HowtoManifestYour Desires:TheNeville Method

RareLecturesbyNevilleGoddard

Ifthereissomethingtonightthatyoureallywantinthisworld,thenexperiencein imaginationwhatyouwouldexperienceinthefleshwereyoutorealizeyourgoal,and thendeafenyourears,andblindyoureyestoallthatdeniestherealityofyour assumption.Neville,1948

CompiledbyDr.JoeVitale

Authorofwaytoomanybookstolisthere, includingthe#1bestseller,TheAttractorFactor

NevilleGoddard
(19051972)

NevilleClassInstruction Rareoriginalbookletoflessonsfrom1948.

(From1948) Lesson1ConsciousnessistheonlyReality ThisisgoingtobeaverypracticalCourse.Therefore,Ihopethateveryoneinthisclass hasaveryclearpictureofwhathedesires,forIamconvincedthatyoucanrealizeyour desiresbythetechniqueyouwillreceiveherethisweekinthesefivelessons. Thatyoumayreceivethefullbenefitoftheseinstructions,letmestatenowthattheBible hasnoreferenceatalltoanypersonswhoeverexistedortoanyeventthateveroccurred uponearth. Theancientstorytellerswerenotwritinghistorybutanallegoricalpicturelessonof certainbasicprincipleswhichtheyclothedinthegarbofhistory,andtheyadaptedthese storiestothelimitedcapacityofamostuncriticalandcredulouspeople. Throughoutthecenturieswehavemistakenlytakenpersonificationsforpersons,allegory forhistory,thevehiclethatconveyedtheinstructionfortheinstruction,andthegrossfirst sensefortheultimatesenseintended. ThedifferencebetweentheformoftheBibleanditssubstanceisasgreatasthedifference betweenagrainofcornandthelifegermwithinthatgrain.Asourassimilativeorgans discriminatebetweenfoodthatcanbebuiltintooursystemandfoodthatmustbe discarded,sodoourawakenedintuitivefacultiesdiscoverbeneathallegoryandparable, thepsychologicallifegermoftheBibleand,feedingonthis,we,too,castofftheform whichconveyedthemessage.

TheargumentagainstthehistoricityoftheBibleistoolengthyconsequently,itisnot suitableforinclusioninthispracticalpsychologicalinterpretationofitsstories.Therefore, IwillwastenotimeintryingtoconvinceyouthattheBibleisnotanhistoricalfact. TonightIwilltakefourstoriesandshowyouwhattheancientstorytellersintendedthat youandIshouldseeinthesestories.Theancientteachersattachedpsychologicaltruthsto phallicandsolarallegories.Theydidnotknowasmuchofthephysicalstructureofmanas domodernscientists,neitherdidtheyknowasmuchabouttheheavensasdoourmodern astronomers.Butthelittletheydidknowtheyusedwiselyandtheybuiltphallicandsolar framestowhichtheytiedthegreat psychologicaltruthsthattheyhaddiscovered. IntheOldTestamentyouwillfindmuchofthePhallicworship.Becauseitisnothelpful,I amnotgoingtoemphasizeit.Ishallonlyshowyouhowtointerpretit. BeforewecometothefirstofthepsychologicaldramasthatyouandImayuseina practicalsense,letmestatethetwooutstandingnamesoftheBible:theoneyouandI translateasGODorJEHOVAH,andtheonewecallhisson,whichwehaveasJESUS. Theancientsspelledthesenamesbyusinglittlesymbols.Theancienttongue,calledthe Hebraiclanguage,wasnotatonguethatyouexplodedwiththebreath.Itwasamystical languageneverutteredbyman.Thosewhounderstoodit,understooditasmathematicians understandsymbolsofhighermathematics.Itisnotsomethingpeopleusedtoconvey thoughtasInowusetheEnglishlanguage. TheysaidthatGod'snamewasspelled,JODHEVAUHE.Ishalltakethesesymbolsand inournormal,downtoearthlanguage,explaintheminthismanner. Thefirstletter,JODinthenameGODisahandoraseed,notjustahand,butthehandof thedirector.Ifthereisoneorganofmanthatdiscriminatesandsetshimapartfromthe

entireworldofcreationitishishand.Whatwecallahandintheanthropoidapeisnota hand.Itisusedonlyforthepurposeofconveyingfoodtothemouth,ortoswingfrom branchtobranch.Man'shand fashions,itmolds.Youcannotreallyexpressyourselfwithoutthehand.Thisisthe builder'shand,thehandofthedirectoritdirects,andmolds,andbuildswithinyourworld. TheancientstorytellerscalledthefirstletterJOD,thehand,ortheabsoluteseedoutof whichthewholeofcreationwillcome. Tothesecondletter,HE,theygavethesymbolofawindow.Awindowisaneyethe windowistothehousewhattheeyeistothebody. Thethirdletter,VAU,theycalledanail.Anailisusedforthepurposeofbindingthings together.Theconjunction"and"intheHebraictongueissimplythethirdletter,orVAU. IfIwanttosay'manandwoman',IputtheVAUinthemiddle,itbindsthemtogether. Thefourthandlastletter,HE,isanotherwindoworeye. Inthismodern,downtoearthlanguageofours,youcanforgeteyesandwindowsand handsandlookatitinthismanner.Youareseatedherenow.Thisfirstletter,JOD,isyour IAMness,yourawareness.Youareawareofbeingawarethatisthefirstletter.Outof thisawarenessallstatesofawarenesscome. Thesecondletter,HE,calledaneye,isyourimagination,yourabilitytoperceive.You imagineorperceivesomethingwhichseemstobeotherthanSelf.Asthoughyouwere lostinreverieandcontemplatedmentalstatesinadetachedmanner,makingthethinker andhisthoughtsseparateentities. Thethirdletter,VAU,isyourabilitytofeelyouarethatwhichyoudesiretobe.Asyou feelyouareit,youbecomeawareofbeingit.Towalkasthoughyouwerewhatyouwant tobeistotakeyourdesireoutoftheimaginaryworldandputtheVAUuponit.Youhave

completedthedramaofcreation.Iamawareofsomething.ThenIbecomeawareof actuallybeingthatofwhichIwasaware. ThefourthandlastletterinthenameofGodisanotherHE,anothereye,meaningthe visibleobjectiveworldwhichconstantlybearswitnessofthatwhichIamconsciousof being.Youdonothingabouttheobjectiveworlditalwaysmoldsitselfinharmonywith thatwhichyouareconsciousofbeing Youaretoldthisisthenamebywhichallthingsaremade,andwithoutitthereisnothing madethatismade.Thenameissimplywhatyouhavenowasyouareseatedhere.You areconsciousofbeing,aren'tyou?Certainlyyouare.Youarealsoconsciousofsomething thatisotherthanyourself:theroom,thefurniture,thepeople. Youmaybecomeselectivenow.Maybeyoudonotwanttobeotherthanwhatyouare,or toownwhatyousee.Butyouhavethecapacitytofeelwhatitwouldbelikewereyou nowotherthanwhatyouare.Asyouassumethatyouarethatwhichyouwanttobe,you havecompletedthenameofGodortheJODHEVAUHE.Thefinalresult,the objectificationofyourassumption,isnotyourconcern.ItwillcomeintoView automaticallyasyouassumetheconsciousnessofbeingit. NowletusturntotheSon'sname,forhegivestheSondominionovertheworld.Youare thatSon,youarethegreatJoshua,orJesus,oftheBible.YouknowthenameJoshuaor JehoshuawehaveAnglicizedasJesus. TheSon'snameisalmostliketheFather'sname.ThefirstthreelettersoftheFather'sname arethefirstthreelettersoftheSon'sname,JODHEVAU,thenyouaddaSHINandan AYIN,makingtheSon'snameread,JODHEVAUSHINAYIN'. Youhaveheardwhatthefirstthreeare:JODHEVAU.JODmeansthatyouareaware HEmeansthatyouareawareofsomethingandVAUmeansthatyoubecameawareof beingthatofwhichyouwereaware.Youhavedominionbecauseyouhavetheabilityto

conceiveandtobecomethatwhichyouconceive.Thatisthepowerofcreation. ButwhyisaSHINputinthenameoftheSon?Becauseoftheinfinitemercyofour Father.Mindyou,theFatherandtheSonareone.ButwhentheFatherbecomes consciousofbeingmanheputswithintheconditioncalledmanthatwhichhedidnotgive untohimself.HeputsaSHINforthispurposeaSHINissymbolizedasatooth. Atoothisthatwhichconsumes,thatwhichdevours.Imusthavewithinmethepowerto consumethatwhichInowdislike.I,inmyignorance,broughttobirthcertainthingsInow dislikeandwouldliketoleavebehindme.Weretherenotwithinmetheflamesthatwould consumeit,Iwouldbecondemnedforevertoliveinaworldofallmymistakes.Butthere isaSHIN,orflame,withinthenameoftheSon,whichallowsthatSontobecome detachedfromstatesHeformerlyexpressedwithintheworld.Manisincapableofseeing otherthanthecontentsofhisownconsciousness. IfInowbecomedetachedinconsciousnessfromthisroombyturningmyattentionaway fromit,then,Iamnolongerconsciousofit.Thereissomethinginmethatdevoursit withinme.ItcanonlylivewithinmyobjectiveworldifIkeepitalivewithinmy consciousness. ItistheSHIN,oratooth,intheSon'snamethatgiveshimabsolutedominion.Whycould itnothavebeenintheFather'sname?Forthissimplereason:Nothingcanceasetobein theFather.Eventheunlovelythingscannotceasetobe.IfIoncegiveitexpression, foreverandeveritremainslockedwithinthedimensionallygreaterSelfwhichisthe Father.ButIwouldnotliketokeep alivewithinmyworldallofmymistakes.SoI,inmyinfinitemercygavetomyself,whenI becameman,thepowertobecomedetachedfromthesethingsthatI,inmyignorance, broughttobirthinmyworld.. Thesearethetwonameswhichgiveyoudominion.Youhavedominionif,asyouwalkthe earth,youknowthatyourconsciousnessisGod,theoneandonlyreality.Youbecome

awareofsomethingyouwouldliketoexpressorpossess.Youhavetheabilitytofeelthat youareandpossessthatwhichbutamomentbeforewasimaginary.Thefinalresult,the embodyingofyourassumption,iscompletelyoutsideoftheofficesofathreedimensional mind.Itcomestobirthinawaythatnomanknows. Ifthesetwonamesareclearinyourmind'seye,youwillseethattheyareyoureternal names.Asyousithere,youarethisJODHEVAUHEyouaretheJODHEVAUSHIN AYIN. ThestoriesoftheBibleconcernthemselvesexclusivelywiththepowerofimagination. Theyarereallydramatizationsofthetechniqueofprayer,forprayeristhesecretof changingthefuture.TheBiblerevealsthekeybywhichmanentersadimensionallylarger worldforthepurposeofchangingtheconditionsofthelesserworldinwhichhelives. Aprayergrantedimpliesthatsomethingisdoneinconsequenceoftheprayer,which otherwisewouldnothavebeendone.Therefore,manisthespringofaction,thedirecting mind,andtheonewhograntstheprayer. ThestoriesoftheBiblecontainapowerfulchallengetothethinkingcapacityofman.The underlyingtruththattheyarepsychologicaldramasandnothistoricalfactsdemands reiteration,inasmuchasitistheonlyjustificationforthestories.Withalittleimagination wemayeasilytracethepsychologicalsenseinallthestoriesoftheBible. "AndGodsaid,Letusmakemaninourimage,andafterourlikeness:andletthemhave dominionoverthefishofthesea,andoverthefowloftheair,andoverthecattle,and overalltheearth,andovereverycreepingthingthatcreepethupontheearth.SoGod createdmaninhisownimage,intheimageofGodcreatedhehim"Gen.1:26,27. HereinthefirstchapteroftheBibletheancientteacherslaidthefoundationthatGodand manareone,andthatmanhasdominionoveralltheearth.IfGodandmanareone,then Godcanneverbesofaroffaseventobenear,fornearnessimpliesseparation.

Thequestionarises:WhatisGod?Godisman'sconsciousness,hisawareness,hisI AMness.Thedramaoflifeisapsychologicaloneinwhichwebringcircumstancestopass byourattitudesratherthanbyouracts.Thecornerstoneonwhichallthingsarebasedis mansconceptofhimself.Heactsashedoes,andhastheexperiencesthathedoes,because hisconceptofhimselfiswhatitis,andfornootherreason.Hadheadifferentconceptof himself,hewouldactdifferentlyandhavedifferentexperiences. Man,byassumingthefeelingofhiswishfulfilled,altershisfutureinharmonywithhis assumption,for,assumptionsthoughfalse,ifsustained,willhardenintofact. Theundisciplinedmindfindsitdifficulttoassumeastatewhichisdeniedbythesenses. Buttheancientteachersdiscoveredthatsleep,orastateakintosleep,aidedmanin makinghisassumption.Therefore,theydramatizedthefirstcreativeactofmanasonein whichmanwasinaprofoundsleep.Thisnotonlysetsthepatternforallfuturecreative acts,butshowsusthatmanhasbutone substancethatistrulyhistouseincreatinghisworldandthatishimself. "AndtheLordGod(man)causedadeepsleeptofalluponAdamandheslept:andhe tookoneofhisribs,andclosedupthefleshinsteadthereofandtherib,whichtheLord Godhadtakenfromman,madeheawoman."Gen.2:21,22. BeforeGodfashionsthiswomanformanhebringsuntoAdamthebeastsofthefield,and thefowlsoftheairandhasAdamnamethem."WhatsoeverAdamcalledeveryliving creature,thatwasthenamethereof." IfyouwilltakeaconcordanceoraBibledictionaryandlookupthewordthighasusedin thisstoryyouwillseethatithasnothingtodowiththethigh.Itisdefinedasthesoftparts thatarecreativeinaman,thathanguponthethighofaman. Theancientstorytellersusedthisphallicframetorevealagreatpsychologicaltruth.An

angelisamessengerofGod.YouareGod,asyouhavejustdiscoveredforyour consciousnessisGod,andyouhaveanidea,amessage.Youarewrestlingwithanidea, foryoudonotknowthatyouarealreadythatwhichyoucontemplate,neitherdoyou believeyoucouldbecomeit.Youwouldliketo,butyoudonotbelieveyoucould. Whowrestleswiththeangel?Jacob.AndthewordJacob,bydefinition,meansthe supplanter. Youwouldliketotransformyourselfandbecomethatwhichreasonandyoursensesdeny. Asyouwrestlewithyourideal,tryingtofeelthatyouareit,thisiswhathappens.When youactuallyfeelthatyouareit,somethinggoesoutofyou.Youmayusethewords, "Whohastouchedme,forIperceivevirtuehasgoneoutofme?" Youbecomeforamoment,afterasuccessfulmeditation,incapableofcontinuinginthe act,asthoughitwereaphysicalcreativeact.Youarejustasimpotentafteryouhave prayedsuccessfullyasyouareafterthephysicalcreativeact.Whensatisfactionisyours, younolongerhungerforit.Ifthehungerpersistsyoudidnotexplodetheideawithinyou, youdidnotactuallysucceedin becomingconsciousofbeingthatwhichyouwantedtobe.Therewasstillthatthirstwhen youcameoutofthedeep. IfIcanfeelthatIamthatwhichbutafewsecondsagoIknewIwasnot,butdesiredto be,thenIamnolongerhungrytobeit.IamnolongerthirstybecauseIfeelsatisfiedin thatstate.Thensomethingshrinkswithinme,notphysicallybutinmyfeeling,inmy consciousness,forthatisthecreativenessofman.Hesoshrinksindesire,helosesthe desiretocontinueinthismeditation.Hedoesnothaltphysically,hesimplyhasnodesire tocontinuethemeditativeact. "Whenyoupraybelievethatyouhavereceived,andyoushallreceive."Whenthephysical creativeactiscompleted,thesinewwhichisuponthehollowofman'sthighshrinks,and manfindshimselfimpotentorishalted.Inlikemannerwhenamanprayssuccessfullyhe believesthatheisalreadythatwhichhedesiredtobe,thereforehecannotcontinue

desiringtobethatwhichheisalready consciousofbeing.Atthemomentofsatisfaction,physicalandpsychological,something goesoutwhichintimebearswitnesstoman'screativepower. ************** Ournext.storyisinthe38thchapterofthebookofGenesis.HereisaKingwhosename is]udah,thefirstthreelettersofwhosenamealsobeginsJODHEVAU.Tamarishis daughterinlaw. ThewordTarmarmeansapalmtreeorthemostbeautiful,themostcomely.Sheis graciousandbeautifultolookonandiscalledapalmtree.Atall,statelypalmtree blossomseveninthedesertwhereveritisthereisanoasis.Whenyouseethepalmtree inthedesert,therewillbefoundwhatyouseekmostinthatparchedland.Thereis nothingmoredesirabletoamanmovingacrossa desertthanthesightofapalmtree. Inourcase,tobepractical,ourobjectiveisthepalmtree.Thatisthestately,beautifulone thatweseek.WhateveritisthatyouandIwant,whatwetrulydesire,ispersonifiedinthe storyasTamarthebeautiful. Wearetoldshedressesherselfintheveilsofaharlotandsitsinthepublicplace.Her fatherinlaw,KingJudah,comesbyandheissoinlovewiththisonewhoisveiledthat heoffersherakidtobeintimatewithher. Shesaid,"Whatwillyougivemeasapledgethatyouwillgivemeakid?" Lookingaroundhesaid,"Whatdoyouwantmetogiveasapledge?" Sheanswered,"Givemeyourring,givemeyourbracelets,andgivemeyourstaff."

Whereupon,hetookfromhishandthering,andthebracelet,andgavethemtoheralong withhissceptre.Andhewentinuntoherandknewher,andsheborehimason. Thatisthestorynowfortheinterpretation.Manhasonegiftthatistrulyhistogive,and thatishimself.Hehasnoothergift,astoldyouintheveryfirstcreativeactofAdam begettingthewomanoutofhimself.Therewasnoothersubstanceintheworldbut himselfwithwhichhecouldfashiontheobjectofhisdesire.InlikemannerJudahhadbut onegiftthatwastrulyhistogivehimself,asthering,thebraceletsandthestaff symbolized,forthesewerethesymbolsofhiskingship. Manoffersthatwhichisnothimself,butlifedemandsthathegivetheonethingthat symbolizeshimself."Givemeyourring,givemeyourbracelet,givemeyoursceptre." ThesemaketheKing.Whenhegivesthemhegivesofhimself. YouarethegreatKingJudah.BeforeyoucanknowyourTamarandmakeherbearyour likenessintheworld,youmustgoinuntoherandgiveofself.SupposeIwantsecurity.I cannotgetitbyknowingpeoplewhohaveit.Icannotgetitbypullingstrings.Imust becomeconsciousofbeingsecure. LetussayIwanttobehealthy.Pillswillnotdoit.Dietorclimatewillnotdoit.Imust becomeconsciousofbeinghealthybyassumingthefeelingofbeinghealthy. PerhapsIwanttobeliftedupinthisworld.Merelylookingatkingsandpresidentsand noblepeopleandlivingintheirreflectionwillnotmakemedignified.Imustbecome consciousofbeingnobleanddignifiedandwalkasthoughIwerethatwhichInowwant tobe. WhenIwalkinthatlightIgiveofmyselftotheimagethathauntedmymind,andintime shebearsmeachildwhichmeansIobjectifyaworldinharmonywiththatwhichIam consciousofbeing.

YouareKingJudahandyouarealsoTamar.Whenyoubecomeconsciousofbeingthat whichyouwanttobeyouareTamar.Thenyoucrystallizeyourdesirewithintheworld roundaboutyou. NomatterwhatstoriesyoureadintheBible,nomatterhowmanycharacterstheseancient storytellersintroducedintothedrama,thereisonethingyouandImustalwaysbearin mindtheyalltakeplacewithinthemindoftheindividualman.Allthecharacterslivein themindoftheindividualman. Asyoureadthestory,makeitfitthepatternofself.Knowthatyourconsciousnessisthe onlyreality.Thenknowwhatyouwanttobe.Thenassumethefeelingofbeingthatwhich youwanttobe,andremainfaithfultoyourassumption,livingandactingonyour conviction.Alwaysmakeitfitthatpattern. ************** OurthirdinterpretationisthestoryofIsaacandhistwosons:EsauandJacob.Thepicture isdrawnofablindmanbeingdeceivedbyhissecondsonintogivinghimtheblessing whichbelongedtohisfirstson.Thestorystressesthepointthatthedeceptionwas accomplishedthroughthesenseoftouch. "AndIsaacsaiduntoJacob,Comenear,IpraytheethatImayfeelthee,myson,whether thoubemyverysonEsauornot.AndJacobwentnearuntoIsaachisfatherandhefelt him....Anditcametopass,assoonasIsaachadmadeanendofblessingJacob,andJacob wasyetscarcegoneoutfromthepresenceofIsaachisfather,thatEsauhisbrothercame infromhishunting."Gen.27:21, 30. Thisstorycanbeveryhelpfulifyouwillreenactitnow.Againbearinmindthatallthe charactersoftheBiblearepersonificationsofabstractideasandmustbefulfilledinthe individualman.Youaretheblindfatherandbothsons.

Isaacisoldandblind,andsensingtheapproachofdeath,callshisfirstsonEsauarough hairyboy,andsendshimintothewoodsthathemaybringinsomevenison. Thesecondson,Jacob,asmoothskinboy,overheardtherequestofhisfather.Desiring thebirthrightofhisbrother,Jacob,thesmoothskinnedson,slaughteredoneofhisfather's flockandskinnedit.Then,dressedinthehairyskinsofthekidhehadslaughtered,he camethroughsubtletyandbetrayedhisfatherintobelievingthathewasEsau. Thefathersaid,"ComeclosemysonthatImayfeelyou.Icannotsee,butcomethatI mayfeel."Notethestressthatisplaceduponfeelinginthisstory. Hecamecloseandthefathersaidtohim,"ThevoiceisJacob'svoice,butthehandsare thehandsofEsau."Andfeelingthisroughness,therealityofthesonEsau,hepronounced theblessingandgaveittoJacob. YouaretoldinthestorythatasIsaacpronouncedtheblessingandJacobhadscarcely goneoutfromhispresence,thathisbrotherEsaucameinfromhishunting. Thisisanimportantverse.Donotbecomedistressedinourpracticalapproachtoit,foras yousithereyou,too,areIsaac.ThisroominwhichyouareseatedisyourpresentEsau. Thisistheroughorsensiblyknownworld,knownbyreasonofyourbodilyorgans.Allof yoursensesbearwitnesstothefactthatyouarehereinthisroom.Everythingtellsyou thatyouarehere,butperhapsyoudonotwanttobehere. Youcanapplythistowardanyobjective.Theroominwhichyouareseatedatanytime theenvironmentinwhichyouareplaced,thisisyourroughorsensiblyknownworldor sonwhichispersonifiedinthestoryasEsau.Whatyouwouldlikeinplaceofwhatyou haveorareisyoursmoothskinnedstateorJacob,thesupplanter. Youdonotsendyourvisibleworldhunting,assomanypeopledo,bydenial.Bysayingit

doesnotexistyoumakeitallthemorereal.Instead,yousimplyremoveyourattention fromtheregionofsensationwhichatthismomentistheroomroundaboutyou,andyou concentrateyourattentiononthatwhichyouwanttoputinitsplace,thatwhichyouwant tomakereal. Inconcentratingonyourobjective,thesecretistobringithere.Youmustmake elsewherehereandthennowimaginethatyourobjectiveissoclosethatyoucanfeelit. SupposeatthisverymomentIwantapianohereinthisroom.Toseeapianoinmymind's eyeexistingelsewheredoesnotdoit.Buttovisualizeitinthisroomasthoughitwere hereandtoputmymentalhanduponthepianoandtofeelitsolidlyreal,istotakethat subjectivestatepersonifiedasmysecondsonJacobandbringitsoclosethatIcanfeelit. Isaaciscalledablindman.Youareblindbecauseyoudonotseeyourobjectivewithyour bodilyorgans,youcannotseeitwithyourobjectivesenses.Youonlyperceiveitwithyour mind,butyoubringitsoclosethatyoucanfeelitasthoughitweresolidlyrealnow. Whenthisisdoneandyouloseyourselfinitsrealityandfeelittobereal,openyoureyes. Whenyouopenyoureyeswhathappens?Theroomthatyouhadshutoutbutamoment agoreturnsfromthehunt.Younosoonergavetheblessingfelttheimaginarystateto berealthantheobjectiveworld,whichseeminglywasunreal,returns.Itdoesnotspeak toyouwithwordsasrecordedofEsau,buttheveryroomroundaboutyoutellsyoubyits presencethatyouhavebeen selfdeceived. Ittellsyouthatwhenyoulostyourselfincontemplation,feelingthatyouwerenowwhat youwantedtobe,feelingthatyounowpossesswhatyoudesiretopossess,thatyouwere simplydeceivingself.Lookatthisroom.Itdeniesthatyouareelsewhere. Ifyouknowthelaw,younowsay:"Eventhoughyourbrothercamethroughsubtletyand betrayedmeandtookyourbirthright,IgavehimyourblessingandIcannotretract."

Inotherwords,youremainfaithfultothissubjectiverealityandyoudonottakeback fromitthepowerofbirth.Yougaveittherightofbirthanditisgoingtobecome objectivewithinthisworldofyours.Thereisnoroominthislimitedspaceofyoursfor twothingstooccupythesamespaceatthesametime.Bymakingthesubjectiverealit resurrectsitselfwithinyourworld. Taketheideathatyouwanttoembody,andassumethatyouarealreadyit.Loseyourself infeelingthisassumptionissolidlyreal.Asyougiveitthissenseofreality,youhavegiven ittheblessingwhichbelongstotheobjectiveworld,andyoudonothavetoaiditsbirth anymorethanyouhavetoaidthebirthofachildoraseedyouplantintheground.The seedyouplantgrowsunaidedbya man,foritcontainswithinitselfallthepowerandalltheplansnecessaryforself expression. YoucanthisnightreenactthedramaofIsaacblessinghissecondsonandseewhat happensintheimmediatefutureinyourworld.Yourpresentenvironmentvanishes,allthe circumstancesoflifechangeandmakewayforthecomingofthattowhichyouhavegiven yourlife.Asyouwalk,knowingthatyouarewhatyouwantedtobe,youobjectifyit withouttheassistanceofanother. ************** ThefourthstoryfortonightistakenfromthelastofthebooksattributedtoMoses.Ifyou needproofthatMosesdidnotwriteit,readthestorycarefully.Itisfoundinthe34th chapterofthebookofDeuteronomy.Askanypriestorrabbi,'whoistheauthorofthis book?',andtheywilltellyouthatMoseswroteit. Inthe34thchapterofDeuteronomyyouwillreadofamanwritinghisownobituary,that is,Moseswrotethischapter.Amanmaysitdownandwritewhathewouldliketohave placeduponhistombstone,buthereisamanwhowriteshisownobituary.Andthenhe

diesandsocompletelyrubshimselfoutthathedefiesposteritytofindwherehehasburied himself. "SoMosestheservantoftheLorddiedthereinthelandofMoab,accordingtotheword oftheLord.AndheburiedhiminavalleyinthelandofMoab,overagainstBethpoer: butnomanknowethofhissepulchreuntothisday.AndMoseswasanhundredand twentyyearsoldwhenhedied:hiseyewasnotdim,norhisnaturalforceabated."Deut. 34:5,6,7. Youmustthisnightnottomorrowlearnthetechniqueofwritingyourownobituary andsocompletelydietowhatyouarethatnomaninthisworldcantellyouwhereyou buriedtheoldman.Ifyouarenowillandyoubecomewell,andIknowyoubyreasonof thefactthatyouareill,wherecanyoupointandtellmeyouburiedthesickone? Ifyouareimpoverishedandborrowfromeveryfriendyouhave,andthensuddenlyyou rollinwealth,wheredidyouburythepoorman?Yousocompletelyruboutpovertyin yourmind'seyethatthereisnothinginthisworldyoucanpointtoandclaim,thatiswhere Ileftit.Acompletetransformationofconsciousnessrubsoutallevidencethatanything otherthanthisever existedintheworld. Themostbeautifultechniquefortherealizingofman'sobjectiveisgiveninthefirstverse ofthe34thchapterofDeuteronomy: "AndMoseswentupfromthePlainsofMoabuntothemountainofNebo,tothetopof Pisgah,thatisoveragainstJericho.AndtheLordshewedhimallthelandofGilead,unto Dan. Youreadthatverseandsay,"Sowhat?"Buttakeaconcordanceandlookupthewords. Thefirstword,Moses,meanstodrawout,torescue,toliftout,tofetch.Inotherwords, Mosesisthepersonificationofthepowerinmanthatcandrawoutofmanthatwhichhe

seeks,foreverythingcomesfromwithin,notfromwithout.Youdrawfromwithin yourselfthatwhichyounowwanttoexpressassomethingobjectivetoyourself. YouareMosescomingoutoftheplainsofMoab.ThewordMoabisacontractionoftwo Hebraicwords,MemandAb,meaningmotherfather.Yourconsciousnessisthemother father,thereisnoothercauseintheworld.YourIAMness,yourawareness,isthisMoab ormotherfather.Youarealwaysdrawingsomethingoutofit. ThenextwordisNebo.InyourconcordanceNeboisdefinedasaprophecy.Aprophecy issomethingsubjective.IfIsay,"Soandsowillbe,"itisanimageintheminditisnot yetafact.Wemustwaitandeitherproveordisprovethisprophecy. InourlanguageNeboisyourwish,yourdesire.Itiscalledamountainbecauseitis somethingthatappearsdifficulttoascendandisthereforeseeminglyimpossibleof realization.Amountainissomethingbiggerthanyouare,ittowersoveryou.Nebo personifiesthatwhichyouwanttobeincontrasttothatwhichyouare. ThewordPisgah,bydefinition,istocontemplate.Jerichoisafragrantodor.AndGilead meansthehillsofwitnesses.ThelastwordisDantheProphet. Nowputthemalltogetherinapracticalsenseandseewhattheancientstriedtotellus.As Istandhere,havingdiscoveredthatmyconsciousnessisGod,andthatIcanbysimply feelingthatIamwhatIwanttobetransformmyselfintothelikenessofthatwhichIam assumingIamIknownowthatIamallthatittakestoscalethismountain. Idefinemyobjective.IdonotcallitNebo,Icallitmydesire.WhateverIwant,thatismy Nebo,thatismygreatmountainthatIamgoingtoscale.Inowbegintocontemplateit, forIshallclimbtothepeakofPisgah. ImustcontemplatemyobjectiveinsuchamannerthatIgetthereactionthatsatisfies.lfI donotgetthereactionthatpleasesthenJerichoisnotseen,forJerichoisafragrantodor.

