Customer Reviews

The Secret Science: For the Physical and Spiritual Transformation of Man (Hermetic Philosophy, Book 1)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

First of all, this writer's real name is Dario Salas Sommer and he's from Chile. He claims to have knowledge of the secret teachings of Hermes Trismegistus, an ancient Egyptian mystic. Interestingly enough, there is another John Baines, an Englishman, who is REALLY an Egyptologist, but has nothing to do with these books. That's not a good sign.

The second thing that should make you lift an eyebrow is the fact that Mr. Salas is a bit of a cottage industry in his native Chile and elsewhere, as the Founder and Spiritual Master of the Dario Salas Institute For Spiritual Science. Which undoubtedly you can gain enlightenment from. For the right amount of money, of course.

There is nothing in this book that cannot be discovered in other, older, and more legitimate works. The material in this book that isn't in other older works is not worth reading, because Mr. Salas has MADE IT UP out of whole cloth.

Give this one a pass. Try The Kybalion, by "The Three Initiates" instead.

In the Secret Science the author, who has adopted as his pseudonym the same name as a prominent English Academic - an Egyptologist (not that that is revealed in the book) develops an Orwellian scenario - not where "all animals are equal but some are more equal than others" but one where all men are depicted as looking alike having animal bodies and generally sleeping spirits, but amongst them there are some descended from far superior extra-terrestrial visitors of aeons past whose prominence has become evident in history. It may be easily inferred that he counts himself amongst these and these alone have high levels of consciousness able to discern the only real truths of the universe, God and the living creatures within it.

The book openly associates itself with occultism but immediately denigrates every other such organisation as a sham.

It sets out to systematically tell readers that their present beliefs are ill-founded and inadequate. It uses this common method of manipulation of people's minds - firstly telling them that there is a greater truth than they have ever encountered, secondly wearing down the confidence in the beliefs they presently have and thirdly embarking an a programme of substitution of the authors beliefs in place of those which he has either de-stabilised or attempted to de-stabilise. And of course it warns the reader to guard against those how carry out similar manipulation (counting on them not realising that this is what is happening here).

This substitution process is carried out through the various chapters of the book. They cover all manner of things. In them the author describes commonly occurring situations quite accurately, building up a trust in his judgement, in the mind of the reader. He subsequently makes assertions, which he makes no attempts to justify, as matters of fact whereas they are generally not factually based at all and it would be difficult to point to any demonstrable evidence to back them up - he certainly does not but takes them as a given. He then develops arguments based on these extremely tenuous premises to demonstrate all sorts of things he wishes to convince people. The very type of person he suggests needs the benefit of his teaching (the person who is low on discernment) is the very person who is likely to be taken in by this type of approach - it all sounds so plausible and yet in my view this technique is so morally wrong.

The author repeatedly uses extreme examples to justify certain conclusions whereas an honest practising scientist would be extremely wary of putting great weight on such outlying data points as any type of guide to the norm.

Certain matters of fact, such as people's hearts beating 100,000 times per hour are patently wrong whereas in fact they normally beat at about 4,000 beats per hour and may reach 6,000 - 9,000 in extreme circumstances.

Despite the author giving the impression that he must be at the pinnacle of the type of discernment which he espouses it does appear that with his repeated references to "a jealous and dominant woman" becoming a problem to a man, that he has been unable to avoid falling into one of the traps he preaches that men should guard against. For some reason he "puts down" various groups of women but men don't seem to come in for such treatment.

At various points he lays down "immutable" laws for the conduct of life without any justification - other than he has said so. He quotes Biblical passages quite frequently and Jesus but overall seems ambivalent to Christianity but more positive towards it than his distinctly anti statements about certain other relations.

He makes a new definition of God to suit his purposes and indulges in what is generally termed "double-speak" to make what he has to say sound convincing and impressive - a bit like the story of "The Kings Clothes" - the implication is - accept that what I am saying is correct or admit (to yourself) that you're unintelligent (and must need my help and guidance) - I am sure a number of readers are taken in.

