Category: A Course in Miracles

Correcting Others

A Course in Miracles emphasizes that it is not our job to correct our brothers for that is the job of the Holy Spirit.

“If you point out the errors of your brother’s ego you must be seeing through yours, because the Holy Spirit does not perceive his errors. This must be true, since there is no communication between the ego and the Holy Spirit.” T-9.III.4.

“When a brother behaves insanely, you can heal him only by perceiving the sanity in him. If you perceive his errors and accept them, you are accepting yours.” T-9.III.2-5

“It is not up to you to change your brother, but merely to accept him as he is.” T-9.III.6

“Correction is not your function. It belongs to One Who knows of fairness, not of guilt. If you assume correction’s role, you lose the function of forgiveness. No one can forgive until he learns correction is but to forgive, and never to accuse. Alone, you cannot see they are the same.” T-27.II.10

Taking this into consideration, what do you suppose one should do when a fellow student posts something that you think is in error and goes completely contrary to the Course?  Should we say nothing or is there an appropriate response that can be made?

There are several things we need to look at to discern how to best handle attempts at correction. The first is that there are two types of corrections that are offered. One is a correction from the ego that also involves making the receiver feel that he is being attacked and needs to defend himself or the truth of his statements.

The second are obvious factual corrections that are generally appreciated by the receiver as long as they are perceived as being given with sincerity. Examples of this could be a teacher grading a student, a reader pointing out an embarrassing typo that can be corrected, a passenger telling the driver he needs to turn left, not right, etc.

The ego’s idea of attack, judgment and correction are closely allied, but in applying these tactics the ego always tries to present itself as a benevolent force just trying to help a deluded soul. But in using this self-deceptive tactic it ignores the statement of Jesus in the Course saying:

“I will never attack your ego” T-4.I.3

The Course tells us that an attack against the true Son of God is impossible, but an ego can seem to make an attack on another ego and an ego can certainly have his feelings hurt by a perceived attack.

I think understanding this is a key to understanding true correction as taught by the Course. Correction is to be discouraged if it is directed at an individual ego creating the possibility of making him feel attacked for “Everyone you attack keeps it and cherishes it by holding it against you.” T-14.III.5

“When the ego experiences threat, its only decision is whether to attack now or to withdraw to attack later.” T-9.VIII.3

One may then ask, Isn’t the Course itself a great mechanism for correction? If it sets the example then why should we not correct our brother when he is obviously wrong.

What is overlooked here is that the Course merely gives out general truth and never calls out a specific ego for correction. The perception of attack occurs when we identify an ego, such as Bob, Tim or Jack, and specifically tell him he is wrong and needs to see things our way.

So, if we see a student post something that seems incorrect, according to the Course, here is an example of what not to do.

“Well Jim, you really screwed up this time. You completely distorted the meaning as presented by the Course which can only mean you are speaking from the ego.”

Here is what you can do. You can tell him that there are several ways of looking at this and say, “Here is my take.”

In the second you are not attacking, or even telling him he is wrong, but sharing, and sharing is strongly encouraged by the Course.

Often the line between sharing and attack becomes blurred as when an ego attacks it always claims that it was just trying to be helpful, or reveal the truth.

Here is the question one must ask before offering a correction:

How is the receiver of the correction going to respond? Will he accept the correction with appreciation or will he see it as an attack, or annoying at the least?

If he sees it as an attack then the chances are that he will attack back and observers will witness one of the many rounds of arguing back and forth that goes on in internet groups.

It is thus helpful in avoiding a round of distracting arguments to correctly assess how the person who seems to need correction will respond to your approach.

Then there are times when merely sharing a sincere point of view brings attack from the world of egos, even if that view is based on solid truth.  What should you do if you receive a comment like this:

“You are obviously ignorant of the true meaning here and deceived by your own ego.”

If one takes this as an insult then the natural inclination is to attack back with another insult.

The Course though tells us that if we defend ourselves then we are attacked, but in this case the self you are defending is the ego. The Course does tell us something we are supposed to defend:

“The best defense, as always, is not to attack another’s position, but rather to protect the truth.” T-3.I.2

If you feel that your position is based on truth, and come under attack, then the Course tells us to not attack the other guy’s position, but to “protect the truth.” This can be done by giving an expanded explanation as to why your position is in alignment with the Course, the Holy Spirit, common sense and reason.

This is what the Course itself does with its presentation. It does everything possible to defend the truth it presents by appealing to every part of ourselves that can comprehend it.

The problem in reaching a beneficial mutual sharing is excessed in this scripture: “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes.” Proverbs 21:2

The ego always maintains that it is correct and will attack those who express anything to the contrary.  Every once in a while, though, when a student speaks the words of the Holy Spirit, the ego is bypassed and the true Son of God within is reached and the two become one.

