The Secret: Unlocking the Source of Joy and Fulfillment

by Michael Berg

More than 80 years ago, a young scholar emigrated from Eastern Europe to Jerusalem. Not long thereafter, he received a priceless spiritual teaching that revealed the source of lasting joy and fulfillment from a spiritual master whose name he would never disclose, not even after he himself became the most renowned Kabbalist of the 20th century. The young scholar's name was Rav Yehuda Ashlag, and though his letters and writings offer tantalizing hints of the wisdom that was given to him, the pieces of the puzzle have never been fully assembled until now. Here Michael Berg, himself the descendant of great Kabbalists, shares the result of years spent studying Rav Ashlag's life and work. In this book, Berg shows how the secret offers life-changing power. Drawing on stories and insights from Ashlag and other noted mystics, Berg explains how to discover one’s true purpose in the world and thereby find lasting peace and joy.

Genres: Spirituality, Jewish, Nonfiction, Religion

100 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Rabbi Michael Berg (born June 29, 1973) is the co-director of the Kabbalah Centre, alongside his mother Karen Berg. He is the son of Philip Berg, the founder of the Kabbalah Centre. Michael edited an unabridged English translation of the Zohar. He is also a cofounder of Raising Malawi.

Michael Berg is the author of several books on Kabbalah. Included among them are Secrets of The Zohar, Becoming Like God, The Way, The Secret, Well of Life, What God Meant, and Days of Connection.

In 2010, Michael launched an online learning platform called UKabbalah aimed at making the study of Kabbalah more accessible to the wider public.

Reviews

[Lara Vujcic · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Fulfilment, then, lies not so much in finding the gift as it does in realizing that you've had it all along."

This is just one of the countless important lessons I have learned from this book. I am eager, and more-than-ever willing to apply the teachings of this book to my own life and realize appreciate all it has to offer me. Even to an agnostic, this book spoke wonders.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have learned the secret to true happiness! Seriously, its plain and simple and right there. Just need to apply his teachings and you can be fulfilled too!

[Anthelia Amazes · Rating 3 out of 5]

My life has always been kind of magic … the story behind the reading of this book is also kind of magic.
I once had a spiritual experience while living in London, during this experience a voice told me that I had to give my life to others in order to be fulfilled.
So I left London and spent a couple of months working as a volunteer in an orphanage.
I returned to London, and to my selfish life. Someone in the street gives me a book. I take it and completely forget about it.
Years have passed. I moved a lot. Changed continents, countries, jobs etc ….
We are now 13 years later at my grandmas house in France and I discover old boxes full of books that I thought lost in the movings. Inside of the boxes, there is this book. I shelve it.
A year has passed again… while I had an accident that forced me to stop working and again seek fulfillment and answers… so I explore my own bookcase and find … this book.
And what is the message of this book ? That the only way for us to achieve fulfillment is by : Sharing. 🙏

As a sign … this book means A LOT to me.

As a book, I found it a little bit short and not so easy to understand. You need to be quite ready for its message. Wait to be.

[Rasika Maharaj · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a very easy read, short and sweet. I think it really touched on the points it wanted to address and gave a simplicity with examples to fully understand the concepts. I think the sentiment is for everyone, this 'secret' can change anyone's life, but as a self development & "enlightenment" reader this 'secret' was not revolutionary nor new to me, I would recommend this book to anyone, Jewish or not, but for people who read about 'unlocking the source of joy and fulfillment' avidly, I would not. I really did enjoy this book otherwise, and will recommend it others to explore this 'secret'.

[Tracy Antol · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought this was the best selling book when I got a digital copy from the library. It's not. And it's barely a book. It's bas 5 chapters. The message is decent. It's just not.... a book.

[Taylor Allison · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was fine but a little too theoretical. Hard to get fully engrossed.

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and simple, good reminder.

[Steve · Rating 2 out of 5]

Short and seems well-intentioned and nice enough:
Receive in order to share, rather than receive for one's self.
There, you just pretty much read this little book.
Be wary of stuff from The Kabbalah Centre-- research will yield the facts of the law suits, claims of abuse, etc. There are many better sources for those interested.

[Nathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

In his brief but inspiring book, Berg writes: "The only way to achieve true joy and fulfillment is by becoming a being of sharing."

I read Michael Berg's 100 page book in just two hours. It is small, but packed with powerful spiritual wisdom. He uses storytelling to illustrate that giving freely is what proves to be most satisfying way to be, and he offers some good advice about overcoming obstacles to living a life of generosity.

Simply put, his "Secret" is about shifting our focus from wanting and getting to giving and sharing. We get what we give, and if we offer our thought and actions with the intention of sharing with others, then we are more in alignment with the creative and abundant nature of the Universe. By becoming beings of sharing, we unlock the source of our true joy and lasting fulfillment.

Great little book. I highly recommend it.

[José Eduardo Amaral Leal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Livro inspirador. Para os interessados em autodesenvolvimento e estudantes de Cabala, aborda um processo de mudança para aproveitamento das diversas oportunidades de compartilhar (em conexão com a essência do Criador) que estão à nossa volta, tão numerosas quanto os grãos de areia de uma praia. E propõe, por meio de perguntas poderosas, uma estimulante reflexão a respeito das nossas verdadeiras intenções ao fazê-lo. Sugere ainda seis passos ou ações de desenvolvimento para uma vida plena incorporando essa sabedoria cabalística. Um ótimo presente que pode ser compartilhado e oferecido a jovens de todas as idades.

[Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worth reading. Well written and there are a lot of wonderful stories and philosophies

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The meaning behind the lesson learned. I have an interest in Kabbalah. I like to read about the Red String. Perhaps I am a Kabbalists

[Darsha18 · Rating 2 out of 5]

okieeeee

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this very interesting and thought-provoking - another view of a journey of truth

[Marcea Eckhardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Simple…

I literally read the entire book in one sitting…but now need to reread it over and over so that it becomes entrenched in everything I think, feel, say and live…

[Isha · Rating 3 out of 5]

a short read that covered the concept of selflessly giving

[Virginia “Ginny” · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provoking.
Reassuring.
Joyful.
Contemplative reading for an afternoon.

[Julia Stebbing · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adam’s grandpa gave me this so I wanted to give it a try. I think Kabbalism is not really for me but I like the idea of sharing with others to spread joy.

[cristina leira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply perfect

I loved its simplicity yet deep message. Sharing has a new meaning for me now. I recommend it to anyone who is struggling to share.