In Canada, where ice hockey is king, one might say Paul Gauthier had a hat trick. Gauthier's hat trick, however, is not in a sport arena but embodied in his Trilogy of Hope, which consists of the three volumes The Book of the True Genesis, The Book of Life and The Book of Knowledge. Gauthier's goal in writing this life's work was to give readers a chance to test their beliefs based on the principle that "we must always do good and do no evil."
The trilogy, says Gauthier, is the result of more than 45 years of independent research. "I always had a need to find the truth about all things," he says. "I did not want to live my life not being sure of who I was." In this journey, Gauthier spearheaded the New Academy of Philosophy, which he describes as "an embryonic project of mine to gather brilliant minds to pursue the study of human nature and its destiny."
The Book of the True Genesis is available online as a free download at http://www.goti-a.com/. There's hardly a topic left untouched in this book. Gauthier philosophizes on everything from war, terrorism and government to religion and education, sex and violence, Alzheimer's, AIDS and abortion.
Moreover, Gauthier emphasizes the importance of meditation. "If you are going to do just one exercise in your life," he writes, "make it meditative breathing." He adds that the act of meditation removes all earthly distractions from the screen of the mind and allows introspection and evaluation of one's spiritual progress or failure.
The book includes instructions on how to meditate:
-- Sit straight with your eyes closed in a quiet setting, without noise.
Your hands are on your lap.
-- Take a reasonably deep breath as you count 1-2-3-4.
-- Hold it for the count 1-2.
-- Then let it out for the count 1-2-3-4.
-- Hold on empty for 5-6-7-8.
-- Repeat this breathing exercise for 10 to 20 minutes.
Gauthier also steers readers toward the path of fulfillment: "We should celebrate the extraordinary gift of the mind we all possess. Let us make the most of it as it opens for us the only path to a beautiful and fulfilled life. There is no other way to happiness!"
Gauthier appears to practice what he preaches. "In my 81st year of life I am a very satisfied person. I am happy even if I have never known real comfort and easy living," states Gauthier. Through his book, he hopes to help others finds this happiness, concluding, "No one who has read the book will remain the same."