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Ten Happening Questions

In describing the separation many students proclaim that nothing has happened that there was no separation and we are still in heaven safe and sound. It appears that this is caused by a misreading of some key statements of the Course. But to those who believe this I would like to hear their answer to these ten questions:

[1] If nothing has happened and we are not here then why was A Course in Miracles created for the specific purpose to deliver us from what has not occurred?  Why would we need to be delivered from what does not exist?

[2] Why was the Holy Spirit created for the specific purpose of delivering us from something that never happened and a place where we do not exist?

[3] We are told that God was concerned that the separation would cause the Son to “be lost forever in the madness of his wish.” T-25.III.2 Therefore he created the Holy Spirit to prevent this.

How could something that never happened be so dangerous that it could separate us from God forever without intervention?

[4] We are told that the separation was “the original error that shattered Heaven.” T-18.I.12

How could heaven be shattered by something that never happened?

[5] We are told that “where you made a faulty choice before you now can make a better one, and thus escape all pain that what you chose before has brought to you.” T-31.VIII.3

We are clearly told that entering this dream and this world of pain was our own “faulty choice.”

Did we make a choice or not, and is not a choice something that happens?

If you order eggs for breakfast, does it not sound silly to proclaim that you never really ordered eggs because nothing happened?

[6] If nothing has happened then how is it that you think you are reading this using the perception of physical eyes? Why are you not seeing heaven instead of my words?

Is thinking a thought something that happens?  We are told that “you maintain the world within your mind in thought.” W-pI.132.6

Either you think things or you do not. If no thought happens then how does the Son maintain the world?

[7] How do you explain that the Course tells us that a dream actually occurred?

Nothing at all has happened BUT that you have put yourself to sleep, and dreamed a dream in which you were an alien to yourself, and but a part of someone else’s dream. T-28.II.4

“But” something did happen which was we put ourselves to sleep and entered into a dream. Wouldn’t it be silly to wake up from a dream and tell yourself that you actually had no dream? Of course no one is saying that the events in the dream happened during the waking hours and, likewise, no one is  saying life in this world is occurring in heaven.

[8] Why were angels and faithful sons sent to prevent a separation if nothing happened?

“The Atonement actually began long before the Crucifixion. Many Souls offered their efforts on behalf of the Separated Ones but they could not withstand the strength of the attack, and had to be brought back. Angels came, too, but their protection was not enough, because the Separated ones were not interested in peace. They had already split themselves, and were bent on dividing rather than reintegrating.” UR T 2 B 43

[9] How did the thought of separation “become a serious idea, and possible of both accomplishment and real effects” T-27.VIII.6 if the thought did not happen?  A thought is indeed something. The Course tells us in black and white that the “mad idea” did occur and was executed by entering a dream state.

[10] How do we keep recalling the memory of the instant of separation if such an instant never happened?

“Yet in each unforgiving act or thought, in every judgment and in all belief in sin, is that one instant still called back, as if it could be made again in time. You keep an ancient memory before your eyes.” T-26.V.5

I could name quire a few other passages confirming that something happened. So why the do so many students repeat the mantra that “nothing happened?”

This is because of a black and whie interpretation of several places where the Course declares that the separation never happened.

But we need to go by the whole text, not the part and the part telling us that nothing happened tells us that the thought of separation was not executed in heaven where eternity is, but what did happen was that we entered the dream. However, the thought did occur in heaven, but the execution of the thought made an illusion outside of heaven.

Thus when we examine all the statements of what did and did not happen we find that the idea of separation did happen in heaven, but the execution of the idea did not, but only happened in the dream state. This is where our consciousness presently is.

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CIA Plot and ACIM

What if you found out that the conspiracy theory that A Course in Miracles was really written by the CIA as a mind control mechanism, and they transmitted the Course to Helen using a filling in her teeth as a receiver?

Would this change your opinion of the Course? Would you cease using it, ignore the findings, or what would you do differently if anything.

I know there are some who think we should not even ask questions like this but let us ignore the Debbie Downers and have some fun speculation.

Since I asked the question, I’ll also give my answer.

If I definitely discovered that A Course in Miracles was not a divine revelation but created by regular mortals, whether it be the CIA, Bill and Helen or channeled from a space alien it would not alter the true principles in it that have been verified by the Holy Spirit.

Two core principles in the Course concerns forgiveness and the letting go of grievance.  The way the Course presents handling these two things harmonized with what I had verified to me by the Spirit before I even read the Course and is one of the reasons I took it seriously.

These teachings would be true and useful, even if the devil himself wrote it.

Many of the basic teachings centered around principles are true no matter who wrote them. It is mainly factual details that I would call into question if regular mortals created it. For instance, the comments on the life of Jesus would not be known to be true by a regular creative writer.

