Comments on Tantra Yoga 2.0: Rhonda Byrne's “The Secret” : Book Review

You are both right and wrong. Thoughts do matter a...

2008-09-29T03:41:00.000-07:00

You are both right and wrong. Thoughts do matter and do create reality -- but only when followed by actions. For example the thought to enjoy ice cream occurs first, and if then followed with the action of either buying or making ice cream--actually result in real ice cream to eat.

On the negative side, confusing mere thoughts with reality is indeed an energy drain.

Amen, think about it. First of all, IF the law of ...

2008-09-28T10:59:00.000-07:00

Amen, think about it. First of all, IF the law of attraction were true then cancer researchers would have higher rates of cancer since all they thinking about is cancer. Tellers in banks would be millionaires cause all day long they think about money. Gravity happens all the time to everything... it is a LAW.

The law of attraction, instead, is the latest and by far the highest profile example of the trend of self-help gurus making a living by offering their philosophies, concepts and strategies to help us, our marriages and our families.

However, by deferring to authorities may diminish our own critical thinking skills to grow and evolve on our own. In addition we run the risk of given up the freedom to build healthy lives, marriages and families based on our unique history and life experience. If we are not careful, we may overlook the value of our own life experiences along with the advice of friends, family and especially the elders among us.

Instead of looking outside ourselves for answers, one alternative may be a return to our (common) senses! Begin, to reclaim your natural ability to think for yourself. The common sense that was once readily available to all of us is still there free of charge and waiting to be applied to just about any challenge we might face in life… all you have to do is use it.

Although I couldn't agree more with your skepticis...

2008-09-28T05:32:00.000-07:00

Although I couldn't agree more with your skepticism, I do think that this rather negative world could use some positive uplifting, and you have to remember that this is geared towards the average joe.

So you ask yourself, could a little happiness be bad for the world? Thats all this is... just a little tiny slice of happiness when all we get from being born is suffering and loss and pain. Is that too much to ask?

My answer to that is yes, for some people. Yes, its dangerous... because "the secret" only asks you to continue being the greedy, consuming product-whores we already are in the western world. It is asking us to continually dream of objects and accumulations which do not enrich us one bit. Note how often they cite the need to wish for money of all things - as if we don't already do this!

My real, core issue with The secret is that it does not teach anyone the laws of karma - that we must take personal responsibility for our actions - and that wealth and treasures can be obtained without poisoning the environment or burning bridges to those that helped us.

The ends do not justify the means if you caused more karmic damage that you believe you are achieving. For the average joe, it would be better if "the secret" told us that yes, the law of attraction matches your positive energy with "things" but at a price. Nothing is free - and the wealth comes not from the genie, but your own energy, brought on by the inner workings of your own body and spirit.