Topic: Book Reviews

Published in 1950, How to Use the Science of Mind was an effort by Ernest Holmes to offer a perspective of how to practically apply the concepts of Science of Mind.  He begins by discussing the individualization of Universal Power, or recognizing the God within.  From there he covers the Law of Mind in action, words used in treatment, faith, spiritual awareness, spiritual cause and physical effect, the effect of what Holmes calls “Race Thought”, and subjective thought patterns.  And with topics ranging from techniques for practicing as a Practitioner, to advice for how the Practitioner can speak with authority and activity of right ideas, through to how to maintain a relationship with the patient, Holmes offers us what could arguably be considered the first Practitioner handbook.

When one looks at this book as a handbook for the Practitioner it is clear that Holmes is seeking to relay information in a practical and clear way.  There are certainly many efforts to convince the reader.  It should not be surprising that the author’s preference to call upon biblical references and suggest scientific credibility is continued from the Science of Mind into this read.

One might be excused for perhaps being confused as to the intended audience.  There is no doubt that those already familiar with the Science of Mind will find clarity in this book.  And yet at times there are hints that the author is also seeking to address those new to his teachings.

The author’s credibility is impeccable.  Given his role in creating both the Science of Mind and the spiritual organization that followed in its wake, he can be considered one of the most significant leaders and influence of New Thought.  In addition to other books such as Creative Mind, Creative Ideas, What Religious Science Teaches and The Voice Celestial, Holmes had a monumental influence on thousands of people still teaching and leading the Centres for Spiritual Living today.

The central goal of the book concerns deepening the understanding of our relationship to God.  The first paragraph sets the tone.

“Spirit is the creative cause back of and within everything.  God is not a spirit, but a spirit.  This one Spirit is the spirit of all people.  A philosophy of unity permits many mentalities but only one Mind, innumerable individualized points in the creative consciousness of an Absolute which always remains one, undivided and indivisible entity.”

With this start Holmes leaves no doubts as to his belief.  And many of the following arguments seek to build upon and deepen into this idea.

A habit of Holmes is the tendency to try to present a logical argument as if seeking to convince the academic reader.   However, the lack of citations and sometimes abstract references fail to solidify this presentation style.  It might impress the layman, but the well-educated will likely be less than impressed.

However, at its heart this book calls upon faith.  If the reader can agree with the central position that there is a Spirit individualized through every person then it is likely that the book will be a deep and thought-provoking read.

From this position Holmes places an emphasis on the potential of every individual.  “Man, then, is given power over his own life.  He cannot alter the laws of nature, but he can so alter his relationship to them that that which had bound him may now free him.”  In short, the teaching that Holmes presents is about empowerment.  And from this foundation the book’s usefulness begins to be exposed.  “Our thought is operated on by a universal creativity which is infinite in its capacity to accomplish.  Thus, in taking thought we do not force anything, we merely decide what thought to follow, knowing that the result is automatic.”  In effect, Holmes is saying to set down ideas of philosophy and to embrace a practical mental attitude that will result in the revelation of your highest potential.  And yet Holmes provokes the reader with powerful contrasts.  “Have we enough conviction to turn from negative conditions and mentally contemplate their opposites?”

One of the themes in Holmes’ body of work centres on the idea of technique or process.  He spends much time on what he terms the Law, that part of God that listens to your thoughts and manifests what you see and experience around you.  However, the astute reader will quickly grasp that he is striving to remind us that there is a constant balance to be found between the process and intangible elements.  “If he can do away with the process and instantly arrive at the goal, well and good.  If not, he must be willing to use a process until he does arrive.  This is what constitutes scientific spiritual mind practice.”  The heartening element of this statement is that dogma, so often associated with religion, is set to the side.  And thankfully this theme is repeated on a number of occasions.

Under the guise of Spiritual Awareness Holmes expands upon this idea.  “We should not feel that this divine beneficence is ordained for a few.  It is the gift of heaven for to all.  This is the very essence of religion.  No religion can have this essence unless it is founded in love.  It is wonderful to contemplate that one may realize such love, unify with it, and live from it.”  However, the central thesis for Holmes’ work follows not long after, and presents a strong reminder of the truth as he sees it.  “The mental practitioner can have hope of success only as he believes in, and lives from, the indwelling spirit.”  In short, believing and living from a place of knowing Eternal Presence is at the heart of his teaching.

But how would a practitioner live with such an ideal.  One answer can be found in the section on Spiritual Cause and Physical Effect.  “We seek to unite the object with its subject, always realizing that the spiritual reality is present and active, here and now.”  And from here he sets the stage for what might be considered the teaching central to the stoking of one’s awareness from slumber to the first stage of awakening.  “Whenever there is anything wrong it is the endeavor of the practitioner to transpose it, using the condition as a sign or a guide in the sense that no matter how negative it is, it is always a misinterpretation of truth.  Illusion is not in conditions or things of themselves, but in the way we interpret them.”  In one stroke Holmes suggests that we must take spiritual responsibility for the conditions we experience about us, and clarifies what the concept of illusion actually means.  All too often such ideas are lost within New Age and religious thinking.

No practical guide on the Science of Mind would be complete without a focus on Scientific Mind Treatment, the process he suggests as an effective mechanism for leveraging our creative potential.  Holmes addresses a question that is undoubtedly at the centre of every newcomer’s enquiry.

“The practitioner should expect his first treatment to meet the case, while, at the same time, never taking ‘No’ for an answer.  If the first treatment does not meet the case, he must continue until a demonstration is made.  But this question might arise: If one is dealing with a Principle which can instantly change any condition to a more desirable one, why should not any situation be [sic] instantly met?

Theoretically, there is no reason why the first treatment should not meet any situation, provided there is a complete realization, because realization and accomplishment are one and identical…there is but one treatment to be given, whether it takes ten minutes or ten months.  If and when the treatment is complete, a demonstration will be made.”

The idea that a sequence of treatments is actually a single treatment offers a keen perspective, that when considered consolidates much of the confusion that might arise in the mind of the enquirer.

Looking back on a book written more than sixty years ago one cannot help but realize the timelessness of his insight and vision.  Some ideas that are considered evolutionary today are hardly new ideas.  “As increasing numbers of people [maintain a conscious awareness], the human thought patterns of fear and limitation will gradually vanish.  New and better ones will take their place, and finally, humanity itself will find a fresh starting point.”  This message provides a climax of hope, and emphatically shows that Holmes knew that the ascended levels of consciousness that we believe we are experiencing are but a continuation of a cycle that has been ongoing for many eons.

Practical advice is offered.  “Everyone in this field should reserve portions of his time for deep spiritual meditation.”  Unfortunately, this idea was touched upon in only one paragraph.  Whilst this lack of focus on meditation is a general pattern in much of his work, it is gratifying to see mention, albeit a brief one.

Overall, few could argue with labeling How to Use the Science of Mind as a handbook for practitioners.  When compared to the readability of the Science of Mind it is an accessible summary of his teachings and vision for humanity.  Perhaps the only criticism is that the emphasis upon the process, science and the Law shortchanges the practical application of this lifestyle and philosophy.  A reader might find themselves being left with the impression that Holmes has patted them on the head, and comfortingly said, don’t worry, it will all work out – just keep at it.  But if you can accept that this is a book that calls upon cultivation of faith to develop ones conviction, then there is a mountain of wisdom to be mined.