Personally, I do not think any regular mortal could have come up with the Course, so my question is only hypothetical, designed to create thought.

On the other hand, there are a lot of writings out there that claim to be divinely inspired that definitely could be written by a creative individual.

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Reality and Existence

It seems that a lot of the difference of interpretation of the Course comes from confusion over the use of certain key words which are used with different points of emphasis. The tendency is to pick one side or the other rather than looking at what is actually being said in the overall picture.

Two problematic words are “exist” and “real.”

These words, and their variances, are closely related and the way they are used sometimes causes the student to proclaim himself as either not existing or “not here”, while others see it differently.

To get at the truth let us see how the Course uses these two words.”

It seems to tell us that anything connected to this world does not exist. For instance, it says “The body is the symbol of what you think you are.  It is clearly a separation device, and therefore does not exist.” T-6.V.A.2

But then it backtracks a bit and says:

“The body does not really exist except as a learning device for the mind.” OE Tx:2.61

Here it seems to imply an existence for the purpose of learning, but then it says this:

“The body exists in a world that seems to contain two voices fighting for its possession.” T-8.VIII.2

The difference here is that it is said to have an existence in our world    .

So, we have a variation in the Course in the use of the word “exist’ in relation to the body, from a black and white declaration of nonexistence to a partial existence to a full existence.

To get to the truth we have to look at the context/picture rather than the symbolic frame as advised by the Course.

We have the same situation with the existence of our world. On one hand it says:

“The world does not exist.” W-pI.132.8.

Then on the other hand it says:

“The physical world exists only because man can use it to correct his unbelief, which placed him in it originally.” OE Tx:1.93

Then we have the existence of the real world which is still a part of the dream but the final step toward awakening. Concerning this it says:

“Through the eyes of Christ, only the real world exists and only the real world can be seen.” T-12.VII.11

But then it says that when “dreams are done, eternity has shined away the world, and only Heaven now exists at all.” W-pII.2.4

So, when we enter heaven the real world will no longer exist, but only heaven will.

What do we learn from this?

We learn that we cannot take one meaning from a sentence ir two and apply it all the through the Course, but have to look at the context to see what is really being said.

The words “real” and “reality” are similarly problematic. Concerning the reality of this world it says:

“You have denied it (the world) is but an illusion, and made it real. And it is real to you. It is not nothing.” T-26.VI.1

“What you project or extend is real for you. This is an immutable law of the mind in this world as well as in the Kingdom. However, the content is different in this world, because the thoughts it governs are very different from the Thoughts in the Kingdom.” T-7.II.2

So, from one point of emphasis we are told that this world has a reality, but with different content than the eternal world.

Then, on the other hand, it says: “Not that the world where this reflection is, is real at all. Only because His Son believes it is.” T-25.III.2

The point is that the Course is flexible in its use of various words such as existence and reality, and if we strictly apply the same meaning in every case, we will often miss the full meaning.

I have often seen students correct other students for using existence or reality in relation to this world insisting that this world does not exist and we should not speak of it as if it does, even though the Course does when applicable.

That said it may be helpful to define the highest realty as stated by the Course:

“Everything that God created cannot have an end, and nothing He did not create is real.” M-20.5 “Whatever is true is eternal, and cannot change or be changed.” T-1.V.5

When speaking of existence and reality from the viewpoint of heaven then then it is only referring to things that are eternal with no end.

But then there are times the Course is speaking to us as we exist in time and it talks about reality and existence which is not eternal, but belonging to this world.

Even so, must we accept the temporary reality of this world to even function. We have to earn a living, pay the rent, buy groceries, make friends and indeed have a certain type of reality in this world that just doesn’t go away by proclaiming, “I am not here” or, “the world does not exist.”

If you are reading these words, you are still here for there is no perception in heaven.

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Understanding Present Time

I had an insight on present time that I thought I would share with you.

I think there is a lot of confusion over the  teachings of A Course in Miracles on time, especially quotes such as this:

“Time is but an illusion” T-13.I.5  “Fear is not of the present, but only of the past and future, which do not exist.” T-15.I.8

But then we are told that there is one aspect of time that is real and eternal which is present time:

“The present is the only time there is.” W-pI.164.1 “Your mind cannot grasp the present, which is the only time there is.” W-pI.8.1 “The only aspect of time that is eternal is now.” T-5.III.6 “The present now remains the only time. Here in the present is the world set free.” W-pI.132.3

Because of this strong emphasis on time, as we understand it, not being real, but the present is, many students see time, and especially the past, as not even having an existence for us, even in this world.

This is obviously not literally the case as you could not even be reading this if the past in this world were non existent. We rely on our memory of the past to function and without some reality in the past we would not even remember how to read, write, or even talk. You wouldn’t even remember how to walk.