With his desire to have people come within his orbit and to join the various branches of his institute there is increasing pressure towards the end of the book to convince people that the "only true way" is to become a disciple of his following and subsequently (for generally undisclosed benefits - as they must all be kept secret lest society wreak retribution on 'the enlightened') be initiated into his particular Rosicrucian type of Society.

It is not really clear how much of the material is based on the teachings of the Egyptian philosopher Trismegistus. There is a lot of mention of waves and in particular wave-lengths and vibrational frequencies - concepts developed in physics in the last 300 years unlikely to have been part of the vocabulary of Trismegistus 15,000 years ago, nor of his audience.

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!

In the Secret Science, the author touches on many topics that are likely to push your buttons, if you have pre-established opinions about how information should be disseminated. The first time I read this book I was offended by the direct approach the author took in describing the poor condition that human beings are in and how oblivious we are to the only thing that really matters in life --our own internal development. THEN, I actually tried some of his suggestions and realized that there is only one way to discover the validy of someone's statement. PUT THEM INTO PRACTICE.

John Baines takes a real risk in both the things that he is suggesting and the way in which he suggests them. Sometimes they sound far fetched and impossible, but I challenge anyone to put 100% of themsleves into actually following some of his suggestions and see the results for themselves. No one should be able to convince you one way or another until you actually have the experience yourself.

This book is like no other esoteric book I've ever read. There's a subtle difference that I didn't fully realize until I actually started DOING something.

I have read this book over and over again. It seems to talk to me. I mean with chapter titles like Sex, God, Mind, Love etc. how can you go wrong? This books is simply put - a manual for life. For those whose souls are yearning for clarity and understanding, this book is like a check list of where to look. I was so touched by it, that I read the entire collection.
The final words are prophetic since they say that the ones who are seeking will find. I took a deep breath and plunged in!
A book that has changed the lives of everyone I have given it to.

No fluffy bunny New Age stuff here! Mr. Baines lays it on the line in clear, concise language about how to awaken yourself to the real root kernel of science and metaphysics. He takes the 'woo-woo' out of metaphysical thought, and restores it to its rightful place as genuine science- with heart.

I was happy to see a Ph.D physicist remark positively about this book. I have no doctorate or advanced degrees, but the book's scientific content rang true for me nonetheless. He does not have complimentary things to say about most high academic pursuits, but I think his criticism of the overeducated is spot on. He makes hamburger out of sacred cows in several places.

An example is his approach to gender. In this early book, his depiction of the female can be a little offputting- and may offend some of the more fanatical feminist readers. If you read his later book, "The Science of Love" he clears this whole gender problem up remarkably well, but only after ruffling more female (and male!) feathers. It will definitely dissolve any paradigms you cling to, if you let it.

As a long time student of metaphysics, I found myself nodding along to many of the old truths of Hermes I have encountered in my studies. What is refreshing about Baines' approach is that he puts this ancient wisdom into modern language. To some, this will be a nice, but perhaps slightly perplexing lark, and soon forgotten. For others, with the eyes to see, and ears to hear, and mind enough to read between the lines, this will be a profound boot to the head. You won't look at the world the same again.

Two words: Get it!

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".

When I first read this book, I was quite skeptical. Who is the author? Why is he making such wide ranging assertions about life and about mankind? I was on the verge of passing on it. Thank God I didn't!!

You see, I regard myself as a metaphysical searcher, and, at the risk of being immodest, I know only a handful of people who's knowledge in this area match mine. Being intimately familiar with the work of Bardon, Kimble, and the lot, I was more than qualified to evaluate and pass judgment on this work.

Nevertheless, I was not prepared for the level of Truth offered by this this book. Baines delivers what at first glance seems to be an authoritarian, self serving version of the art of Hermes Trismegistus- he does not serve up rhetoric and arguments in the way the modern mind has grown accustomed. This may leave the reader somewhat indignant and disoriented; I know I was.

But don't be fooled!! Here is a jewel of knowledge unequaled in all of Western Literature... After over a year of personal experimentation, practice, and research, I am completely satisfied that Mr. Baines has crammed his book with true Life Knowledge, (some of which I still have not yet personally managed to access).