WhenIfeelthatIamwhatIwanttobeIcannotsuppressthejoythatcomeswiththat feeling. ImustalwayscontemplatemyobjectiveuntilIgetthefeelingofsatisfactionpersonifiedas Jericho.ThenIdonothingtomakeitvisibleinmyworldforthehillsofGilead,meaning men,women,children,thewholevastworldroundaboutme,comebearingwitness.They cometotestifythatIamwhatIhaveassumedmyselftobe,andamsustainingwithin myself.Whenmyworldconformstomyassumptiontheprophecyisfulfilled. IfInowknowwhatIwanttobe,andassumethatIamit,andwalkasthoughIwere,I becomeitandbecomingitIsocompletelydietomyformerconceptofselfthatIcannot pointtoanyplaceinthisworldandsay:thatiswheremyformerselfisburied.Iso completelydiedthatIdefyposteritytoeverfindwhereIburiedmyoldself. Theremustbesomeoneinthisroomwhowillsocompletelytransformhimselfinthis worldthathiscloseimmediatecircleoffriendswillnotrecognizehim. FortenyearsIwasadancer,dancinginBroadwayshows,invaudeville,nightclubs,and inEurope.TherewasatimeinmylifewhenIthoughtIcouldnotlivewithoutcertain friendsinmyworld.Iwouldspreadatableeverynightafterthetheatreandwewouldall dinewell.IthoughtIcouldneverlivewithoutthem.NowIconfessIcouldnotlivewith them.Wehavenothingincommontoday.Whenwemeetwedonotpurposelywalkon theoppositesideofthestreet,butitisalmostacoldmeetingbecausewehavenothingto discuss.IsodiedtothatlifethatasImeetthesepeopletheycannoteventalkoftheold times. Buttherearepeoplelivingtodaywhoarestilllivinginthatstate,gettingpoorerand poorer.Theyalwaysliketotalkabouttheoldtimes.Theyneverburiedthatmanatall,he isverymuchalivewithintheirworld. Moseswas120years,afull,wonderfulageas120indicates.Oneplustwopluszero

equalsthree,thenumericalsymbolofexpression.Iamfullyconsciousofmyexpression. Myeyesareundimmedandthenaturalfunctionsofmybodyarenotabated.Iamfully consciousofbeingwhatIdonotwanttobe. Butknowingthislawbywhichamantransformshimself,IassumethatIamwhatIwant tobeandwalkintheassumptionthatitisdone.Inbecomingit,theoldmandiesandall thatwasrelatedtothatformerconceptofselfdieswithit.Youcannottakeanypartofthe oldmanintothenewman.Youcannotputnewwineinoldbottlesornewpatchesonold garments.Youmustbeanewbeing completely. Asyouassumethatyouarewhatyouwanttobe,youdonotneedtheassistanceof anothertomakeitso.Neitherdoyouneedtheassistanceofanyonetoburytheoldman foryou.Letthedeadburythedead.Donotevenlookback,fornomanhavingputhis handtotheplowandthenlookingbackisfitforthekingdomofheaven. Donotaskyourselfhowthisthingisgoingtobe.Itdoesnotmatterifyourreasondenies it.Itdoesnotmatterifalltheworldroundaboutyoudeniesit.Youdonothavetobury theold."Letthedeadburythedead."Youwillsoburythepastbyremainingfaithfulto yournewconceptofSelfthatyouwilldefythewholevastfuturetofindwhereyouburied it.Tothisdaynomaninallof IsraelhasdiscoveredthesepulchreofMoses. ************** ThesearethefourstoriesIpromisedyoutonight.Youmustapplythemeverydayofyour life.Eventhoughthechaironwhichyouarenowseatedseemshardanddoesnotlend itselftomeditationyoucan,byimagination,makeitthemostcomfortablechairinthe world. LetmenowdefinethetechniqueasIwantyoutoemployit.Itrusteachoneofyoucame

heretonightwithaclearpictureofyourdesire.Donotsayitisimpossible.Doyouwant it?Youdonothavetouseyourmoralcodetorealizeit.Itisaltogetheroutsidethereach ofyourcode. Consciousnessistheoneandonlyreality.Therefore,wemustformtheobjectofour desireoutofourownconsciousness. Peoplehaveahabitofslightingtheimportanceofsimplethings,andthesuggestionto createastateakintosleepinordertoaidyouinassumingthatwhichreasonandyour sensesdeny,isoneofthesimplethingsyoumightslight. However,thissimpleformulaforchangingthefuture,whichwasdiscoveredbythe ancientteachersandgiventousintheBible,canbeprovedbyall. ThefirststepinchangingthefutureisDesire,thatis,defineyourobjectiveknow definitelywhatyouwant. Second:constructaneventwhichyoubelieveyouwouldencounterFOLLOWINGthe fulfillmentofyourdesireaneventwhichimpliesfulfillmentofyourdesiresomething whichwillhavetheactionofSelfpredominant. Thethirdstepistoimmobilizethephysicalbodyandinduceastateakintosleep.Then mentallyfeelyourselfrightintotheproposedaction,imagineallthewhilethatyouare actuallyperformingtheactionHEREANDNOW.Youmustparticipateintheimaginary action,notmerelystandbackandlookon,butFEELthatyouareactuallyperformingthe action,sothattheimaginarysensationisrealtoyou. Itisimportantalwaystorememberthattheproposedactionmustbeonewhich FOLLOWSthefulfillmentofyourdesire,onewhichimpliesfulfillment.Forexample, supposeyoudesiredpromotioninoffice.Thenbeingcongratulatedwouldbeaneventyou wouldencounterfollowingthefulfillmentofyourdesire.

Havingselectedthisactionastheoneyouwillexperienceinimaginationtoimply promotioninoffice,immobilizeyourphysicalbodyandinduceastateborderingonsleep, adrowsystate,butoneinwhichyouarestillabletocontrolthedirectionofyour thoughts,astateinwhichyouareattentivewithouteffort.Thenvisualizeafriendstanding beforeyou.Putyourimaginaryhandintohis.Feelittobesolidandreal,andcarryonan imaginaryconversationwithhiminharmonywiththeFEELINGOFHAVINGBEEN PROMOTED. Youdonotvisualizeyourselfatadistanceinpointofspaceandatadistanceinpointof timebeingcongratulatedonyourgoodfortune.Instead,youMAKEelsewhereHEREand thefutureNOW.ThedifferencebetweenFEELINGyourselfinaction,hereandnow,and visualizingyourselfinaction,asthoughyouwereonamotionpicturescreen,isthe differencebetweensuccessandfailure. Thedifferencewillbeappreciatedifyouwillnowvisualizeyourselfclimbingaladder. Then,witheyelidsclosedimaginethataladderisrightinfrontofyouandFEEL YOURSELFACTUALLYCLIMBINGIT. Experiencehastaughtmetorestricttheimaginaryactionwhichimpliesfulfillmentofthe desire,tocondensetheideaintoasingleact,andtoreenactitoverandoveragainuntilit hasthefeelingofreality.Otherwise,yourattentionwillwanderoffalonganassociational track,andhostsof associatedimageswillbepresentedtoyourattention,andinafewsecondstheywilllead youhundredsofmilesawayfromyourobjectiveinpointofspaceandyearsawayinpoint oftime. Ifyoudecidetoclimbaparticularflightofstairs,becausethatisthelikelyeventtofollow thefulfillmentofyourdesire,thenyoumustrestricttheactiontoclimbingthatparticular flightofstairs.Shouldyourattentionwanderoff,bringitbacktoitstaskofclimbingthat flightofstairs,and

keepondoingsountiltheimaginaryactionhasallthesolidityanddistinctnessofreality. Theideamustbemaintainedinthemindwithoutanysensibleeffortonyourpart.You must,withtheminimumofeffortpermeatethemindwiththefeelingofthewishfulfilled. Drowsinessfacilitateschangebecauseitfavorsattentionwithouteffort,butitmustnotbe pushedtothestateofsleepinwhichyounolongerareabletocontrolthemovementsof yourattention.Butamoderatedegreeofdrowsinessinwhichyouarestillabletodirect yourthoughts. Amosteffectivewaytoembodyadesireistoassumethefeelingofthewishfulfilledand then,inarelaxedanddrowsystate,repeatoverandoveragainlikealullaby,anyshort phrasewhichimpliesfulfillmentofyourdesire,suchas,"Thankyou,thankyou,thank you"asthoughyouaddressedahigherpowerforhavinggivenyouthatwhichyou desired. IknowthatwhenthiscoursecomestoanendonFridaymanyofyouherewillbeableto tellmeyouhaverealizedyourobjectives.TwoweeksagoIlefttheplatformandwentto thedoortoshakehandswiththeaudience.Iamsafeinsayingthatatleast35outofa classof135toldmethatwhichtheydesiredwhentheyjoinedthisclasstheyhadalready realized.Thishappenedonlytwoweeksago.Ididnothingtobringittopasssavetogive themthistechniqueofprayer.Youneeddonothingtobringittopasssaveapplythis techniqueofprayer. Withyoureyesclosedandyourphysicalbodyimmobilizedinduceastateakintosleepand enterintotheactionasthoughyouwereanactorplayingthepart.Experiencein imaginationwhatyouwouldexperienceinthefleshwereyounowinpossessionofyour objective.MakeelsewhereHEREandthenNOW.Andthegreateryou,usingalarger focuswilluseallmeans,andcallthemgood,whichtendtowardtheproductionofthat whichyouhaveassumed.

Youarerelievedofallresponsibilitytomakeitso,becauseasyouimagineandfeelthatit issoyourdimensionallylargerselfdeterminesthemeans.Donotthinkforonemoment thatsomeoneisgoingtobeinjuredinordertomakeitso,orthatsomeoneisgoingtobe disappointed.Itisstillnotyourconcern.Imustdrivethishome.Toomanyofus,schooled indifferentwalksoflife,are soconcernedabouttheother. Youask,'IfIgetwhatIwantwillitnotimplyinjurytoanother?'Therearewaysyou knownotof,sodonotbeconcerned. Closeyoureyesnowbecausewearegoingtobeinalongsilence.Soonyouwillbecome solostincontemplation,feelingthatyouarewhatyouwanttobe,thatyouwillbetotally unconsciousofthefactthatyouareinthisroomwithothers. Youwillreceiveashockwhenyouopenyoureyesanddiscoverwearehere.Itshouldbe ashockwhenyouopenyoureyesanddiscoverthatyouarenotactuallythatwhich,a momentbefore,youfeltyouwere,orfeltyoupossessed.Nowwewillgointothedeep. SILENCEPERIOD......... ************** Ineednotremindyouthatyouarenowthatwhichyouhaveassumedthatyouare.Donot discussitwithanyone,notevenself.YoucannottakethoughtastotheHOW,whenyou knowthatyouAREalready. Yourthreedimensionalreasoning,whichisaverylimitedreasoningindeedshouldnotbe broughtintothisdrama.Itdoesnotknow.Whatyouhavejustfelttobetrueistrue. Letnomantellyouthatyoushouldnothaveit.Whatyoufeelthatyouhave,youwill have.AndIpromiseyouthismuch,afteryouhaverealizedyourobjective,onreflection

youwillhavetoadmitthatthisconsciousreasoningmindofyourscouldneverhave devisedtheway. Youarethatandhavethatwhichthisverymomentyouappropriated.Donotdiscussit. Donotlooktosomeoneforencouragementbecausethethingmightnotcome.Ithas come.GoaboutyourFather'sbusinessdoingeverythingnormallyandletthesethings happeninyourworld.

Lesson2ASSUMPTIONSHARDENINTOFACT

ThisBibleofourshasnothingtodowithhistory.Someofyoumayyetbeinclined tonighttobelievethat,althoughwecangiveitapsychologicalinterpretation,itstillcould beleftinitspresentformandbeinterpretedliterally.Youcannotdoit.TheBiblehasno referenceatalltopeopleortoeventsasyouhavebeentaughttobelieve.Thesooneryou begintoruboutthat picturethebetter. Wearegoingtotakeafewstoriestonight,andagainIamgoingtoremindyouthatyou mustreenactallofthesestorieswithinyourownmind. Bearinmindthatalthoughtheyseemtobestoriesofpeoplefullyawake,thedramais reallybetweenyou,thesleepingone,thedeeperyou,andtheconsciouswakingyou.They arepersonifiedaspeople,butwhenyoucometothepointofapplicationyoumust remembertheimportanceofthedrowsystate. Allcreation,aswetoldyoulastnight,takesplaceinthestateofsleep,orthatstatewhich isakintosleepthe,sleepydrowsystate.

Wetoldyoulastnightthefirstmanisnotyetawakened.YouareAdam,thefirstman,still intheprofoundsleep.Thecreativeyouisthefourthdimensionalyouwhosehomeis simplythestateyouenterwhenmencallyouasleep. ************** OurfirststoryfortonightisfoundintheGospelofJohn.Asyouhearitunfoldbeforeyou, Iwantyoutocompareitinyourmind'seyetothestoryyouheardlastnightfromthe bookofGenesis.ThefirstbookoftheBible,thebookofGenesis,historiansclaimisthe recordofeventswhichoccurredonearthsome3,000yearsbeforetheeventsrecordedin thebookofJohn.Iaskyoutobe rationalaboutitandseeifyoudonotthinkthesamewritercouldhavewrittenboth stories.Youbethejudgeastowhetherthesameinspiredmancouldnothavetoldthe samestoryandtolditdifferently. Thisisaveryfamiliarstory,thestoryofthetrialofJesus.InthisGospelofJohnitis recordedthatJesuswasbroughtbeforePontiusPilate,andthecrowdclamoredforhislife, theywantedJesus.Pilateturnedtothemandsaid: "Butyehaveacustom,thatIshouldreleaseuntoyouoneatthePassoverwillye thereforethatIreleaseuntoyoutheKingoftheJews?Thencriedtheyallagain,saying, Notthisman,butBarabbas.NowBarabbaswasarobber."John18:39,40 YouaretoldthatPilatehadnochoiceinthematter,hewasonlyajudgeinterpretinglaw, andthiswasthelaw.Thepeoplehadtobegiventhatwhichtheyrequested.Pilatecould notreleaseJesusagainstthewishesofthecrowd,andsohereleasedBarabbasandgave untothemJesustobecrucified. NowbearinmindthatyourconsciousnessisGod.ThereisnootherGod.Andyouare toldthatGodhasasonwhosenameisJesus.Ifyouwilltakethetroubletolookupthe

wordBarabbasinyourconcordance,youwillseethatitisacontractionoftwoHebraic words:BAR,whichmeansadaughterorsonorchild,andABBA,whichmeansfather. Barabbasisthesonofthegreatfather.AndJesusinthestoryiscalledtheSaviour,the SonoftheFather. Wehavetwosonsinthisstory.AndwehavetwosonsinthestoryofEsauandJacob. BearinmindthatIsaacwasblind,andjusticetobetruemustbeblindfolded.Althoughin thiscasePilateisnotphysicallyblind,thepartgiventoPilateimpliesthatheisblind becauseheisajudge.Onallthegreatlawbuildingsoftheworldweseetheladyorthe manwhorepresentsjusticeasbeingblindfolded. "Judgenotaccordingtotheappearance,butjudgerighteousjudgment."John7:24. HerewefindPilateisplayingthesamepartasIsaac.Therearetwosons.Allthe charactersastheyappearinthisstorycanapplytoyourownlife.Youhaveasonthatis robbingyouthisverymomentofthatwhichyoucouldbe. Ifyoucametothismeetingtonightconsciousofwantingsomething,desiringsomething, youwalkedinthecompanyofBarabbas. Fortodesireistoconfessthatyoudonotnowpossesswhatyoudesire,andbecauseall thingsareyours,yourobyourselfbylivinginthestateofdesire.Mysaviourismydesire. AsIwantsomethingIamlookingintotheeyesofmysaviour.ButifIcontinuewantingit, IdenymyJesus,mysaviour,forasIwantIconfessIamnotand"exceptyebelievethatI AMHeyedieinyour sins."IcannothaveandstillcontinuetodesirewhatIhave.Imayenjoyit,butIcannot continuewantingit. Hereisthestory.ThisisthefeastofthePassover.Somethingisgoingtochangeright now,somethingisgoingtopassover.Manisincapableofpassingoverfromonestateof consciousnessintoanotherunlesshereleasesfromconsciousnessthatwhichhenow

entertains,foritanchorshimwhereheis. YouandImaygotophysicalfeastsyearafteryearasthesunentersthegreatsignof Aries,butitmeansnothingtothetruemysticalPassover.Tokeepthefeastofthe Passover,thepsychologicalfeast,Ipassfromonestateofconsciousnessintoanother.Ido itbyreleasingBarabbas,thethiefandrobberthatrobsmeofthatstatewhichIcould embodywithinmyworld. ThestateIseektoembodyispersonifiedinthestoryasJesustheSaviour.IfIbecome whatIwanttobethenIamsavedfromwhatIwas.IfIdonotbecomeit,Icontinueto keeplockedwithinmeathiefwhorobsmeofbeingthatwhichIcouldbe. Thesestorieshavenoreferencetoanypersonswholivednortoanyeventthatever occurreduponearth.Thesecharactersareeverlastingcharactersinthemindofeveryman intheworld.YouandIperpetuallykeepaliveeitherBarabbasorJesus.Youknowat everymomentoftimewhoyouareentertaining. DonotcondemnacrowdforclamoringthattheyshouldreleaseBarabbasandcrucify Jesus.ItisnotacrowdofpeoplecalledJews.Theyhadnothingtodowithit. Ifwearewise,wetooshouldclamorforthereleaseofthatstateofmindthatlimitsus frombeingwhatwewanttobe,thatrestrictsus,thatdoesnotpermitustobecomethe idealthatweseekandstrivetoattaininthisworld. IamnotsayingthatyouarenottonightembodyingJesus.Ionlyremindyou,thatifatthis verymomentyouhaveanunfulfilledambition,thenyouareentertainingthatwhichdenies thefulfillmentoftheambition,andthatwhichdeniesitisBarabbas. Toexplainthemystical,psychologicaltransformationknownasthePassover,orthe crossingover,youmustnowbecomeidentifiedwiththeidealthatyouwouldserve,and youmustremainfaithfultotheideal.Ifyouremainfaithfultoit,younotonlycrucifyitby

yourfaithfulness,butyouresurrectitunaidedbyaman. Asthestorygoes,nomancouldriseearlyenoughtorollawaythestone.Unaidedbya manthestonewasremoved,andwhatseeminglywasdeadandburiedwasresurrected unassistedbyaman. Youwalkintheconsciousnessofbeingthatwhichyouwanttobe,nooneseesitasyet, butyoudonotneedamantorollawaytheproblemsandtheobstaclesoflifeinorderto expressthatwhichyouareconsciousofbeing.Thatstatehasitsownuniquewayof becomingembodiedinthisworld,ofbecomingfleshthatthewholeworldmaytouchit. NowyoucanseetherelationshipbetweenthestoryofJesusandthestoryofIsaacandhis twosons,whereonetransplantedtheother,whereonewascalledtheSupplanterofthe other.WhydoyouthinkthosewhocompiledthesixtyoddbooksofourBiblemadeJacob theforefatherofJesus? TheytookJacob,whowascalledtheSupplanter,andmadehimfatheroftwelve,thenthey tookJudahorpraise,thefifthsonandmadehimtheforefatherofJoseph,whoissupposed tohavefatheredinsomestrangewaythisonecalledJesus.JesusmustsupplantBarabbas asJacobmustsupplantandtaketheplaceofEsau. Tonightyoucansitrighthereandconductthetrialofyourtwosons,oneofwhomyou wantreleased.Youcanbecomethecrowdwhoclamorsforthereleaseofthethief,and thejudgewhowillinglyreleasesBarabbas,andsentencesJesustofillhisplace.Hewas crucifiedonGolgotha,theplaceoftheskull,theseatoftheimagination. ToexperiencethePassoverorpassagefromtheoldtothenewconceptofself,youmust releaseBarabbas,yourpresentconceptofself,whichrobsyouofbeingthatwhichyou couldbe,andyoumustassumethenewconceptwhichyoudesiretoexpress. Thebestwaytodothisistoconcentrateyourattentionupontheideaofidentifying

yourselfwithyourideal.Assumeyouarealreadythatwhichyouseekandyour assumption,thoughfalse,ifsustained,willhardenintofact. YouwillknowwhenyouhavesucceededinreleasingBarabbas,youroldconceptofself, andwhenyouhavesuccessfullycrucifiedJesus,orfixedthenewconceptofself,bysimply lookingMENTALLYatthepeopleyouknow.Ifyouseethemasyouformerlysawthem, youhavenotchangedyourconceptofself,forallchangesofconceptsofselfresultina changedrelationshiptoyourworld. Wealwaysseemtoothersanembodimentoftheidealweinspire.Therefore,in meditation,wemustimaginethatothersseeusastheywouldseeuswerewewhatwe desiretobe. YoucanreleaseBarabbasandcrucifyandresurrectJesusifyouwillfirstdefineyourideal. Thenrelaxinacomfortablearmchair,induceastateofconsciousnessakintosleepand experienceinimaginationwhatyouwouldexperienceinrealitywereyoualreadythat whichyoudesiretobe. Bythissimplemethodofexperiencinginimaginationwhatyouwouldexperienceinthe fleshwereyoutheembodimentoftheidealyouserve,youreleaseBarabbaswhorobbed youofyourgreatness,andyoucrucifyandresurrectyoursaviour,ortheidealyoudesired toexpress. NowletusturntothestoryofJesusinthegardenofGethsemane.Bearinmindthata gardenisaproperlypreparedplotofground,itisnotawasteland.Youarepreparingthis groundcalledGethsemanebycominghereandstudyinganddoingsomethingaboutyour mind.Spendsometimedailyinpreparingyourmindbyreadinggoodliterature,listening togoodmusicandenteringintoconversationsthatennoble. WearetoldintheEpistles,"Whatsoeverthingsaretrue,whatsoeverthingsarehonest, whatsoeverthingsarejust,whatsoeverthingsarepure,whatsoeverthingsarelovely,

whatsoeverthingsareofgoodreportiftherebeanyvirtue,andiftherebeanypraise, thinkonthesethings."Phil.4:8 Continuingwithourstory,astoldinthe18thchapterofJohn,Jesusisinthegardenand suddenlyacrowdbeginstoseekhim.Heisstandingthereinthedarkandhesays,"Whom seekye?" ThespokesmancalledJudasanswersandsays,"WeseekJesusofNazareth." Avoiceanswers,"IamHe." Atthisinstanttheyallfalltotheground,thousandsofthemtumbled.Thatinitselfshould stopyourightthereandletyouknowitcouldnotbeaphysicaldrama,becausenoone couldbesoboldinhisclaimthatheistheonesought,thathecouldcausethousandswho seekhimtofalltotheground. Butthestorytellsustheyallfelltotheground.Thenwhentheyregainedtheircomposure theyaskedthesamequestion. "Jesusanswered,IhavetoldyouthatIamHe:ifthereforeyeseekme,letthesegotheir way."John18:8. "ThensaidJesusuntohim,Thatthoudoest,doquickly."John13:27 Judas,whohastodoitquickly,goesoutandcommitssuicide. Nowtothedrama.YouareinyourgardenofGethsemaneorpreparedmindifyoucan, whileyouareinastateakintosleep,controlyourattentionandnotletitwanderaway fromitspurpose.Ifyoucandothatyouaredefinitelyinthegarden. Veryfewpeoplecansitquietlyandnotenterareverieorastateofuncontrolledthinking.

Whenyoucanrestrictthementalactionandremainfaithfultoyourwatch,notpermitting yourattentiontowanderallovertheplace,butholditwithouteffortwithinalimitedfield ofpresentationtothe stateyouarecontemplating,thenyouaredefinitelythisdisciplinedpresenceinthegarden ofGethsemane. ThesuicideofJudasisnothingmorethanchangingyourconceptofyourself.Whenyou knowwhatyouwanttobeyouhavefoundyourJesusorsaviour.Whenyouassumethat youarewhatyouwanttobeyouhavediedtoyourformerconceptofself(Judas committedsuicide)andarenowlivingasJesus.Youcanbecomeatwilldetachedfromthe worldroundaboutyou,andattachedtothatwhichyouwanttoembodywithinyour world. Nowthatyouhavefoundme,nowthatyouhavefoundthatwhichwouldsaveyoufrom whatyouare,letgoofthatwhichyouareandallthatitrepresentsintheworld.Become completelydetachedfromit.Inotherwords,gooutandcommitsuicide. Youcompletelydietowhatyouformerlyexpressedinthisworld,andyounow completelylivetothatwhichnoonesawastrueofyoubefore.Youareasthoughyou haddiedbyyourownhand,asthoughyouhadcommittedsuicide.Youtookyourownlife bybecomingdetachedinconsciousnessfromwhatyouformerlykeptalive,andyoubegin tolivetothatwhichyouhavediscoveredinyour garden.Youhavefoundyoursaviour. Itisnotmenfalling,notamanbetrayinganother,butyoudetachingyourattention,and refocusingyourattentioninanentirelynewdirection.Fromthismomentonyouwalkas thoughyouwerethatwhichyouformerlywantedtobe.Remainingfaithfultoyournew conceptofyourselfyoudieorcommitsuicide.Noonetookyourlife,youlaiditdown yourself. YoumustbeabletoseetherelationofthistothedeathofMoses,wherehesocompletely

diedthatnoonecouldfindwherehewasburied.Youmustseetherelationshipofthe deathofJudas.HeisnotamanwhobetrayedamancalledJesus. ThewordJudasispraiseitisJudah,topraise,togivethanks,toexplodewithjoy.You donotexplodewithjoyunlessyouareidentifiedwiththeidealyouseekandwantto embodyinthisworld.Whenyoubecomeidentifiedwiththestateyoucontemplateyou cannotsuppressyourjoy.ItriseslikethefragrantodordescribedasJerichointheOld Testament. IamtryingtoshowyouthattheancientstoldthesamestoryinallthestoriesoftheBible. Allthattheyaretryingtotellusishowtobecomethatwhichwewanttobe.Andthey implyineverystorythatwedonotneedtheassistanceofanother.Youdonotneed anothertobecomenowwhatyoureallywanttobe. ************** NowweturntoastrangestoryintheOldTestamentonethatveryfewpriestsandrabbis willbeboldenoughtomentionfromtheirpulpits.Hereisonewhoisgoingtoreceivethe promiseasyounowreceiveit.HisnameisJesus,onlytheancientscalledhimJoshua, JehoshuaBenNun,orsaviour,sonofthefish,theSaviourofthegreatdeep.Nunmeans fish,andfishistheelementofthedeep,theprofoundocean.JehoshuameansJehovah saves,andBenmeanstheoffspringorsonof.Sohewascalledtheonewhobroughtthe fishage. Thisstoryisinthe6thbookoftheBible,thebookofJoshua.Apromiseismadeto JoshuaasitismadetoJesusintheAnglicizedforminthegospelsofMatthew,Mark, LukeandJohn. InthegospelofJohn,Jesussays,"Allthingswhatsoeverthouhastgivenmeareofthee." John17:7."Andallminearethine,andthinearemine."John17:10.

