Comparing the Master Key Experience with the Camino de Santiago
As an avid pilgrim and Master Key student, I like to write about how I see the world through the lens of the Camino de Santiago and/or the Master Key System and the Master Key Experience (MKE). I keep seeing lessons and parallels – Today I have several to share.
Therapy
For those who require medication and/or psychotherapy, I am in no way suggesting you abandon that avenue. But most of us can gain peace of mind and improve our mental health while walking in nature.
On the Camino, you have the added benefit of having in-depth conversations with fellow pilgrims. There is something freeing about talking to people you have just met and who have no judgements of you.
The Master Key Experience is similar. You are assigned to a Guide as well as a group of fellow members. As you work through the materials, you are working on your inner world – with benefits to your outer world.
Natural
Walking is a natural process, with many benefits – both physical and mental. We build stamina and strength, improve circulation, and send more oxygen to our brain. On the Camino, you are away from your everyday pressures and distractions. Stress levels decrease.
While studying the Master Key System and applying the exercises of each lesson, you gain insight into the way your mind works. Add the extra components of the Master Key Experience and you work through the material in a practical way that can lead to great changes in your life.
Transformation
Many pilgrims return home from the Camino transformed, or in the beginning stages of transformation. I don’t believe that it is the Camino that transforms a pilgrim, but that it is a great environment in which change can occur.
The Master Key Experience also can be transformative. Similarly, it is an environment that invites you to really examine your life, discover what you really want, and begin a journey toward that ideal life.
For myself, after I walked the Camino, I was drawn to the Master Key Experience. Since then, I have been transformed into an author and have worked closely with the Master Key Experience staff to help with the member blog site.
Ancient
The Camino de Santiago began in the ninth century, once the remains of the apostle St. James were discovered in Northern Spain. Pilgrimage itself is an even older tradition. Pilgrims have been walking to ancient sites for millennia.
The Master Key System was written by Charles Haanel in 1912. However, it was based on material even older – you could say ‘ancient wisdom.’
Either way, these have stood the test of time. Both experiences offer great value to those who are open to it.
Body, Mind, and Spirit
I have written previously about how the Camino embodies the Body, Mind, and Spirit. I even included this concept in my novel, Quest for the Enlightened Pilgrim:
“Have you ever heard the Camino described in three parts?” Lucy had not, so Robyn went on to explain. “The first third of the Camino Frances, from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Burgos, is described as the Physical Part, with your body being conditioned and getting stronger. Part two, from Burgos to León, walking across the Meseta, is the Mental Part. That leads most people to do some powerful thinking. And from León to Santiago is the third part, the Spiritual Part. Being strengthened both physically and mentally, you are ready for the Spiritual experience of pilgrimage.” Arlene Laskey, Quest for the Enlightened Pilgrim
Well, I discovered, last week, that the Master Key System does the same.
As I was reading Lesson 2 for the ninth year in a row, I was astonished to notice (for the first time) the following passage:
“24. To sum up: The normal functions of the subconscious on the physical side have to do with the regular and vital processes, with the preservation of life and the restoration of health; with the care of offspring, which includes an instinctive desire to preserve all life and improve conditions generally.
25. On the mental side, it is the storehouse of memory; it harbors the wonderful thought messengers, who work, unhampered by time or space; it is the fountain of the practical initiative and constructive forces of life: It is the seat of habit.
26. On the spiritual side, it is the source of ideals, of aspiration, of the imagination, and is the channel through which we recognize our Divine Source, and in proportion as we recognize this divinity do we come into an understanding of the source of power.” Charles Haanel, The Master Key System.
Haanel was comparing the conscious mind vs the subconscious mind. Through the Master Key Experience, we learn how to use our conscious mind to harness the immense power of the subconscious. Very powerful lessons, indeed.
Love
One of the most common descriptive words for the Camino de Santiago is love. Pilgrims quickly develop a love for the Camino, for each other, for Spain, and for the local people. Most of the locals love the Camino and the pilgrims as well.
This love is demonstrated by the sharing of food and resources, by the conversations, and the way everyone helps each other.
Similarly, the Master Key is full of demonstrations of love. As we study Scroll Two of The Greatest Salesman in the World, we learn the lesson of love:
“Henceforth will I love all mankind. From this moment all hate is let from my veins for I have not time to hate, only time to love. From this moment I take the first step required to become a man among men… If I have no other qualities, I can succeed with love alone. Without it I will fail though I possess all the knowledge and skills of the world.
I will greet this day with love, and I will succeed.” Og Mandino, The Greatest Salesman in the World
Truly, there are many more examples – from the presenters, to the guides, to the members – love and respect is a key trait of each MKE member. Love for self included.
Faith
Being a Christian pilgrimage, you would expect faith to be a trait of pilgrims. But not all pilgrims are religious. Some walk the Camino as an athletic or touristic endeavour. But most develop a faith that everything will work out.
A common expression, The Camino Provides, means that when you need something, it shows up. But don’t expect what you thought you wanted. Often, the Camino provides what you need, not what you wanted. Our prayers are always answered, but not always in the way we expect.
In the Master Key System, Haanel teaches us that we must have faith that what we want is on its way to us. We visualize what we want with clarity and faith, then take action to make it happen. Belief first, experience follows!
Master Key Experience and the Camino – Making the World a Better Place
I have heard many people say that if the world leaders could just walk the Camino de Santiago, there would be less conflict and more cooperation. I would say the same for the Master Key Experience.
If everyone took one month to walk a pilgrimage, or six months to study the Master Key System – I am certain that the collective consciousness of the world would rise – and indeed, the world would be a better place because of it.
