A book which advocates positive thinking has stirred up a hornet's nest.
"The Secret", labeled a pop culture phenomenon, has irritated some critics who assert that the philosophy expounded within its pages - simply put - amounts to a "blame-the-victim" mentality.
The main thrust of the best-selling book by author Rhonda Byrne is that "like attracts like" - or more succinctly - by virtue of the actual "laws of attraction" we are responsible for the source of our misery or success in life.
For example, the author infers that if you're poor and struggling, you have an inner desire to fail.
According to the new-age thinking expressed in the book, an individual has only to desire something through visualization, to change their lot in life.
Need money?
Think about wealth, and magically, a check will arrive in the mail the following day.
The idea is nothing new; it's just being packaged in a new box for a modern-day era of "dreamers".
The assertion that one has only to ask for something - and focus intently on it - to manifest the "goods" is a sorry commentary on our times.
Today, it appears, many seek quick fixes and short-cuts to fame and fortune; forget about earning something from the sweat of one’s brow.
Of course, it is true that if you are positive and outgoing, you may attract people into your circle - which, in turn - may open up doors to opportunity.
This makes sense.
The truism is practiced by Buddhists, for instance.
The Masters teach that the "Law of Karma' is the underlying force which weaves our destiny on this plane. While an individual may be born into a set of circumstances, through right action, he or she can alter the course of their destiny.
For instance, when encountering another sentient being in daily life, an individual has the opportunity to give alms to a beggar (or turn them away empty-handed), lend a compassionate ear, or engage in altruistic efforts to raise the consciousness on the planet.
The wise man understands the laws of the universe and treats all things living equally and with respect.
It's important to focus on the moment and be in the "now".
After all, the past and the future are both illusions.
How you - act, interact, or react to each situation - will affect your "karma" and your destiny, ultimately. Knowing when to sit "still" is a sign you may be on your way to self-realization and enlightenment.
I read a funny article in the newspaper the other day about a Priest who wandered around in the wilderness for seven years with the aim of attaining enlightenment, suffering all manner of tortures.
It reminded me of an interview I once read on Dustin Hoffman.
When the Oscar-winner was asked how he prepared for his role in the "Marathon Man", he noted that he stayed up all night and deprived himself of sleep, in order to get into the frame of mind for the part.
On the sidelines, celebrated actor - Laurence Olivier - chided him.
"Just act, dear boy".
Similarly, the act of attaining enlightenment is no ordeal either.
After you've reached that plateau, it does not require you sit on a mountaintop - the wise one - passing judgment on those below.
An Old Master once said,
Before Enlightenment
Chopping wood & drawing water
After Enlightenment
Chopping wood & drawing water
Makes sense, doesn't it?