IntheOldTestamentinthebookofJoshuaitissaidinthesewords:"Everyplacethatthe soleofyourfootshalltreadupon,thathaveIgivenuntoyou."Joshua1:3 Itdoesnotmatterwhereitisanalyzethepromiseandseeifyoucanacceptitliterally.It isnotphysicallytruebutitispsychologicallytrue.Whereveryoucanstandinthisworld mentallythatyoucanrealize. Joshuaishauntedbythispromisethatwhereverhecanplacehisfoot(thefootis understanding),whereverthesoleofhisfootshalltread,thatwillbegivenuntohim.He wantsthemostdesirablestateintheworld,thefragrantcity,thedelightfulstatecalled Jericho. HefindshimselfbarredbytheimpassablewallsofJericho.Heisontheoutside,asyouare nowontheoutside.Youarefunctioningthreedimensionallyandyoucannotseemto reachthefourthdimensionalworldwhereyourpresentdesireisalreadyaconcrete objectivereality.Youcannotseemtoreachitbecauseyoursensesbaryoufromit.Reason tellsyouitisimpossible,allthingsroundaboutyoutellyouitisnottrue. Nowyouemploytheservicesofaharlotandaspy,andhernameisRahab.Theword Rahabsimplymeansthespiritofthefather.RACEmeansthebreathorspirit,andABthe father.Hencewefindthatthisharlotisthespiritofthefatherandthefatherisman's awarenessofbeingaware,man'sIAMness,man'sconsciousness. Yourcapacitytofeelisthegreatspiritofthefather,andthatcapacityisRahabinthis story.Shehastwoprofessionsthatofaspyandthatofaharlot. Theprofessionofaspyisthis:totravelsecretly,totravelsoquietlythatyoumaynotbe detected.Thereisnotasinglephysicalspyinthisworldwhocantravelsoquietlythathe willbealtogetherunseenbyothers.Hemaybeverywiseinconcealinghisways,andhe mayneverbetrulyapprehended,butateverymomentoftimeherunstheriskofbeing detected.

Whenyouaresittingquietlywithyourthoughts,thereisnomanintheworldsowisethat hecanlookatyouandtellyouwhereyouarementallydwelling. IcanstandhereandplacemyselfinLondon.KnowingLondonquitewell,Icanclosemy eyesandassumethatIamactuallystandinginLondon.IfIremainwithinthisstatelong enough,IwillbeabletosurroundmyselfwiththeenvironmentofLondonasthoughit wereasolidconcreteobjectivefact. PhysicallyIamstillhere,butmentallyIamthousandsofmilesawayandIhavemade elsewherehere.Idonotgothereasaspy,Imentallymakeelsewherehere,andthennow. Youcannotseemedwellingthere,soyouthinkIhavejustgonetosleepandthatIanstill hereinthisworld,thisthreedimensionalworldthatisnowSanFrancisco.AsfarasIam physicallyconcerned,IamherebutnoonecantellmewhereIamwhenIenterthe momentofmeditation. Rahab'snextprofessionwasthatofaharlot,whichistograntuntomenwhattheyaskof herwithoutaskingman'srighttoask.Ifshebeanabsoluteharlot,ashernameimplies, thenshepossessesallandcangrantallthatmanasksofher.Sheistheretoserve,andnot toquestionman'srighttoseekwhatheseeksofher. Youhavewithinyouthecapacitytoappropriateastatewithoutknowingthemeansthat willbeemployedtorealizethatendandyouassumethefeelingofthewishfulfilled withouthavinganyofthetalentsthatmenclaimyoumustpossessinordertodoso.When youappropriateitinconsciousnessyouhaveemployedthespy,andbecauseyoucan embodythatstatewithinyourselfbyactuallygivingittoyourself,youaretheharlot,for theharlotsatisfiesthemanwhoseeksher. Youcansatisfyselfbyappropriatingthefeelingthatyouarewhatyouwanttobe.And thisassumptionthoughfalse,thatis,althoughreasonandthesensesdenyit,ifpersistedin willhardenintofact.Byactuallyembodyingthatwhichyouhaveassumedyouare,you

havethecapacitytobecomecompletelysatisfied.Unlessitbecomesatangible,concrete realityyouwillnotbesatisfiedyouwillbefrustrated. YouaretoldinthisstorythatwhenRahabwentintothecitytoconquerit,thecommand giventoherwastoentertheheartofthecity,theheartofthematter,theverycenterofit, andthereremainuntilIcome.Donotgofromhousetohouse,donotleavetheupper roomofthehouseintowhichyouenter.Ifyouleavethehouseandtherebebloodupon yourhead,itisuponyourhead. Butifyoudonotleavethehouseandtherebeblood,itshallbeuponmyhead. Rahabgoesintothehouse,risestotheupperfloor,andtheresheremainswhilethewalls crumble.Thatis,wemustkeepahighmoodifwewouldwalkwiththehighest.Inavery veiledmanner,thestorytellsyouthatwhenthewallscrumbledandJoshuaentered,the onlyonewhowassavedinthecitywasthespyandtheharlotwhosenamewasRahab. Thisstorytellswhatyoucandointhisworld.Youwillneverlosethecapacitytoplace yourselfelsewhereandmakeithere.Youwillneverlosetheabilitytogiveuntoyourself whatyouareboldenoughtoappropriateastrueofself.Ithasnothingtodowiththe womanwhoplayedthatpart. Theexplanationofthecrumblingofthewallsissimple.Youaretoldthatheblewupon thetrumpetseventimesandattheseventhblastthewallscrumbledandheentered victoriouslyintothestatethathesought. Sevenisastillness,arest,theSabbath.Itisthestatewhenmaniscompletelyunmovedin hisconvictionthatthethingis.WhenIcanassumethefeelingofmywishfulfilledandgo tosleep,unconcerned,undisturbed,Iamatrestmentally,andamkeepingtheSabbathor amblowingthetrumpetseventimes.AndwhenIreachthatpointthewallscrumble. Circumstancesalterthenremoldthemselvesinharmonywithmyassumption.Asthey crumbleIresurrectthatwhich Ihaveappropriatedwithin.Thewalls,theobstacles,theproblems,crumbleoftheirown

weightifIcanreachthepointofstillnesswithinme. ThemanWhocanfixwithinhisownmind'seyeanidea,eventhoughtheworldwould denyit,ifheremainsfaithfultothatideahewillseeitmanifested.Thereisallthe differenceintheworldbetweenholdingtheidea,andbeingheldbytheidea.Becomeso dominatedbyanideathatithauntsthemindasthoughyouwereit.Then,regardlessof whatothersmaysay,youarewalkingin thedirectionofyourfixedattitudeofmind.Youarewalkinginthedirectionoftheidea thatdominatesthemind. Aswetoldyoulastnight,youhavebutonegiftthatistrulyyourstogive,andthatis yourself.Thereisnoothergiftyoumustpressitoutofyourselfbyanappropriation.Itis therewithinyounowforcreationisfinished.Thereisnothingtobethatisnotnow.There isnothingtobecreatedforallthingsarealreadyyours,theyareallfinished. Althoughmanmaynotbeabletostandphysicallyuponastate,hecanalwaysstand mentallyuponanydesiredstate.BystandingmentallyImeanthatyoucannow,thisvery moment,closeyoureyesandvisualizeaplaceotherthanyourpresentone,andassume thatyouareactuallythere.YoucanFEELthistobesorealthatuponopeningyoureyes youareamazedtofindthatyouarenot physicallythere. Thismentaljourneyintothedesiredstate,withitssubsequentfeelingofreality,isallthat isnecessarytobringaboutitsfulfillment.YourdimensionallygreaterSelfhaswaysthat thelesser,orthreedimensionalyou,knownotof.Furthermore,tothegreateryou,all meansaregoodwhichpromotethefulfillmentofyourassumption. Remaininthementalstatedefinedasyourobjectiveuntilithasthefeelingofreality,and alltheforcesofheavenandearthwillrushtoaiditsembodiment.YourgreaterSelfwill influencetheactionsandwordsofallwhocanbeusedtoaidtheproductionofyourfixed mentalattitude.

************* NowweturntothebookofNumbersandherewefindastrangestory.Itrustthatsome ofyouhavehadthisexperienceasdescribedinthebockofNumbers.Theyspeakofthe buildingofatabernacleatthecommandofGodthatGodcommandedIsraeltobuildhim aplaceofworship. Hegavethemallthespecificationsofthetabernacle.Ithadtobeanelongated,movable placeofworship,andithadtobecoveredwithskin.Needyoubetoldanythingmore? Isn'tthatman? "KnowyenotthatyearethetempleofGod,andthattheSpiritofGoddwellethinyou? "ICor.3:16 Thereisnoothertemple.Notatemplemadewithhands,butatempleeternalinthe heavens.Thistempleiselongated,anditiscoveredwithskin,anditmovesacrossthe desert. "Andonthedaythatthetabernaclewasrearedupthecloudcoveredthetabernacle, namely,thetentofthetestimony:andateventherewasuponthetabernacleasitwerethe appearanceoffire,untilthemorning.Soitwasalways:thecloudcovereditbyday,and theappearanceoffirebynight."Num.9:15,16 ThecommandgiventoIsraelwastotarryuntilthecloudascendedbydayandthefireby night."Whetheritweretwodays,oramonth,orayear,thatthecloudtarrieduponthe tabernacle,remainingthereon,thechildrenofIsraelabodeintheirtents,andjourneyed not:butwhenitwastakenup,theyjourneyed."Num..9:22 Youknowthatyouarethetabernacle,butyoumaywonder,whatisthecloud.In meditationmanyofyoumusthaveseenit.Inmeditation,thiscloud,likethesubsoil

watersofanartesianwell,springsspontaneouslytoyourheadandformsitselfinto pulsating,goldenrings.Then,likeagentlerivertheyflowfromyourheadinastreamof livingringsofgold. Inameditativemoodborderingonsleepthecloudascends.Itisinthisdrowsystatethat youshouldassumethatyouarethatwhichyoudesiretobe,andthatyouhavethatwhich youseek,forthecloudwillassumetheformofyourassumptionandfashionaworldin harmonywithitself.Thecloudissimplythegarmentofyourconsciousness,andwhere yourconsciousnessisplaced,thereyouwillbeinthefleshalso. Thisgoldencloudcomesinmeditation.Thereisacertainpointwhenyouareapproaching sleepthatitisvery,verythick,veryliquid,andverymuchaliveandpulsing.Itbeginsto ascendasyoureachthedrowsy,meditativestate,borderingonsleep.Youdonotstrike thetabernacleneitherdoyoumoveituntilthecloudbeginstoascend. Thecloudalwaysascendswhenmanapproachesthedrowsinessofsleep.Forwhenaman goestosleep,whetherheknowsitornot,heslipsfromathreedimensionalworldintoa fourthdimensionalworldandthatwhichisascendingistheconsciousnessofthatmanina greaterfocusitisafourthdimensionalfocus. Whatyounowseeascendingisyourgreaterself.Whenthatbeginstoascendyouenter intotheactualstateoffeelingyouarewhatyouwanttobe.Thatisthetimeyoulull yourselfintothemoodofbeingwhatyouwanttobe,byeitherexperiencinginimagination whatyouwouldexperienceinrealitywereyoualreadythatwhichyouwanttobe,orby repeatingoverandoveragainthephrasethatimpliesyouhavealreadydonewhatyou wanttodo.Aphrasesuchas,"Isn'titwonderful,isn'titwonderful,"asthoughsome wonderfulthinghadhappenedtoyou. "Inadream,inavisionofthenight,whendeepsleepfallethuponmen,inslumberings uponthebed.Thenheopeneththeearsofmen,andsealeththeirinstruction."Job33:15, 16

Usewiselytheintervalprecedingsleep.Assumethefeelingofthewishfulfilledandgoto sleepinthismood.Atnight,inadimensionallylargerworld,whendeepsleepfallethupon men,theyseeandplaythepartsthattheywilllateronplayonearth.Andthedramais alwaysinharmonywiththatwhichtheirdimensionallygreaterselvesreadandplay throughthem.Ourillusionoffreewillisbutignoranceofthecauseswhichmakeusact. Thesensationwhichdominatesthemindofmanashefallsasleep,thoughfalse,will hardenintofact.Assumingthefeelingofthewishfulfilledaswefallasleep,isthe commandtothisembodyingprocesssayingtoourmood,"Bethouactual."Inthiswaywe becomethroughanaturalprocesswhatwedesiretobe. Icantellyoudozensofpersonalexperienceswhereitseemedimpossibletogoelsewhere, butbyplacingmyselfelsewherementallyasIwasabouttogotosleep,circumstances changedquicklywhichcompelledmetomakethejourney.Ihavedoneitacrosswaterby placingmyselfatnightonmybedasthoughIsleptwhereIwantedtobe.Asthedays unfoldedthingsbegantomoldthemselvesinharmonywiththatassumptionandallthings thatmusthappentocompelmy journeydidhappen.AndI,inspiteofmyself,mustmakereadytogotowardthatplace whichIassumedIwasinwhenIapproachedthedeepofsleep. AsmycloudascendsIassumethatIamnowthemanIwanttobe,orthatIamalreadyin theplacewhereIwanttovisit.Isleepinthatplacenow.Thenlifestrikesthetabernacle, strikesmyenvironmentandreassemblesmyenvironmentacrossseasoroverlandand reassemblesitinthelikenessofmyassumption.Ithasnothingtodowithmenwalking acrossaphysicaldesert.Thewholevastworldroundaboutyouisadesert. FromthecradletothegraveyouandIwalkasthoughwewalkthedesert.Butwehavea livingtabernaclewhereinGoddwells,anditiscoveredwithacloudwhichcananddoes ascendwhenwegotosleeporareinastateakintosleep.Notnecessarilyintwodays,it canascendintwominutes.Whydidtheygiveyoutwodays?IfInowbecomethemanI

wanttobe,Imaybecomedissatisfied tomorrow.IshouldatleastgiveitadaybeforeIdecidetomoveon. TheBiblesaysintwodays,amonth,orayear:wheneveryoudecidetomoveonwiththis tabernacleletthecloudascend.Asitascendsyoustartmovingwherethecloudis.The cloudissimplythegarmentofyourconsciousness,yourassumption.Wherethe consciousnessisplacedyoudonothavetotakethephysicalbodyitgravitatestherein spiteofyou.Thingshappentocompelyoutomoveinthedirectionwhereyouare consciouslydwelling. "InmyFather'shousearemanymansions:ifitwerenotso,Iwouldhavetoldyou.Igoto prepareaplaceforyou.AndifIgoandprepareaplaceforyou,Iwillcomeagain,and receiveyouuntomyselfthatwhereIam,thereyemaybealso."John14:2,3 Themanymansionsaretheunnumberedstateswithinyourmind,foryouarethehouseof God.InmyFather'shouseareunnumberedconceptsofself.Youcouldnotineternity exhaustwhatyouarecapableofbeing. IfIsitquietlyhereandassumethatIamelsewhere,Ihavegoneandpreparedaplace.But ifIopenmyeyes,thebilocationwhichIcreatedvanishesandIambackhereinthe physicalformthatIleftbehindmeasIwenttoprepareaplace.ButIpreparedtheplace neverthelessandwillintimedwelltherephysically. Youdonothavetoconcernyourselfwiththewaysandthemeansthatwillbeemployed tomoveyouacrossspaceintothatplacewhereyouhavegoneandmentallypreparedit. Simplysitquietly,nomatterwhereyouare,andmentallyactualizeit. ButIgiveyouwarning,donottreatitlightly,forIamconsciousofwhatitwilldoto peoplewhotreatitlightly.ItreateditlightlyoncebecauseIjustwantedtogetaway, basedonlyuponthetemperatureoftheday.ItwasinthedeepofwinterinNewYork, andIsodesiredtobeinthewarmclimateoftheIndies,thatIsleptthatnightasthoughI

sleptunderpalmtrees.NextmorningwhenIawokeitwasstillverymuchwinter. IhadnointentionsofgoingtotheIndiesthatyear,butdistressingnewscamewhich compelledmetomakethejourney.Itwasinthemidstofwarwhenshipswerebeingsunk rightandleft,butIsailedoutofNewYorkonaship48hoursafterIreceivedthisnews. ItwastheonlywayIcouldgettoBarbados,andIarrivedjustintimetoseemymother andsayathreedimensional"Goodbye"toher. InspiteofthefactthatIhadnointentionsofgoing,thedeeperSelfwatchedwherethe greatclouddescended.IplaceditinBarbadosandthistabernacle(mybody)hadtogo andmakethejourneytofulfillthecommand,"Whereverthesoleofyourfootshalltread thathaveIgivenuntoyou."Wherevertheclouddescendsinthedesert,thereyou reassemblethattabernacle. IsailedfromNewYorkatmidnightonashipwithouttakingthoughtofsubmarinesor anythingelse.Ihadtogo.ThingshappenedinawaythatIcouldnothavedevised. Iwarnyou,donottreatitlightly.Donotsay,"Iwillexperimentandputmyselfin Labrador,justtoseeifitwillwork."YouwillgotoyourLabradorandthenyouwill wonderwhyyouevercametothisclass.Itwillworkifyoudareassumethefeelingof yourwishfulfilledasyougotosleep. Controlyourmoodsasyougotosleep.Icannotfindanybetterwaytodescribethis techniquethantocallita"controlledwakingdream."Inadreamyoulosecontrol,buttry precedingyoursleepwithacompletecontrolledwakingdream,enteringintoitasyoudo indream,forinadreamyouarealwaysverydominant,youalwaysplaythepart.Youare alwaysanactorinadream,and nevertheaudience.Whenyouhaveacontrolledwakingdreamyouareanactorandyou enterintotheactofthecontrolleddream.Butdonotdoitlightly,foryoumustthen reenactitphysicallyinathreedimensionalworld.

NowbeforewegointoourmomentofsilencethereissomethingImustmakeveryclear, andthatisthiseffortwediscussedlastnight.Ifthereisonereasoninthiswholevast worldwhypeoplefailitisbecausetheyareunawareofalawknowntopsychologists todayasthelawofreverseeffort. Whenyouassumethefeelingofyourwishfulfilleditiswithaminimumofeffort.You mustcontrolthedirectionofthemovementsofyourattention.Butyoumustdoitwiththe leasteffort.Ifthereiseffortinthecontrol,andyouarecompellingitinacertainwayyou arenotgoingtogettheresults.Youwillgettheoppositeresults,whatevertheymightbe. ThatiswhyweinsistonestablishingthebasisoftheBibleasAdamslept.Thatisthefirst creativeact,andthereisnorecordwherehewaseverawakenedfromthisprofoundsleep. Whilehesleepscreationstops. Youchangeyourfuturebestwhenyouareincontrolofyourthoughtswhileinastate akintosleep,fortheneffortisreducedtoitsminimum.Yourattentionseemsto completelyrelax,andthenyoumustpracticeholdingyourattentionwithinthatfeeling, withoutusingforce,andwithoutusingeffort. Donotthinkforamomentthatitiswillpowerthatdoesit.WhenyoureleaseBarabbas andbecomeidentifiedwithJesus,youdonotwillyourselftobeit,youimaginethatyou areit.Thatisallyoudo. Nowaswecometothevitalpartoftheevening,theintervaldevotedtoprayer,letme againclarifythetechnique.Knowwhatyouwant.Thenconstructasingleevent,anevent whichimpliesfulfillmentofyourwish.Restricttheeventtoasingleact. Forinstance,ifIsingleoutasanevent,shakingaman'shand,thenthatistheonlythingI do.Idonotshakeit,thenlightacigaretteanddoathousandotherthings.Isimply imaginethatIamactuallyshakinghandsandkeeptheactgoingoverandoverandover againuntiltheimaginaryacthasallthefeelingofreality.

Theeventmustalwaysimplyfulfillmentofthewish.Alwaysconstructaneventwhichyou believeyouwouldnaturallyencounterfollowingthefulfillmentofyourdesire.Youarethe judgeofwhateventyoureallywanttorealize. ThereisanothertechniqueIgaveyoulastnight.Ifyoucannotconcentrateonanact,if youcannotsnuggleintoyourchairandbelievethechairiselsewhere,justasthough elsewherewerehere,thendothis:Reducetheidea,condenseittoasingle,simplephrase like,"Isn'titwonderful."or,"Thank you."or,"It'sdone."or,"It'sfinished." Thereshouldnotbemorethanthreewords.Somethingthatimpliesthedesireisalready realized."Isn'titwonderful",or"Thankyou,"certainlyimplythat.Thesearenotallthe phrasesyoucoulduse.Makeupoutofyourownvocabularythephrasewhichbestsuits you.Butmakeitvery,veryshortandalwaysuseaphrasethatimpliesfulfillmentofthe idea. Whenyouhaveyourphraseinmind,liftthecloud.Letthecloudascendbysimply inducingthestatethatbordersonsleep.Simplybegintoimagineandfeelyouaresleepy, andinthisstateassumethefeelingofthewishfulfilled.Thenrepeatthephraseoverand overlikealullaby.Whateverthephraseis,letitimplythattheassumptionistrue,thatitis concrete,thatitisalreadya factandyouknowit. Justrelaxandenterintothefeelingofactuallybeingwhatyouwanttobe.Asyoudoit youareenteringJerichowithyourspywhohasthepowertogiveit.Youarereleasing BarabbasandsentencingJesustobecrucifiedandresurrected.Allthesestoriesyouarere enactingifnowyoubegintoletgoandenterintothefeelingofactuallybeingwhatyou wanttobe.Nowwecango..... SILENCEPERIOD........

************** Ifyourhandsaredry,andifyourmouthisdryattheendofthismeditation,thatis positiveproofthatyoudidsucceedinliftingthecloud.Whatyouweredoingwhenthe cloudwasliftedisentirelyyourbusiness.Butyoudidliftthecloudifyourhandsaredry. IwillgiveyouanotherphenomenawhichisverystrangeandoneIcannotanalyze.It happensifyoureallygointothedeep.Youwillfindonwakingthatyouhavethemost activepairofkidneysintheworld.Ihavediscusseditwithdoctorsandtheycannot explainit. Anotherthingyoumayobserveinmeditationisalovelyliquidbluelight.Thenearestthing onearthtowhichIcancompareitisburningalcohol.Youknowwhenyouputalcoholon theplumpuddingatChristmastimeandsetitaflame,thelovelyliquidblueflamethat envelopesthepuddinguntilyoublowitout.Thatflameisthenearestthingtotheblue lightwhichcomesontheforeheadofamaninmeditation. Donotbedistressed.Youwillknowitwhenyouseeit.Itisliketwoshadesofblue,a darkerandalighterblueinconstantmotion,justlikeburningalcohol,whichisunlikethe constantflameofagasjet.Thisflameisalive,justasspiritwouldbealive. Anotherthingthatmaycometoyouasitdidtome.Youwillseespotsbeforeyoureyes. Theyarenotliverspotsassomepeoplewilltellyouwhoknownothingaboutit.Theseare littlethingsthatfloatinspacelikeamesh,littlecirclesalltiedtogether.Theystartwitha singlecellandcomein groupsindifferentgeometricalpatterns,likeworms,liketrailers,andtheyfloatallover yourface.Whenyoucloseyoureyesyoustillseethem,provingthattheyarenotfrom without,theyarefromwithin. Whenyoubegintoexpandinconsciousnessallthesethingscome.Theymaybeyour

bloodstreamobjectifiedbysomestrangetrickofmanthatmandoesnotquiteunderstand. Iamnotdenyingthatitisyourbloodstreammadevisible,butdonotbedistressedby thinkingitisliverspotsorsomeothersillythingthatpeoplewilltellyou. Ifthesevariousphenomenacometoyou,donotthinkyouaredoingsomethingwrong.It isthenormal,naturalexpansionthatcomestoallmenwhotakethemselvesintowandtry todevelopthegardenofGethsemane. Theminuteyoubegintodisciplineyourmindbyobservingyourthoughtsandwatching yourthoughtsthroughouttheday,youbecomethepolicemanofyourthoughts.Refuseto enterintoconversationsthatareunlovely,refusetolistenattentivelytoanythingthattears down. Begintobuildwithinyourownmind'seyethevisionoftheperfectvirginratherthanthe visionofthefoolishvirgin.Listenonlytothethingsthatbringjoywhenyouhearthem. Donotgiveawillingeartothatwhichisunlovely,whichwhenyouheardityouwishyou hadnot.ThatislisteningandseeingthingsWithoutoilinyourlamp,orjoyinyourmind. TherearetwokindsofvirginsintheBible:fivefoolishandfivewisevirgins.Theminute youbecomethewisevirgin,ortrytomakeanattempttodoit,youwillfindallthese thingshappen.Youwillseethesethings,andtheyinterestyousothatyouhavenottime todevelopthefoolishsight,asmanypeopledo.Ihopethatnooneheredoes.Becauseno oneshouldbeidentifiedwiththisgreatworkwhocanstillfindgreatjoyinadiscussionof anotherthatisunlovely.