A conundrum occurs when we look at a person with serious dementia or Alzheimer’s. Some lose almost all access to the past and cannot function at all. They are close to 100% in the present time, but it is indeed no heavenly experience for them. No one caring for such a person would want to be in that situation, yet we are told that this will be our lot in heaven.

How then could heaven be a great place if only the present exists there? How could we possibly function?

The truth is revealed in this text:

“The Holy Spirit is the only Healer. He teaches that the past does not exist, a fact which belongs to the sphere of knowledge, and which therefore no one in the world can know. It would indeed be impossible to be in the world with this knowledge. For the mind that knows this unequivocally knows also it dwells in eternity, and utilizes no perception at all. It therefore does not consider where it is, because the concept “where” does not mean anything to it. It knows that it is everywhere, just as it has everything, and forever.” T-13.VIII.1

We are told then that this nonexistence of the past “belongs to the sphere of knowledge, and which therefore no one in the world can know.”

This “sphere of knowledge” is in heaven itself and cannot be fully understood in this world “therefore no one in the world can know” it in fullness. Therefore, anyone in this world who claims to have no past is deceived for this can only be experienced in heaven.  The best we can do here is take our attachment off the past, or in a holy instant catch a glimpse of the eternal present.

Next it says:

“It would indeed be impossible to be in the world with this knowledge.”

If we fully understood what it would be like to be in the present with no past we could not even stay in this world.

“For the mind that knows this unequivocally knows also it dwells in eternity, and utilizes no perception at all.”

This is a very interesting statement telling us that in the eternal present there would be no perception.  Think about it. All of our ability to perceive depends on seeing the past so we have not really escaped the past until we no longer perceive through the senses.

Finally, the passage ends with this major key of understanding:

“It knows that it is everywhere, just as it has everything, and forever.”

This explains why we can gloriously function in the eternal world with no past and only be in the present, for in the present there we know we are everywhere and have everything. Because we share the mind of God and are omnipresent and have awareness of everything, we will need no past memories.

Memory as we know it will not be necessary there for if you have all the answers in your awareness at all times, then you need no memory, and therefore no need to access any past time.  All things are present before you.

That is a lot different state than the Alzheimer’s patient who lacks awareness of both this world and the next.

Here we need memory of the past to function but when we return home, we will share the mind of God and have access in the eternal present to all knowledge.

I find this very enlightening to contemplate for it also sheds light on other controversial statements made in the Course.

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The Journey Home

An important milestone for the student of A Course in Miracles is to achieve the holy instant. We are told that “The holy instant is a miniature of Heaven, sent you from Heaven.” T-17.IV.11

It “is a time in which you receive and give perfect communication.  This means, however, that it is a time in which your mind is open, both to receive and give. It is the recognition that all minds are in communication.” T-15.IV.6

“In the holy instant God is remembered, and the language of communication with all your brothers is remembered with Him. For communication is remembered together, as is truth. …you will experience the full communication of ideas with ideas.” T-15.VI.7

It is interesting how much the Course stresses that “No one can enter Heaven by himself.” W-pI.134.17

Salvation and awakening is not an individual effort, but a group endeavor, and this also applies to the holy instant for it is the “recognition that all minds are in communication.” T-15.IV.6

The importance of this instant being shared is emphasized here: “One instant spent together with your brother restores the universe to both of you.” T-18.VII.5.

Then, even though we have experienced it we can backslide as noted here:

“For a time you may attempt to bring illusions into the holy instant, to hinder your full awareness of the complete difference, in all respects, between your experience of truth and illusion. Yet you will not attempt this long. In the holy instant the power of the Holy Spirit will prevail, because you joined Him. The illusions you bring with you will weaken the experience of Him for a while, and will prevent you from keeping the experience in your mind.” T-16.VII.6

Our illusions then will hinder our full awareness and “will prevent you from keeping the experience in your mind.”

Eventually, all of us will experience a fullness of the holy instant together but the journey is a long one taking millions of years:

“Just as the separation occurred over millions of years, the Last Judgment will extend over a similarly long period, and perhaps an even longer one.” T-2.VIII.2

Jesus sets the great example of one who includes not just himself, but all the sonship on the path back to our true home.

“We cannot sing redemption’s hymn alone. My task is not completed until I have lifted every voice with mine.” T-13.VII.17

Jesus then must continue to work in this world, for perhaps millions of years altogether until “every voice” is lifted with his for “As long as a single ‘slave’ remains to walk the earth, your release is not complete.” T-1.VII.3

No wonder it is written that “This course is a beginning, not an end. Your Friend goes with you. You are not alone.” W.ep.1

If students think they can take the course and in a short time graduate as an individual without their brothers and sisters then they are mistaken.  Completing the Course and experiencing the holy instant is just the beginning of a long journey as far as time is concerned.

