Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #289057 in Books
• Published on: 1994-11-01
• Binding: Paperback
• 230 pages

Language Notes
Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Spanish

From the Publisher
A simply stated introduction to the profound Hermetic principles, this book reminds us that "to become conscious is the supreme goal of the human being." It is addressed to all those who sense that "all is not well" with the human species, who feel alone in the world, and not understood by its people, and who yearn to better themselves mentally and spiritually.

From the Back Cover
... is addressed to all those who have eyes to see and ears to hear; and to those who are not in agreement with scientific, philosophical and social conventionalisms; to those who sense that "all is not well" with the human species; to those who suffer and cannot explain their pain; to those who feel a private and sensitive chord touched upon reading this book; to those who want to know the truth of life practically and personally; to those who feel misunderstood by the world and its people; to those whose ideal is a better world through spiritual elevation of the individual; to those who abhor injustice, misery, and ignorance; and to all those who yearn to better themselves mentally and spiritually.

Customer Reviews

informative
Good book to wake up from the illusions about the world. But does not inform or guide in real awakening.

Don't waste your money on this tripe
I purchased this book, having been a student of Hermetics for many years. What a waste of money! The fact that this book is recommended as a companion to the Kybalion is an insult to the Three Initiates!

From the very start, Mr. Baines has a condescending tone when referring to anyone who doesn't share his viewpoint, especially towards those not initiated into Hermetics. Solipsism is one of the most difficult things for a student to overcome, remembering that not everyone is as attuned as you are, that not everyone sees the truth your way. Baines carries on with this pretentious attitude throughout the entire book.

Other absurdities include his theory of nicotine addiction on page 35, which he says "brings to life a special being formed by the energy of the burning tobacco and the smoker's pleasure. This entity stirs up a constant restlessness in the smoker, which can only be appeased by lighting a cigarette." In other words, you're not addicted as science would have you believe, you're possessed!

One of the most offensive passages comes on page 44 where Mr. Baines, in his infinite wisdom, discusses the sexual deviations of women. Apparently, one of these "deviations" is being a victim of rape, or as Mr. Baines puts it, being "brutally possessed by a man with passionate instincts." Excuse me, Mr. Baines, but where I come from people take responsibility for their actions and a man who "brutally possesses" a woman is called a RAPIST and is treated like the criminal that he is!

About the only time Mr. Baines makes any sense is when he is essentially quoting from the Kybalion, which is the book you should be buying. Don't waste your money on this tripe!

Ah, how deep the deceptive rabbit hole goes....
I found this book to be quite deceptive yet intriguing. Depending on how much you're aware of ancient Sumerian history and Nibiru hypothesis, will you understand my comment and be aware of some serious manipulations within this book. Hence, if you've read some works by Zechariah Stitchin, David Icke, you'll know exactly where this author is coming from. These ancient alien beings like the author would make slaves of man, surely not initiates. These alien beings are the perverted secret societies, the illuminati, etc. that continue to reign over a planet of unconscious humans. Rent the whole Matrix series again, THEN read the book. You'll be calling the author "Mr. Smith". If you're a sufficiently aware human, It'll shock the socks off of you. I made this book homework for my students, as it is a wonderful scale upon which to judge ones' awareness, mind control and vulnerability around cultish mentalities. I challenge you to read this book and question the motives of this author.
Is he a true initiate? Are you sure? Read it twice, and ask yourself what this man wants. Has he created a superiorty cult with anti-semetic undertones and subtle but manipulative and oppressive views of women. Nearly all my students felt he had an ingenius way of expressing his "oxy-warped" views and opinions, that he could truly be a great cult leader. Great but dangerous to his followers. But the true danger my friends is not in the writer (or "leader"). True danger lies in the mental weakness of the follower who gives away his power mental independence to the leader of the manipulator. I use Hitler as example of a soul "allowed" freely to manipulate the masses of weak minded individuals and create disaster. A system that has been done since the creation of humankind. It is my opinion that if this author had such power as Hitler, humankind could possibly be worse off than our present disasterous state. A strong opinion I give to you, but nonetheless worthy of your notice.I gave this book 1 star, as it is a valuable tool in which to judge the readers' personal empowerment, deeper intelligence and ability to be manipulated. Do not be fooled. The "good" intentions behind this "illuminati cheerleader" are hardly good. I CANNOT imagine the likes of Agrippa, Flammel or Blavatsky being found in the same room with this person. A worthy note: The writer supplies just enough truths and "ah-hahs" to the excite the reader, catch their interest and sway them into his manipulative web. Truly the work of an ingenious cult leader. Reminds me of a famous buddhist quote: "Do not believe all that you hear, even if it comes from me, still do not believe it". If you're interested in hermetics, I suggest Franz Bardon. He leaves his personal opinions out, isn't looking to start an "cult for initiates", and offers wonderful exercises that will improve your consciousness and life overall. Be a student of life, but a slave to none. Which is it for you then: "The blue pill, or the red pill".