Lesson3THINKINGFOURTHDIMENSIONALLY

Therearetwoactualoutlooksontheworldpossessedbyeveryman,andtheancientstory tellerswerefullyconsciousofthesetwooutlooks.Theycalledtheone"thecarnalmind," andtheother"themindofChrist." Werecognizethesetwocentersofthoughtinthestatement:"Thenaturalmanreceiveth notthethingsoftheSpiritofGod:fortheyarefoolishnessuntohim:neithercanheknow them,becausetheyarespirituallydiscerned."ICor.2:14 Tothenaturalmind,realityisconfinedtotheinstantcallednowthisverymomentseems tocontainthewholeofreality,everythingelseisunreal.Tothenaturalmind,thepastand thefuturearepurelyimaginary.Inotherwordsmypast,whenIusethenaturalmind,is onlyamemoryimageofthingsthatwere.Andtothelimitedfocusofthecarnalornatural mindthefuturedoesnot exist.Thenaturalminddoesnotbelievethatitcouldrevisitthepastandseeitas somethingthatispresent,somethingthatisobjectiveandconcretetoitself,neitherdoesit believethatthefutureexists. TotheChristmind,thespiritualmind,whichinourlanguagewewillcallthefourth dimensionalfocus,thepast,thepresent,andthefutureofthenaturalmindareapresent whole.Ittakesintheentirearrayofsensoryimpressionsthatmanhasencountered,is encountering,andwillencounter. TheonlyreasonyouandIarefunctioningaswearetoday,andarenotawareofthe greateroutlook,issimplybecausewearecreaturesofhabit,andhabitrendersustotally blindtowhatotherwiseweshouldseebuthabitisnotlaw.Itactsasthoughitwerethe mostcompellingforceintheworld,yetitisnotlaw. Wecancreateanewapproachtolife.IfyouandIwouldspendafewminuteseveryday inwithdrawingourattentionfromtheregionofsensationandconcentratingitonan

invisiblestateandremainfaithfultothiscontemplation,feelingandsensingtherealityof aninvisiblestate,wewouldintimebecomeawareofthisgreaterworld,thisdimensionally largerworld.Thestatecontemplatedisnowaconcretereality,displacedintime. TonightasweturntoourBibleyoubethejudgeastowhereyoustandinyourpresent unfoldment. ************** Ourfirststoryfortonightisfromthe5thchapteroftheGospelofMark.Inthischapter therearethreestoriestoldasthoughtheywereseparateexperiencesofthedominant characters. InthefirststorywearetoldthatJesuscameuponaninsaneman,anakedmanwholived inthecemeteryandhidhimselfbehindthetombs.ThismanappealedtoJesusnottocast outthedevilsthatbedeviledhim. ButJesussaiduntohim,"Comeoutoftheman,thouuncleanspirit."Mark5:8. ThusJesuscastoutthedevilsthattheymaynowdestroythemselves,andwefindthis man,forthefirsttime,clothedandinhisrightmindandseatedatthefeetoftheMaster. WewillgetthepsychologicalsenseofthischapterbychangingthenameJesustothatof enlightenedreasonorfourthdimensionalthinking. AsweprogressinthischapterwearetoldthatJesusnowcomesupontheHighPriest whosenameisJairus,andJairustheHighPriestoftheSynagoguehasachildwhois dying.Sheis12yearsold,andheappealstoJesustocomeandhealthechild. Jesusconsents,andashestartstowardthehomeoftheHighPriestawomaninthemarket placetouchedhisgarment."AndJesus,immediatelyknowinginhimselfthatvirtuehad goneoutofhim,

turnedhimaboutinthepress,andsaid,Whotouchedmyclothes?"Mark5:30. Thewomanwhowashealedofanissueofbloodthatshehadhadfor12yearsconfessed thatshehadtouchedhim."Andhesaiduntoher,Daughter,Thyfaithhathmadethee wholegoinpeace."Mark5:34 AshecontinuestowardthehometheHighPriestheistoldthatthechildisdeadandthere isnoneedtogotoresurrecther.Sheisnolongerasleep,butisnowdead. "AssoonasJesusheardthewordthatwasspoken,hesaithuntotherulerofthe synagogue,Benotafraid,onlybelieve."Mark5:36 "Andwhenhewascomein,hesaithuntothem,Whymakeyethisado,andweep?The damselisnotdead,butsleepeth."Mark5:39 Withthistheentirecrowdmockedandlaughed,butJesus,closingthedoorsagainstthe mockingcrowd,tookwithhimintothehouseholdofJairus,hisdisciplesandthefather andmotherofthedeadchild. Theyenteredintotheroomwherethedamselwaslying."Andhetookthedamselbythe hand,andsaiduntoher,Damsel,Isayuntothee,arise."Mark5:41 "Fromthisdeepsleepsheawokeandaroseandwalked,andtheHighPriestandallthe otherswereastonished.Andhechangedthemstraightlythatnomanshouldknowitand hecommandedthatsomethingshouldbegivenhertoeat."Mark5:43 Youarethisverynight,asyouareseatedhere,picturedinthis5thchapterofMark.A cemeteryisforonepurpose:itissimplyarecordofthedead.Areyoulivinginthedead past? Ifyouarelivingamongthedead,yourprejudices,yoursuperstitions,andyourfalsebeliefs

thatyoukeepalivearethetombstonesbehindwhichyouhide.Ifyourefusetoletthemgo youarejustasmadasthemadmanoftheBiblewhopleadedwithenlightenedreasonnot tocastthemout.Thereisnodifference.Butenlightenedreasonisincapableofprotecting prejudiceandsuperstition againsttheinroadsofreason. Thereisnotamaninthisworldwhohasaprejudice,regardlessofthenatureofthe prejudice,whocanholdituptothelightofreason.Tellmeyouareagainstacertain nation,acertainrace,acertain"ism,"acertainanythingIdonotcarewhatitisyou cannotexposethatbeliefofyourstothelightofreasonandhaveitlive.Inorderthatit maybekeptaliveinyourworldyoumusthideitfromreason.Youcannotanalyzeitinthe lightofreasonandhaveitlive.Whenthisfourthdimensionalfocuscomesandshowsyou anewapproachtolifeandcastsoutofyourownmindallthesethingsthatbedeviledyou, youarethencleansedandclothedinyourrightmind.Andyousitatthefootof understanding,calledthefeetoftheMaster. Nowclothedandinyourrightmindyoucanresurrectthedead.Whatdead?Thechildin thestoryisnotachild.Thechildisyourambition,yourdesire,theunfulfilleddreamsof yourheart.Thisisthechildhousedwithinthemindofman.ForasIhavestatedbefore, theentiredramaoftheBibleisapsychologicalone.TheBiblehasnoreferenceatallto anypersonwhoeverexisted,oranyeventthateveroccurreduponearth.Allthestoriesof theBibleunfoldinthemindsoftheindividualman. InthisstoryJesusistheawakenedintellectofman.Whenyourmindfunctionsoutsideof therangeofyourpresentsenses,whenyourmindishealedofalltheformerlimitations, thenyouarenolongertheinsanemanbutyouarethispresencepersonifiedasJesus,the powerthatcanresurrectthelongingsoftheheartofman. Youarenowthewomanwiththeissueofblood.Whatisthisissueofblood?Arunning wombisnotaproductivewomb.Shehelditfor12years,shewasincapableofconceiving. Shecouldnotgiveformtoherlongingbecauseoftherunningoftheissueofblood.You

aretoldherfaithclosedit.Asthewombclosesitcangiveformtotheseedoridea. AsyourmindiscleansedofyourformerconceptofSelf,youassumeyouarewhatyou wanttobe,andremainingfaithfultothisassumption,yougiveformtoyourassumptionor resurrectyourchild.Youarethewomancleansedoftheissueofblood,andyoumove towardsthehouseofthedeadchild. Thechildorstateyoudesiredisnowyourfixedconceptofyourself.Butnowhaving assumedthatIamwhatformerlyIdesiredtobe,IcannotcontinuedesiringwhatIam consciousofbeing.SoIdonotdiscussit.ItalktonooneconcerningwhatIam.Itisso obvioustomethatIamwhatIwantedtobethatIwalkasthoughIwere. WalkingasthoughIamwhatformerlyIwantedtobe,myworldoflimitedfocusdoesnot seeitandthinksInolongerdesireit.ThechildisdeadwithintheirworldbutI,who knowthelaw,say,"Thechildisnotdead."Thedamselisnotdead,shebutsleepeth.I nowawakenher.I,bymyassumption,awakenandmakevisibleinmyworldwhatI assume,forassumptionsifsustainedinvariablyawakenwhattheyaffirm. Iclosethedoor.Whatdoor?Thedoorofmysenses.Isimplyshutoutcompletelyallthat mysensesreveal.Idenytheevidenceofmysenses.Isuspendthelimitedreasonofthe naturalmanandwalkinthisboldassertionthatIamwhatmysensesdeny. Withthedoorofmysensesclosed,whatdoItakeintothatdisciplinedstate?Itakenoone intothatstatebuttheparentsofthechildandmydisciples.Iclosethedooragainstthe mocking,laughingcrowd.Inolongerlookforconfirmation.Icompletelydenythe evidenceofmysenses,whichmockmyassumptionanddonotdiscusswithothers whethermyassumptionispossibleornot. Whoaretheparents?Wehavediscoveredthatthefathermotherofallcreationisman'sI AMness.Man'sconsciousnessisGod.Iamconsciousofthestate.Iamthefathermother ofallmyideasandmymindremainsfaithfultothisnewconceptofself.Mymindis

disciplined.Itakeintothatstatethedisciples,andIshutoutofthatstateeverythingthat woulddenyit. Nowthechild,unaidedbyaman,isresurrected.TheconditionwhichIdesiredand assumedthatIhad,becomesobjectifiedwithinmyworldandbearswitnesstothepower ofmyassumption. Youbethejudge,Icannotjudgeyou.Youareeitherlivingnowinthedeadpast,oryou arelivingasthewomanwhoseissueofbloodhasbeenstanched.Couldyouactually answermeifIaskedyouthequestion:"Doyoubelievenowthatyou,withoutthe assistanceofanother,needonly assumethatyouarewhatyouwanttobe,tomakethatassumptionrealwithinyour world?Ordoyoubelievethatyoumustfirstfulfillacertainconditionimposeduponyou bythepast,thatyoumustbeofacertainorder,oracertainsomething?' Iamnotbeingcriticalofcertainchurchesorgroups,buttherearethosewhobelievethat anyoneoutsideoftheirchurchorgroupisnotyetsaved.IwasbornaProtestant.Youtalk toaProtestant,thereisonlyoneChristian,aProtestant.YoutalktoaCatholic,whythere isnothingintheworldthatisaChristianbutaCatholic.YoutalktoaJew,andthe Christiansareheathens,andtheJewsarethechosen.YoutalktoaMohammedan,Jews andChristiansaretheinfidels.Youtalktosomeoneelseandallthesearethe untouchables.Itdoesnotmattertowhomyoutalk,theyarealwaysthechosenones. Ifyoubelievethatyoumustbeoneoftheseinordertobesaved,youarestillaninsane manhidingbehindthesesuperstitionsandtheseprejudicesofthepast,andyouare beggingnottobecleansed. Someofyousaytome,"DonotaskmetogiveupmybeliefinJesustheman,orinMoses theman,orinPetertheman.Whenyouaskmetogiveupmybeliefinthesecharacters youareaskingtoomuch.Leavemethesebeliefsbecausetheycomfortme.Icanbelieve thattheyliveduponearthandstillfollowyourpsychologicalinterpretationoftheir

stories." Isay,Comeoutofthedeadpast.Comeoutofthatcemeteryandwalk,knowingthatyou andyourFatherareone,andyourFather,whomencallGOD,isyourownconsciousness. Thatistheonlycreativelawintheworld. Ofwhatareyouconsciousofbeing?Althoughyoucannotseeyourobjectivewiththe limitedfocusofyourthreedimensionalmind,youarenowthatwhichyouhaveassumed youare.Walkinthatassumptionandremainfaithfultoit. Timeinthisdimensionofyourbeing,beatsslowlyandyoumaynot,evenafteryou objectifyyourassumption,remembertherewasatimewhenthispresentrealitywasbutan attitudeofmind.Becauseoftheslownessofthebeatoftimehereyouoftenfailtoseethe relationshipbetweenyourinnernatureandtheouterworldthatbearswitnesstoit. Youbethejudgeofthepositionyounowoccupyinthis5thchapterofMark.Areyou resurrectingthedeadchild?Areyoustillinneedofhavingthatwombofyourmind closed?Isitstillrunningandthereforecannotbefertile?Areyounowtheinsaneman livinginthedeadpast?Onlyyoucanbethejudgeandanswerthesequestions. ************** Nowweturntoastoryinthe5thchapteroftheGospelofJohn.Thiswillshowyouhow beautifullytheancientstorytellerstoldofthetwodistinctoutlooksonthisworldone,the limitedthreedimensionalfocus,andtheother,thefourthdimensionalfocus. Thisstorytellsofanimpotentmanwhoisquicklyhealed.Jesuscomestoaplacecalled Bethesda,whichbydefinitionmeanstheHouseofFivePorches.OntheseFivePorches areunnumberedimpotentfolklame,blind,halt,withered,andothers.Traditionhaditthat atcertainseasonsoftheyearanangelwoulddescendanddisturbthepoolwhichwasnear theseFivePorches.AstheAngel

disturbedthepool,thefirstoneinwasalwayshealed.Butonlythefirstone,notthe second. Jesus,seeingamanwhowaslamefromhismother'swomb,saidtohim,"Wiltthoube madewhole?"John5:6 "Theimpotentmanansweredhim,Sir,Ihavenoman,whenthewateristroubled,toput meintothepoolbutwhileIamcoming,anothersteppethdownbeforeme."John5:7 "Jesussaithuntohim,Rise,takeupthybed,andwalk."John5:8 "Andimmediatelythemanwasmadewhole,andtookuphisbed,andwalked,andonthe samedaywastheSabbath."John5:9 Youreadthisstoryandyouthinksomestrangemanwhopossessedmiraculouspower suddenlysaidtothelameman,"Riseandwalk."Icannotrepeattoooftenthatthestory, evenwhenitintroducesnumberlessindividualities,takesplacewithinthemindofthe individualman. Thepoolisyourconsciousness.Theangelisanidea,calledthemessengerofGOD. ConsciousnessbeingGod,whenyouhaveanideayouareentertaininganangel.The minuteyouareconsciousofadesireyourpoolhasbeendisturbed.Desiredisturbsthe mindofman.Towantsomethingistobedisturbed. Theverymomentyouhaveanambition,oraclearlydefinedobjective,thepoolhasbeen disturbedbytheangel,whichwasthedesire.Youaretoldthatthefirstoneintothe disturbedpoolisalwayshealed. Myclosestcompanionsinthisworld,mywifeandmylittlegirl,aretomewhenIaddress them,second.Imustspeaktomywifeas,"youare."Imustspeaktoanyone,nomatter howclosetheyare,as"Youare."Andafterthatthethirdperson,"Heis."Thereisonly

onepersoninthisworldwithwhomIcanusethefirstpersonpresentandthatisself."I am,"canbesaidonlyofmyself,it cannotbesaidofanother. Therefore,whenIamconsciousofsomedesirethatIwanttobe,butseeminglyamnot, thepoolbeingdisturbed,whocangetintothatpoolbeforeme?Ialonepossessthepower ofthefirstperson.IamthatwhichIwanttobe.ExceptIbelieveIamwhatIwanttobe,I remainasIformerlywasanddieinthatlimitation. Inthisstoryyouneednomantoputyouintothepoolasyourconsciousnessisdisturbed bydesire.Allyouneeddoistoassumeyouarealreadythatwhichformerlyyouwantedto beandyouareinit,andnomancangetinbeforeyou.Whatmancangetinbeforeyou whenyoubecomeconsciousofbeingthatwhichyouwanttobe?Noonecanbebefore youwhenyoualonepossessthepowertosayIAM. Thesearethetwooutlooks.Youarenowwhatyoursenseswoulddeny.Areyoubold enoughtoassumethatyouarealreadythatwhichyouwanttobe?Ifyoudareassumeyou arealreadythatwhichyourreasonandyoursensesnowdeny,thenyouareinthepool and,unaidedbyaman,you,too,willriseandtakeyourcouchandwalk. YouaretoldithappenedontheSabbath.TheSabbathisonlythemysticalsenseof stillness,whenyouareunconcerned,whenyouarenotanxious,whenyouarenotlooking forresults,knowingthatsignsfollowanddonotprecede. TheSabbathisthedayofstillnesswhereinthereisnoworking.Whenyouarenotworking tomakeitsoyouareintheSabbath.Whenyouarenotatallconcernedabouttheopinion ofothers,whenyouwalkasthoughyouwere,youcannotraiseonefingertomakeitso, youareintheSabbath.Icannotbeconcernedastohowitwillbe,andstillsayIam consciousofbeingit.IfIamconsciousofbeingfree,secure,healthy,andhappy,Isustain thesestatesofconsciousnesswithouteffortorlaboronmypart.Therefore,Iaminthe SabbathandbecauseitwastheSabbathheroseandwalked.

***'******** Ournextstoryisfromthe4thchapteroftheGospelofJohn,anditisoneyouhaveheard timeandtimeagain.Jesuscomestothewellandthereisawomancalledthewomanof Samaria,andhesaidtoher,"Givemetodrink."John4:7 "ThensaiththewomanofSamariauntohim,Howisitthatthou,beingaJew,asketh drinkofme,whichamawomanofSamaria?FortheJewshavenodealingswiththe Samaritans."John4:9 "Jesusansweredandsaiduntoher,IfthouknewestthegiftofGod,andwhoitisthatsaith tothee,Givemetodrinkthouwouldesthaveaskedofhim,andhewouldhavegiventhee livingwater."John4:10 Thewomanseeingthathehasnothingwithwhichtodrawthewater,andknowingthe wellisdeep,says:ArtthougreaterthanourfatherJacob,whichgaveusthewell,and drankthereofhimself,andhischildren,andhiscattle?"John4:12 "Jesusansweredandsaiduntoher,Whosoeverdrinkethofthiswatershallthirstagain ButwhosoeverdrinkethofthewaterthatIshallgivehimshallneverthirstbutthewater thatIshallgivehimshallbeinhimawellofwaterspringingupintoeverlastinglife."John 4:13,14 Thenhetellsherallconcerningherselfandaskshertogoandcallherhusband.She answeredandsaid,"Ihavenohusband."John4:17 "Jesussaiduntoher,Thouhastwellsaid,Ihavenohusband:Forthouhasthadfive husbandsandhewhomthounowhastisnotthyhusband."John4:17,18 Thewoman,knowingthistobetrue,goesintothemarketplaceandtellstheother,"I

havemettheMessiah." Theyaskher,"HowdoyouknowyouhavemettheMessiah?" "BecausehetoldmeallthingsthatIhaveeverdone."shereplies.Hereisafocusthat takesintheentirepastatleast,andtellshernowconcerningthefuture. Continuingwiththestory,thedisciplescometoJesusandsay,"Master,eat."John4:31 "Buthesaiduntothem,Ihavemeattoeatthatyeknownotof."John4:32 Whentheyspeakofaharvestinfourmonths,Jesusreplies,"Saynotye,Thereareyetfour months,andthencomethharvest?Behold,Isayuntoyou,liftupyoureyes,andlookon thefieldsfortheyarewhitealreadytoharvest."John4:35 Heseesthingsthatpeoplewaitfourmonthsfor,orwaitfouryearsforheseesthemas nowinadimensionallylargerworld,existingnow,takingplacenow. Letusgobacktothefirstpartofthestory.ThewomanofSamariaisthethree dimensionalyou,andJesusatthewellisthefourthdimensionalyou.Theargumentstarts betweenwhatyouwanttobe,andwhatreasontellsyouthatyouare.Thegreateryou tellsyouthatifyouwoulddareassumeyouarealreadywhatyouwanttobe,youwould becomeit. Thelesseryou,withitslimitedfocus,tellsyou,"Whyyouhaven'tabucket,youhaven'ta ropeandthewellisdeep.Howcouldyoueverreachthedepthofthisstatewithoutthe meanstothatend?" Youanswerandsay,"Ifyouonlyknewwhoasksofyoutodrinkyouwouldaskofhim." Ifyouonlyknewwhatinyourselfisurginguponyoutheembodimentofthestateyou nowseek,youwouldsuspendyourlittlesightandlethimdoitforyou.

Thenhetellsyouthatyouhavefivehusbands,andyoudenyit.Butheknowsfarbetter thanyouthatyourfivesensesimpregnateyoumorning,noon,andnightwiththeir limitations.Theytellyouwhatchildrenyouwillbeartonight,tomorrow,andthedaysto come.Foryourfivesensesactlikefivehusbandswhoconstantlyimpregnateyour consciousness,whichisthegreatwombofGODandmorning,noon,andnightthey suggesttoyou,anddictatetoyouthatwhichyoumustacceptastrue. Hetellsyoutheoneyouwouldliketohaveforyourhusbandisnotyourhusband.In otherwordsthesixthhasnotyetimpregnatedyou.Whatyouwouldliketobeisdeniedby thesefive,andtheyholdthepower,theydictatewhatyouwillacceptastrue.Whatyou wouldliketoaccepthasnotyetpenetratedyourmindandimpregnatedyourmindwithits reality.Hewhomyoucallhusband isreallynotyourhusband.Youarenotbearinghislikeness.Tobearhislikenessisproof thatyouarehiswife,atleastyouhaveknownhimintimately.Youarenotbearingthe likenessofthesixthyouareonlybearingthelikenessofthefive. ThenoneturnstomeandtellsmeallthatIhaveeverknown.Igobackinmymind'seye andreasontellsmethatallthroughmylifeIhavealwaysacceptedthelimitationsofmy senses,Ihavealwayslookeduponthemasfactandmorning,noon,andnightIhaveborn witnesstothisacceptance. ReasontellsmeIhaveonlyknownthesefivefromthetimeIwasborn.NowIwouldlike tostepoutsidethelimitationofmysensesbutIhavenotyetfoundwithinmyselfthe couragetoassumeIamwhatthesefivewoulddenythatIam.SohereIremain,conscious ofmytask,butwithoutthecouragetostepbeyondthelimitationsofmysenses,andthat whichmyreasondenies. Hetellsthese,"Ihavemeatyeknownotof.Iamthebreadthatdroppethdownfrom heaven.Iamthewine."IknowwhatIwanttobe,andbecauseIamthatbreadIfeast uponit.IassumethatIam,andinsteadoffeastinguponthefactthatIaminthisroom

talkingtoyouandyouarelisteningtome,andthatIaminLosAngeles,Ifeastuponthe factthatIamelsewhereandIwalkhereas thoughIwereelsewhere.AndgraduallyIbecomewhatIfeastupon. ************** Letmegiveyoutwopersonalstories.WhenIwasaboyIlivedinaverylimited environment,inalittleislandcalledBarbados.Feedforanimalswasvery,veryscarceand veryexpensivebecausewehadtoimportit.Iamoneofafamilyof10childrenandmy grandmotherlivedwithusmaking13atthetable. TimeandagainIcanremembermymothersayingtothecookintheearlypartofthe week,"IwantyoutoputawaythreeducksforSunday'sdinner."Thismeantthatshe wouldtakefromtheflockintheyardthreeducksandcoopthemupinaverysmallcage andfeedthem,stuffthemmorning,noon,andnightwithcornandallthethingsshe wantedtheduckstofeastupon. Thiswasanentirelydifferentdietfromwhatweregularlyfedtheducks,becausewekept thosebirdsalivebyfeedingthemfish.Wekeptthemaliveandfatonfishbecausefishwere verycheapandplentifulbutyoucouldnoteatabirdthatfeduponfish,notasyouandI likeabird. Thecookwouldtakethreeducks,puttheminacageandforsevendaysstuffthemwith corn,sourmilkandallthethingswewantedtotasteinthebirds.Thenwhentheywere killedandservedfordinnersevendayslatertheywereluscious,milkfed,cornfedbirds. Butoccasionallythecookforgottoputawaythebirds,andmyfather,knowingwewere havingducks,andbelievingthatshehadcarriedoutthecommand,didnotsendanything elsefordinner,andthreefishcametothetable.Youcouldnottouchthosebirdsforthey weresomuchtheembodimentofwhattheyfedupon.

Manisapsychologicalbeing,athinker.Itisnotwhathefeedsuponphysically,butwhat hefeedsuponmentallythathebecomes.Webecometheembodimentofthatwhichwe mentallyfeedupon. Nowthoseduckscouldnotbefedcorninthemorningandfishintheafternoonand somethingelseatnight.Ithadtobeacompletechangeofdiet.Inourcasewecannothave alittlebitofmeditationinthemorning,curseatnoon,anddosomethingelseinthe evening.Wehavetogoonamentaldiet,foraweekwemustcompletelychangeour mentalfood. "Whatsoeverthingsaretrue,whatsoeverthingsarehonest,whatsoeverthingsarejust, whatsoeverthingsarepure,whatsoeverthingsareofgoodreportiftherebeanyvirtue, andiftherebeanypraise,thinkonthesethings."Phil.4:8 Asamanthinkethinhisheartsoishe.IfIcouldnowsingleoutthekindofmentalfoodI wanttoexpresswithinmyworldandfeastuponit,Iwouldbecomeit. LetmetellyouwhyIamdoingwhatIamdoingtoday.Itwasbackin1933inthecityof NewYork,andmyoldfriendAbdullah,withwhomIstudiedHebrewforfiveyears,was reallythebeginningoftheeatingofallmysuperstitions.WhenIwenttohimIwasfilled withsuperstitions.Icouldnoteatmeat,Icouldnoteatfish,Icouldnoteatchicken,I couldnoteatanyofthesethingsthatwerelivingintheworld.Ididnotdrink,Ididnot smoke,andIwasmakingatremendousefforttoliveacelibatelife. Abdullahsaidtome,"Iamnotgoingtotellyou'youarecrazy'Neville,butyouareyou know.Allthesethingsarestupid."ButIcouldnotbelievetheywerestupid. InNovember,1933,IbadegoodbyetomyparentsinthecityofNewYorkastheysailed forBarbados.Ihadbeeninthiscountry12yearswithnodesiretoseeBarbados.Iwas notsuccessfulandIwasashamedtogohometosuccessfulmembersofmyfamily.After 12yearsinAmericaIwasafailureinmyowneyes.Iwasinthetheatreandmademoney

oneyearandspentitthenextmonth.IwasnotwhatIwouldcallbytheirstandardsnorby mineasuccessfulperson. MindyouwhenIsaidgoodbyetomyparentsinNovemberIhadnodesiretogoto Barbados.Theshippulledout,andasIcameupthestreet,somethingpossessedmewitha desiretogotoBarbados. Itwastheyear1933,Iwasunemployedandhadnoplacetogoexceptalittleroomon 75thStreet.IwentstraighttomyoldfriendAbdullahandsaidtohim"Ab,thestrangest feelingispossessingme. Forthefirsttimein12yearsIwanttogotoBarbados." IfyouwanttogoNeville,youhavegone."hereplied. Thatwasverystrangelanguagetome.IaminNewYorkCityon72ndStreetandhetells meIhavegonetoBarbados.Isaidtohim,"Whatdoyoumean,Ihavegone,Abdullah?" Hesaid,"Doyoureallywanttogo?" Ianswered"yes." Hethensaidtome,"Asyouwalkthroughthisdoornowyouarenotwalkingon72nd Street,youarewalkingonpalmlinedstreets,coconutlinedstreetsthisisBarbados.Do notaskmehowyouaregoingtogo.YouareinBarbados.Youdonotsay'how'when you'arethere'.Youarethere.Nowyouwalkasthoughyouwerethere." Iwentoutofhisplaceinadaze.IaminBarbados.Ihavenomoney,Ihavenojob,Iam notevenwellclothed,andyetIaminBarbados. Hewasnotthekindofapersonwithwhomyouwouldargue,notAbdullah.Twoweeks laterIwasnonearermygoalthanonthedayIfirsttoldhimIwantedtogotoBarbados.I

saidtohim,"Ab,ItrustyouimplicitlybuthereisonetimeIcannotseehowitisgoingto work.Ihavenotonepennytowardsmyjourney,Ibegantoexplain." Youknowwhathedid.Hewasasblackastheaceofspades,myoldfriendAbdullah, withhisturbanedhead.AsIsatinhislivingroomherosefromhischairandwenttowards hisstudyandslammedthedoor,whichwasnotaninvitationtofollowhim.Ashewent throughthedoorhesaidtome,"IhavesaidallthatIhavetosay." Onthe3rdofDecemberIstoodbeforeAbdullahandtoldhimagainIwasnonearermy trip.Herepeatedhisstatement,"YouareinBarbados." TheverylastshipsailingforBarbadosthatwouldtakemethereforthereasonIwantedto go,whichwastobethereforChristmas,sailedatnoononDecember6th,theoldNerissa. OnthemorningofDecember4th,havingnojob,havingnoplacetogo,Isleptlate.When IgotuptherewasanairmailletterfromBarbadosundermydoor.AsIopenedtheletter alittlepieceofpaperflickeredtothefloor.Ipickeditupanditwasadraftfor$50.00. TheletterwasfrommybrotherVictoranditread,"Iamnotaskingyoutocome,Neville, thisisacommand.WehaveneverhadaChristmaswhenallthemembersofourfamily werepresentatthesametime.ThisChristmasitcouldbedoneifyouwouldcome." MyoldestbrotherCecillefthomebeforetheyoungestwasbornandthenwestartedto moveawayfromhomeatdifferenttimessoneverinthehistoryofourfamilywerewe everalltogetheratthesametime. Thelettercontinued,"Youarenotworking,Iknowthereisnoreasonwhyyoucannot come,soyoumustbeherebeforeChristmas.Theenclosed$50.00istobuyafewshirtsor apairofshoesyoumayneedforthetrip.Youwillnotneedtipsusethebarifyouare drinking.Iwillmeettheshipandpayallyourtipsandyourincurredexpenses.Ihave cabledFurness,Withy&Co.inNewYorkCityandtoldthemtoissueyouaticketwhen

youappearattheiroffice.The$50.00issimplytobuysomelittleessentials.Youmaysign asyouwantaboardtheship.Iwillmeetitandtakecareofallobligations." IwentdowntoFurness,Withy&Co.withmyletterandletthemreadit.Theysaid,"We receivedthecableMr.Goddard,butunfortunatelywehavenotanyspaceleftonthe December6thsailing.Theonlythingavailableis3rdClassbetweenNewYorkandSt. Thomas.WhenwegettoSt.Thomaswehaveafewpassengerswhoaregettingoff.You maythenridelstClassfromSt.ThomastoBarbados.ButbetweenNewYorkandSt. Thomasyoumustgo3rdClass,although youmayhavetheprivilegesofthelstClassdiningroomandwalkthedecksofthe1st Class." Isaid,"Iwilltakeit." IwentbacktomyfriendAbdullahontheafternoonofDecember4thandsaid,"Itworked likeadream."ItoldhimwhatIhaddone,thinkinghewouldbehappy. Doyouknowwhathesaidtome?Hesaid,"Whotoldyouthatyouaregoing3rdClass? DidIseeyouinBarbados,themanyouare,going3rdClass?YouareinBarbadosand youwentthere1stClass." IdidnothaveonemomenttoseehimagainbeforeIsailedonthenoonofDecember6th. WhenIreachedthedockwithmypassportandmypaperstogetaboardthatshipthe agentsaidtome,"Wehavegoodnewsforyou,Mr.Goddard.Therehasbeena cancellationandyouaregoing1stClass." Abdullahtaughtmetheimportanceofremainingfaithfultoanideaandnotcompromising. Iwavered,butheremainedfaithfultotheassumptionthatIwasinBarbadosandhad traveled1stClass. **************

NowbacktothesignificanceofourtwoBiblestories.Thewellisdeepandyouhaveno bucket,youhavenorope.ItisfourmonthstotheharvestandJesussays,"Ihavemeatto eatyeknownotof.Iamthebreadofheaven." Feastontheidea,becomeidentifiedwiththeideaasthoughyouwerealreadythat embodiedstate.Walkintheassumptionthatyouarewhatyouwanttobe.Ifyoufeaston thatandremainfaithfultothatmentaldiet,youwillcrystallizeit.Youwillbecomeitin thisworld. WhenIcamebacktoNewYorkin1934,afterthreeheavenlymonthsinBarbados,I drank,Ismoked,anddideverythingIhadnotdoneinyears. IrememberedwhatAbdullahhadsaidtome,"Afteryouhaveproventhislawyouwill becomenormal,Neville.Youwillcomeoutofthatgraveyard,youwillcomeoutofthat deadpastwhereyouthinkyouarebeingholy.Forallyouarereallydoingyouknow,you arebeingsogood,Neville,youaregoodfornothing" Icamebackwalkingthisearthacompletelytransformedperson.Fromthatday,which wasinFebruary1934,Ibegantolivemoreandmore.IcannothonestlytellyouIhave alwayssucceeded.Mymanymistakesinthisworld,mymanyfailureswouldconvictmeif ItoldyouthatIhavesocompletelymasteredthemovementsofmyattentionthatIcanat alltimesremainfaithfultotheideaIwanttoembody. ButIcansaywiththeancientteacher,althoughIseemtohavefailedinthepast,Imove onandstrivedayafterdaytobecomethatwhichIwanttoembodyinthisworld.Suspend judgment,refusetoacceptwhatreasonandthesensesnowdictate,andifyouremain faithfultothenewdiet,youwillbecometheembodimentoftheidealtowhichyouremain faithful. IfthereisoneplaceintheworldthatisunlikemylittleislandofBarbados,itisNewYork

City.InBarbadosthetallestbuildingisthreestories,andthestreetsarelinedwithpalm treesandcocoanuttreesandallsortsoftropicalthings.InNewYorkCityyoumustgoto aparktofindatree. YetIhadtowalkthestreetsofNewYorkasthoughIwalkedthestreetsofBarbados.To one'simaginationallthingsarepossible.Iwalked,feelingthatIwasactuallywalkingthe streetsofBarbados,andinthatassumptionIcouldalmostsmelltheodorofthecocoanut linedlanes.Ibegantocreatewithinmymind'seyetheatmosphereIwouldphysically encounterwereIinBarbados. AsIremainedfaithfultothisassumption,somebodycanceledpassageandIreceivedit. MybrotherinBarbados,whoneverthoughtofmycominghome,hasthecommanding urgetowritemeastrangeletter.Hehadneverdictatedtome,butthistimehedictated, andthoughtthatheoriginatedtheideaofmyvisit. Iwenthomeandhadthreeheavenlymonths,returnedlstClass,andbroughtbackquitea sumofcashinmypocket,agift.Mytrip,hadIpaidforit,wouldhavebeen$3,000,yetI diditwithoutanickelinmypocket. "Ihavewaysyeknownotof.Mywaysarepastfindingout."Thedimensionallygreater selftookmyassumptionasthecommandandinfluencedthebehaviourofmybrotherto writethatletter,influencedthebehaviourofsomeonetocancelthat1stClasspassage,and didallthethingsnecessarythatwouldtendtowardtheproductionoftheideawithwhichI wasidentified. Iwasidentifiedwiththefeelingofbeingthere.IsleptasthoughIwerethere,andthe entirebehaviourofmanwasmoldedinharmonywithmyassumption.Ididnotneedtogo downtoFurness,Withy&Co.andbegthemforapassage,askingthemtocancelsome onewhowasbooked1stClass.Ididnotneedtowritemybrotherandbeghimtosendme somemoneyorbuymeapassage.Hethoughtheoriginatedtheact.Actually,tothisday, hebelievesthatbeinitiatedthedesiretobringmehome.