But the Course can shave off many thousands of years of time for we are told that “Each time you practice, awareness is brought a little nearer at least; sometimes a thousand years or more are saved.” W-pI.97.3

When we look around at the billions of Sons of God sleeping in this world we can indeed see that we have a great work before us, but:

“Everyone will answer the Call of the Holy Spirit, or the Sonship cannot be as One.” T-5.II.10

Since we are in time we certainly have our work to do to extend the awakening to all of humanity. But once the Sonship is again one and we leave time behind us and dwell in the eternal present then it will seem as if all this never happened.

Meanwhile, we can obtain a taste of heaven here in time through the sharing of the holy instant.

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Discovering Reality

The Course advises us several times to focus on the content of what is being said rather than the black and white words. It corresponds the content to a picture and the symbols used to convey it as the frame. It tells us that if we only look at the frame, we will miss the picture/content.

I see numerous occasions where disagreements occur as to the meaning of the Course when one or more involved in the conflict only look at the frame and not the picture/context.

The problem is that when we are in the ego we cannot see the correct content for “It (the ego) is capable of asking questions but not of perceiving meaningful answers.” T-3.IV.3

The ego does not want meaningful answers and will alter the meaning of the form to suit its purposes. On the other hand, an important purpose of the Holy Spirit is to translate the form so the correct meaning is preserved. We are told this:

“A conflicted mind cannot be faithful to one meaning, and will therefore change the meaning to preserve the form. The Holy Spirit’s purpose in translating is exactly the opposite. He translates only to preserve the original meaning in all respects and in all languages… The meaning of His message is always the same; only the meaning matters.” T-7.II.4-5

In that same text it tells us that “a good translator (such as the Holy Spirit), although he must alter the form of what he translates, never changes the meaning.”

The need for translation of the form causes conflict between students because the form changes within the Course, or “he must alter the form” for the purposes of emphasizing the point under discussion.

To some this is seen as contradiction, but to others the apparent conflict is seen as merely emphasizing points of truth.

For instance, sometimes the Course talks about this world as if it does not exist and never happened, yet other times discusses it as if it is real and has happened.

The ego picks a side in the apparent conflict, but the students relying on the Holy Spirit will not see the conflict and will not need to pick sides, but will see how the apparent contradictions do not contradict at all, and instead are two points of emphasis to help us see the whole and true picture/content.

The real meaning or content of the Course is difficult for many to perceive because some apparent contradictions are caused because Course has its own definition of a number of Key words such as real, reality, truth, forgiveness, judgment, creation/made, salvation, knowledge, and others.

If one student uses the dictionary definition and another uses that of the Course, then they are likely to disagree because of lack of communication.

Understanding the Courses’ use of the word “real” is one that is of great importance for it differs significantly from that of our dictionaries.  In this world something is real if it can be perceived by the senses or experienced, but not so with the Course. According to it anything perceived by the senses is not real and does not exist.

This gives us a good summary of what real is:

“Whatever is true and real is eternal and cannot change or be changed.” OE Tx:1.68

The idea of that which is real is that which is eternal is reinforced here:

“Forgive the world, and you will understand that everything that God created cannot have an end, and nothing He did not create is real.” M-20.5 “What God and His Sons create is eternal” T-8.VI.3

That which is real in the Course then are things eternal created by God and Sons.  That means that everything we perceive with our senses is not real, as nothing we see is eternal.  Even the earth, the sun and the stars will end someday.

Since everything with form has a beginning and an end then nothing with form is real as the Course defines it.  What then is real?

What is real are things beyond form such as our thoughts:

“Thoughts are not born and cannot die. They share the attributes of their creator, nor have they a separate life apart from his. The thoughts you think are in your mind, as you are in the Mind which thought of you.” T-30.III.6

So the thought of a lightbulb would be real but its manifestation in the world would not. The life of a lightbulb will end but the thought cannot be destroyed. Neither the thought or the idea of a lightbulb could be destroyed but the bulb itself will have an end.

Ideas are created by thought so they are also eternal for we are taught of “of ideas that are eternal.”  T-9.IV.4 and “ideas are of the mind.” “And Everything is an idea.”  T-5.I.2 Even “you are an idea.” T-15.VI.4

The mind which created thoughts and ideas is also real: “the mind is real, because only the mind can be shared.” T-6.V.A.3.

