I first signed up to get news about The Secret when it was just getting viral. Much anticipation was created around it, and the trailers and marketing were executed really well. I was really excited and could hardly wait. When the DVD came out, I purchased it immediately, with the intent to support this project. Luckily, I was part of the first group of people, who got the very first edition of the movie. When the second edition came out, it was edited and watered down, after disagreements with Esther and Jerry Hicks, who actually contributed the strongest, and best, material.
Why I don’t really like The Secret
Overall, the movie is well packaged, and it has the merit of introducing people to the idea and possibility that we create our own reality. But here is the limit. This is it. The Secret is simply about an introduction, without the actual tools to make something out of it. In fact, keeping the secret a secret. Those who were ready, went further and found their way to material that would help them. Others were simply frustrated and claimed that the Law of Attraction doesn’t work. They were lead to believe that simply visualizing something and positive thinking would change their reality easily and effortlessly.
The way the material is presented, is misleading. The concepts are overly simplified, promising the masses an understanding of reality that is just a pre-school version. The non-physical part, the most important one, is no longer the main focus of the movie. On top of it, it has some vivid imagery of negative situations, with powerful music, that create the opposite effect and draw you into the negative drama in a way that is not advisable. If these folks knew about the power of thoughts and emotions, the last thing they should have done was to deliver those scenes in such a dramatic way.
Then, the stories that followed, about lawsuits, copyright litigations, broken promises… a far cry from positivity and gratitude as the core message.
Those who have explored a little further, have found out that, by Rhonda’s own admission (and forgetting completely to acknowledge the contribution of Abraham-Hicks), The Secret was based primarily on two books, now offered as free downloads on The Secret’s website.
- The Science of Getting Rich, by Wallace D. Wattles
- The Master Key System, by Charles F. Haanel
I am not sure if they are offering the full original version of the book. Even worse, they are prohibiting from distributing material that is in the public domain (and this is why I am not linking to them). Why wouldn’t they want people to benefit from that book? I have downloaded a copy myself, to compare it to other more trusted versions I have (read below on where to download a good copy).
The Master Key System – the real stuff behind The Secret
The Master Key System was published by Charles Haanel in 1912, and written as a correspondence course in 24 parts. It is now in the public domain, after selling over 200,000 copies, until 1933. Rumors say that it was banned by the Church that same year and made disappear, though secret copies circulated until recently. Bill Gates was apparently an avid reader of this book.
Charles Haanel is regarded by many as the father of personal development, and the creator of the New Thought, of the Law of Attraction as we teach it today. His material is a great study on higher consciousness and self development.
Reading this book is highly recommended, and if you were to read only one book in your lifetime, this would be it. It is advised to follow the lessons step by step, rather than reading the entire book at once. To learn along the process and discuss the lessons, there is a new great resource available at The Master Key Community. From their front page, there is a link where you can download a full free copy of the book, without having to sign up for anything. I have just joined their discussion forums and feel inspired to start all over again, from page one!
As you go along with the steps in the book, you can share what you have learned, or ask questions in the forums. There are also audio files to download when you are a member of the forum. It will be like a study group. It’s a wonderful idea!
What about you? What was your experience with The Secret movie? Have you heard before of the Master Key System, and if so, what are your thoughts about it?
reginaldc
Elizabeth Barrette
Marty
Kim Woodbridge
Palma, great article. I had not heard of the master key system but you better believe I will be heading over to that forum and downloading it.
I agree on your review of the secret. For me it was an introduction to something that I intuitively felt long before watching it. I didn’t think in terms of creating my reality before it but I did have an idea that what we focused on is what life showed us. I can say that the introduction to the secret changed my life! It created such an attitude of empowerment for me. But it also gave me a thirst to learn more. I think of the secret as being like an introduction to a much lager perspective of the world. I believe as an introduction it did what it was intended. Unfortunately our society always tries to find the quick and easy fix. I don’t blame the secret people for others not wanting to dig deeper.
For what its worth I think the secret is a good introduction to the world of metaphysics. However, people need to dig deeper into how the universe works. Because the introduction from the secret I gained a passion to serve humanity and understand it on a much deeper level. Because of the introduction to the secret I chose to liberate my mind from the shackles of religious dogma and see the grand potential of the human race.
I would tell people about the secret but let them know it is more to it than positive thinking and visualizations.