MyoldfriendAbdullahsimplysaidtome,"YouareinBarbados,Neville.Youwanttobe therewhereveryouwanttobe,thereyouare.Liveasthoughyouareandthatyoushall be." Thesearethetwooutlooks.ontheworldpossessedbyeveryman.Idonotcarewhoyou are.Everychildbornofwoman,regardlessofrace,nation,orcreed,possessestwo distinctoutlooksontheworld. YouareeitherthenaturalmanwhoreceivethnotthethingsoftheSpiritofGod,because toyouinthenaturalfocustheyarefoolishnessuntoyou.Oryouarethespiritualmanwho perceiveththingsoutsideofthelimitationsofyoursensesbecauseallthingsarenow realitiesinadimensionallylargerworld.Thereisnoneedtowaitfourmonthstoharvest. YouareeitherthewomanofSamariaorJesusatthewell.Youarethemanwaitingonthe FivePorchesforthedisturbanceandsomeonetopushhiminoryouaretheonewhocan commandyourselftoriseandwalkinspiteofotherswhowait. Areyouthemanbehindthetombstonesinthecemeterywaitingandbeggingnottobe clean,becauseyoudonotwanttobecleansedofyourprejudices?Oneofthemost difficultthingsformantogiveupishissuperstitions,hisprejudice.Heholdsontothese asthoughtheywerethetreasureoftreasures. Whenyoudobecomecleansedandyouarefree,thenthewomb,yourownmindis automaticallyhealed.Itbecomesthepreparedgroundwhereseeds,yourdesires,cantake rootandgrowintomanifestation.Thechildyounowbearinyourheartisyourpresent objective.Yourpresentlongingisachildthatisasthoughitweresick.Ifyouassumeyou arenowwhatyouwouldliketobe,thechildforamomentbecomesdeadbecausethereis nodisturbanceanymore. Youcannotbedisturbedwhenyoufeelyouarewhatyouwanttobebecauseifyoufeel

youarewhatyouwantedtobe,youaresatisfiedinthatassumption.Tootherswhojudge superficiallyyouseemnolongertodesire,sotothemthedesireordamselisdead.They thinkyouhavelostyourambitionbecauseyounolongerdiscussyoursecretambition. Youhavecompletelyadjustedyourselftotheidea.Youhaveassumedthatyouarewhat youwanttobe.Youknow,"Sheis notdead,shebutsleepth.""Igotoawakenher." IwalkintheassumptionthatIam,andasIwalk,Iquietlyawakenher.Thenwhenshe awakensIwilldothenormal,naturalthing,Iwillgivehertoeat.Iwillnotbragaboutit andtellothersIsimplygoandtellnoman.IfeedthisstateInowlikewithmyattention.I keepitalivewithinmyworldbybecomingattentivetoit. ThingsthatIamnotattentivetofadeandwitherwithinmyworld,regardlessofwhatthey are.Theyarenotjustbornandthenremainunfed.Igavethembirthbyreasonofthefact thatIbecameconsciousofbeingthem.WhenIembodythemwithinmyworldthatisnot theend.Thatisthebeginning.NowIamamotherwhomustkeepalivethisstatebybeing attentivetoit.ThedaythatIamnotattentive,Ihavewithdrawnmymilkfromit,andit fadesfrommyworld,asIbecomeattentivetosomethingelseinmyworld. Youcaneitherbeattentivetothelimitationsandfeedtheseandmakethemmountains,or youcanbeattentivetoyourdesiresbuttobecomeattentiveyoumustassumeyouare alreadythatwhichyouwantedtobe. Althoughtodaywespeakofathirddimensionalandafourthdimensionalfocus,donot thinkforonemomenttheseancientteacherswerenotfullyconsciousofthesetwodistinct centersofthoughtwithinthemindsofallmen.Theypersonifiedthesetwo,andtheytried toshowmanthattheonlythingwhichrobshimofthemanhecouldbe,ishabit.Although itisnotlaw,everypsychologist willtellyouthathabitisthemostinhibitingforceintheworld.Itcompletelyrestrictsman andbindshimandmakeshimtotallyblindtowhatotherwiseheshouldbe.

Beginnowtomentallyseeandfeelyourselfasthatwhichyouwanttobe,andfeastupon thatsensationmorning,noon,andnight.IhavescouredtheBibleforatimeintervalthatis longerthanthreedaysandIhavenotfoundit. "Jesusansweredandsaiduntothem,Destroythistemple,andinthreedaysIwillraiseit Up."John2:19 "PrepareyouvictualsforwithinthreedaysyeshallpassoverthisJordan,togointo possesstheland,whichtheLordyourGodgivethyoutopossessit."Joshua1:11 IfIcouldcompletelysaturatemymindwithonesensationandwalkasthoughitwere alreadyafact,Iampromised(andIcannotfindanydenialofitinthisgreatbook)thatI donotneedmorethanathreedaydietifIremainfaithfultoit.ButImustbehonestabout it.IfIChangemydietinthecourseoftheday,Iextendthetimeinterval. Youaskme,"ButhowdoIknowabouttheinterval?"You,yourselfdeterminethe interval. Wehavetodayinourmodernworldalittlewordwhichconfusesmostofus.Iknowit confusedmeuntilIdugdeeper.Thewordis"action."Actionissupposedtobethemost fundamentalthingintheworld.Itisnotanatom,itismorefundamental.Itisnotapartof anatomlikeanelectron,itismorefundamentalthanthat.Theycallitthefourth dimensionalunit.Themostfundamentalthingintheworldisaction. Youask,"Whatisaction?"Ourphysiciststellusthatitisenergymultipliedbytime.We becomemoreconfusedandsay,"Energymultipliedbytime,whatdoesthatmean?',They answer,"Thereisnoresponsetoastimulus,nomatterhowintensethestimulus,unlessit enduresforacertainlengthoftime."Theremustbeaminimumendurancetothestimulus orthereisnoresponse.Onthe otherhandthereisnoresponsetotimeunlessthereisaminimumdegreeofintensity. Todaythemostfundamentalthingintheworldiscalledaction,orsimplyenergy

multipliedbytime. TheBiblegivesitasthreedaysthedurationisthreedaysforresponseinthisworld.IfI wouldnowassumeIamwhatIwanttobe,andifIamfaithfultoitandwalkasthoughI were,theverylongeststretchgivenforitsrealizationisthreedays. Ifthereissomethingtonightthatyoureallywantinthisworld,thenexperiencein imaginationwhatyouwouldexperienceinthefleshwereyoutorealizeyourgoaland deafenyourears,andblindyoureyestoallthatdeniestherealityofyourassumption. IfyoudothisyouwouldbeabletotellmebeforeIleavethiscityofLosAngelesthatyou haverealizedwhatwasonlyawishwhenyoucamehere.Itwillbemyjoytorejoicewith youintheknowledgethatthechildwhichwasseeminglydeadisnowalive.Thisdamsel reallywasnotdead,shewasonlyasleep.Youfedherinthissilencebecauseyouhave meatnooneelseknowsof. Yougaveherfoodandshebecamearesurrectedlivingrealitywithinyourworld.Then youcanshareyourjoywithmeandIcanrejoiceinyourjoy. Thepurposeoftheselessonsistoremindyouofthelawofyourownbeing,thelawof consciousnessyouarethatlaw.Youwereonlyunconsciousofitsoperation.Youfed andkeptalivethethingsyoudidnotwishtoexpresswithinthisworld.

Takemychallengeandputthisphilosophytothetest.Ifitdoesnotworkyoushouldnot useitasacomforter.Ifitisnottrue,youmustcompletelydiscardit.Iknowitistrue. Youwillnotknowituntilyoutryeithertoproveordisproveit. Toomanyofushavejoined"isms"andweareafraidtoputthemtothetestbecausewe feelwemightfailand,then,wherearewe?Notreallywantingtoknowthetruth concerningit,wehesitatetobeboldenoughtoputittothetest.Yousay,"Iknowit wouldworkinsomeotherway.Idonotwanttoreallytestit.WhileIhavenotyet

disprovedit,Icanstillbecomfortedbyit. Nowdonotfoolyourself,donotthinkforonesecondbethatyouarewise. Proveordisprovethislaw.Iknowthatifyouattempttodisproveit,youwillproveit,and Iwillbethericherforyourprovingit,notindollars,notinthings,butbecauseyou becomethelivingfruitofwhatIbelieveIamteachinginthisworld.Itisfarbettertohave youasuccessful,satisfiedpersonafterfivedaysofinstructionthantohaveyougoout dissatisfied.Ihopeyouwillbeboldenoughtochallengethisinstructionandeitherprove ordisproveit. NowbeforewegointothesilenceperiodIshallbrieflyexplainthetechniqueagain.We havetwotechniquesinapplyingthislaw.Everyoneheremustnowknowexactlywhathe wants.Youmustknowthatifyoudonotgetittonightyouwillstillbeasdesirous tomorrowconcerningthisobjective. Whenyouknowexactlywhatyouwant,constructinyourmindseyeasingle,simple eventwhichimpliesfulfillmentofyourdesire,aneventwhereinselfpredominates.Instead ofsittingbackandlookingatyourselfasthoughyouwereonthescreen,youbetheactor inthedrama. Restricttheeventtoonesingleaction.Ifyouaregoingtoshakeahandbecausethat impliesfulfillmentofyourdesirethendothatandthatonly.Donotshakehandsandthen wanderoffinyourimaginationtoadinnerpartyortosomeotherplace.Restrictyour actiontosimplyshakinghandsanddoitoverandoveragain,untilthathandshaketakes onthesolidityandthedistinctness ofreality. Ifyoufeelyoucannotremainfaithfultoanaction,Iwantyounowtodefineyour objective,andthencondensetheidea,whichisyourdesire,intoasinglephrase,aphrase whichimpliesfulfillmentofyourdesire,somephrasesuchas,"Isn'titwonderful?"

OrifIfeltthankfulbecauseIthoughtsomeonewasinstrumentalinbringingmydesireto pass,Icouldsay,"Thankyou,"andrepeatitwithfeelingoverandoveragainlikealullaby untilmymindwasdominatedbythesinglesensationofthankfulness. Wewillnowsitquietlyinthesechairswiththeideawhichimpliesfulfillmentofourdesire condensedtoasinglephrase,ortoasingleact.Wewillrelaxandimmobilizeourphysical bodies.Thenletusexperienceinimaginationthesensationwhichourcondensedphraseor actionaffirms. Ifyouimagineyourselfshakinganotherperson'shand,donotuseyourphysicalhand,letit remainimmobilized.Butimaginethathousedwithinyourhandisamoresubtle,morereal hand,whichcanbeextractedinyourimagination.Putyourimaginaryhandintothe imaginaryhandofyourfriendwhostandsbeforeyouandfeelthehandshake.Keepyour physicalbodyimmobilizedeventhoughyoubecomementallyactiveinwhatyouarenow abouttodo. Nowwewillgointothesilence.

Lesson4NOONETOCHANGEBUTSELF

MayItakejustaminutetoclarifywhatwassaidlastnight.AladyfeltfromwhatIsaid lastnightthatIamantionenation.IdohopethatIamnotantianynation,raceorbelief. IfperchanceIusedanation,itwasonlytoillustrateapoint. WhatItriedtotellyouwasthiswebecomewhatwecontemplate.Foritisthenatureof love,asitisthenatureofhate,tochangeusintothelikenessofthatwhichwe

contemplate.LastnightIsimplyreadanewsitemtoshowyouthatwhenwethinkwecan destroyourimagebybreakingthemirror,weareonlyfoolingourselves. When,throughwarorrevolution,wedestroytitleswhichtousrepresentarroganceand greed,webecomeintimetheembodimentofthatwhichwethoughtwehaddestroyed.So todaythepeoplewhothoughttheydestroyedthetyrantsarethemselvesthatwhichthey thoughttheyhaddestroyed. ThatImaynotbemisunderstood,letmeagainlaythefoundationofthisprinciple. Consciousnessistheoneandonlyreality.Weareincapableofseeingotherthanthe contentsofourownconsciousness. Therefore,hatebetraysusinthehourofvictoryandcondemnsustobethatwhichwe condemn.Allconquestresultsinanexchangeofcharacteristics,sothatconquerors becomeliketheconqueredfoe.Wehateothersfortheevilwhichisinourselves.Races, nations,andreligiousgroupshavelivedforcenturiesinintimatehostility,anditisthe natureofhatred,asitisthenatureoflove,tochangeusintothelikenessofthatwhichwe contemplate. Nationsacttowardothernationsastheirowncitizensacttowardeachother.When slaveryexistsinastateandthatnationattacksanotheritiswithintenttoenslave.When thereisafierceeconomiccompetitionbetweencitizenandcitizen,theninwarwith anothernationtheobjectofthewaristodestroythetradeoftheenemy.Warsof dominationarebroughtaboutbythewillofthosewhowithinastatearedominantover thefortunesoftherest. Weradiatetheworldthatsurroundsusbytheintensityofourimaginationandfeeling.But inthisthirddimensionalworldofourstimebeatsslowly.Andsowedonotalways observetherelationshipofthevisibleworldtoourinnernature. NowthatisreallywhatImeant.IthoughtIhadsaidit.ThatImaynotbemisunderstood,

thatismyprinciple.YouandIcancontemplateanideal,andbecomeitbyfallinginlove withit. Ontheotherhandwecancontemplatesomethingweheartilydislikeandbycondemningit wewillbecomeit.Butbecauseoftheslownessoftimeinthisthreedimensionalworld, whenwedobecomewhatwecontemplatedwehaveforgottenthatformerlywesetoutto worshipordestroyit. Tonight'slessonisthecapstoneoftheBible,sodogivemeyourattention.Themost importantquestionaskedintheBiblewillbefoundinthe16thchapteroftheGospelofSt. Matthew. Asyouknow,alloftheBiblestoriesareyourstoriesitscharactersliveonlyinthemind ofman.Theyhavenoreferenceatalltoanyperson,wholivedintimeandspace,ortoany eventthateveroccurreduponearth. ************** ThedramarelatedinMatthewtakesplaceinthismannerJesusturnstohisdisciplesand asksthem,"WhomdomensaythatItheSonofmanam?"Matt.16:13 "Andtheysaid,SomesaythatthouartJohntheBaptist:some,Eliasandothers, Jeremiah,oroneoftheprophets." "Hesaithuntothem,ButwhomsayyethatIam?" "AndSimonPeteransweredandsaid,ThouaretheChrist,theSonofthelivingGod." "AndJesusansweredandsaiduntohim,Blessedartthou,SimonBarJonah:forfleshand bloodhathnotrevealedituntothee,butmyFatherwhichisinheaven."

"AndIsayalsountotheethatthouartPeter,anduponthisrockIwillbuildmychurch." Matt.16:1418 Jesusturningtohisdisciplesismanturningtohisdisciplinedmindinselfcontemplation. Youaskyourselfthequestion,"WhomdomensaythatIam?"Inourlanguage,"Iwonder whatmenthinkofme?" Youanswer,"SomesayJohncomeagain,SomesayElias,otherssayJeremiah,andstill othersaProphetofoldcomeagain." Itisveryflatteringtobetoldthatyouare,orthatyouresemble,thegreatmenofthepast, butenlightenedreasonisnotenslavedbypublicopinion.Itisonlyconcernedwiththe truthsoitasksitselfanotherquestion,"ButwhomsayyethatIam?"Inotherwords, "WhoamI?" IfIamboldenoughtoassumethatIamChristJesus,theanswerwillcomeback,"Thou areChristJesus." WhenIcanassumeitandfeelitandboldlyliveit,Iwillsaytomyself,"Fleshandblood couldnothavetoldmethis.ButmyFatherwhichisinHeavenrevealedituntome."Then ImakethisconceptofSelftherockonwhichIestablishmychurch,myworld. "IfyebelievenotthatIamHe,yeshalldieinyoursins."John8:24 BecauseconsciousnessistheonlyrealityImustassumethatIamalreadythatwhichI desiretobe.IfIdonotbelievethatIamalreadywhatIwanttobe,thenIremainasIam anddieinthislimitation. Manisalwayslookingforsomeproponwhichtolean.Heisalwayslookingforsome excusetojustifyfailure.Thisrevelationgivesmannoexcuseforfailure.Hisconceptof himselfisthecauseofallthecircumstancesofhislife.Allchangesmustfirstcomefrom

withinhimselfandifhedoesnotchangeontheoutsideitisbecausehehasnotchanged within.Butmandoesnotliketofeel thatheissolelyresponsiblefortheconditionsofhislife. "Fromthattimemanyofhisdiscipleswentback,andwalkednomorewithhim." "ThensaidJesusuntothetwelve,Willyealsogoaway?" "ThenSimonPeteransweredhim,Lord,towhomshallwego?Thouhastthewordsof eternallife."John6:6668 ImaynotlikewhatIhavejustheard,thatImustturntomyownconsciousnessastothe onlyreality,theonlyfoundationonwhichallphenomenacanbeexplained.Itwaseasier livingwhenIcouldblameanother.ItwasmucheasierlivingwhenIcouldblamesociety formyills,orpointafingeracrossthesea.andblameanothernation.Itwaseasierliving whenIcouldblametheweather forthewayIfeel.ButtotellmethatIamthecauseofallthathappenstomethatIam forever moldingmyworldinharmonywithmyinnernature,thatismorethanmaniswillingto accept.Ifthisistrue,towhomwouldIgo?Ifthesearethewordsofeternallife,Imust returntothem,eventhoughtheyseemsodifficulttodigest. Whenmanfullyunderstandsthis,heknowsthatpublicopiniondoesnotmatter,formen onlytellhimwhoheis.ThebehaviourofmenconstantlytellmewhoIhaveconceived myselftobe. IfIacceptthischallengeandbegintolivebyit,Ifinallyreachthepointthatiscalledthe greatprayeroftheBible.Itisrelatedinthe17thchapteroftheGospelofSt.John,"Ihave finishedtheworkwhichthougavestmetodo."John17:4 "Andnow,OFather,glorifythoumewiththineownselfwiththeglorywhichIhadwith

theebeforetheworldwas."John17:5 "WhileIwaswiththemintheworld,Ikepttheminthyname:thosethatthougavestmeI havekept,andnoneofthemislost,butthesonofperdition."John17:12 Itisimpossibleforanythingtobelost.Inthisdivineeconomynothingcanbelost,it cannotevenpassaway.Thelittleflowerwhichhasbloomedonce,bloomsforever.Itis invisibletoyouherewithyourlimitedfocus,butitbloomsforeverinthelargerdimension ofyourbeing,andtomorrowyouwillencounterit. AllthatthougavestmeIhavekeptinthyname,andnonehaveIlostsavethesonof perdition.Thesonofperditionmeanssimplythebeliefinloss.Sonisaconcept,anidea. Perdidoisloss.Ihaveonlytrulylosttheconceptofloss,fornothingcanbelost. Icandescendfromthespherewherethethingitselfnowlives,andasIdescendin consciousnesstoalowerlevelwithinmyselfitpassesfrommyworld.Isay,"Ihavelost myhealth.Ihavelostmywealth.Ihavelostmystandinginthecommunity.Ihavelost faith.Ihavelostathousandthings."Butthethingsinthemselves,havingoncebeenrealin myworld,canneverceasetobe.Theynever becomeunrealwiththepassageoftime. I,bymydescentinconsciousnesstoalowerlevel,causethesethingstodisappearfrom mysightandIsay,"Theyhavegonetheyarefinishedasfarasmyworldgoes."AllIneed doistoascendtothelevelwheretheyareeternal,andtheyoncemoreobjectify themselvesandappearasrealitieswithinmyworld. Thecruxofthewhole17thchapteroftheGospelofSt.Johnisfoundinthe19thverse, "AndfortheirsakeIsanctifymyself,thattheyalsomightbesanctifiedthroughthetruth." HeretoforeIthoughtIcouldchangeothersthrougheffort.NowIknowIcannotchange anotherunlessIfirstchangemyself.TochangeanotherwithinmyworldImustfirst

changemyconceptofthatotherandtodoitbestIchangemyconceptofself.Foritwas theconceptIheldofselfthatmademeseeothersasIdid. HadIanoble,dignifiedconceptofmyself,Inevercouldhaveseentheunlovelyinothers. Insteadoftryingtochangeothersthroughargumentandforce,letmebutascendin consciousnesstoahigherlevelandIwillautomaticallychangeothersbychangingself. "Thereisnoonetochangebutselfthatselfissimplyyourawareness,yourconsciousness andtheworldinwhichitlivesisdeterminedbytheconceptyouholdofself.Itisto consciousnessthatwemustturnastothe onlyreality.Forthereisnoclearconceptionoftheoriginofphenomenaexceptthat consciousnessisallandallisconsciousness. Youneednohelpertobringyouwhatyouseek.DonotforonesecondbelievethatIam advocatingescapefromrealitywhenIaskyoutosimplyassumeyouarenowthemanor theladythatyouwanttobe. IfyouandIcouldfeelwhatitwouldbelikewerewenowthatwhichwewanttobe,and liveinthismentalatmosphereasthoughitwerereal,then,inawaywedonotknow,our assumptionwouldhardenintofact.Thisisallweneeddoinordertoascendtothelevel whereourassumptionisalreadyanobjective,concretereality. Ineedchangenoman,IsanctifymyselfandinsodoingIsanctifyothers.Tothepureall thingsarepure."Thereisnothinguncleanofitself:buttohimthatesteemethanythingto beunclean,tohimitisunclean."Rom.14:14.Thereisnothinginitselfunclean,butyou, byyourconceptofself,seethingseithercleanorunclean. "IandmyFatherareone."John10:30. "IfIdonottheworksofmyFather,believemenot."

"ButifIdo,thoughyebelievenotme,believetheworks:thatyemayknow,andbelieve, thattheFatherisinme,andIinhim.'John10:37,38 HemadehimselfonewithGodandthoughtitnotstrangeorrobberytodotheworksof God.Youalwaysbearfruitinharmonywithwhatyouare.Itisthemostnaturalthingin theworldforapeartreetobearpears,anappletreetobearapples,andformantomold thecircumstancesofhislifeinharmonywithhisinnernature. "Iamthevine,yearethebranches."John15:5.Abranchhasnolifesaveitberootedin thevine.AllIneeddotochangethefruitistochangethevine. YouhavenolifeinmyworldsavethatIamconsciousofyou.Youarerootedinmeand, likefruit,youbearwitnessofthevinethatIam.Thereisnorealityintheworldotherthan yourconsciousness.Althoughyoumaynowseemtobewhatyoudonotwanttobe,all youneeddotochangeit,andtoprovethechangebycircumstancesinyourworld,isto quietlyassumethatyouarethatwhichyounowwanttobe,andinawayyoudonotknow youwillbecomeit. Thereisnootherwaytochangethisworld."Iamtheway."MyIAMness,my consciousnessisthewaybywhichIchangemyworld.AsIchangemyconceptofself,I changemyworld.Whenmenandwomenhelporhinderus,theyonlyplaythepartthat we,byourconceptofself,wroteforthem,andtheyplayitautomatically.Theymustplay thepartstheyareplayingbecausewearewhatweare. Youwillchangetheworldonlywhenyoubecometheembodimentofthatwhichyouwant theworldtobe.Youhavebutonegiftinthisworldthatistrulyyourstogiveandthatis yourself.Unlessyouyourselfarethatwhichyouwanttheworldtobe,youwillneversee itinthisworld."ExceptyebelievenotthatIamhe,yeshalldieinyoursins."John8:24 Doyouknowthatnotwointhisroomliveinthesameworld.Wearegoinghometo differentworldstonight.Wecloseourdoorsonentirelydifferentworlds.Werise

tomorrowandgotowork,wherewemeeteachotherandmeetothers,butwelivein differentmentalworlds,differentphysicalworlds. IcanonlygivewhatIam,Ihavenoothergifttogive.IfIwanttheworldtobeperfect, andwhodoesnot,IhavefailedonlybecauseIdidnotknowthatIcouldneverseeit perfectuntilImyselfbecomeperfect.IfIamnotperfectIcannotseeperfection,butthe daythatIbecomeit,IbeautifymyworldbecauseIseeitthroughmyowneyes."Untothe pureallthingsarepure."Titus1:15 Notwoherecantellmethatyouhaveheardthesamemessageanyonenight.Theone thingthatyoumustdoishearwhatIsaythroughthatwhichyouare.Itmustbefiltered throughyourprejudices,yoursuperstitions,andyourconceptofself.Whateveryouare,it mustcomethroughthat,andbecoloredbywhatyouare. IfyouaredisturbedandyouwouldlikemetobesomethingotherthanwhatIappearto be,thenyoumustbethatwhichyouwantmetobe.Wemustbecomethethingthatwe wantotherstobeorwewillneverseethembeit. Yourconsciousness,myconsciousness,istheonlytruefoundationintheworld.Thisis thatwhichiscalledPeterintheBible,notaman,thisfaithfulnessthatcannotturnto anyone,thatcannotbeflatteredwhenyouaretoldbymenyouareJohncomeagain.That isveryflatteringtobetoldyouareJohntheBaptistcomeagain,orthegreatProphet Elias,orJeremiah. ThenIdeafenmyearstothisveryflatteringlittlebitofnewsmenwouldgivemeandIask myself, "ButhonestlywhoamI?" IfIcandenythelimitationsofmybirth,myenvironment,andthebeliefthatIambutan extensionofmyfamilytree,andfeelwithinmyselfthatIamChrist,andsustainthis assumptionuntilittakesacentralplaceandformsthehabitualcenterofmyenergy,Iwill

dotheworksattributedtoJesus.WithoutthoughtoreffortIwillmoldaworldinharmony withthatperfectionwhichIhaveassumedandfeelspringingwithinme. WhenIopentheeyesoftheblind,unstoptheearsofthedeaf,givejoyformourningand beautyforashes,thenandonlythen,haveItrulyestablishedthisvinedeepwithin.Thatis whatIwouldautomaticallydowereItrulyconsciousofbeingChrist.Itissaidofthis presence,HeprovedthatHewasChristbyHisworks. Ourordinaryalterationsofconsciousness,aswepassfromonestatetoanother,arenot transformations,becauseeachofthemissorapidlysucceededbyanotherinthereverse direction butwheneverourassumptiongrowssostableastodefinitelyexpelitsrivals,thenthat centralhabitualconceptdefinesourcharacterandisatruetransformation. Jesus,orenlightenedreason,sawnothinguncleaninthewomantakeninadultery.Hesaid toher,"Hathnomancondemnedthee?"John8:10 "Shesaid,Noman,Lord.AndJesussaiduntoher,neitherdoIcondemntheego,andsin nomore."John8:11 Nomatterwhatisbroughtbeforethepresenceofbeauty,itseesonlybeauty.Jesuswasso completelyidentifiedwiththelovelythatHewasincapableofseeingtheunlovely. WhenyouandIreallybecomeconsciousofbeingChrist,wetoowillstraightenthearms ofthewithered,andresurrectthedeadhopesofmen.Wewilldoallthethingsthatwe couldnotdowhenwefeltourselveslimitedbyourfamilytree.Itisaboldstepandshould notbetakenlightly,becausetodoitistodie.John,themanofthreedimensionsis beheaded,orloseshis threedimensionalfocusthatJesus,thefourthdimensionalSelfmaylive. AnyenlargementofourconceptofSelfinvolvesasomewhatpainfulpartingwithstrongly

rootedhereditaryconceptions.Theligamentsarestrongthatholdusinthewombof conventionallimitations.Allthatyouformerlybelieved,younolongerbelieve.Youknow nowthatthereisnopoweroutsideofyourownconsciousness.Thereforeyoucannotturn toanyoneoutsideofself. Youhavenoearsforthesuggestionthatsomethingelsehaspowerinit.Youknowthe onlyrealityisGod,andGodisyourownconsciousness.ThereisnootherGod.Therefore onthisrockyoubuildtheeverlastingchurchandboldlyassumeyouarethisDivineBeing, selfbegottenbecauseyoudaredtoappropriatethatwhichwasnotgiventoyouinyour cradle,aconceptofSelfnotformedinyourmother'swomb,aconceptofselfconceived outsideoftheofficesofman. ThestoryisbeautifullytoldusintheBibleusingthetwosonsofAbraham:onethe blessed,Isaac,bornoutsideoftheofficesofmanandtheother,Ishmael,borninbondage. Sarahwasmuchtoooldtobegetachild,soherhusbandAbrahamwentinuntothe bondservantHagar,thepilgrim,andsheconceivedoftheoldmanandborehimason calledIshmael.Ishmael'shandwasagainsteverymanandeveryman'shandagainsthim. Everychildbornofwomanisbornintobondage,bornintoallthathisenvironment represents,regardlessofwhetheritbethethroneofEngland,theWhiteHouse,orany greatplaceintheworld.EverychildbornofwomanispersonifiedasthisIshmael,the childofHagar. ButasleepineverychildistheblessedIsaac,whoisbornoutsideoftheofficesofman, andisbornthroughfaithalone.Thissecondchildhasnoearthlyfather.HeisSelf begotten. Whatisthesecondbirth?Ifindmyselfman,Icannotgobackintomymother'swomb,and yetImustbebornasecondtime."Exceptamanbebornagainhecannotenterthe kingdomofGod."John3:3