Spirit is also real for it is eternal: “Spirit is immortal, and immortality is a constant state.”  T-4.II.11    

Joy is also real: “Pain is illusion; joy, reality. Pain is but sleep; joy is awakening. Pain is deception; joy alone is truth.” W-pI.190.10

True peace is also real and eternal: “For the instant of peace is eternal because it is without fear.” T-15.II.2 “Reality brings only perfect peace.”  W-pI.52.1

That which is most often spoken of as being real is love. Even love in this world is real:

“Every loving thought that the Son of God ever had is eternal. The loving thoughts his mind perceives in this world are the world’s only reality. They are still perceptions, because he still believes that he is separate. Yet they are eternal because they are loving.” T-11.VII.2 “Love is real” T-13.III.8 “Only perfect love exists.” T-1.VI.5

Does the fact that we can experience love, peace and joy while in this world mean that it does indeed have some type of existence, but an existence that does not strictly fit in with some of the Courses’ statements concerning what is real?

Are we seeing the picture or the frame, the content or the symbols, when some insist that we are not here when it is obvious we are having an experience, and at times feel love, joy and peace?

Interesting food for thought.

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The Rebellious Sons

(Note: This account is written to paint a picture of the separation, conforming as closely as possible to the teachings of A Course in Miracles.)

In an instant very far back in creation all the Sons of God lived and created in peace for there was no time as we know it.  There was no past or future, but only an unchanging and eternally expanding now. When an expanding instant occurred, and new Sons were created, all the Sons saw them as always existing with no beginning and no end because they only saw the eternal present.

In this far away instant one particular Son was contemplating existence and shared his thoughts on the “arc of golden light that stretches as you look into a great and shining circle. And all the circle fills with light before your eyes. The edges of the circle disappear, and what is in it is no longer contained at all. The light expands and covers everything, extending to infinity forever shining and with no break or limit anywhere. Within it everything is joined in perfect continuity. Nor is it possible to imagine that anything could be outside, for there is nowhere that this light is not.” T-21.I.8

Then he thought of the center of the circle where he felt the love of the Creator Father pulling all creation toward Itself in oneness. The Sons revered this powerful pull toward the one center and saw it as love for it was a source of great joy to feel the desire of the Creator to draw all creation to Itself and share the oneness of Life, Mind and Spirit.

This Son contemplated the joys of the life his Creator had provided.  Every thought, every idea and every feeling had by one Son was shared by all, and all of creation was understood and experienced by every Son. The united life of all the Sons was called the Sonship. There was the one mind of the Creator that was extended and shared by every Son.  It was as if all Sons were Father Creator except for one thing. The Father created them – they did not create the Creator.

As this Son was basking in the eternal love and joy a thought crossed his mind. “Here I am in eternity with everything, having no limitations. What would it be like if I was limited and had to struggle to attain anything of value?

This thought echoed through the entire Sonship and most of the Sons laughed at the idea, for they thought it was amusing. After all, who would want to trade everything for that which is not everything?

But some of the Sons did not laugh and went on to expand upon the idea to see where it would lead. Here were some of their thoughts supporting the idea.

“Here in heaven, we all join in with the will of the Father. It would be fun to be able to create our own destiny following our own desires.”

Another gave this thought: “We could also play games with winners and losers. Think of how great it would feel to excel and to win at various games and enterprises that could be devised.”

And another: “Each of us could be a distinct individual, different from every other Son. The variety would be interesting.”

Still another: “We could create a universe of time and space with unlimited forms therein and then each of us could occupy one of these forms and explore our creations. Instead of living where all is known we would be exploring the unknown. That is kind of an exciting thought.”

These thoughts reverberated through the entire Sonship and attracted the interest of many. The rest were concerned that such an idea could even be entertained and replied:

“You know not what you are considering for to execute this you would have to be separate from your Creator and that is impossible.”

The other Sons replied that nothing is impossible so they presented their ideas to the Father, hoping to receive affirmation.

To this the Father responded: You know not what you ask, for all that I create is eternal, and if I support this idea then the universe you create and the bodies you occupy would never die and then you could be separated from your true home forever. Because I love you I cannot support an idea that would separate us.

The Sons felt rejected, were downcast and gathered together to share their rebellious thoughts. “Never in any instant had a Son been denied anything by the Father,” they thought.

“We do not agree with the Father’s refusal,” thought others.

“But wait,” said another. “Do we not share all the powers of the Father? Has He not said that all that He has is ours? What is to stop us from using these powers and creating a limited world on our own, even without permission?

“I do not think that even the Father could or would stop us,” said another. “After all, we have the promise of free will.”

“But what would happen if we try and create contrary to the Fathers’ will?” one asked.

This question reverberated through the Sonship and a reply was heard:

“Nothing happens contrary to the will of the Father. If you use the powers of creation contrary to His will then you will create that which is not real, but you will be under the illusion that it is real.”

The rebellious Sons thought long and hard on this reply. Finally, one spoke and said, “But we can still make a world of time and space, and even though it will seem to be separate from heaven, we can make it seem as real to us. If we choose to forget our true home and identity the new world will be as if it were a true reality to us.

