Master Key, Chapters V-VIII

"Knowledge does not apply itself."

I am currently on Chapter XII, from which the above quotation comes, so one can deduce that I am a little behind on my updates.

Our imagination is the constructive form of Thinking. You can utilize a guided form of thinking to reach inner states and achievements for yourself. To do so requires powerful concentration; it cannot be done half-heartedly. When an ideal is fully formed in the mind--every detail laid out and perfected-- it can be realized. As such, we have a great power. That power must be guided by certain exact principles, or laws. Without them, the creative thinking process would be ineffective. We also must put these principles into practice; without application, without exercise, the intended creations are not possible.

The exercises of these chapters have been geared towards concentration and imagination, a sort of "training" for your ability to use your thinking to create and achieve.

I have not been as diligent at exercising these principles recently, but through reading the chapters carefully and discussing them, I am convinced that fully forming an ideal in your mind will lead to its actualization.

Master Key, Chapters I - IV

The principles thus far covered in the book are: states of being and circumstances, in some cases, come from within; the subconscious is a creative, powerful force that the conscious can control by directing it towards specific goals or desires; by that means, and by cultivating one's "within" anything can be attained as if by a birthright, a boundless power all people possess; discordant emotions, fear, anger, sadness, worry, should and can be eliminated from the self; there is a true self that can be what you will be.

The exercises have built upon each other, week by week; sit still, inhibit all thoughts, let go physically (relax), let go emotionally.

One unique, valuable thing about this book is that it focuses on being able to apply the principles it teaches.

Through the readings and exercises, I have definitely come to be more empowered. I have benefited most in applying the principle of directing the subconscious towards specific goals. In my case, conceiving creation solutions to issues. A small group has formed, for which I am grateful, and in which we share our experiences with a chapter and its exercise on a weekly basis.

The Master Key System

One month ago, I asked for book recommendations of the self-help genre. To my great benefit, many people offered a suggestion. I plan to read each suggestion, provided that my judgement approves. Currently, I am reading The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and have begun The Master Key System (along with other books of my own choosing.)

The latter, published in 1912, and rumored to be what inspired Bill Gates to start Microsoft, prescribes that it be read over a 24 week period, a week given to each chapter. Initially, having read the Foreword and Introduction, the book seemed to be comprised of self-absorbed metaphysical musings, which, when done systematically, resemble all too many philosophical works. To my delight, however, I discovered that each chapter ends with an exercise that is essentially meditation-- and the author calls this the application of the principles.

A search for the keywords "Zen, Buddhism" on Amazon.com yields 2,422 paperback book results. Read a 5 page description of meditation exercises, then meditate every day, and you will never have to read a single word from any of those 2,422 books to expertly know what Zen is.

A common criticisms of self-help books is that they invoke only a transient inspiration, and none of the principles are habitualized. I agree. Through meditation, however, one can truly implement wise suggestions. By promoting meditation, long before it was popularized in the United States, the author and the potential utility of his book's "teachings", have gained credibility in my eyes.

To help ensure that I stick with the 24 week course, I have decided to post my journey through The Master Key System on this blog. Should be fun.