Iquietlyappropriatethatwhichnomancangiveme,nowomancangiveme.Idareto assumethatIamGod.Thismustbeoffaith,thismustbeofpromise.ThenIbecomethe blessed,IbecomeIsaac. AsIbegintodothethingsthatonlythispresencecoulddo,IknowthatIambornoutof thelimitationsofIshmael,andIhavebecomeheirtothekingdom.Ishmaelcouldnot inheritanything,althoughhisfatherwasAbraham,orGod.Ishmaeldidnothaveboth parentsofthegodlyhismotherwasHagarthebondwoman,andsohecouldnotpartake ofhisfather'sestate. YouareAbrahamandSarah,andcontainedwithinyourownconsciousnessthereisone waitingforrecognition.IntheOldTestamentitiscalledIsaac,andintheNewTestament itiscalledJesus,anditisbornwithouttheaidofman. NomancantellyouthatyouareChristJesus,nomancantellyouandconvinceyouthat youareGod.YoumusttoywiththeideaandwonderwhatitwouldbeliketobeGod. Noclearconceptionoftheoriginofphenomenaispossibleexceptthatconsciousnessisall andallisconsciousness.Nothingcanbeevolvedfrommanthatwasnotpotentially involvedinhisnature.Theidealweserveandhopetoattaincouldneverbeevolvedfrom uswereitnotpotentiallyinvolvedinour nature. Letmenowretellandemphasizeanexperienceofmineprintedbymetwoyearsago underthetitle,THESEARCH.Ithinkitwillhelpyoutounderstandthislawof consciousness,andshowyouthatyouhavenoonetochangebutself,foryouare incapableofseeingotherthanthecontentsofyourownconsciousness. Onceinanidleintervalatsea,Imeditatedon"theperfectstate,"andwonderedwhatI wouldbewereIoftoopureeyestobeholdiniquity,iftomeallthingswerepureandwere

Iwithoutcondemnation.AsIbecamelostinthisfierybrooding,Ifoundmyselflifted abovethedarkenvironmentofthesenses.SointensewasfeelingIfeltmyselfabeingof firedwellinginabodyofair.Voices,asfromaheavenlychorus,withtheexaltationof thosewhohadbeenconquerorsinaconflictwithdeath,weresinging,"HeisrisenHeis risen,"andintuitivelyIknewtheymeantme. ThenIseemedtobewalkinginthenight.Isooncameuponascenethatmighthavebeen theancientPoolofBethesdaforinthisplacelayagreatmultitudeofimpotentfolk blind,halt,witheredwaitingnotforthemovingofthewaterasoftradition,butwaiting forme. AsIcamenear,withoutthoughtoreffortonmypart,theywereoneaftertheother, moldedasbytheMagicianoftheBeautiful.Eyes,hands,feetallmissingmembers weredrawnfromsomeinvisiblereservoirandmoldedinharmonywiththatperfection whichIfeltspringingwithinme.Whenallweremadeperfectthechorusexulted,"Itis finished." Iknowthisvisionwastheresultofmyintensemeditationupontheideaofperfection,for mymeditationsinvariablybringaboutunionwiththestatecontemplated.Ihadbeenso completelyabsorbedwithintheideathatforawhileIhadbecomewhatIcontemplated, andthehighpurposewithwhichIhadforthatmomentidentifiedmyselfdrewthe companionshipofhighthingsandfashionedthevisioninharmonywithmyinnernature. Theidealwithwhichweareunitedworksbyassociationofideastoawakenathousand moodstocreateadramainkeepingwiththecentralidea. Mymysticalexperienceshaveconvincedmethatthereisnowaytobringaboutthe perfectionweseekotherthanbythetransformationofourselves.Assoonaswesucceed intransformingourselves,theworldwillmeltmagicallybeforeoureyesandreshapeitself inharmonywiththatwhichourtransformationaffirms.

Wefashiontheworldthatsurroundsusbytheintensityofourimaginationandfeeling,and weilluminateordarkenourlivesbytheconceptsweholdofourselves.Nothingismore importanttousthanourconceptionofourselves,andespeciallyistrueofourconceptof thedeep,dimensionallygreaterOnewithinus. Thosethathelporhinderus,whethertheyknowitornot,aretheservantsofthatlaw whichshapesoutwardcircumstancesinharmonywithourinnernature.Itisour conceptionofourselveswhichfreesorconstrainsus,thoughitmayusematerialagencies toachieveitspurpose. Becauselifemoldstheouterworldtoreflecttheinnerarrangementofourminds,thereis nowayofbringingabouttheouterperfectionweseekotherthanbythetransformationof ourselves.Nohelpcomethfromwithout:thehillstowhichweliftoureyesarethoseofan innerrange. Itisthustoourownconsciousnessthatwemustturnastotheonlyreality,theonly foundationonwhichallphenomenacanbeexplained.Wecanrelyabsolutelyonthejustice ofthislawtogiveusonlythatwhichisofthenatureofourselves. Toattempttochangetheworldbeforewechangeourconceptofourselvesistostruggle againstthenatureofthings.Therecanbenoouterchangeuntilthereisfirstaninner change. Aswithin,sowithout. IamnotadvocatingphilosophicalindifferencewhenIsuggestthatweshouldimagine ourselvesasalreadythatwhichwewanttobe,livinginamentalatmosphereofgreatness, ratherthanusingphysicalmeansandargumentstobringaboutthedesiredchanges. Everythingwedo,unaccompaniedbyachangeofconsciousness,isbutfutilereadjustment ofsurfaces.Howeverwetoilorstruggle,wecanreceivenomorethanourconceptsof

Selfaffirm.Toprotestagainstanythingwhichhappenstousistoprotestagainstthelaw ofourbeingandourrulershipoverourowndestiny. Thecircumstancesofmylifearetoocloselyrelatedtomyconceptionofmyselfnotto havebeenformedbymyownspiritfromsomedimensionallylargerstorehouseofmy being.Ifthereispaintomeinthesehappenings,Ishouldlookwithinmyselfforthecause, forIammovedhereandthereandmadetoliveinaworldinharmonywithmyconceptof myself. Ifwewouldbecomeasemotionallyarousedoverourideasaswebecomeoverour dislikes,wewouldascendtotheplaneofouridealaseasilyaswenowdescendtothe levelofourhates. Loveandhatehaveamagicaltransformingpower,andwegrowthroughtheirexercise intothelikenessofwhatwecontemplate.Byintensityofhatredwecreateinourselvesthe characterweimagineinourenemies.Qualitiesdieforwantofattention,sotheunlovely statesmightbestberubbedoutbyimagining"'beautyforashesandjoyformourning" ratherthanbydirectattacksonthestatefromwhichwewouldbefree. "Whatsoeverthingsarelovelyandofgoodreport,thinkonthesethings,"forwebecome thatwithwhichweareenrapport. Thereisnothingtochangebutourconceptofself.Assoonaswesucceedintransforming self,ourworldwilldissolveandreshapeitselfinharmonywiththatwhichourchange affirms. I,bydescentinconsciousness,havebroughtabouttheimperfectionthatIsee.Inthe divineeconomynothingislost.Wecannotloseanythingsavebydescentinconsciousness fromthespherewherethethinghasitsnaturallife. Andnow,OFather,glorifythoumewiththineownselfwiththeglorywhichIhadwith

theebeforetheworldwas."John17:5 AsIascendinconsciousnessthepowerandtheglorythatwasminereturntomeandItoo willsay"Ihavefinishedtheworkthougavestmetodo."Theworkistoreturnfrommy descentinconsciousness,fromthelevelwhereinIbelievedthatIwasasonofman,tothe spherewhereIknowthatIamonewithmyFatherandmyFatherisGod. Iknowbeyondalldoubtthatthereisnothingformantodobuttochangehisownconcept ofhimselftoassumegreatnessandsustainthisassumption.Ifwewalkasthoughwewere alreadytheidealweserve,wewillrisetothelevelofourassumption,andfindaworldin harmonywithourassumption.Wewillnothavetoliftafingertomakeitso,foritis alreadyso.Itwasalwaysso. YouandIhavedescendedinconsciousnesstothelevelwherewenowfindourselvesand weseeimperfectionbecausewehavedescended!Whenwebegintoascendwhileherein thisthreedimensionalworld,wefindthatwemoveinanentirelydifferentenvironment, wehaveentirelydifferentcirclesoffriends,andanentirelydifferentworldwhilestillliving here.Weknowthegreat mysteryofthestatement,"Iamintheworldbutnotofit." InsteadofchangingthingsIwouldsuggesttoalltoidentifythemselveswiththeidealthey contemplate.Whatwouldthefeelingbelikewereyouoftoopureeyestobeholdiniquity iftoyouallthingswerepureandyouwerewithoutcondemnation?Contemplatetheideal stateandidentifyyourselfwithitandyouwillascendtothespherewhereyouasChrist haveyournaturallife. Youarestillinthatstatewhereyouwerebeforetheworldwas.Theonlythingthathas fallenisyourconceptofself.Youseethebrokenpartswhichreallyarenotbroken.You areseeingthemthroughdistortedeyes,asthoughyouwereinoneofthosepeculiar amusementgallery'swhereamanwalksbeforeamirrorandheiselongated,yetheisthe sameman.Orhelooksintoanothermirrorandheisallbigandfat.Thesethingsareseen

todaybecausemaniswhatheis. Toywiththeideaofperfection.Asknomantohelpyou,butlettheprayerofthe17th chapteroftheGospelofSt.Johnbeyourprayer.Appropriatethestatethatwasyours beforetheworldwas. Knowthetruthofthestatement,"NonehaveIlostsavethesonofperdition."Nothingis lostinallmyholymountain.Theonlythingthatyouloseisthebeliefinlossorthesonof perdition. "AndfortheirsakeIsanctifymyself,thattheyalsomightbesanctifiedthroughthetruth." John17:19 Thereisnoonetochangebutself.Allyouneeddotomakemenandwomenholyinthis worldistomakeyourselfholy.Youareincapableofseeinganythingthatisunlovelywhen youestablishwithinyourownmind'seyethefactthatyouarelovely. Itisfarbettertoknowthisthantoknowanythingelseintheworld.Ittakescourage, boundlesscourage,becausemanythisnight,afterhavingheardthistruthwillstillbe inclinedtoblameothersfortheirpredicament.Manfindsitsodifficulttoturntohimself, tohisownconsciousnessastotheonlyreality.Listentothesewords: "Nomancancometome,excepttheFatherwhichhathsentmedrawhim."John6:44 "IandmyFatherareone."John10:30 "Amancanreceivenothing,exceptitbegivenhimfromheaven."John3:27 "ThereforedothmyFatherloveme,becauseIlaydownmylife,thatImighttakeitagain." "Nomantakethitfromme,butIlayitdownofmyself."John10:17,18.

"Youdidnotchooseme,Ihavechosenyou."Myconceptofmyselfmoldsaworldin harmonywithitselfanddrawsmentotellmeconstantlybytheirbehaviourwhoIam. Themostimportantthinginthisworldtoyouisyourconceptofself.Whenyoudislike yourenvironment,thecircumstancesoflifeandthebehaviourofmen,askyourself,"Who amI?"Itisyouranswertothisquestionhatisthecauseofyourdislikes. Ifyoudonotcondemnselftherewillbenomaninyourworldtocondemnyou.Ifyouare livingintheconsciousnessofyouridealyouwillseenothingtocondemn."Tothepureall thingsarepure." NowIwouldliketospendalittletimemakingasclearasIcanwhatIpersonallydowhen Ipray,whatIdowhenIwanttobringaboutchangesinmyworld.Youwillfindit interesting,andyouwillfindthatitworks.Nooneherecantellmetheycannotdoit.Itis soverysimpleallcandoit.Wearewhatweimagineweare. Thistechniqueisnotdifficulttofollow,butyoumustwanttodoit.Youcannotapproach itwiththeattitudeofmind"OhwellI'lltryit."Youmustwanttodoit,becausethe mainspringofactionisdesire. Desireisthemainspringofallaction.NowwhatdoIwant?Imustdefinemyobjective. Forexample,supposeIwantednowtobeelsewhere.ThisverymomentIreallydesireto beelsewhere.Ineednotgothroughthedoor,Ineednotsitdown.Ineeddonothingbut standjustwhereIamandwithmyeyesclosed,assumethatIamactuallystandingwhereI desiretobe.ThenIremaininthis stateuntilithasthefeelingofreality.WereInowelsewhereIcouldnotseetheworldasI nowseeitfromhere.TheworldchangesinitsrelationshiptomeasIchangemyposition inspace. SoIstandrighthere,closemyeyes,andimagineIamseeingwhatIwouldseewereI

there.Iremaininitlongenoughtofeelittobereal.Icannottouchthewallsofthisroom fromhere,butwhenyoucloseyoureyesandbecomestillyoucanimagineandfeelthat youtouchit.Youcanstandwhereyouareandimagineyouareputtingyourhandonthat wall.Toproveyoureallyare,putitthereandslideitupandfeelthewood.Youcan imagineyouaredoingitwithoutgettingoffyourseat.Youcandoitandyouwillactually feelitifyoubecomestillenoughandintenseenough IstandwhereIamandIallowtheworldthatIwanttoseeandtoenterphysicallytocome beforemeasthoughIweretherenow.Inotherwords,Ibringelsewhereherebyassuming thatIamthere. Isthatclear?Iletitcomeup,Idonotmakeitcomeup.IsimplyimagineIamthereand thenletithappen. IfIwantaphysicalpresence,Iimagineheisstandinghere,andItouchhimAllthrough theBibleIfindthesesuggestions,"Heplacedhishandsuponthem.Hetouchedthem." Ifyouwanttocomfortsomeone,whatistheautomaticfeeling?Toputyourhandon them,youcannotresistit.Youmeetafriendandthehandgoesoutautomatically,you eithershakehandsorputyourhandonhisshoulder. Supposeyouwerenowtomeetafriendthatyouhavenotseenforayearandheisa friendofwhomyouareveryfond.Whatwouldyoudo?Youwouldembracehim, wouldn'tyou?Oryouwouldputyourhanduponhim. Inyourimaginationbringhimcloseenoughtoputyourhanduponhimandfeelhimtobe solidlyreal.Restricttheactiontojustthat.Youwillbeamazedatwhathappens.From thenonthingsbegintomove.Yourdimensionallygreaterselfwillinspire,inall,theideas andactionsnecessarytobringyouintophysicalcontact.Itworksthatway. EverydayIputmyselfintothedrowsystateitisaveryeasythingtodo.Buthabitisa

strangethinginman'sworld.Itisnotlaw,buthabitactsasthoughitwerethemost compellinglawintheworld.Wearecreaturesofhabit. Ifyoucreateanintervaleverydayintowhichyouputyourselfintothedrowsystate,say at3o'clockintheafternoondoyouknowatthatmomenteverydayyouwillfeeldrowsy. YoutryitforoneweekandseeifIamnotright. Yousitdownforthepurposeofcreatingastateakintosleep,asthoughyouweresleepy, butdonotpushthedrowsinesstoofar,justfarenoughtorelaxandleaveyouincontrolof thedirectionofyourthoughts.Youtryitforoneweek,andeverydayatthathour,no matterwhatyouaredoing,youwillhardlybeabletokeepyoureyesopen.Ifyouknow thehourwhenyouwillbefreeyou cancreateit.Iwouldnotsuggestthatyoudoitlightly,becauseyouwillfeelvery,very sleepyandyoumaynotwantto. Ihaveanotherwayofpraying.InthiscaseIalwayssitdownandIfindthemost comfortablearmchairimaginable,orIlieflatonmybackandrelaxcompletely.Make yourselfcomfortable.Youmustnotbeinanypositionwherethebodyisdistressed. Alwaysputyourselfintoapositionwhereyouhavethegreatestease.Thatisthefirst stage. Toknowwhatyouwantisthestartofprayer.Secondlyyouconstructinyourmind'seye onesinglelittleeventwhichimpliesthatyouhaverealizedyourdesire.Ialwaysletmy mindroamonmanythingsthatcouldfollowtheansweredprayerandIsingleoutonethat ismostlikelytofollowthefulfillmentofmydesire.Onesimplelittlethingliketheshaking ofahand,embracingaperson, thereceivingofaletter,thewritingofacheck,orwhateverwouldimplythefulfillmentof yourdesire. Afteryouhavedecidedontheactionwhichimpliesthatyourdesirehasbeenrealized,then sitinyournicecomfortablechairorlieflatonyourback,closeyoureyesforthesimple

reasonithelpstoinducethisstatethatbordersonsleep. Theminuteyoufeelthislovelydrowsystate,orthefeelingofgatheredtogetherness, whereinyoufeelIcouldmoveifIwantedto,butIdonotwantto,Icouldopenmyeyes ifIwantedto,butIdonotwantto.Whenyougetthatfeelingyoucanbequitesurethat youareintheperfectstatetopray successfully. Inthisfeelingitiseasytotouchanythinginthisworld.Youtakethesimplelittlerestricted actionwhichimpliesfulfillmentofyourprayerandyoufeelitoryouenactit.Whateverit is,youenterintotheactionasthoughyouwereanactorinthepart.Youdonotsitback andvisualizeyourselfdoingit.Youdoit. Withthebodyimmobilizedyouimaginethatthegreateryouinsidethephysicalbodyis comingoutofitandthatyouareactuallyperformingtheproposedaction.Ifyouare goingtowalk,youimaginethatyouarewalking.Donotseeyourselfwalk,FEELthat youarewalking. Ifyouaregoingtoclimbstairs,FEELthatyouareclimbingthestairs.Donotvisualize yourselfdoingit,feelyourselfdoingit.Ifyouaregoingtoshakeaman'shand,donot visualizeyourselfshakinghishand,imagineyourfriendisstandingbeforeyouandshake hishand.Butleaveyourphysicalhandsimmobilizedandimaginethatyourgreaterhand, whichisyourimaginaryhand,is actuallyshakinghishand. Allyouneeddoistoimaginethatyouaredoingit.Youarestretchedoutintime,and whatyouaredoing,whichseemstobeacontrolleddaydream,isanactualactinthe greaterdimensionofyourbeing.Youareactuallyencounteringaneventfourth dimensionallybeforeyouencounterithereinthethreedimensionsofspace,andyoudo nothavetoraiseafingertobringthatstatetopass.

Mythirdwayofprayingissimplytofeelthankful.IfIwantsomething,eitherformyself oranother,Iimmobilizethephysicalbody,thenIproducethestateakintosleepandin thatstatejustfeelhappy,feelthankful,whichthankfulnessimpliesrealizationofwhatI want.Iassumethefeelingofthewishfulfilledandwithmyminddominatedbythissingle sensationIgotosleep.Ineeddonothingtomakeitso,becauseitisso.Myfeelingofthe wishfulfilledimpliesitisdone. Allthesetechniquesyoucanuseandchangethemtofityourtemperament.ButImust emphasizethenecessityofinducingthedrowsystatewhereyoucanbecomeattentive withouteffort. Asinglesensationdominatesthemind,ifyoupraysuccessfully. WhatwouldIfeellike,now,wereIwhatIwanttobe?WhenIknowwhatthefeeling wouldbelikeIthenclosemyeyesandlosemyselfinthatsinglesensationandmy dimensionallygreaterSelfthenbuildsabridgeofincidenttoleadmefromthispresent momenttothefulfillmentofmymood.Thatisallyouneeddo.Butpeoplehaveahabitof slightingtheimportanceofsimplethings. Wearecreaturesofhabitandweareslowlylearningtorelinquishourpreviousconcepts, butthethingsweformerlylivedbystillinsomewayinfluenceourbehaviour.Hereisa storyfromtheBiblethatillustratesmypoint. ItisrecordedthatJesustoldhisdisciplestogotothecrossroadsandtheretheywould findacolt,ayoungcoltnotyetriddenbyaman.Tobringthecolttohimandifanyman ask,"Whydoyoutakethiscolt?"say,"TheLordhasneedofit." Theywenttothecrossroadsandfoundthecoltanddidexactlyastheyweretold.They broughttheunbridledasstoJesusandHerodeittriumphantlyintoJerusalem. Thestoryhasnothingtodowithamanridingonalittlecolt.YouareJesusofthestory.

Thecoltisthemoodyouaregoingtoassume.Thatisthelivinganimalnotyetriddenby you.Whatwouldthefeelingbelikewereyoutorealizeyourdesire?Anewfeeling,likea youngColt,isaverydifficultthingtorideunlessyouridehimwithadisciplinedmind.IfI donotremainfaithfultothemoodtheyoungcoltthrowsmeoff.Everytimeyoubecome consciousthatyouarenotfaithfultothismood,youhavebeenthrownfromthecolt. Disciplineyourmindthatyoumayremainfaithfultoahighmoodandrideittriumphantly intoJerusalem,whichisfulfillment,orthecityofpeace. ThisstoryprecedesthefeastofthePassover.Ifwewouldpassfromourpresentstateinto thatofourideal,wemustassumethatwearealreadythatwhichwedesiretobeand remainfaithfultoourassumption,forwemustkeepahighmoodifwewouldwalkwith thehighest. Afixedattitudeofmind,afeelingthatitisdonewillmakeitso.IfIwalkasthoughit were,buteveryonceinawhileIlooktoseeifitreallyis,thenIfalloffmymoodorcolt. IfIwouldsuspendjudgmentlikePeterIcouldwalkonthewater.Peterstartswalkingon thewater,andthenhebeginstolookuntohisownunderstandingandhebeginstogo down.Thevoicesaid,"Lookup,Peter."Peterlooksupandherisesagainandcontinues walkingonthewater. Insteadoflookingdowntoseeifthisthingisreallygoingtohardenintofact,yousimply knowthatitisalreadyso,sustainthatmoodandyouwillridetheunbridledcoltintothe cityofJerusalemAllofusmustlearntoridetheanimalstraightintoJerusalemunassisted byaman.Youdonotneedanothertohelpyou. Thestrangethingisthataswekeepthehighmoodanddonotfall,otherscushionthe blows.Theyspreadthepalmleavesbeforemetocushionmyjourney.Idonothavetobe concerned.TheshockswillbesoftenedasImoveintothefulfillmentofmydesire.My highmoodawakensinotherstheideasandactionswhichtendtowardstheembodimentof

mymood.Ifyouwalkfaithfultoahigh moodtherewillbenooppositionandnocompetition. Thetestofateacher,orateaching,istobefoundinthefaithfulnessofthetaught.Iam leavinghereonSundaynight.Doremainfaithfultothisinstruction.Ifyoulookforcauses outsidetheconsciousnessofman,thenIhavenotconvincedyouoftherealityof consciousness. Ifyoulookforexcusesforfailureyouwillalwaysfindthem,foryoufindwhatyouseek. Ifyouseekanexcuseforfailure,youwillfinditinthestars,inthenumbers,intheteacup, ormostanyplace.Theexcusewillnotbetherebutyouwillfindittojustifyyourfailure. Successfulbusinessandprofessionalmenandwomenknowthatthislawworks.Youwill notfinditingossipgroups,butyouwillfinditincourageoushearts. Man'seternaljourneyisforonepurpose:torevealtheFather.Hecomestomakevisible hisFather.AndhisFatherismadevisibleinallthelovelythingsofthisworld.Allthe thingsthatarelovely,thatareofgoodreport,ridethesethings,andhavenotimeforthe unlovelyinthisworld,regardlessofwhatitis. Remainfaithfultotheknowledgethatyourconsciousness,yourIAMness,your awarenessofbeingawareoftheonlyreality.Itistherockonwhichallphenomenacanbe explained.Thereisnoexplanationoutsideofthat.Iknowofnoclearconceptionofthe originofphenomenasavethatconsciousnessisallandallisconsciousness. Thatwhichyouseekisalreadyhousedwithinyou.Wereitnotnowwithinyoueternity couldnotevolveit.Notimestretchwouldbelongenoughtoevolvewhatisnot potentiallyinvolvedinyou. Yousimplyletitintobeingbyassumingthatitisalreadyvisibleinyourworld,and remainingfaithfultoyourassumption.itwillhardenintofact.YourFatherhas

unnumberedwaysofrevealingyourassumption.Fixthisinyourmindandalways remember,"Anassumption,thoughfalse,ifsustainedwillhardenintofact." YouandyourFatherareoneandyourFatheriseverythingthatwas,isandwillbe. Thereforethatwhichyouseekyoualreadyare,itcanneverbesofaroffaseventobe near,fornearnessimpliesseparation. ThegreatPascalsaid,"Youneverwouldhavesoughtmehadyounotalreadyfoundme. "Whatyounowdesireyoualreadyhaveandyouseekitonlybecauseyouhavealready foundit.Youfounditintheformofdesire.Itisjustasrealintheformofdesireasitis goingtobetoyourbodilyorgans. YouarealreadythatwhichyouseekandyouhavenoonetochangebutSelfinorderto expressit.

