Paul Brunton Philosophic Foundation homepage > Notebooks of Paul Brunton > Category 13: Human Experience

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Human Experience

All the experiences which life brings us are meaningful. Let us use our intelligence and learn these meanings. For life is trying to develop that intelligence in us until she can make us aware of the highest meaning of all--the Soul.

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The human situation is a paradox. We are at one and the same time inhabitants of a world of reality as well as a world of appearance. A true human life must embrace both aspects, must be spiritual as well as physical, must integrate the intuitive as well as the intellectual.

1. Situation
   • Daily life as spiritual opportunity
   • Spiritual laws structure experience
   • Experience as personal teacher
   • Spiritual truth in practical life
   • Getting the point
   • Sunshine and shadow
   • Causes of suffering
   • Different reactions to suffering
   • Purpose of suffering
   • Transformation of suffering
   • ``Failure''
2. Living in The World
   • A play of opposites
   • Status of the herd
   • Reconciling the mystical and mundane
   • How to treat opportunity
   • Seeking guidance
   • Worldly success
   • Independence
   • Effects of environment, change
   • Cultivate an active attitude
   • Relations with others
   • Marriage
   • Politics
   • Education
3. Youth and Age
   • Reflections on youth
   • Reflections in old age
4. World Crisis
   • Crisis and visible effects
   • Causes, meaning of crisis
   • Historical perspectives
   • New era in evolution
   • New age directions
   • Role of philosophy, mysticism now
   • Need for wisdom, peace
   • Forebodings
   • Good will ultimately prevail