Some asked this, “But, if we forget our true identity how will we return?”

“It’ll be like a dream from which we will naturally awaken,” said others.

This thought seemed to pacify most of them and they moved forward and planned a universe of time and space.

As this plan was conceived many of the Sons, as well as angels faithful to the will of the Father tried to warn them of the dangers of their endeavor.  They would be entering a world of separation where there would be pain and death. “The price you will have to pay to play your games will be much more than you realize and you may never awaken from your illusion.”

“Many Souls offered their efforts on behalf of the Separated Ones but they could not withstand the strength of the attack, and had to be brought back. Angels came, too, but their protection was not enough, because the Separated ones were not interested in peace. They had already split themselves, and were bent on dividing rather than reintegrating.” UR T 2 B 43

Thus did a large part of the Sonship enter the illusion and embraced a dream of forgetfulness.

Upon seeing this the Father said, “My children sleep and must be awakened.” T-6.V.1

The problem was that if the Father entered the dream in an attempt to awaken them, He could be trapped there and the dream would then last forever. He saw that the Sons would need help to awaken and without that help they may never return so He “created the Holy Spirit as the Mediator between perception and knowledge. Without this link with God, perception would have replaced knowledge forever in your mind. With this link with God, perception will become so changed and purified that it will lead to knowledge.” W-pI.43.1

Thus within that instant long ago did the Sons enter into the illusion and within that same instant was created the Holy Spirit that would insure their awakening and return.

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Discerning Content

The Courses’ teachings on the frame and the picture as related to content are interesting. The first couple times I read the Course I overlooked the value of this analogy, but when it finally dawned on me what was being said I began to appreciate the illustration.

To appreciate this teaching one must look at the problem it is attempting to solve which is related to communication in this world.

In the heavenly realm communication was instantaneous and perfect.  There was complete understanding.

However, in this world we must use our bodies as communication devices along with symbols called words. This imperfect means is a cause of imperfect communication of one mind to another. Lack of full understanding in communication is the cause of much of the conflict in this world. The spiritual communities of the planet are afflicted by this problem just as much as other groups and ACIM students are no exception. The Course states, “I have made every effort to use words that are almost impossible to distort, but it is always possible to twist symbols around if you wish.” T-3.I.3

Even though the Course was presented as clearly as possible in symbolic words there are still many students at variance with each other as to the truth of different teachings.

This problem also occurs in general communication with associates. Most arguments are caused by imperfect communication. Think of the last argument you were in and you can probably recall something you said that was just not correctly understood.

This is where the Course’s analogy of the frame and the picture comes in.

The picture represents the true content of what is being presented and the frame represents the imperfect symbols that have to be used in this world. A problem occurs when the student focusses on the frame, or the symbols, rather than the picture or true meaning. When this happens, it is as if the frame grows to overwhelm the picture so all we see is the frame, but little or nothing of the picture, or the real truth.

So it goes when we study the Course. If all we do is register the black and white symbols without seeking all the meaning behind the symbols then the study of the Course becomes like the guy merely looking at a picture frame, but seeing no picture.

Take for example the argument among students as to whether there is only one Son of God, or many Sons.  The truth of the matter is represented by the picture, but if a student interprets by only the black and white symbols of the words, he will see only the frame and miss the truth. The problem is that both sides will insist they are seeing the true picture or content but “What you consider content is not content at all. It is merely form, and nothing else.” T-14.X.7

The trouble is that “The ego is incapable of understanding content, and is totally unconcerned with it.” T-14.X.8

What is the concern of the ego then?

The concern of the ego is with the frame, or outward symbol only but “when two or more join together in searching for truth, the ego can no longer defend its lack of content.” T-14.X.8

And that is the key. There must be a sincere search for truth and the sharing thereof. The student will never receive correct communication from either a book or individual unless he sincerely desires to correctly understand what is being said.

Again, think back to the last argument you had where you were misunderstood.  Do you feel that the other person really wanted to understand how you saw things?

Probably not.

The solution to the problem is simple. All involved must have a sincere desire to correctly understand what is being communicated and look at the content or the picture, and not the frame. This is an obvious first step yet ignored by many who just want to pick a side and argue that it is right.

“Truth can only be recognized and need only be recognized.” T-7.IV.1

“Truth can still set you free. Look as the Holy Spirit looks, and understand as He understands.” T-5.III.11

“Take not the form for content, for the form is but a means for content. And the frame is but a means to hold the picture up, so that it can be seen… Without the picture is the frame without its meaning. Its purpose is to set the picture off, and not itself.” T-25.II.4

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The Mad Idea and Games

Another reason the Sonship was attracted to the mad idea is their desire to play games. Maybe the old adage that life is a game has more truth in it than realized.

