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Rating: 
Summary: shanti
Review: 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.
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Summary: Ah, how deep the deceptive rabbit hole goes....
Review: 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".
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Summary: Californian sees spirituality in physics
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Don't waste your money on this tripe
Review: 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!
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Summary: shanti
Review: I think that "happydogpotatohead" has his potato head up his proverbial you know what. Being a student of spiritual masters for over 35 years, being a skeptic and doing my homework, having personally known a few spiritual masters, and having studied with Dario Salas Sommer in Chile for about a year, I can say that he is real and his books have spiritual value for those who have eyes to see and ears to hear. John Baines is used simply for the English translations because it is a more recognizable name in North America. Stupid remarks like those of potatohead leads me to believe that he hasn't even read the book. I wonder if he has 666 tattooed somewhere. He certainly doesn't have the eyes to see or the ears to hear.
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Summary: Finally, a book that takes a chance
Review: 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.
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Summary: Excellent introduction to Hermetic Science
Review: 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!
Rating: 
Summary: Good introduction to occultism
Review: This is an excellent introduction to Hermetics and should be read before "The Kybalion." His defenition of occultism is practical AND factual. I love the way he casts aside the demonized veil of its defenition. Were it not for his somewhat jaded opinion of women, I would have given this book 5 stars. Perhaps I misunderstood his words but, I felt an all to familiar chauvanistic tone common in the culture he and I both share, that being latin. Its hard to believe anyone who claims to be wise or a teacher who has not yet learned to conquer themselves. I dont know, maybe its me, but I found his somewhat unflattering comments to actually remove some of the credibility I would have otherwise given to this brilliant and talented pseudo-philosopher. He makes a lot of sense but the book reads like one long essay. Though he readily admits the importance of verifiable evidence, he goes on to document 230 pages of opinion. And at the end is his address, where you can aquire "real" wisdom, undefiled. For a price no doubt. I can't get past this. Because true wisdom is learned and passed on--not sold. I felt a little distubed by this because I immediatly imagined an outrageous price tag and that this book was one big promo. But--it is a great read, and simple to comprehend. It is an excellent springboard for further study and on that note it has a redeeming value. If one has just discovered occultism and is trying to disassociate themselves with the hate and intolerance that can sometimes occompany religion, than this book is nothing short of priceless. And if his goal was to assist in a lukewarm "awakening" than he has done just that and is a much better teacher than I have given him credit for. Because he definitely does that. Overall this book is definitely worth the prce and is actually one of the better tomes of occult literature as it really makes no serious pretenses save the endorsement of Rosicrucianism as superior to all forms of occult study, including Yoga and freemasonry. The learned brother is entitled to his opinion. His approach is very blunt but only partially unassuming. So straightfoward is his appraoch in fact, that he will make matter-of-fact comments that may on occasion blur the line between fact and opinion. But overall, this book is NOT a waste of time, lest you have a dogmatic, pre-concieved notion of the world that is...
Rating:
Summary: Simply Powerful
Review: 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 judgement 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 asseverations. Bottom line, if you are looking to bolster what you already know through intellectual cross checking, petty cavilling 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.
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