1st page of "EXPLORING OPEN SECRETS"

Dear Slim,

This this the beginning of the new book I am just finishing..

John

PROLOGUE

You have probably opened this book because the title intrigued you. But what does it actually mean? What is an “open” secret? How does it differ from a hidden secret? And how is it revealed?

A hidden secret is intentionally created. You may want to guard the information it contains in order to protect yourself. You may fear the reactions that others might have if they knew what you were hiding.

And then there are hidden secrets that are so disturbing that you hide them even from yourself as repressed memories.

But an Open Secret is fundamentally different. It contains nothing to fear. It is more in the nature of a sudden surprise held within an inherent mystery. How could you have failed to see it. It was always there just waiting to be revealed.

For example, if I were to say,

"EVERYONE WHO WRITES A SPIRITUAL BOOK (INCLUDING THIS ONE)

IS PARTIALLY LYING TO YOU AND THEY DO THIS WHETHER

THEY WANT TO OR NOT!

THEY CANNOT HELP THEMSELVES

AND YOU ARE INDIRECTLY TO BLAME!"

Would that qualify as an Open Secret? Think about it. When you pick up a spiritual book (or most non-fiction books) you usually assume that the author has greater knowledge, experience and wisdom then you do.

The author of the book understands this and tends to oblige by assuming a mantle of omniscience.

Because it is a book, it is relatively easy for him or her to create an impression of brilliance, profundity and moral certitude by a process of rewriting and editing that achieves a degree of perfection which ordinary conversation cannot attain.

t attain.