Christian Fathers understood this doctrine well, I agree. But where, do you think, did it really originate?”

He pauses for a moment, but gives no time for reply.

“Permit me to tell you,” he continues, smiling. “You must look to India for the first acceptance of metempsychosis in the Old World. It was a cardinal tenet among the people of my land, even in remote antiquity.”

The speaker’s face fascinates me. It is unusual; it would be distinguished-looking among a hundred Indians. Power kept in reserve—this is my reading of his character. Piercing eyes, a

My Search in Secret India, by Paul Brunton.