Mental Science and Getting What You Want Through Thought Power
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Mental Science and Getting What You Want Through Thought Power
Hashnu O. Hara's "Mental Science and Getting What You Want Through Thought Power" offers a direct, almost stark, presentation of mental causation principles. Unlike more verbose contemporary works, Hara cuts to the chase, detailing a methodology for aligning thought with desire. The strength lies in its unvarnished approach; it doesn't coddle the reader but presents a system to be studied and applied. A limitation, however, is the book's reliance on abstract assertions without always providing concrete, actionable steps for those new to such practices. The section discussing "The Law of Attraction" (though not explicitly named as such in the 2005 edition, the concept is central) provides a clear articulation of how focused mental energy is believed to draw corresponding experiences. It's a work for the determined student, not the casual inquirer.
📝 Description
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### What It Is
Mental Science and Getting What You Want Through Thought Power is a foundational text exploring the mechanics of consciousness and its direct influence on manifesting desires. Originally published in 2005, this facsimile reprint preserves the original's unique perspective on mental discipline and the power of focused intention. The work is not a simple self-help guide but a rigorous examination of the mind's latent abilities, presented in an era when such ideas were gaining traction within esoteric circles.
### Who It's For
This book is intended for individuals seriously committed to understanding and applying the principles of mental causation. It will appeal to students of esoteric philosophy, practitioners of mind-over-matter techniques, and anyone seeking a deeper comprehension of how thought shapes reality. Readers should possess a degree of intellectual curiosity and a willingness to engage with concepts that challenge conventional perceptions of self and the universe.
### Historical Context
The early 2000s saw a resurgence of interest in New Thought and metaphysical principles, building upon movements from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While not a direct product of the original New Thought wave that produced figures like Wallace Wattles or William Walker Atkinson, Hara's work engages with similar themes of mental power and manifestation. This period also witnessed a growing academic and popular interest in consciousness studies, providing a backdrop for works exploring the mind's potential beyond purely materialist frameworks.
### Key Concepts
The core of "Mental Science" revolves around the idea that the mind is an active force capable of shaping external circumstances. It posits that specific mental states, cultivated through discipline and understanding, can attract desired outcomes. The book emphasizes the importance of belief, visualization, and unwavering conviction in the process of manifestation, treating these not as mere psychological states but as fundamental laws of mental energy.
💡 Why Read This Book?
• Understand the practical mechanics of mental causation as outlined by Hashnu O. Hara, learning how to consciously direct your thoughts to influence outcomes, a core concept presented in the early chapters. • Gain a structured approach to cultivating mental discipline, moving beyond mere positive thinking to a systematic application of focused intention, as detailed in the exercises on thought control. • Explore the philosophical underpinnings of manifestation that predate modern New Thought popularizations, offering a historical perspective rooted in esoteric thought from the early 20th century.
⭐ Reader Reviews
Honest opinions from readers who have explored this book.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When was "Mental Science and Getting What You Want Through Thought Power" first published?
The book was first published on December 1, 2005, making this facsimile reprint a modern edition of an earlier work that likely circulated in manuscript or limited print form prior.
What is the primary focus of Hashnu O. Hara's "Mental Science"?
The primary focus is on the power of focused thought and mental discipline to influence external reality and achieve desired outcomes, exploring the concept of mental causation.
Is "Mental Science and Getting What You Want Through Thought Power" a self-help book?
While it offers principles for personal betterment, it functions more as a philosophical text and a guide to mental discipline rather than a typical self-help manual, demanding rigorous study.
What makes this book a "facsimile reprint"?
A facsimile reprint means it is a reproduction of the original edition, aiming to preserve its original format and content, including any imperfections due to age.
Who is Hashnu O. Hara?
Hashnu O. Hara is the author of "Mental Science and Getting What You Want Through Thought Power." Information about their life and other works is scarce, suggesting a focus on the message rather than the messenger.
What kind of "imperfections" might be present in this reprint?
Due to the age of the original material, the reprint may show marks, notations, marginalia, or other page flaws, which are considered part of the historical artifact.
🔮 Key Themes & Symbolism
Conscious Causation
The central tenet is that conscious thought is not merely a passive observer of reality but an active force capable of shaping it. Hara posits that by understanding and directing mental energy, individuals can become conscious creators of their experiences. This involves moving beyond passive wishing to a disciplined application of focused intention. The work asserts that specific mental states, when held with conviction, generate corresponding vibrations that attract similar external conditions, a principle explored throughout the text.
The Mechanics of Desire
This theme dissects how desires are formed and, more importantly, how they can be manifested. It suggests that desire is a signal from a deeper level of consciousness, and the book provides a framework for translating these signals into tangible results. Key to this process is the elimination of doubt and conflicting thoughts, which Hara argues act as barriers. The text emphasizes the importance of clear visualization and sustained belief as essential components in the mechanics of getting what you want.
