The Kybalion is probably the most controversial spiritual work of the twentieth century. Its teachings are based on the works of Hermes, an ancient Egyptian philosopher. Like Jesus, Buddha, Muhammad, Socrates and a few other philosophical and religious founders, Hermes is said to have received his knowledge in a vision during a period of deep concentration. During his “awakening", Hermes claimed to have been exposed to the truth of the world, how it works, and what lies beyond. He believed that he had experienced "the Soul of the Universe”. The Kybalion is a categorization and explanation of the seven main laws of life, as expressed to Hermes during his vision. Legend has it that these laws have been passed down in secret for centuries from teacher to students considered ready for the information, much like Jesus’s passing on of inner knowledge only to his closest disciples. The initial publishing of The Kybalion by “The Three Initiates" is reported to be the first time the general public has had access to these inner teachings.
The seven laws of The Kybalion will sound familiar to many, for they are the underlying themes of this existence. But learning the exact significance and meaning of these laws has been a closely guarded secret for millennia. A secret that, once understood, has the potential to transform your life, and your understanding of life. The immediate effect of the teachings is believed to be an enhanced ability to live a better life, in all areas of concern. The long term effect is an evolution of consciousness and awareness toward higher and higher levels. In the Bible, it is said that Adam fell into a deep sleep. Nowhere does it ever say that he woke up. An “awakening” that carries us beyond our current level of cognition and perception is the ultimate goal of the teachings of The Kybalion.
“We know what we are, but know not what we may be.” -Shakespeare
The author mentions in the introduction that some may be skeptical about this work. I am one. Not sure if it's the modern translation and/or the content, but it doesn't have much of an ancient feel and the fact that it was originally published by 3 anonymous persons doesn't add weight to it's claims. It has more of a feel that they were interested in pushing their own beliefs and hid them behind a super sounding story of ancient wisdom. In order to create some mystery? Who knows and alas the content didn't add to this reader really wanting to know.
Most of my life, let’s say at least as long as I can remember, I have been intensely fascinated by the very questions of existence, the very nature of life, creation, the nature of God, and what humans’ relation with God the creator might really be. Any human being with those questions foremost on their minds will find this book helpful, thought provoking, a good guide to deepen one’s comprehension of Life. For anyone who is standing in the light cone of these essential questions will find valuable support in this book.
When I decided to study the Kybalion I knew it would not be an easy undertaking. I first read the Kybalion and understood immediately that I needed help. While I grasped some of it I also had questions. Enter this book.
Piece by piece. Bit by bit I went through the Kybalion again. I would read the Kybalion chapter on the first principle carefully and try to grasp its meaning and then I would read the corresponding chapter in Matthew Barnes' book. I continued like this until I had finished both books. It has helped me grasp this book immensely. Do I still have a lot to learn about this book? Yes! But with the help of Matthew's book it seems more possible.
When first reading the Kybalion 101 book the chapters start out small and with each successive chapter it gets a bit longer l. It is a bit repetitive but I feel like it was maybe purposeful as each chapter doubles back to the previous one. It instills and ingrains the concept into your brain a bit. It also does it without trying to "indoctrinate" you. The wording reads like poetry and is quite beautiful. I wholly recommend it to anyone who is studying the Kybalion and needs a little modern day help for the sometimes archaic language in the book.
In reading all 3 books it gave me a huge starting point to understanding myself through the study of the Kybalion. I am thankful for your writings and efforts to share your extensive research on the topic. I found through study and commitment to kundalini yoga my life and existents is changing before my eyes! Thank You Matthew!!
It was quite interesting and I definitely couldn't stop reading it once I started it. I felt it was a tad wordy or repetitive but overall I am very content with what I've just taken in, Thank you Matt!!
I cannot thank you enough Matt and as a self published writer myself I love the way you have created in simple terms, the exploration of this reading. Thank you so very much for listening to your truth to produce a beautiful book xxx
This is a must read for those who want a better understanding of the Kydalion. Matt gets a little drawn out in some of his explanations, or shall I say a little wordful. But the reader should overlook this. After all you are reading this for a better understanding and inlightmen. You will enjoy this this easy read. R.G.Schaffer