Now I am off to the master key community.
Reginald
Reginaldc’s last blog post..Captains log, Star Trek date 5-1-09 supplemental: God is not a being
Hi reginaldc, you will love the Master Key book, and as you read it, know that I am starting again tonight from the very first page, follow the steps and discuss them in the forum! Master Key will take you where The Secret did not venture.
It is true that The Secret has introduced many people to the concepts, and inspired them. Those who were ready, like you, got the most benefit from it, because you had a thirst for knowing more.
What the Bleep was along the same lines, but The Secret was marketed very powerfully. The title alone made you want to buy it… do you know which edition you got? I will look for the deleted scenes and post them soon…
I am really glad that it was inspiring to you! Spiritual seekers who are ready, only need a spark to awaken their inner wisdom.
Palma, I am not sure which version I watched. I didn’t realize there were two versions. It had Abraham-Hicks on it. And yes you are right it was marketed very powerfully.
Reginaldc’s last blog post..Captains log, Star Trek date 5-1-09 supplemental: God is not a being
Then you are good, you got the first (extended) edition which is the more powerful one. The second edition had all the metaphysical Abraham material cut out, and was reduced to mere positive thinking, creating confusion.
Hey ,
Gr8 post , i did not know all this about the secret .. thanks for informaing me on this topic .
Regards
Sudeep
Sudeep, I am glad this was helpful to you. You have some great ayurvedic remedies on your blog!
I saw your comment on the 31 days to a better blog site (which I am doing too, but I think I am on about day 4!) and enjoyed your perspective on The Secret. I saw it and was sort of inspired but didn’t get a good vibe from a few of the teachers, and I felt there wasn’t really any clear instruction. But I did feel the topic was absolutely correct at a fundamental level so it’s interesting to read it be expressed more eloquently!
MadelineJ’s last blog post..The Italian Cheese Cart
Madeline, you are right, the topic is correct at a fundamental level. With further study and the proper tools, life can be transformed. The important thing is to use The Secret as a source of inspiration and not stop there. It is just the beginning…
Thank you for stopping by, and for your feedback, virtual classmate on the 31DBBB!
hi
I agree with you.I too waited for the secret & later when I saw it I felt It was just a Powerfully made & marketed Commercial MOVIE
The theory of creation by thought & attraction has been in the Hindu philosophy for centuries & centuries. Lord Kirshna has said in his discourse “the world is maya ( illusion ) which is created by the mind, infact he even gave some very good techniques to develop the mind (yoga techniques)
this holy book reverred by millions of indians for 1000s of centuries have carried the message but very few have been able to put it into effect as the understanding & acceptance of those theories are the hardest
sobbycv, yes, all the principles of the law of attraction, and that Thought is cause, are in the sacred scriptures. The Buddha and Lord Krishna talked about the world being maya, an illusion of the mind. Jesus also taught LOA. The message is not new, but it has been difficult to understand. In modern days, we have scientific instruments capable of demonstrating these principles, so hopefully humanity will speed up the learning process, without forgetting the deep spiritual implications of those principles. Thank you for your input!
Palma, fantastic article as usual. Everything is right on the money. I loved The Secret, but always describe it as a “primer”, because you are not given the information to put the law into practical application. I have also read the Science of Getting Rich and attempted the Master Key System (didn’t finish). And all of those concepts are there. The Law of Attraction is nothing new, it’s always existed since the existence of life on this planet. The concept has simple been repackaged and introduced to a new group of humans who have lost touch with their innate spirituality and power. Another great book that really breaks down the concepts was written in the 1950s By Uell S. Andersen called the Magic in your Mind.
I’m really greateful for The Secret, but it is not an end all be all. Just scratches the surface. I was really fortunate as well to get the original copy with Esther and Jerry Hicks.
Wonderful article Palma….pssstt, there’s an Award for you over at my blog.
You are so deserving.
Hugs,
Lisa
Lisa’s last blog post..Works of Heart Blog Award
Hi Lisa, I am determined to read again The Master Key, with a special focus, and participate in the forums. Have been busy lately, but it’s in my priority list.
I didn’t know about the Magic in your Mind book, thank you for mentioning it, as I am sure it is great reading material.
You are so right, the concept has been repackaged for a new group of humans, but the principles have been there since the beginning of times.
Thank you for the award! I’ll go over and take a look.