The only problem is that you cannot get knowledge by reading a book, but if there is truth there, you may harmonize with it by living out the principles contained within it. This is what most readers and seekers ignore. For example, I would challenge anyone who had a problem with personal success in life, relationships, etc. to study and practice the suggestions on pages 141 to 146 for ONE MONTH, and to see the subtle differences in Life and consciousness. Its truly amazing-simply because, although I have been involved with countless branches of study, I have never come into contact with methods as powerful as these.

Also, it must be mentioned that here, the ideas of Hermes Trismegistus and Jesus Christ are made to coincide with a solid explanation of the world that I have found in no other work.

Interestingly enough, everytime I disagreed with a precept in the book, I found myself wanting to argue and to prove my point. A bit of self imposed discipline and common sense prevailed upon me to look deeper for an answer that would resolve the supposed contradiction. Usually deeper meant to roll up my sleeves and use myself as a living laboratory.This worked in all cases except one, which I am still working out.

After several readings, I have come to the conclusion that the work gives insights on life that are not available through common cogitation. This possibly may explain my initial hostility to it, as well as those of others who, although clever, were not fortunate enough to persevere in the verification of its bold assertions.

Bottom line, if you are looking to bolster what you already know through intellectual cross checking, petty caviling on details, and "safe distance viewing"(as I was), this book may not be for you. If you are in search of the Truth, buy and use this book.


One need not have a Ph.D. in physics, (as I do), or possess a deeply rooted, spiritual background,
(as I do), to appreciate "The Secret Science". It affected me so profoundly that I am convinced history will record John Baines as one of the greatest philosophers of all time.

Without bringing in traditional religious language, Baines presents metaphysical phenomena
within a scientific framework that demystifies the new physics as well as the abstractions found in

earlier scientific thought, and he does so, amazingly enough, by integrating ancient Egyptian Hermetic philosophy with cutting-edge, twenty-first century science.

The resulting scientific model is so right, so instinctively natural, so logical that it comes through as a complete revelation of truth. What is clear to me is that Baines is not merely enunciating what he has read, or expounding upon what he has heard; he is passing on knowledge obtained through direct experience. In fact, the principles of quantum mechanics presented in "The Secret Science" were in their incipient stages of development in the early 1980's when Baines first articulated these principles.

According to Baines, the Universe is governed by hard and fast rules, such as the laws of thermodynamics, that were recognized and utilized thousands of years ago by the ancient Hermetic philosophers. Only through an understanding of these natural laws and hard work, is it possible for the ordinary human animal to evolve into a new, multi-dimensional, spiritual man or woman, worthy of manifesting the Divine spark, that part of the great Universal mind which lives within each of us.

While most readers will find the theories presented here intellectually and spiritually nourishing,
no doubt some will quibble; others will rage (like the "Reader from New Zealand"), but as Baines himself says, this work is addressed to those who have eyes to see and ears to hear. Yet for the contemplative thinker, this book is a penetrating, thought-provoking exploration into a new phase of evolution that heralds a breathtaking future for science and human consciousness.

Man this book is a pain to read. First and foremost before I begin I must tell you the only reason I read the entirety of this book is because I wanted to try to get my ten bucks out of it. When reading it was also reading another book covert persuasion and noticed "Baines" using a lot of mental tricks. For one he used a lot razz persuasive words similar to a used car salesmen, He even uses one in the title, "Secret". I just want to point out that it is not secret, because you put it right on the cover.

He tells you within the first few pages that you should try to learn. He says that seeking knowledge is bad because once you learn you want to learn more. Then he talks about having to submit to a master and ignoring everyone else. Then he tells you have to go all the way or stop reading because it will "burn your soul". Ok, brother if you can't see what he is trying to do then maybe you should read about the peoples temple and how their leader took them to a far off country and committed mass suicide. Furthermore it is extremely sexist toward women.

This book is laughable, and I'm flabbergasted that so many people give it five stars. On the bright side though the one stars are slowly showing this book for what it is, a hypocritical piece of trash.