What is A Course in Miracles? • A spiritual path to remember our true identity as a perfect Creation of God. • Christian in terms but its content is based on universal spiritual themes. • A scribed work- written down by Helen Schucman. • Designed like an educational Course; text, workbook and manual. • A guide to heal our relationships, to restore harmony (unity). • A psychology (Jesus psychology or spiritual psychology). • An extension of the scriptures- offering reinterpretations, clarifications & confirmations. • Poetry or a work of art – a love letter from God to His Creations. Why study the Course? • To experience a deeper connection to God. • To restore love to our relationships. • To be free of fear. • To discover the inner power to transform our experience instead of feeling tossed around by the winds of change. • A find a way to be free of anger and attack . • To find a way to feel joy. • To be truly helpful to others who are weary and suffering. Universal need; Universal Seeking Step 1: Turn away from the outer world to solve problems. Step 2: Take a journey within your mind to discover all you are looking for. Romans 12:2 “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Top of the Leaf Heaven is not a place nor a condition. It is merely an awareness of perfect oneness. Christ is God’s Son as He created Him. He is the Self we share, uniting us with one another and with God as well. He abides unchanged forever in the Mind of God. (W.p.II.6.1) Super Conscious Mind-God Universal SelfThe Creation of God Consciousness I am aware of….. Love Peace Oneness A thought of separation and littleness entered the mind of God’s creation. So fearful was this thought that it caused a psychological break from Reality. The mind was in darkness and became afraid. Super Conscious Mind-God I am aware of….. Consciousness I am aware of….. Separation Love Peace Oneness “Since you believe that you are separate, Heaven presents itself to you as separate, too. Not that it is in truth, but that the link (Holy Spirit) that has been given you to join the truth, may reach to you through what you understand.” Super Conscious Mind-God Holy Spirit I am aware of….. Consciousness I am aware of….. Separation Love Innocence Peace Oneness “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:5 “My mind will always be like yours, because we were created as equals. I have assured you that the Mind that decided for me is also in you, and that you can let it change you just as it changed me. “ (T.5.II 9,10) “As a man and also one of God's creations, my right thinking, which came from the Holy Spirit or the Universal Inspiration, taught me first and foremost that this Inspiration is for all. (T.5.I.4)Super Conscious Mind-God Holy Spirit I am aware of….. Consciousness I am aware of….. Separation Love Innocence Peace Oneness Holy Spirit: The Inner Teacher The Communication Link The way for God’s Voice to reach His children. The Great Interpreter The Healer The Guide Mediator- Bringing God’s Word to you in a way you can understand. Light Peace Breath We already think we know something. We do not want to hear what Holy Spirit has to say. We still want to hold onto attack and blame. The ego’s counsel: •Someone has got to be the guilty party. •My happiness and peace comes from the outside (world or a person). •Outside must change for me to be happy. •If one gains the other loses. •You must fight for your needs. •You must obey the laws of the world. 1. 2. 3. Advises to change them; “They’re the problem.” Advises to attack, defend and point out their sins. Advises to make decisions based on lack. The Holy Spirit reminds you of the Truth: •Everything is given to you from your Source and nothing is taken. •Sacrifice is an ego idea and not from God. God Will’s that you be perfectly happy. •You have and are endless joy. •Love is what you are. You can never be lacking love. •You can never be alone for you are one with all of creation. Offers you a way to know that the Word of God is true: 1. 2. 3. 4. Miracle (a change in what you see). Forgiveness (the awareness of innocence beyond the appearance). Holy instant (a moment when you lose a sense of the body and see the light as the only truth. You and your brother are exactly the same. You join with him in your mind.) Manifesting a symbol to teach that you are perfect love. We believe we are not worthy to receive God’s message of Love. We do not believe the Holy Messenger from God is there. “You may be afraid of His specificity, for fear of what you think it will demand of you.” “He will be with you as you watch and wait. He will show you what true vision sees. It is His Will, and you have joined with Him. Wait patiently for Him. He will be there. The light has come.” W-75.7