Showing results by author "Matthew Barnes" in All Categories

The Kybalion is probably the most controversial spiritual work of the 20th 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.

The Tao Te Ching is easily one of the most cherished and beloved spiritual works in existence. It is a short, to the point, truly non-denominational work that has been translated into English more times than any other work but the Christian Bible. Lao Tzu’s teachings have the potential to transform your existence, and even your understanding of existence. This translation is a modern, simplified interpretation. One that updates the ancient language to a more modern understanding, yet without touching the spirit of Lao Tzu’s timeless work, or altering his guidance.

The Emerald Tablet is an ancient Egyptian work written by Hermes Trismegistus that is believed to represent a step-by-step instruction manual for the alchemical process of turning ordinary metals like lead into something much more valuable, like gold. The manual consists of 14 cryptic, symbolic statements that many have tried to decipher over the course of thousands of years. I believe the 14 statements of the Emerald Tablet to be a symbolic guide to a far greater treasure than the conversion of lead into gold.

Since the beginning of time, humankind has pondered the meaning of life, the extension of life beyond this world, and the existence of a God or creator. The Hermetica is the second major work of the Ancient Egyptian philosopher Hermes Trismegistus, who is reported to have had an awakening during an extended period of meditation. During this awakening, Hermes, much like Jesus and Buddha later on, claims to have been exposed to the meaning of life, the presence of a world beyond this world, the existence of God, and the secret of our immortality.

The Bhagavad Gita (or “Song of God”) is one of the richest, most complete, and most important spiritual works ever composed. Its teachings have been a timeless source of inspiration, wisdom, and guidance for over a thousand years. The Gita (as it is affectionately known) is laid out as the story of a regular person Arjuna, who has become despondent after coming to see life as a meaningless, pointless, and never-ending struggle. 

Jesus Christ was a Zen master? In at least one version of early Christian belief, he sure sounded like one. Early Christianity was far from the gentle and unified belief system that we have been led to believe it was. In fact, in the earliest stages of its development, interpretations of the meanings of Jesus’ teachings varied widely, were hotly debated, and differing views were not tolerated well at all. The Zen-like nature of the Gnostics' Jesus is the focus of this work. “What you seek after is within you.” (Dialogue of the Savior)

Whether you are well on your way in your spiritual journey or just beginning, The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 101 will help to expand your perception of what you are already experiencing and show you how a subtle shift in your mindset is all that it takes to discover all that you have been hoping for. Possibly more.

Albert Einstein was a Zen master? I think so, and I aim to prove it. In this work, I outline the top 54 sayings uttered by “Uncle Albert” that, in my opinion, show his views of reality to be very similar to those of some of the greatest Zen masters to have ever lived, past, and present. Ranging from funny to contemplative to serious, these quotes outline my belief that through his unique understanding of the universe, Einstein seems to have developed an appreciation for the forces of the natural world that are congruent with the philosophical ideals held by Zen and Taoism masters.

In 81 brief, truly nondenominational chapters, the Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu outlines the pitfalls of being alive while also offering us a path to successful navigation. According to Lao Tzu, the root problem of humanity is that we attempt to swim against the tides of life instead of aligning our efforts with its own. As a result, we struggle needlessly. Work in tune with the universe, not against it, and the struggle ends, says Lao Tzu.

An easier, more effective way to invest in your future! In what is sure to be another controversial work on investing for the common man or woman, the author has updated his own personal investing strategy based on further experience in the markets. Learn why the author believes you need to be doing your own investing, why you need two investment portfolios, each with a different strategy, how to go after really good returns while still remaining safe, and why you should never listen to the media, your friends or other "experts".

Looking for a safe and simple investing method that doesn't take years of academic market study? Then you will love this audiobook. In my experience, you do not need to understand the inner workings of the market in order to make good returns. In short, you don't need to spend years academically studying the markets in order to make very good returns. If you are looking for a guide to understanding a wide variety of market terminology and investing options, as well as an academic study of the inner workings of the market, this audiobook is not for you.