Mental Discipline and Control
Hara stresses that the power of thought is unlocked through rigorous mental discipline. This is not about suppressing thoughts but about directing them with precision and unwavering focus. The book outlines methods for achieving this control, including techniques for quieting the 'surface mind' and maintaining a consistent mental attitude aligned with one's goals. This aspect is crucial for anyone seeking to harness their mental faculties effectively for manifestation purposes.
The Role of Belief
Belief is presented as the engine of mental power. The work distinguishes between intellectual assent and deep, unwavering conviction. Hara argues that true belief—a certainty in the mind that the desired outcome is already unfolding—is what activates the principles of mental causation. The book addresses how to cultivate this profound belief, even in the face of apparent contrary evidence, highlighting its role in bridging the gap between thought and reality.
💬 Memorable Quotes
“Thought is a force, and like all forces, it can be directed.”
— This concise statement encapsulates the book's core premise: that mental activity is not ethereal but possesses tangible power, akin to physical forces, which can be purposefully channeled.
“The mind that is filled with doubt cannot attract certainty.”
— This highlights the critical role of conviction. Hara suggests that internal conflict, particularly doubt, acts as an energetic impediment, preventing the manifestation of desired outcomes.
“Visualize your desire as already realized.”
— This points to the practice of vivid imagination. It's not just about wanting something, but about mentally inhabiting the state of having it, thereby impressing the idea onto the subconscious and the universe.
“Sustain the mental image with unwavering attention.”
— Emphasizes the need for persistence. Sporadic or unfocused mental effort is deemed insufficient; continuous, directed attention is presented as the key to effective thought-power application.
“Your outer world is a reflection of your inner state.”
— This concept frames external circumstances not as random events but as direct manifestations of one's dominant thoughts, beliefs, and mental attitudes.
🌙 Esoteric Significance
Tradition
This work fits within the broader Hermetic and New Thought traditions, emphasizing the principle of 'As Above, So Below' by suggesting that internal mental states directly mirror and influence external conditions. It departs from more complex Kabbalistic or alchemical systems by focusing on a singular, direct application of mind-power, stripping away ritualistic or symbolic layers for a more pragmatic approach to manifestation, characteristic of early 20th-century metaphysical writers.
Symbolism
The book itself eschews overt symbolism, focusing instead on the direct manipulation of thought-energy. However, the 'mind' itself can be seen as a primary symbol—not just the brain, but a luminous, energetic field capable of projection. The concept of 'attraction' functions symbolically, representing the universe's responsiveness to focused intent, akin to a cosmic sympathetic resonance. The act of 'getting what you want' symbolizes the individual's ascent to conscious co-creation.
Modern Relevance
Contemporary practitioners of the Law of Attraction, manifestation coaches, and even some proponents of quantum consciousness theories echo Hara's core ideas. Thinkers and authors focusing on neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) and the mind-body connection in healing often draw upon similar principles of directed thought and belief shaping reality, demonstrating the enduring appeal of these concepts.
👥 Who Should Read This Book
• Aspiring practitioners of mental manifestation techniques seeking a direct, no-nonsense guide to applying thought power for desired outcomes. • Students of esoteric philosophy interested in the historical development of mind-over-matter concepts, particularly those tracing lineages from New Thought. • Individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of consciousness and its potential role in shaping personal reality, moving beyond superficial affirmations to a more systematic approach.
📜 Historical Context
Hashnu O. Hara's "Mental Science and Getting What You Want Through Thought Power," first published in 2005, emerged during a period of renewed interest in metaphysical thought, building upon the legacy of the late 19th and early 20th-century New Thought movement. While figures like William Walker Atkinson and Wallace Wattles were popularizing similar concepts decades earlier, Hara's work offers a distinct, perhaps more austere, articulation of mental causation. This era saw a confluence of popular psychology, New Age spirituality, and early academic explorations into consciousness, creating a fertile ground for texts that explored the mind's perceived power over reality. The book's focus on direct mental application aligns with a broader cultural fascination with self-optimization and personal empowerment that characterized the turn of the millennium. It exists in dialogue with, though not always explicitly referencing, the burgeoning field of positive psychology and the established esoteric traditions.
📔 Journal Prompts
The concept of 'mental force' as presented by Hara.
Your current dominant thought patterns and their potential reflection in your life.
The practice of sustained visualization for a specific goal.
Cultivating unwavering belief in the face of doubt.
Identifying conflicting thoughts that may impede manifestation.
🗂️ Glossary
Mental Science
The study and application of the principles governing the mind's power to influence reality, as distinct from traditional scientific disciplines.
Thought Power
The inherent energy and causative force within conscious thought, capable of affecting both the thinker and their external environment.
Causation
The principle that events have causes; in this context, specifically referring to thoughts as direct causes of external phenomena.
Manifestation
The process by which thoughts, desires, and intentions take concrete form in the physical world.
Mental Discipline
The practice of controlling and directing one's thoughts with precision and consistency, essential for harnessing thought power.
Conscious Creator
An individual who actively and intentionally uses their mental faculties to shape their reality, rather than passively experiencing it.
Belief
A deeply held conviction or certainty, considered by Hara to be the primary vehicle through which thought power is actualized.