The Secret: A yin/yang perception

[Celtaur]

The Secret or "Law of Attraction" as it's been fashionably dubbed in recent decades, is really nothing new-it's simply the same 'power of positive thinking' repackaged and freshly marketed for a new generation. The same power of positive thinking on which the work of super sales people like Anthony Robbins is based; with a revamped spiritual twist to appeal to new age consumers. Anyone who's lived long enough to begin to see trends recycled, will understand what I'm talking about.

This probably sounds pretty cynical to some of you. In defense of 'The Secret', I'll tell you I own and have read the book, and do beleive it works-in varying degrees. But there are limits to what can be achieved with this philosophy-it's more of an attitude about life to be worn over a period of time, for long term results; than a quick fix solution to an unforseen problem. In it's most basic form, it really just comes down to self confidence, imho. What would have been called a 'good vibe' in the 1960's or 70's. And while a good attitude does open doors and attract good things in life-it only carries you so far without other qualities, like good judgement and perserverance. Just my opinion...

I agree. And yes, it does probably sound quite cynical of me. However, with everyone on a high (there's nothing wrong with that), I was looking at things from the other side, the return swing of the pendulum if you will. The universe is about balance, and various perspectives, hence the yin and yang, and I think it's important for people to not get sucked into emotional highs when it comes to marketing campaigns. It's like watching a hyped up infomercial and then buying that product before the "30 minute" mark after the show ends to get your free gift.

I think bringing "the law of attraction" to light for people is certainly a positive thing, and I do suppose the best way to get people to listen is to talk about money, as that's something most people have in common - enjoying having more of it. I think the law of attraction may have been a stepping stone for people to learn more about the laws of hermetics for instance. But also, in all honesty, I think most people who have studied metaphysical topics for some time were / are quite aware of such things. It is pretty much, positive thinking, and the effects that has on deeper levels, packaged in a "new form" for the masses. I think people need new packaging though, I keep seeing commercials for products that are always re-invented, but inside they are pretty much the same, it's the external packaging, and I think this is what The Secret did.

My cynicism honestly comes from my distaste of marketing. I find marketing to often be dishonest, not always, but often. In favor of The Secret as a product and as a message, it did it's thing, and surely it has had a positive impact on people helping them to perceive things in a new way and hopefully opening up to more spiritual perspectives once they get over their love affair with materialism.

[ShadowFox]

You mention many key points about the secret and about society. I agree with everything you stated in your wonderfully written post.

I just finished a book called "The Master Key System" written by, Charles F. Haaenel in 1912, it’s been revised for today, but also contains the original text as well. Apparently this is one of the books that inspired "the secret" (I didn’t realize that info until I had already purchased the book) It was an amazing read and I highly recommend it.

Peace & Truths….the FairyHealer…+*+*+*+

I believe that in some form, or way, the authors of such books in the past possessed occult knowledge.. The Master Key System is one of the things that Napoleon Hill read before making his marvelous book "Think and Grow Rich", the books that has inspired almost countless numbers of millionaires.

In his book he describes talking to figures deep within his subconscious that represented his heroes and people he idolized, such as Napoleon the Great, Charles Darwin, and the such. He said they took on personalities of their own, much too surprising even for himself. I believe he was in a deep state of meditation when he was doing this. And the practice of regular meditation like that doesn't exactly come easy.

I think somehow the laws of the universe were handed down from occultists to businessmen like him, without them realizing the nature of the knowledge.

[Clamhan]

I agree. And yes, it does probably sound quite cynical of me. However, with everyone on a high (there's nothing wrong with that), I was looking at things from the other side, the return swing of the pendulum if you will. The universe is about balance, and various perspectives, hence the yin and yang, and I think it's important for people to not get sucked into emotional highs when it comes to marketing campaigns. It's like watching a hyped up infomercial and then buying that product before the "30 minute" mark after the show ends to get your free gift.

I must confess I am in the cynical club as well and this strikes me as very true. A colleague of mine swears by 'the secret' which ironically isnt a secret at all so why its marketed as one is anyones guess.

My first objection is that the system as advocated by the book and the DVD etc doesnt focus on personal responsibility and much is about amassing great wealth.

It sounds silly but my friend was convinced she was going to win the lottery the other week simply because of her intention and her asking the universe. I didnt want to burst her bubble somewhat but I asked her whether she had taken into consideration everybody elses intention that was playing the lottery that week and whether or not she believed this might effect her request. I also asked her what she was doing in the physical that might support her spiritual resquest.

She looked quite taken aback and this is one of my first criticisms of the book. Its mass market appeal is because it tells people what they want to hear rather than providing them with the reality of the situation. The harsh realities are that much needs to be done on the physical planes to support the work done on the higher and without such work, any request made of the universe is entirely useless.

We cant get to Kether and beyond without first starting at Malkuth!

For me, the secret isnt a secret at all, but a short sighted and very brief synopsis of what esotericists and occultists have been working with for centuries.

[Celtaur]

I just had a very strange thought brought about by the latest discussion here. The mainstream "Secret" has been around for a while now, a couple years I suppose, and has definitely "died down" a bit, like anything marketed... I'm not sure if they'll be reinventing it anytime soon. But isn't it odd that everyone was so hyped up, and thought they had all the answers, now look at the state of the economy.

With all these people, a great many of them I'm sure focussed on how wonderfully easy it would be for them to gain financial success... just what has happened? On a massive scale it seemed everyone was getting themselves on the path of financial well being, getting all those material things the universe would grant them just by "ordering them from the universe." Now what... has everyone been living in their own delusions, thinking they could have it all, without anything much in return except "wanting it" ?

I wonder what all these people are thinking about "The Secret" now... or have they forgotten about it?

Very interesting and odd. What does this say about people's consciousness now? It seems like the whole world is under a mass hypnosis? I find it very strange that the Secret was huge not so long ago and now it seems the masses slowly creeping towards a state of poverty.

[Celtaur]

So it's been a while since I thought about the Secret, and wondering how others are perceiving it, working with the idea. I came across a site (which is a sales site), but there's a video there where this guy explains the Missing Secret vaguely. Wondering what other think on this.

Do you think it's just neurolinguistic programming techniques he's talking about or is he talking about the other Hermetic principles?

[Haruth]

I just had a very strange thought brought about by the latest discussion here. The mainstream "Secret" has been around for a while now, a couple years I suppose, and has definitely "died down" a bit, like anything marketed... I'm not sure if they'll be reinventing it anytime soon. But isn't it odd that everyone was so hyped up, and thought they had all the answers, now look at the state of the economy.

With all these people, a great many of them I'm sure focussed on how wonderfully easy it would be for them to gain financial success... just what has happened? On a massive scale it seemed everyone was getting themselves on the path of financial well being, getting all those material things the universe would grant them just by "ordering them from the universe." Now what... has everyone been living in their own delusions, thinking they could have it all, without anything much in return except "wanting it" ?

I wonder what all these people are thinking about "The Secret" now... or have they forgotten about it?

Very interesting and odd. What does this say about people's consciousness now? It seems like the whole world is under a mass hypnosis? I find it very strange that the Secret was huge not so long ago and now it seems the masses slowly creeping towards a state of poverty.

I must have missed this post between countries or something.

Celtaur, you have just summarised so perfectly my problem with such systems. Didn't any of these people think? It is quite obviously absurd that EVERYBODY can have EVERYTHING that they WANT - after all, there is only SO MUCH of ANYTHING...

I think the next "Secret" might have to be marketed along the lines of "having everything you NEED..."

A much better way of thinking IMO...