Lesson5REMAINFAITHFULTOYOURIDEA Tonightwehavethefifthandlastlessoninthiscourse.FirstIshallgiveyouasortof summaryofwhathasgonebefore.Then,sincesomanyofyouhaveaskedmeto elaboratefurtheronLesson3,Ishallgiveyouafewmoreideasonthinkingfourth dimensionally. Iknowthatwhenamanseesathingclearlyhecantellit,hecanexplainit.Thispast winterinBarbadosafisherman,whosevocabularywouldnotencompassathousand words,toldmemoreinfiveminutesaboutthebehaviourofthedolphinthanShakespeare withhisvastvocabularycouldhavetoldme,ifhedidnotknowthehabitsofthedolphin. Thisfishermantoldmehowthedolphinlovestoplayonapieceofdriftwood,andin

ordertocatchhim,youthrowthewoodoutandbaithimasyouwouldbaitchildren, becausehelikestopretendheisgettingoutofthewater.AsIsaid,thisman'svocabulary wasverylimited,butheknewhisfish,andheknewthesea.Becauseheknewhisdolphin hecouldtellmeallabouttheirhabitsandhowtocatchthem. Whenyousayyouknowathingbutyoucannotexplainit,Isayyoudonotknowit,for whenyoureallyknowityounaturallyexpressit. IfIshouldaskyounowtodefineprayer,andsaytoyou,"Howwouldyou,through prayer,goaboutrealizinganobjective,anyobjective?"Ifyoucantellme,thenyouknow itbutifyoucannottellme,thenyoudonotknowit.Whenyouseeitclearlyinthemind's eyethegreateryouwillinspirethewordswhicharenecessarytoclothetheideaand expressitbeautifully,andyouwill expresstheideafarbetterthanamanwithavastvocabularywhodoesnotseeitasclearly asyoudo. Ifyouhavelistenedcarefullythroughoutthepastfourdays,youknownowthattheBible hasnoreferenceatalltoanypersonsthateverexisted,ortoanyeventsthateveroccurred uponearth. TheauthorsoftheBiblewerenotwritinghistory,theywerewritingagreatdramaofthe mindwhichtheydressedupinthegarbofhistory,andthenadaptedittothelimited capacityoftheuncritical,unthinkingmasses. YouknowthateverystoryintheBibleisyourstory,thatwhenthewritersintroduce dozensofcharactersinthesamestorytheyaretryingtopresentyouwithdifferent attributesofthemindthatyoumayemploy.YousawitasItookperhapsadozenormore storiesandinterpretedthemforyou. Forinstance,manypeoplewonderhowJesus,themostgracious,themostlovingmanin theworld,ifhebeman,couldsaytohismother,whatheissupposedtohavesaidtoher

asrecordedinthesecondchapteroftheGospelofSt.John.Jesusismadetosaytohis mother,"Woman,whathaveItodowiththee?"John2:4. YouandI,whoarenotyetidentifiedwiththeidealweserve,wouldnotmakesucha statementtoourmother.Yetherewastheembodimentoflovesayingtohismother, "Woman,whathaveItodowiththee?" YouareJesus,andyourmotherisyourownconsciousness.Forconsciousnessisthe causeofall,therefore,itisthegreatfathermotherofallphenomena. YouandIarecreaturesofhabit.Wegetintothehabitofacceptingasfinaltheevidenceof oursenses.Wineisneededfortheguestsandmysensestellmethatthereisnowine,andI throughhabitamabouttoacceptthislackasfinal.WhenIrememberthatmy consciousnessistheoneandonlyreality,thereforeifIdenytheevidenceofmysensesand assumetheconsciousnessof havingsufficientwine,Ihaveinasenserebukedmymotherortheconsciousnesswhich suggestedlackandbyassumingtheconsciousnessofhavingwhatIdesireformyguests, wineisproducedinawaywedonotknow. Ihavejustreadanoteherefromadearfriendofmineintheaudience.LastSundayhehad anappointmentatachurchforaweddingtheclocktoldhimhewaslate,everythingtold himhewaslate. Hewasstandingonastreetcornerwaitingforastreetcar.Therewasnoneinsight.He imaginedthat,insteadofbeingonthestreetcorner,thathewasinthechurch.Atthat momentacarstoppedinfrontofhim.Myfriendtoldthedriverofhispredicamentandthe driversaidtohim,"Iamnotgoingthatway,butIwilltakeyouthere."Myfriendgotinto thecarandwasatthechurchin timefortheservice.Thatisapplyingthelawcorrectly,nonacceptanceofthesuggestion oflateness.Neveracceptthesuggestionoflack.

InthiscaseIsaytomyself,"WhathaveItodowiththee?"WhathaveItodowiththe evidenceofmysenses?Bringmeallthepotsandfillthem.Inotherwords,IassumethatI havewineandallthatIdesire.ThenmydimensionallygreaterSelfinspiresinall,the thoughtsandtheactionswhichaidtheembodimentofmyassumption. Itisnotamansayingtoamother,"WomanwhathaveItodowiththee?"Itiseveryman whoknowsthislawwhowillsaytohimself,whenhissensessuggestlack,"whathaveIto dowiththee.Getbehindme."Iwillneveragainlistentoavoicelikethat,becauseifIdo, thenIamimpregnatedbythatsuggestionandIwillbearthefruitoflack. WeturntoanotherstoryintheGospelofSt.MarkwhereJesusishungry. "Andseeingafigtreeafaroffhavingleaves,hecame,ifhaplyhemightfindanything thereon:andwhenhecametoit,hefoundnothingbutleavesforthetimeoffigswasnot yet." "AndJesusansweredandsaiduntoit,Nomaneatfruitoftheehereafterforever.Andhis disciplesheardit."Mark11:13,14 "Andinthemorning,astheypassedby,theysawthefigtreedriedupfromtheroots." Mark11:20 WhattreeamIblasting?Notatreeontheoutside.Itismyownconsciousness."Iamthe vine."John15:1.Myconsciousness,myIAMnessisthegreattree,andhabitoncemore suggestsemptiness,itsuggestsbarrenness,itsuggestsfourmonthsbeforeIcanfeast.But Icannotwaitfourmonths.IgivemyselfthispowerfulsuggestionthatneveragainwillI evenforamomentrelievethatitwilltakefourmonthstorealizemydesire.Thebeliefin lackmustfromthisdayonbebarrenandneveragainreproduceitselfinmymind. Itisnotamanblastingatree.EverythingintheBibletakesplaceinthemindofman:the tree,thecity,thepeople,everything.ThereisnotastatementmadeintheBiblethatdoes

notrepresentsomeattributeofthehumanmind.Theyareallpersonificationsofthemind andnotthingswithintheworld. Consciousnessistheoneandonlyreality.Thereisnoonetowhomwecanturnafterwe discoverthatourownawarenessisGod.ForGodisthecauseofallandthereisnothing butGod.YoucannotsaythatadevilcausessomethingsandGodothers.Listentothese words. "ThussaiththeLordtohisanointed,toCyrus,whoserighthandIhaveholden,tosubdue nationsbeforehimandIwillloosetheloinsofkings,toopenbeforehimthetwoleaved gatesandthegatesshallnotbeshut." "Iwillgobeforethee,andmakethecrookedplacesstraight:Iwillbreakinpiecesthe gatesofbrass,andcutinsunderthebarsofiron." "AndIwillgivetheethetreasuresofdarkness,andhiddenrichesofsecretplaces,that thoumayestknowthatI,theLord,whichcalltheebythyname,amtheGodofIsrael." Isaiah45:1,2,3 "Iformthelight,andcreatedarkness:Imakepeace,andcreateevil:ItheLorddoall thesethings."Isaiah45:7. "Ihavemadetheearth,andcreatedmanuponit:I,evenmyhands,havestretchedoutthe heavens,andalltheirhosthaveIcommanded." "Ihaveraisedhimupinrighteousness,andIwilldirectallhisways:heshallbuildmycity, andheshallletgomycaptives,notforpricenorreward,saiththeLordofhosts."Isaiah 45:12,13 "IAMtheLord,andthereisnoneelse,thereisnoGodbesideme."Isaiah45:5.

Readthesewordscarefully.Theyarenotmywords,theyaretheinspiredwordsofmen whodiscoveredthatconsciousnessistheonlyreality.IfIamhurt,Iamselfhurt.Ifthere isdarknessinmyworld,Icreatedthedarknessandthegloomandthedepression.Ifthere islightandjoy,Icreatedthelightandthejoy.ThereisnoonebutthisIAMnessthatdoes all. Youcannotfindacauseoutsideofyourownconsciousness.Yourworldisagrandmirror constantlytellingyouwhoyouare.Asyoumeetpeople,theytellyoubytheirbehaviour whoyouare. Yourprayerswillnotbelessdevoutbecauseyouturntoyourownconsciousnessforhelp. Idonotthinkthatanypersoninprayerfeelsmoreofthejoy,thepiety,andthefeelingof adoration,thanIdowhenIfeelthankful,asIassumethefeelingofmywishfulfilled, knowingatthesametimeitistomyselfthatIturned. Inprayeryouarecalledupontobelievethatyoupossesswhatyourreasonandyour sensesdeny.Whenyoupraybelievethatyouhaveandyoushallreceive.TheBiblestates itthisway: "ThereforeIsayuntoyou,Whatthingssoeveryedesire,whenyepray,believethatye receivethem,andyeshallhavethem. "Andwhenyestandpraying,forgive,ifyehaveoughtagainstany:thatyourFatheralso whichisinheavenmayforgiveyouyourtrespasses." "Butifyedonotforgive,neitherwillyourFatherwhichisinheavenforgiveyour trespasses."Mark11:24,25,26 Thatiswhatwemustdowhenwepray.IfIholdsomethingagainstanother,beitabelief ofsickness,poverty,oranythingelse,Imustlooseitandletitgo,notbyusingwordsof denialbutbybelievinghimtobewhathedesirestobe.InthatwayIcompletelyforgive

him.Ichangedmyconceptofhim.IhadoughtagainsthimandIforgavehimComplete forgetfulnessisforgiveness.IfIdonotforgetthenIhavenotforgiven. IonlyforgivesomethingwhenItrulyforget.Icansaytoyouuntiltheendoftime,"I forgiveyou."ButifeverytimeIseeyouorthinkofyou,IamremindedofwhatIheld againstyou,Ihavenotforgivenyouatall.Forgivenessiscompleteforgetfulness.Yougo toadoctorandhegivesyousomethingforyoursickness.Heistryingtotakeitfromyou, sohegivesyousomethinginplaceofit. Giveyourselfanewconceptofselffortheoldconcept.Giveuptheoldconcept completely. Aprayergrantedimpliesthatsomethingisdoneinconsequenceoftheprayerwhich otherwisewouldnothavebeendone.Therefore,Imyselfamthespringofaction,the directingmindandtheonewhograntstheprayer. Anyonewhoprayssuccessfullyturnswithin,andappropriatesthestatesought.Youhave nosacrificetooffer.Donotletanyonetellyouthatyoumuststruggleandsuffer.You neednotstrugglefortherealizationofyourdesire.ReadwhatitsaysintheBible. "TowhatpurposeisthemultitudeofyoursacrificesuntomesaiththeLord:Iamfullof theburntofferingsoframs,andthefatoffedbeastsandIdelightnotinthebloodof bullocks,oroflambs,orofhegoats." "Whenyecometoappearbeforeme,whohathrequiredthatatyourhand,totreadmy courts?" "Bringnomorevainoblationsincenseisanabominationuntomethenewmoonsand Sabbaths,thecallingofassemblies,Icannotendureiniquityandsolemnassembly." "Yournewmoonsandyourappointedfeastsmysoulhates:theyhavebecomeaburdento

me,Iamwearyofbearingthem"Isaiah1:1114 "Yeshallhaveasongasinthenightwhenaholysolemnityiskeptandgladnessofheart, aswhenonegoethwithapipetocomeintothemountainoftheLord,tothemightyOne ofIsrael."Isaiah30:29 "SinguntotheLordanewsong,andhispraisefromtheendoftheearth."Isaiah42:10. "Sing,OyeheavensfortheLordhathdoneit:shout,yelowerpartsoftheearth:break forthintosinging,yemountains,Oforest,andeverytreetherein:fortheLordhath redeemedJacob,andglorifiedhimselfinIsrael."Isaiah44:23 "ThereforetheredeemedoftheLordshallreturn,andcomewithsinginguntoZionand everlastingjoyshallbeupontheirhead.Theyshallobtaingladnessandjoyandsorrow andmourningshallfleeaway."Isaiah51:11 Theonlyacceptablegiftisajoyfulheart.Comewithsingingandpraise.Thatisthewayto comebeforetheLordyourownconsciousness.Assumethefeelingofyourwish fulfilled,andyouhavebroughttheonlyacceptablegift.Allstatesofmindotherthanthat ofthewishfulfilledareanabominationtheyaresuperstitionandmeannothing. Whenyoucomebeforeme,rejoice,becauserejoicingimpliesthatsomethinghashappened whichyoudesired.Comebeforemesinging,givingpraise,andgivingthanks,forthese statesofmindimplyacceptanceofthestatesought.Putyourselfinthepropermoodand yourownconsciousnesswillembodyit. IfIcoulddefineprayerforanyoneandputitjustasclearlyasIcould,Iwouldsimplysay, "Itisthefeelingofthewishfulfilled."Ifyouask,"Whatdoyoumeanbythat?"Iwould say,"IwouldfeelmyselfintothesituationoftheansweredprayerandthenIwouldlive andactuponthatconviction."Iwouldtrytosustainitwithouteffort,thatis,Iwouldlive andactasthoughit

werealreadyafact,knowingthatasIwalkinthisfixedattitudemyassumptionwill hardenintofact. TimedoesnotpermitmetogoanyfurtherintotheargumentthattheBibleisnothistory. Butifyouhavelistenedattentivelytomymessagethesepastfournights,Idonotthink youwantanymoreproofthattheBibleisnothistory.Applywhatyouhaveheardandyou willrealizeyourdesires. ************** "AndnowIhavetoldyoubeforeitcometopass,that,whenitiscometopass,yemight believe."John14:29 Manypersons,myselfincluded,haveobservedeventsbeforetheyoccurredthatis,before theyoccurredinthisworldofthreedimensions.Sincemancanobserveaneventbeforeit occursinthethreedimensionsofspace,thenlifeonearthproceedsaccordingtoplanand thisplanmustexistelsewhereinanotherdimensionandisslowlymovingthroughour space. Iftheoccurringeventswerenotinthisworldwhentheywereobserved,thentobe perfectlylogicaltheymusthavebeenoutofthisworld.AndwhateverisTHEREtobe seenbeforeitoccursHEREmustbe"predetermined"fromthepointofviewofman awakeinathreedimensionalworld.Yettheancientteacherstaughtusthatwecouldalter thefuture,andmyownexperienceconfirmsthe truthoftheirteaching. Therefore,myobjectingivingthiscourseistoindicatepossibilitiesinherentinman,to showthatmancanalterhis:futurebut,thusaltered,itformsagainadeterministic sequencestartingfromthepointofinterferenceafuturethatwillbeconsistentwiththe alteration.

Themostremarkablefeatureofman'sfutureisitsflexibility.Thefuture,although preparedinadvanceineverydetail,hasseveraloutcomes.Wehaveateverymomentof ourlivesthechoicebeforeuswhichofseveralfutureswewillhave. Therearetwoactualoutlooksontheworldpossessedbyeveryoneanaturalfocusanda spiritualfocus.Theancientteacherscalledtheone"thecarnalmind,"andtheother"the mindofChrist."Wemaydifferentiatethemasordinarywakingconsciousness,governed byoursenses,andacontrolledimagination,governedbydesire. Werecognizethesetwodistinctcentersofthoughtinthestatement:"Thenaturalman receivethnotthethingsoftheSpiritofGod:fortheyarefoolishnessuntohim:neithercan heknowthem,becausetheyarespirituallydiscerned."ICor.2:14 ThenaturalviewconfinesrealitytothemomentcalledNOW.Tothenaturalview,the pastandfuturearepurelyimaginary.Thespiritualviewontheotherhandseesthe contentsoftime.Thepastandfutureareapresentwholetothespiritualview.Whatis mentalandsubjectivetothenaturalmanisconcreteandobjectivetothespiritualman. Thehabitofseeingonlythatwhichoursensespermitrendersustotallyblindtowhat, otherwise,wecouldsee.Tocultivatethefacultyofseeingtheinvisible,weshouldoften deliberatelydisentangleourmindsfromtheevidenceofthesensesandfocusourattention onaninvisiblestate,mentallyfeelingitandsensingituntilithasallthedistinctnessof reality. Earnest,concentratedthoughtfocusedinaparticulardirectionshutsoutothersensations andcausesthemtodisappear.Wehaveonlytoconcentrateonthestatedesiredinorderto seeit. Thehabitofwithdrawingattentionfromtheregionofsensationandconcentratingiton theinvisibledevelopsourspiritualoutlookandenablesustopenetratebeyondtheworld ofsenseandtoseethatwhichisinvisible."Fortheinvisiblethingsofhimfromthe

creationoftheworldareclearlyseen."Rom.1:20.Thisvisioniscompletelyindependent ofthenaturalfaculties.Open itandquickenit! Alittlepracticewillconvinceusthatwecan,bycontrollingourimagination,reshapeour futureinharmonywithourdesire.Desireisthemainspringofaction.Wecouldnotmove asinglefingerunlesswehadadesiretomoveit.Nomatterwhatwedo,wefollowthe desirewhichatthemomentdominatesourminds.Whenwebreakahabit,ourdesireto breakitisgreaterthanourdesireto continuethehabit. Thedesireswhichimpelustoactionarethosewhichholdourattention.Adesireisbutan awarenessofsomethingwelackandneedtomakeourlifemoreenjoyable.Desiresalways havesomepersonalgaininview,thegreatertheanticipatedgain,themoreintenseisthe desire.Thereisnoabsolutelyunselfishdesire.Wherethereisnothingtogainthereisno desire,and consequentlynoaction. Thespiritualmanspeakstothenaturalmanthroughthelanguageofdesire.Thekeyto progressinlifeandtothefulfillmentofdreamsliesinreadyobediencetoitsvoice. Unhesitatingobediencetoitsvoiceisanimmediateassumptionofthewishfulfilled.To desireastateistohaveit.AsPascalhassaid,"Youwouldnothavesoughtmehadyou notalreadyfoundme." Man,byassumingthefeelingofhiswishfulfilled,andthenlivingandactingonthis conviction,altersthefutureinharmonywithhisassumption.Assumptionsawakenwhat theyaffirm.Assoonasmanassumesthefeelingofhiswishfulfilled,hisfourth dimensionalSelffindswaysfortheattainmentofthisend,discoversmethodsforits realization. Iknowofnoclearerdefinitionofthemeansbywhichwerealizeourdesiresthanto

EXPERIENCEINTHEIMAGINATIONWHATWEWOULDEXPERIENCEINTHE FLESHWERE WETOACHIEVEOURGOAL.Thisimaginaryexperienceoftheendwithacceptance, willsthemeans.ThefourthdimensionalSelfthenconstructswithitslargeroutlookthe meansnecessarytorealizetheacceptedend. Theundisciplinedmindfindsitdifficulttoassumeastatewhichisdeniedbythesenses. Buthereisatechniquethatmakesiteasyto"callthingswhicharenotseenasthoughthey were,"thatis,toencounteraneventbeforeitoccurs.Peoplehaveahabitofslightingthe importanceofsimplethings.Butthissimpleformulaforchangingthefuturewas discoveredafteryearsofsearching andexperimenting. ThefirststepinchangingthefutureisDESIRE,thatis,defineyourobjectiveknow definitelywhatyouwant. Secondly,constructaneventwhichyou.believeyouwouldencounterFOLLOWINGthe fulfillmentofyourdesireaneventwhichimpliesfulfillmentofyourdesiresomething whichwillhavetheactionofSelfpredominant. Thirdly,immobilizethephysicalbody,andinduceaconditionakintosleepbyimagining thatyouaresleepy.Lieonabed,orrelaxinachair.Then,witheyelidsclosedandyour attentionfocusedontheactionyouintendtoexperienceinimagination,mentallyfeel yourselfrightintotheproposedactionimaginingallthewhilethatyouareactually performingtheactionhereand.now. Youmustalwaysparticipateintheimaginaryactionnotmerelystandbackandlookon, butfeelthatyouareactuallyperformingtheactionsothattheimaginarysensationisreal toyou. Itisimportantalwaystorememberthattheproposedactionmustbeonewhich

FOLLOWSthefulfillmentofyourdesire.Alsoyoumustfeelyourselfintotheactionuntil ithasallthevividnessanddistinctnessofreality. Forexample,supposeyoudesirepromotioninyouroffice.Beingcongratulatedwouldbe aneventyouwouldencounterfollowingthefulfillmentofyourdesire.Havingselected thisactionastheoneyouwillexperienceinimagination,immobilizethephysicalbody andinduceastateakintosleep,adrowsystate,butoneinwhichyouarestillableto controlthedirectionofyourthoughts,a stateinwhichyouareattentivewithouteffort.Thenvisualizeafriendstandingbeforeyou. Putyourimaginaryhandintohis.Feelittobesolidandreal,andcarryonanimaginary conversationwithhiminharmonywiththeaction. Youdonotvisualizeyourselfatadistanceinpointofspaceandatadistanceinpointof timebeingcongratulatedonyourgoodfortune.Instead,youmakeelsewhereHERE,and thefutureNOW.ThefutureeventisarealityNOWinadimensionallylargerworldand oddlyenough,nowinadimensionallylargerworldisequivalenttoHEREintheordinary threedimensionalspaceofeverydaylife. ThedifferencebetweenFEELINGyourselfinaction,hereandnow,andvisualizing yourselfinaction,asthoughyouwereonamotionpicturescreen,isthedifference betweensuccessandfailure.Thedifferencewillbeappreciatedifyouwillnowvisualize yourselfclimbingaladder.Then,witheyelidsclosedimaginethataladderisrightinfront ofyouandFEELyourselfactually climbingit. Desire,physicalimmobilityborderingonsleep,andimaginaryactioninwhichSell feelinglypredominatesHEREANDNOW,arenotonlyimportantfactorsinalteringthe future,buttheyarealsoessentialconditionsinconsciouslyprojectingthespiritualSelf. Whenthephysicalbodyisimmobilizedandwebecomepossessedoftheideatodo somethingifweimaginethatwearedoingitHEREANDNOWandkeeptheimaginary

actionfeelinglygoingrightupuntilsleepensueswearelikelytoawakenoutofthe physicalbodytofindourselvesinadimensionallylargerworldwithadimensionallylarger focusandactuallydoingwhatwedesiredandimaginedweweredoingintheflesh. Butwhetherweawakenthereornot,weareactuallyperformingtheactioninthefourth dimensionalworld,andwillinthefuturereenactithereinthethirddimensionalworld. Experiencehastaughtmetorestricttheimaginaryaction,tocondensetheideawhichisto betheobjectofourmeditationintoasingleact,andtoreenactitoverandoveragain untilithasthefeelingofreality.Otherwise,theattentionwillwanderoffalongan associationaltrack,andhostsofassociatedimageswillbepresentedtoourattention,and inafewsecondstheywillleadushundredsofmilesawayfromourobjectiveinpointof space,andyearsawayinpointoftime. Ifwedecidetoclimbaparticularflightofstairs,becausethatisthelikelyeventtofollow therealizationofourdesire,thenwemustrestricttheactiontoclimbingthatparticular flightofstairs.Shouldtheattentionwanderoff,bringitbacktoitstaskofclimbingthat flightofstairs,andkeepondoingsountiltheimaginaryactionhasallthesolidityand distinctnessofreality.Theideamustbemaintainedinthefieldofpresentationwithoutany sensibleeffortonourpart.Wemust,withtheminimumofeffort,permeatethemindwith thefeelingofthewishfulfilled. Drowsinessfacilitateschangebecauseitfavoursattentionwithouteffort,butitmustnot bepushedtothestateofsleep,inwhichweshallnolongerbeabletocontrolthe movementsofourattention,butamoderatedegreeofdrowsinessinwhichwearestill abletodirectourthoughts. Amosteffectivewaytoembodyadesireistoassumethefeelingofthewishfulfilledand then,inarelaxedandsleepystate,repeatoverandoveragainlikealullaby,anyshort phrasewhichimpliesfulfillmentofyourdesire,suchas,"Thankyou,thankyou,thank you,"untilthesinglesensationof

thankfulnessdominatesthemind.Speakthesewordsasthoughyouaddressedahigher powerforhavingdoneitforyou. If,however,weseekaconsciousprojectioninadimensionallylargerworld,thenwemust keeptheactiongoingrightupuntilsleepensues.Experienceinimaginationwithallthe distinctnessofrealitywhatwouldbeexperiencedinthefleshwerewetoachieveourgoal andweshallintimemeetitinthefleshaswemetitinourimagination. Feedthemindwithpremisesthatis,assertionspresumedtobetrue,because assumptions,thoughfalse,ifpersistedinuntiltheyhavethefeelingofreality,willharden intofact. Toanassumption,allmeanswhichpromoteitsrealizationaregood.Itinfluencesthe behaviourofall,byinspiringinallthemovements,theactions,andthewordswhichtend towardsitsfulfillment. Tounderstandhowmanmoldshisfutureinharmonywithhisassumptionbysimply experiencinginhisimaginationwhathewouldexperienceinrealitywerehetorealizehis goalwemustknowwhatwemeanbyadimensionallylargerworld,foritistoa dimensionallylargerworldthatwegotoalterourfuture. Theobservationofaneventbeforeitoccursimpliesthattheeventispredeterminedfrom thepointofviewofmaninthethreedimensionalworld.Thereforetochangethe conditionshereinthethreedimensionsofspacewemustfirstchangetheminthefour dimensionsofspace. Mandoesnotknowexactlywhatismeantbyadimensionallylargerworld,andwouldno doubtdenytheexistenceofadimensionallylargerSelf.Heisquitefamiliarwiththethree dimensionsoflength,widthandheight,andhefeelsthat,iftherewereafourthdimension, itshouldbejustasobvioustohimasthedimensionsoflength,widthandheight.