After all, there are no games in heaven, for there is no duality or competition and sons especially want to play games. The Course tells us that the desire to play games was one of the motivations for the separation:

“The dream of judgment is a children’s game, in which the child becomes the father, powerful, but with the little wisdom of a child.” T-29.IX.6

We are told that heaven is a “place where truth abides and games are meaningless.” W-pI.153.14 And heaven is a realm “where losing is impossible.” W-pI.129.4

It only makes sense then that there is always a percentage of the Sonship who want to play games which are not available in heaven.

Just look around you and witness the great attraction that we as humans have for games. We pay our sports heroes many millions and they are idolized by many. Most everyone at one time or another either plays or watches a game and finds it a source of great pleasure even though there are winners and losers – which the Course says is contrary to the order of heaven. It is also of note that various wisdom teachings tell us that we are attracted to the game aspect of material life and even call this existence “the playground of the Gods.”

Indeed, even many spiritual writers are avid sports fans and like to attend or watch games in their free moments. Many also play games with friends and family when visiting.

We enjoy games because of the limitations, for if we knew each move in advance it would be no fun.

I submit that it is the thrill of playing games was one of the main attractions that caused the separation. A large number of the Sons of God wanted to create a universe where we could struggle to win, and when we win with a risk of losing, we experience a positive feeling unlike any available in the world of non-duality.

Life itself with its limitations is like a challenging game. You set goals for personal achievement and then you set out to realize them, or to win at the game of life. Then when you are successful, you get a positive feeling that is not achieved any other way.

If you think about it, this giving up the fun connected with games may be the largest obstacle in the way of entering ACIM heaven for many. Part of the problem is that many students have not realized what the Course teachings are on this matter. Lesson 79 needs to be applied: “Let me recognize the problem so it can be solved.”

If the desire to play games keeps us grounded in the illusion, then perhaps our attraction to them is something we need to focus on more than is realized.  This aspect of the world may be the most difficult for many to transcend.

The Problem of the Happy Dream

Earlier I presenting teachings from the Course on why we chose to participate in the separation that led to a dream state of life in a world of illusion.

In seeing the answer as to why we made such a decision it is interesting to impartially examine how the Course portrays this world and the decision to come here. First of all, it calls the original decision a “mad idea” and us as being insane for going along with it. With few exceptions it emphasizes the negative aspects of this world, such as the pain, disease, fear, suffering and death that occurs here. It sums it up by calling our separation, “Your wildest misperceptions, your weird imaginings, your blackest nightmares.” T-13.XI.7

I can see why it does this as it wants to instill a desire in us to go home. If we are happy with the world then we will have little incentive to leave it. On the other hand, we are told this:

“Seek not escape from problems here.  The world was made that problems could not be escaped.” T-31.IV.2

In other words, just reading about how bad this world is and seeking to escape, does nothing. Instead, we must find the truth and “the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32

Standard thinking about escaping our problems does nothing to take us home. Instead, we must focus on the whole truth of the matter. The Course emphasized the negative aspects of the world to catch our attention, but sooner or later we must see the whole picture rather than the part.

Part of the whole picture is that there are a great many people who are happy with their lives and want to continue in the world as long as possible.  They enjoy the beauty of the world such as, “Each bird that ever sang… And every flower that ever bloomed has saved its perfume and its loveliness for you.” T-25.IV.5

They enjoy their special relationship with their spouse, children and friends. They enjoy the beauty of the earth itself and go out of their way on vacations to enjoy it.  Many enjoy their work, especially if it allows them to be creative.

Has it occurred to students that the way to escape or wake up is not to hate and loath the world for “The world was made that problems could not be escaped.” T-31.IV.2

Instead, we are to turn this problematic world into what the Course calls a “happy dream.”

“Your first exchange of what you made for what you want is the exchange of nightmares for the happy dreams of love. In these lie your true perceptions.” T-13.VII.9

Thus, if we develop true perception, we can see things as they are. So, even though this world offers much pain at times the student who has turned the dream into a happy one and is enjoying his or her life is steps ahead of one who feels he is in a nightmare and just wants to escape.

This creates a new problem. The student who has a horrific life is happy to leave, but first he must learn to perceive correctly, and when he does, he enjoys his life or the happy dream.  But when one is happy in his situation, he has less incentive to leave. In other words, the student is almost home, but enjoys love, life and beauty and isn’t complaining about staying in the dream.

Think about it. When you dream a really good dream at night, you do not really want to wake up do you? I know that sometimes when I wake up before the good dream is over, I try to go back to sleep and continue the dream.

If your experience in this world is presently a happy one, this means that you have corrected many perceptions and are on the threshold to waking up.

But to go the final step takes a powerful act of will with a realization of the whole picture and that the true reality offers much more than the ups and downs of the world of illusion.

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