The Law of Attraction
Through the centuries, and all over the globe there are countless forms of media about the belief system of the Law of Attraction. Over the last year, the controversial movie and book The Secret caused such a stir in consciousness it has caused a reawakening of this point of view. In a few words, the Law of Attraction concept is “like attracts like”. When applied to the human experience, it refers to how a person’s actions, beliefs, emotions, feelings, and thoughts are a magnet for either positive or negative experiences. In other words, matching harmonious vibrations manifest. Another way to look at it is, just like “you are what you eat” the Law of Attraction states “you get what you think about” or “your thoughts determine your reality”. Some people disagree with this point of view, while others support it.
Either way, the Law of Attraction is some times erroneously associated as a recent development when in fact this principle has been around for millennia. In the March 29, 2007, USA TODAY article Secret history of 'The Secret' An old-time self-help religion gets new face, former Touched by an Angel star, and minister of the Understanding Principles of Better Living church in Los Angeles, Della Reese Lett is quoted saying, "Child, The Secret hasn't been a secret since the times of Moses, if not before. But every generation needs a new way to look at things that have been around a while. I suppose right now The Secret is it."
Truth is the concept of the Law of Attraction is in documents thousands of years old. One such document is the Emerald Tablet, predating both Corpus Hermeticum and Christian religion literature. Neither the origin, nor the actual age is known. Numerous translations in different languages have survived, even though the original green stone artifact was buried around 400 AD supposedly in the Giza plateau region to protect it from religious zealots destroying anything disagreeing with their beliefs. In addition to alchemy, the prophetic wisdom contained in the hidden meaning for transforming reality is actually about the unity of divinity between Spirit, soul, and corporeal body. The profound spiritual principles guide people through steps of personal physical, mental, and spiritual transformation to achieve higher states of self-consciousness. Moreover, before 1300 BC Moses may have used the Emerald Tablet to influence Pharaoh Akhenaten to monotheism worship. Around this period other near-Eastern hymnology writings have strong similarities between Akhenaten’s Great Hymn to the Aten and the Biblical Psalm 104. Unfortunately, most of the evidence from this era was destroyed. Rhonda Byrne, creator of The Secret, uses the Emerald Tablet as one of the historical supports for her work.
More proof of this principle existing millennia ago are two profound quotes made by Hindu Prince Gautama Siddharta (563-483 BC), the founder of Buddhism:
“All that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything. What we think we become.”
“The mind is everything. What you think you become.”
In the Bible there are many verses about this credence. We are told in the Old Testament in Proverbs 23:7 NASB “For as a man thinks within himself, so is he.” In the New Testament Jesus explains "So then, you will know them by their fruits." Matthew 7:20 NASB and again "Give and it shall be given to you. For whatever measure you deal out to other, it will be dealt to you in return." Luke 6:38. Paul makes it clear in Galatians 6:7 NASB “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.” Paul promised in 2 Corinthians 9:6 NASB “Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” Throughout the centuries numerous works attesting this doctrine were written by some of our history’ greatest people including Plato, Aristotle, Newton, Bacon, Shakespeare, Browning, Hugo, and Beethoven. Beginning in the late 19th Century and the first part of the 20th Century, there was another period of increased activity producing numerous writings about this belief system. The first was James Allen’s (1864-1912) book published in 1902 As a Man Thinketh which is based upon Proverbs 23:7.
In 1906, the next book published was Thought Vibration or the Law of Attraction in the Thought World by author William Walker Atkinson (1862 - 1932). Since he was the editor of New Thought magazine the principle has been christened a New Thought movement idea even though the principles aren’t “new”. Atkinson wrote over 100 books on religious and spiritual topics, and the name New Thought has persisted through the years. In a Newsweek interview, Rhonda Byrne revealed her inspiration for her 2006 film and book were from Atkinson’s work and Wallace Wattles The Science of Getting Rich published in 1910.
Still yet another major impact was Charles F Haanel (1866 - 1949) who published The Master Key System in 1912. Napoleon Hill accredits Haanel’s writings as his motivation for his success. Today, these writings continue to influence those who read them. It is rumored Bill Gates was inspired to pursue his computer dreams after reading this book instead of completing his Harvard University education. Haanel’s writings are also frequently cited in the book The Secret.
Basically the Law of Attraction practices include meditation, prayer, positive affirmations, visualization, and other exercises to achieve reprogramming our 50,000+ thoughts we have each day. Presently numerous authors have publications out about this mental attitude. Abraham-Hicks published through Hay House have several successful books. The 4:8 Principle: The Secret to a Joy-Filled Life by Tommy Newberry is based on Paul’s message in Philippians 4:8 to dwell on the positive in our lives for health, fulfillment, and satisfying relationships. Based on 1 Chronicles 4:10, Bruce Wilkinson and David Kopp wrote The Prayer of Jabez: Breaking Through to the Blessed Life to invoke a new mind-set in God for a more meaningful life. Joel Osteen uses Biblical principles to emphasize the power of love and a positive mindset. His message in his 2004 Your Best Life Now: 7 Steps to Living at Your Full Potential has been on USA TODAY’S Best-Selling Books list for over 125 weeks and thousands have been helped by his “prosperity gospel”. Even Oprah has dedicated several shows to these topics.
As can be expected, on the other hand there are always critics. Some feel there is no scientific basis or the methodology is not defining to substantiate this posture even though some scientific fields have seen some positive results. Still others are upset by the constant positive upbeat manner insisting it isn’t reality bound. Yet others feel it does not belong within religion. More complaints include it promotes egomania and narcissism. Others point out all the sufferings in our world as Larry King did on his talk show. All things considered, even though some of this is undeniably legitimate, all the more reason to focus on the Law of Attraction principles to counteract some negativity flourishing.
In summary, the Law of Attraction principles have been around since antiquity. Through the centuries numerous writers have written a great deal about the concept. Presently there are numerous forms of media on the topic. In any event, there is plenty of both negative and positive abounding. In conclusion, a person can dwell on the negativity in the world or choose to contemplate on the positive. The Law of Attraction disciplines one to concentrate on the positive and the choice is yours to make. | The Law of Attraction...
...that which is like unto itself is drawn. - Abraham-Hicks  You have to sow before you can reap. You have to give before you can get.
- Robert Collier American motivational author, 1885 - 1950
Ancient Principles of Hermes -
2) Correspondence -- "As above so below; as below so above; as within so without; as without so within."
Like attracts like. Qui se ressemble s'assemble.
- French Proverb Those who look alike associate together.
Birds of a feather flock together. They lied about that, so they are probably lying about this.
What goes around comes around.
Like two peas in a pod.
You get back what you give out.
You reap what you sow.
What you are looking for, is looking for you. Emerald Tablet of Hermes
Arabic Version
(from the German of Ruska, translated by ‘Anonymous'). Here (is) a true explanation, concerning which there can be no doubt.
It attests: The above from the below, and the below from the above - the work of the miracle of the One.
And things have been from this primal substance through a single act. How wonderful is this work! It is the main (principle) of the world and is its maintainer.
… the father of talismen and the protector of miracles
… It rises from earth to heaven, so as to draw the lights of the heights to itself, and descends to the earth; thus within it are the forces of the above and the below;
… because the light of lights within it, thus does the darkness flee before it.
… The force of forces, which overcomes every subtle thing and penetrates into everything gross.
… The structure of the microcosm is in accordance with the structure of the macrocosm.
… And accordingly proceed the knowledgeable. 
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