Nowadimensionisnotaline.Itisanywayinwhichathingcanbemeasuredthatis entirelydifferentfromallotherways.Thatis,tomeasureasolidfourthdimensionally,we simplymeasureitinanydirectionexceptthatofitslength,widthandheight.Now,isthere anotherwayofmeasuringanobjectotherthanthoseofitslength,widthandheight? Timemeasuresmylifewithoutemployingthethreedimensionsoflength,widthand height.Thereisnosuchthingasaninstantaneousobject.Itsappearanceand disappearancearemeasurable.Itenduresforadefinitelengthoftime.Wecanmeasureits lifespanwithoutusingthedimensionsoflength,widthandheight.Timeisdefinitelya fourthwayofmeasuringanobject. Themoredimensionsanobjecthas,themoresubstantialandrealitbecomes.Astraight line,whichliesentirelyinonedimension,acquiresshape,massandsubstancebythe additionofdimensions.Whatnewqualitywouldtime,thefourthdimensiongive,which wouldmakeitjustasvastlysuperiortosolids,assolidsaretosurfacesandsurfacesareto lines?Timeisamediumforchangesinexperience,forallchangestaketime. Thenewqualityischangeability.Observethat,ifwebisectasolid,itscrosssectionwillbe asurfacebybisectingasurface,weobtainaline,andbybisectingaline,wegetapoint. Thismeansthatapointisbutacrosssectionofalinewhichis,inturn,butacrosssection ofasurfacewhichis,inturn,butacrosssectionofasolidwhichis,inturn,ifcarriedto itslogicalconclusion,butacrosssectionofafourdimensionalobject. Wecannotavoidtheinferencethatallthreedimensionalobjectsarebutcrosssectionsof fourdimensionalbodies.Whichmeans:whenImeetyou,Imeetacrosssectionofthe fourdimensionalyouthefourdimensionalSelfthatisnotseen.Toseethefour dimensionalSelfImustseeeverycrosssectionormomentofyourlifefrombirthtodeath, andseethemallascoexisting. Myfocusshouldtakeintheentirearrayofsensoryimpressionswhichyouhave experiencedonearth,plusthoseyoumightencounter.Ishouldseethem,notintheorder

inwhichtheywereexperiencedbyyou,butasapresentwhole.BecauseCHANGEisthe characteristicofthefourthdimension,Ishouldseetheminastateoffluxasaliving, animatedwhole. Now,ifwehaveallthisclearlyfixedinourminds,whatdoesitmeantousinthisthree dimensionalworld?Itmeansthat,ifwecanmovealongtimeslength,wecanseethe futureandalteritifwesodesire. Thisworld,whichwethinksosolidlyreal,isashadowoutofwhichandbeyondwhichwe mayatanytimepass.Itisanabstractionfromamorefundamentalanddimensionally largerworldamorefundamentalworldabstractedfromastillmorefundamentaland dimensionallylargerworldandsoontoinfinity.Fortheabsoluteisunattainablebyany meansoranalysis,nomatterhowmanydimensionsweaddtotheworld. Mancanprovetheexistenceofadimensionallylargerworldbysimplyfocusinghis attentiononaninvisiblestateandimaginingthatheseesandfeelsit.Ifheremains concentratedinthisstate,hispresentenvironmentwillpassaway,andhewillawakenina dimensionallylargerworldwheretheobjectofhiscontemplationwillbeseenasa concreteobjectivereality. Ifeelintuitivelythat,werehetoabstracthisthoughtsfromthisdimensionallylargerworld andretreatstillfartherwithinhismind,hewouldagainbringaboutanexternalizationof time.Hewoulddiscoverthat,everytimeheretreatsintohisinnermindandbringsabout anexternalizationoftime,spacebecomesdimensionallylarger.Andhewouldtherefore concludethatbothtimeandspaceareserial,andthatthedramaoflifeisbuttheclimbing ofamultitudinousdimensionaltimeblock. ScientistswillonedayexplainWHYthereisaSerialUniverse.ButinpracticeHOWwe usethisSerialUniversetochangethefutureismoreimportant.Tochangethefuture,we needonlyconcernourselveswithtwoworldsintheinfiniteseriestheworldweknowby reasonofourbodilyorgans,andtheworldweperceiveindependentlyofourbodily

organs. Ihavestatedthatmanhasateverymomentoftimethechoicebeforehimwhichofseveral futureshewillhave.Butthequestionarises:"Howisthispossiblewhentheexperiencesof man,awakeinthethreedimensionalworld,arepredetermined?"ashisobservationofan eventbeforeitoccursimplies. Thisabilitytochangethefuturewillbeseenifwelikentheexperiencesoflifeonearthto thisprintedpage.Manexperienceseventsonearthsinglyandsuccessivelyinthesame waythatyouarenowexperiencingthewordsofthispage. Imaginethateverywordonthispagerepresentsasinglesensoryimpression.Togetthe context,tounderstandmymeaning,youfocusyourvisiononthefirstwordintheupper lefthandcornerandthenmoveyourfocusacrossthepagefromlefttoright,lettingitfall onthewordssinglyandsuccessively.Bythetimeyoureyesreachthelastwordonthis pageyouhaveextractedmymeaning. Butsupposeonlookingatthepage,withalltheprintedwordsthereonequallypresent, youdecidedtorearrangethem.Youcould,byrearrangingthem,tellanentirelydifferent story,infactyoucouldtellmanydifferentstories. Adreamisnothingmorethanuncontrolledfourdimensionalthinking,orthe rearrangementofbothpastandfuturesensoryimpressions.Manseldomdreamsofevents intheorderinwhichheexperiencesthemwhenawake.Heusuallydreamsoftwoormore eventswhichareseparatedintimefusedintoasinglesensoryimpressionorelseheso completelyrearrangeshissinglewakingsensoryimpressionsthathedoesnotrecognize themwhenheencounterstheminhiswakingstate. Forexample,IdreamedthatIdeliveredapackagetotherestaurantinmyapartment building.Thehostesssaidtome,"Youcan'tleavethatthere,"whereupon,theelevator operatorgavemeafewlettersandasIthankedhimforthemhe,inturn,thankedme.At

thispoint,thenightelevatoroperatorappearedandwavedagreetingtome. Thefollowingday,asIleftmyapartment,Ipickedupafewletterswhichhadbeenplaced atmydoor.OnmywaydownIgavethedayelevatoroperatoratipandthankedhimfor takingcareofmymail,whereupon,hethankedmeforthetip. OnmyreturnhomethatdayIoverheardadoormansaytoadeliveryman,"Youcan't leavethatthere."AsIwasabouttotaketheelevatoruptomyapartment,Iwasattracted byafamiliarfaceintherestaurant,andasIlookedinthehostessgreetedmewithasmile. ThatnightIescortedmydinnergueststotheelevatorandasIsaidgoodbyetothem,the nightoperatorwavedgoodnightto me. BysimplyrearrangingafewofthesinglesensoryimpressionsIwasdestinedtoencounter, andbyfusingtwoormoreofthemintosinglesensoryimpressions,Iconstructedadream whichdifferedquiteabitfrommywakingexperience. Whenwehavelearnedtocontrolthemovementsofourattentioninthefourdimensional world,weshallbeabletoconsciouslycreatecircumstancesinthethreedimensional world.Welearnthiscontrolthroughthewakingdream,whereourattentioncanbe maintainedwithouteffort,forattentionminuseffortisindispensabletochangingthe future.Wecan,inacontrolledwakingdream,consciouslyconstructaneventwhichwe desiretoexperienceinthethreedimensionalworld. Thesensoryimpressionsweusetoconstructourwakingdreamarepresentrealities displacedintimeorthefourdimensionalworld.Allthatwedoinconstructingthewaking dreamistoselectfromthevastarrayofsensoryimpressionsthose,which,whentheyare properlyarranged,implythatwehaverealizedourdesire. Withthedreamclearlydefinedwerelaxinachairandinduceastateofconsciousnessakin tosleep.Astatewhich,althoughborderingonsleep,leavesusinconsciouscontrolofthe

movementsofourattention.Thenweexperienceinimaginationwhatwewould experienceinrealitywerethiswakingdreamanobjectivefact. Inapplyingthistechniquetochangethefutureitisimportantalwaystorememberthatthe onlythingwhichoccupiesthemindduringthewakingdreamisTHEWAKINGDREAM, thepredeterminedactionandsensationwhichimpliesthefulfillmentofourdesire.How thewakingdreambecomesphysicalfactisnotourconcern.Ouracceptanceofthewaking dreamasphysicalrealitywillsthemeansforitsfulfillment. Letmeagainlaythefoundationofprayer,whichisnothingmorethanacontrolledwaking dream: 1.Defineyourobjective,knowdefinitelywhatyouwant. 2.ConstructaneventwhichyoubelieveyouwillencounterFOLLOWINGthefulfillment ofyourdesiresomethingwhichwillhavetheactionofSelfpredominantanevent whichimpliesthefulfillmentofyourdesire. 3.Immobilizethephysicalbodyandinduceastateofconsciousnessakintosleep.Then, mentallyfeelyourselfrightintotheproposedaction,untilthesinglesensationof fulfillmentdominatesthemindimaginingallthewhilethatyouareactuallyperformingthe actionHEREANDNOWsothatyouexperienceinimaginationwhatyouwould experienceinthefleshwereyounowtorealizeyourgoal.Experiencehasconvincedme thatthisistheeasiestwaytoachieveourgoal. However,myownmanyfailureswouldconvictmewereItoimplythatIhavecompletely masteredthemovementsofmyattention.ButIcan,withtheancientteacher,say: "ThisonethingIdo,forgettingthosethingswhicharebehind,andreachingforthunto thosethingswhicharebefore,Ipresstowardthemarkfortheprize."Phil.3:13,14

'*'************* AgainIwanttoremindyouthattheresponsibilitytomakewhatyouhavedonerealinthis worldisnotonyourshoulders.DonotbeconcernedwiththeHOW,youhaveassumed thatitisdone,theassumptionhasitsownwayofobjectifyingitself.Allresponsibilityto makeitsoisremovedfromyou. ThereisalittlestatementinthebookofExoduswhichbearsthisout.Millionsofpeople whohavereadit,orhavehaditmentionedtothemthroughoutthecenturieshave completelymisunderstoodit.Itissaid,"Steepnotakidinitsmothersmilk."(KingJames version,"Thoushaltnotseetheakidinhismothersmilk."Exodus23:19). Unnumberedmillionsofpeople,misunderstandingthisstatement,tothisverydayinthe enlightenedageof1948,willnoteatanydairyproductswithameatdish.Itjustisnot done. TheythinktheBibleishistory,andwhenitsays,"Steepnotakidinitsmother'smilk," milkandtheproductsofmilk,butterandcheese,theywillnottakeatthesametimethey takethekidoranykindofmeat.Infacttheyevenhaveseparatedisheswithwhichto cooktheirmeat. Butyouarenowabouttoapplyitpsychologically.Youhavedoneyourmeditationand youhaveassumedthatyouarewhatyouwanttobe.ConsciousnessisGod,yourattention isliketheverystreamoflifeormilkitselfthatnursesandmakesalivethatwhichholds yourattention.Inotherwords,whatholdsyourattentionhasyourlife. Throughoutthecenturiesakidhasbeenusedasthesymbolofsacrifice.Youhavegiven birthtoeverythinginyourworld.Buttherearethingsthatyounolongerwishtokeep alive,althoughyouhavemotheredandfatheredthem.Youareajealousfatherthatcan easilyconsume,likeCronus,hischildren.Itisyourrighttoconsumewhatformerlyyou expressedwhenyoudidnotknowbetter.

Nowyouaredetachedinconsciousnessfromthatformerstate.Itwasyourkid,itwas yourchild,youembodiedandexpresseditinyourworld.Butnowthatyouhaveassumed thatyouarewhatyouwanttobe,donotlookbackonyourformerstateandwonder HOWitwilldisappearfromyourworld.Forifyoulookbackandgiveattentiontoit,you aresteepingoncemorethatkidinitsmother'smilk. Donotsaytoyourself,'IwonderifIamreallydetachedfromthatstate,"or"Iwonderif soandsoistrue."Giveallyourattentiontotheassumptionthatthethingisso,becauseall responsibilitytomakeitsoiscompletelyremovedfromyourshoulders.Youdonothave tomakeitso,itISso.Youappropriatewhatisalreadyfact,andyouwalkinthe assumptionthatitis,andinawaythatyoudonotknow,Idonotknow,nomanknows,it becomesobjectifiedinyourworld. Donotbeconcernedwiththehow,anddonotlookbackonyourformerstate."Noman, havingputhishandtotheplow,andlookingback,isfitforthekingdomofGod."Luke 9:62 Simplyassumethatitisdoneandsuspendreason,suspendalltheargumentsofthe consciousthreedimensionalmind.Yourdesireisoutsideofthereachofthethree dimensionalmind. Assumeyouarethatwhichyouwishtobewalkasthoughyouwereitandasyouremain faithfultoyourassumptionitwillhardenintofact.

QUESTIONSANDANSWERS 1.Question:Whatisthemeaningoftheinsigniaonyourbookcovers?

Answer:Itisaneyeimposeduponaheartwhich,inturnisimposeduponatreeladenwith fruit,meaningthatwhatyouareconsciousof,andacceptastrue,youaregoingtorealize. Asamanthinkethinhisheart,soheis. 2.Question:Iwouldliketobemarried,buthavenotfoundtherightman.HowdoI imagineahusband? Answer:Foreverinlovewithideals,itistheidealstatethatcapturesthemind.Donot confinethestateofmarriagetoacertainman,butafull,richandoverflowinglife.You desiretoexperiencethejoyofmarriage.Donotmodifyyourdream,butenhanceitby makingitlovelier.Thencondenseyourdesireintoasinglesensation,oractwhichimplies itsfulfillment. Inthiswesternworldawomanwearsaweddingringonthethirdfingerofherlefthand. Motherhoodneednotimplymarriageintimacyneednotimplymarriage,butawedding ringdoes. Relaxinacomfortablearmchair,orlieflatonyourbackandinduceastateakintosleep. Thenassumethefeelingofbeingmarried.Imagineaweddingbandonyourfinger.Touch it.Turnitaroundthefinger.Pullitoffovertheknuckle.Keeptheactiongoinguntilthe ringhasthedistinctnessandfeelingofreality.Becomesolostinfeelingtheringonyour fingerthatwhenyouopenyoureyes,youwillbesurprisedthatitisnotthere. Ifyouareamanwhodoesnotweararing,youcouldassumegreaterresponsibility.How wouldyoufeelifyouhadawifetocarefor?Assumethefeelingofbeingahappilymarried manrightnow.

3.Question:WhatmustIdotoinspirecreativethoughtssuchasthoseneededforwriting? Answer:Whatmustyoudo?Assumethestoryhasalreadybeenwrittenandacceptedbya

greatpublishinghouse.Reducetheideaofbeingawritertothesensationofsatisfaction. Repeatthephrase,"Isn'titwonderful!"or"Thankyou,thankyou,thankyou,"overand overagainuntilyoufeelsuccessful.Or,imagineafriendcongratulatingyou.Thereare unnumberedwaysofimplyingsuccess,butalwaysgototheend.Youracceptanceofthe endwillsitsfulfillment.Donotthinkaboutgettinginthemoodtowrite,butliveandact asthoughyouarenowtheauthoryoudesiretobe.Assumeyouhavethetalentfor writing.Thinkofthepatternyouwantdisplayedontheoutside.Ifyouwriteabookand nooneiswillingtobuyit,thereisnosatisfaction.Actasthoughpeoplearehungryfor yourwork.Liveasthoughyoucannotproducestories,orbooksfastenoughtomeetthe demand.Persistinthisassumptionandallthatisnecessarytoachieveyourgoalwill quicklyburstintobloomandyouwillexpressit. 4.Question:HowdoIimaginelargeraudiencesformytalks? Answer:IcanansweryoubestbysharingthetechniqueusedbyaveryableteacherI know.WhenthismanfirstcametothiscountryhebeganspeakinginasmallhallinNew YorkCity.AlthoughonlyfiftyorsixtypeopleattendedhisSundaymorningmeeting,and theysatinfront,thisteacherwouldstandatthepodiumandimagineavastaudience.Then hewouldsaytotheemptyspace,"Canyouhearmebackthere?" TodaythismanisspeakinginCarnegieHallinNewYorkCitytoapproximately2500 peopleeverySundaymorningandWednesdayevening.Hewantedtospeaktocrowds.He wasnotmodest.Hedidnottrytofoolhimselfbutbuiltacrowdinhisownconsciousness, andcrowdscome.Standbeforealargeaudience.Addressthisaudienceinyour imagination.Feelyouareonthatstageandyourfeelingwillprovidethemeans. 5.Question:Isitpossibletoimagineseveralthingsatthesametime,orshouldIconfine myimaginingtoonedesire? Answer:PersonallyIliketoconfinemyimaginalacttoasinglethought,butthatdoesnot

meanIwillstopthere.DuringthecourseofadayImayimaginemanythings,butinstead ofimagininglotsofsmallthings,Iwouldsuggestthatyouimaginesomethingsobigit includesallthelittlethings.Insteadofimaginingwealth,healthandfriends,imaginebeing ecstatic.Youcouldnotbeecstaticandbeinpain.Youcouldnotbeecstaticandbe threatenedwithadispossessionnotice.Youcouldnotbeecstaticifyouwerenotenjoying afullmeasureoffriendshipandlove. Whatwouldthefeelingbelikewereyouecstaticwithoutknowingwhathadhappenedto produceyourecstasy?Reducetheideaofecstasytothesinglesensation,"Isn'tit wonderful!"Donotallowtheconscious,reasoningmindtoaskwhy,becauseifitdoesit willstarttolookforvisiblecauses,andthenthesensationwillbelost.Rather,repeatover andoveragain,"Isn'titwonderful!"Suspendjudgmentastowhatiswonderful.Catchthe onesensationofthewonderofitallandthingswillhappentobearwitnesstothetruthof thissensation.AndIpromiseyou,itwillincludeallthelittlethings. 6.Question:HowoftenshouldIperformtheimaginalact,afewdaysorseveralweeks? Answer:IntheBookofGenesisthestoryistoldofJacobwrestlingwithanangel.This storygivesusthecluewearelookingforthatwhensatisfactionisreached,impotence follows. Whenthefeelingofrealityisyours,forthemomentatleast,youarementallyimpotent. Thedesiretorepeattheactofprayerislost,havingbeenreplacedbythefeelingof accomplishment.Youcannotpersistinwantingwhatyoualreadyhave.Ifyouassumeyou arewhatyoudesiretobetothepointofecstasy,younolongerwantit.Yourimaginalact isasmuchacreativeactasaphysicalonewhereinmanhalts,shrinksandisblessed,foras mancreateshisownlikeness,sodoesyourimaginalacttransformitselfintothelikenessof yourassumption.If,however,youdonotreachthepointofsatisfaction,repeattheaction overandoveragainuntilyoufeelasthoughyoutoucheditandvirtuewentoutofyou. 7.Question:Ihavebeentaughtnottoaskforearthlythings,onlyforspiritualgrowth,yet

moneyandthingsarewhatIneed. Answer:Youmustbehonestwithyourself.Allthroughscripturethequestionisasked, "Whatdoyouwantofme?"Somewantedtosee,otherstoeat,andstillotherswantedto bemadestraight,or"Thatmychildlive." Yourdimensionallylargerselfspeakstoyouthroughthelanguageofdesire.Donot deceiveyourself.Knowingwhatyouwant,claimyoualreadyhaveit,foritisyourFather's goodpleasuretogiveittoyouandremember,whatyoudesire,thatyouhave. 8.Question:Whenyouhaveasassumedyourdesire,doyoukeepinmindtheever presenceofthisgreateroneprotectingandgivingyouyourassumption? Answer:Theacceptanceoftheendwillsthemeans.Assumethefeelingofyourwish fulfilledandyourdimensionallygreaterselfwilldeterminethemeans.Whenyou appropriateastateasthoughyouhadit,theactivityofthedaywilldivertyourmindfrom allanxiousthoughtssothatyoudonotlookforsigns.Youdonothavetocarrythe feelingthatsomepresenceisgoingtodoitforyou,ratheryouknowitisalreadydone. Knowingitisalreadyafact,walkasthoughitwere,andthingswillhappentomakeitso. Youdonothavetobeconcernedaboutsomepresencedoinganythingforyou.The deeper,dimensionallygreateryouhasalreadydoneit.Allyoudoismovetotheplace whereyouencounterit. Rememberthestoryofthemanwholeftthemasterandwasonhiswayhomewhenhe methisservantwhosaid,"Yoursonlives."Andwhenheaskedatwhathouritwasdone theservantreplied,"Theseventhhour."Theselfsamehourthatheassumedhisdesire,it wasdoneforhim,foritwasattheseventhhourthatthemastersaid,"Yoursonlives." Yourdesireisalreadygranted.Walkasthoughitwereand,althoughtimebeatsslowlyin thisdimensionofyourbeing,itwillneverthelessbringyouconfirmationofyour assumption.Iaskyounottobeimpatient,though.Ifthereisonethingyoureallyhave needof,itispatience.

9.Question:Isn'ttherealawthatsaysyoucannotgetsomethingfornothing?Mustwe notearnwhatwedesire? Answer:Creationisfinished!ItisyourFather'sgoodpleasuretogiveyouthekingdom. Theparableoftheprodigalsonisyouranswer.Inspiteofman'swaste,whenhecomesto hissensesandrememberswhoheis,hefeedsonthefattedcalfofabundanceandwears therobeandringofauthority.Thereisnothingtoearn.Creationwasfinishedinthe foundationoftime.You,asman,areGodmadevisibleforthepurposeofdisplayingwhat is,notwhatistobe.Donotthinkyoumustworkoutyoursalvationbythesweatofyour brow.Itisnotfourmonthsuntiltheharvest,thefieldsarealreadywhite,simplythrustin thesickle. 10.Question:Doesnotthethoughtthatcreationisfinishedroboneofhisinitiative? Answer:Ifyouobserveaneventbeforeitoccurs,thentheoccurringeventmustbe predeterminedfromthepointofviewofbeingawakeinthisthreedimensionalworld.Yet, youdonothavetoencounterwhatyouobserve.Youcan,bychangingyourconceptof self,interferewithyourfutureandmolditinharmonywithyourchangedconceptofself. 11.Question:Doesnotthisabilitytochangethefuturedenythatcreationisfinished? Answer:No.You,bychangingyourconceptofself,changeyourrelationshiptothings.If yourearrangethewordsofaplaytowriteadifferentone,youhavenotcreatednew words,butsimplyhadthejoyofrearrangingthem.Yourconceptofselfdeterminesthe orderofeventsyouencounter.Theyareinthefoundationoftheworld,butnottheirorder ofarrangement. 12.Question:Whyshouldonewhoworkshardinmetaphysicsalwaysseemtolack? Answer:Becausehehasnotreallyappliedmetaphysics.Iamnotspeakingofamamby

pambyapproachtolife,butadailyapplicationofthelawofconsciousness.Whenyou appropriateyourgood,thereisnoneedforaman,orstate,toactasamediumthrough whichyourgoodwillcome. Livinginaworldofmen,moneyisneededinmyeverydaylife.IfIinviteyoutolunch tomorrow,Imustpickupthecheck.WhenIleavethehotel,Imustpaythebill.Inorder totakethetrainbacktoNewYorkmyrailwayfaremustbepaid.Ineedmoneyandithas tobethere.Iamnotgoingtosay,"Godknowsbest,andHeknowsIneedmoney." Rather,Iwillappropriatethemoneyasthoughitwere! Wemustliveboldly!Wemustgothroughlifeasthoughwepossessedwhatwewantto possess.Donotthinkthatbecauseyouhelpedanother,someoneoutsideofyousawyour goodworksandwillgiveyousomethingtoeaseyourburden.Thereisnoonetodoitfor you.You,yourselfmustgoboldlyonappropriatingwhatyourFatherhasalreadygiven you. 13.Question:Cananuneducatedpersoneducatehimselfbyassumingthefeelingofbeing educated? Answer:Yes.Anarousedinterestisawardedinformationfromeveryside.Youmust sincerelydesiretobewellschooled.Thedesiretobewellread,followedbythe assumptionthatyouare,makesyouselectiveinyourreading.Asyouprogressinyour education,youautomaticallybecomemoreselective,morediscriminatinginallthatyou do. 14.Question:MyhusbandandIaretakingtheclasstogether.Shouldwediscussour desireswitheachother? Answer:TherearetwospiritualsayingswhichpermeatetheBible.Oneis,"Gotellno man,"andtheotheris"Ihavetoldyoubeforeitcomestopassthatwhenitdoescometo passyoumaybelieve."Ittakesspiritualboldnesstotellanotherthatyourdesireisfulfilled beforeitisseenontheoutside.Ifyoudonothavethatkindofboldness,thenyouhad

betterkeepquiet. Ipersonallyenjoytellingmyplanstomywife,becausewebothgetsuchathrillwhenthey comeintobeing.Thefirstpersonamanwantstoprovethislawtoishiswife.Itissaid thatMohammadiseverlastinglygreatbecausehisfirstdisciplewashiswife. 15.Question:ShouldmyhusbandandIworkonthesameprojectoronseparateones? Answer:Thatisentirelyuptoyou.MywifeandIhavedifferentinterests,yetwehave muchincommon.DoyourecallthestoryItoldofourreturntotheUnitedStatesthis spring?IfeltitwasmydutyasahusbandtogetpassagebacktoAmerica,soI appropriatedthattomyself.Ifeeltherearecertainthingsthatareonmywife'ssideofthe contract,suchasmaintainingaclean,lovelyhomeandfindingtheappropriateschoolfor ourdaughter,soshetakescareofthose. Quiteoftenmywifewillaskmetoimagineforher,asthoughshehasgreaterfaithinmy abilitytodoitthaninherown.Thatflattersmebecauseeverymanworthyofthename wantstofeelthathisfamilyhasfaithinhim.ButIseenothingwronginthecommunion betweentwowholoveoneanother. 16.Question:Iwouldthinkthatifyougettoomuchintothesleepystatetherewouldbea lackoffeeling. Answer:WhenIspeakoffeelingIdonotmeanemotion,butacceptanceofthefactthat thedesireisfulfilled.Feelinggrateful,fulfilled,orthankful,itiseasytosay,"ThankYou," "Isn'titwonderful!"or"Itisfinished."Whenyougetintothestateofthankfulness,you caneitherawakenknowingitisdone,orfallasleepinthefeelingofthewishfulfilled. 17.Question:Isloveaproductofyourownconsciousness? Answer:Allthingsexistinyourconsciousness,betheyloveorhate.Nothingcomesfrom

without.Thehillstowhichyoulookforhelparethoseofaninnerrange.Yourfeelingsof love,hateorindifferenceallspringfromyourownconsciousness.Youareinfinitely greaterthanyoucouldeverconceiveyourselftobe.Never,ineternitywillyoureachthe ultimateyou.Thatishowwonderfulyouare.Loveisnotaproductofyou,youarelove, forthatiswhatGodisandGod'snameisIam,theverynameyoucallyourselfbeforeyou maketheclaimastothestateyouarenowin. 18.Question:Supposemywantscannotmaterializeforsixmonthstoayear,doIwaitto imaginethem? Answer:Whenthedesireisuponyou,thatisthetimetoacceptyourwishinitsfullness. Perhapstherearereasonswhytheurgeisgivenyouatthistime.Yourthreedimensional beingmaythinkitcannotbenow,butyourfourthdimensionalmindknowsitalreadyis, sothedesireshouldbeacceptedbyyouasaphysicalfactnow. Supposeyouwantedtobuildahouse.Theurgetohaveitisnow,butitisgoingtotake timeforthetreestogrowandthecarpentertobuildthehouse.Althoughtheurgeseems big,donotwaittoadjusttoit.Claimpossessionnowandletitobjectifyitselfinitsown strangeway.Donotsayitwilltakesixmonthsorayear.Theminutethedesirecomes uponyou,assumeitisalreadyafact!Youandyoualonehavegivenyourdesireatime intervalandtimeisrelativewhenitcomestothisworld.Donotwaitforanythingtocome topass,acceptitnowasthoughitwereandseewhathappens. Whenyouhaveadesire,thedeeperyou,whomencallGod,isspeaking.Heurgesyou, throughthelanguageofdesire,toacceptthatwhichisnotthatwhichistobe!Desireis simplyhiscommunionwithyou,tellingyouthatyourdesireisyours,now!Your acceptanceofthisfactisprovedbyyourcompleteadjustmenttoitasthoughitweretrue. 19.Question:Whydosomeofusdieyoung? Answer:Ourlivesarenot,inretrospect,measuredbyyearsbutbythecontentofthose

years. 20.Question:Whatwouldyouconsiderafulllife? Answer:Avarietyofexperiences.Themorevariedtheyare,thericherisyourlife.At deathyoufunctioninadimensionallylargerworld,andplayyourpartonakeyboardmade upofalifetimeofhumanexperiences.Therefore,themorevariedyourexperiences,the finerisyourinstrumentandthericherisyourlife. 21.Question:Whataboutachildwhodiesatbirth? Answer:Thechildwhoisborn,livesforever,asnothingdies.Itmayappearthatthechild whodiesatbirthhasnokeyboardofhumanexperiencebut,asapoetoncesaid:"Hedrew acirclethatshutmeout,Infidel,scoundrel,athingtoflout.ButLoveandIhadthewitto win!Wedrewacirclethattookhimin." Thelovedonehasaccesstothesensoryexperiencesofthelover.Godislovetherefore, ultimatelyeveryonehasaninstrument,thekeyboardofwhichisthesensoryimpressionsof allmen. 22.Question:Whatisyourtechniqueofprayer? Answer:Itstartswithdesire,fordesireisthemainspringofaction.Youmustknowand defineyourobjective,thencondenseitintoasensationwhichimpliesfulfillment.When yourdesireisclearlydefined,immobilizeyourphysicalbodyandexperience,inyour imagination,theactionwhichimpliesitsfulfillment.Repeatthisactoverandoveragain untilithasthevividnessandfeelingofreality. Or,condenseyourdesireintoasinglephrasethatimpliesfulfillmentsuchas,"Thankyou Father,""Isn'titwonderful,"or"Itisfinished."Repeatthatcondensedphrase,oractionin yourimaginationoverandoveragain.Theneitherawakenfromthatstate,orslipoffinto

thedeep.Itdoesnotmatter,fortheactisdonewhenyoucompletelyacceptitasbeing finishedinthatsleepy,drowsystate. 23.Question:Twopeoplewantthesameposition.Onehasit.Theotherhaditandnow wantsitback. Answer:YourFather(thedimensionallygreateryou)haswaysandmeansyouknownot of.Accepthiswisdom.Feelyourdesireisfulfilled,thenallowyourFathertogiveitto you.Thepresentonemaybepromotedtoahigherposition,ormarryamanofgreat wealthandgiveupherjob.Shemaycomeintoagreatdealofmoney,orchoosetomove toanotherstate. Manypeoplesaytheywanttowork,butIquestionthatseriously.Theywantsecurityand conditionsecurityonajob.ButIreallydonotthinktheaveragegirltrulywantstogetup inthemorningandgotowork. 24.Question:Whatisthecauseofdiseaseandpain? Answer:Thephysicalbodyisanemotionalfilter.Manyhumanailments,hitherto consideredpurelyphysical,arenowrecognizedasrootedinemotionaldisturbances. Paincomesfromlackofrelaxation.Whenyousleepthereisnopain.Ifyouareunderan anesthetic,thereisnopainbecauseyouarerelaxed,asitwere.Ifyouhavepainitis becauseyouaretenseandtryingtoforcesomething.Youcannotforceanideainto embodiment,yousimplyappropriateit.Itisattentionminuseffort.Onlypracticewillbring youtothatpointwhereyoucanbeattentiveandstillberelaxed. Attentionistensiontowardanend,andrelaxationisjusttheopposite.Herearetwo completelyoppositeideasthatyoumustblenduntilyoulearn,throughpractice,howtobe attentive,butnottense.Theword"contention"means"attentionminuseffort."Inthe stateofcontentionyouareheldbytheideawithouttension.

25.Question:NomatterhowmuchItrytobehappy,underneath,Ihaveamelancholy feelingofbeingleftout.Why? Answer:Becauseyoufeelyouarenotwanted.WereIyou,IwouldassumeIamwanted. Youknowthetechnique.Theassumptionthatyouarewantedmayseemfalsewhenfirst assumed,butifyouwillfeelwantedandrespected,andpersistinthatassumption,youwill beamazedhowotherswillseekyouout.Theywillbegintoseequalitiesinyoutheyhad neverseenbefore.Ipromiseyou.Ifyouwillbutassumeyouarewanted,youwillbe. 26.QuestionIfsecuritycametomethroughthedeathofalovedone,didIbringabout thatdeath? Answer:Donotthinkforonesecondthatyoubroughtaboutadeathbyassuming security.Thegreateryouisnotgoingtoinjureanyone.Itseesalland,knowingthelength oflifeofall,itcaninspiretheothertogiveyouthatwhichcanfulfillyourassumption. Youdidnotkillthepersonwhonamedyouinhiswill.If,afewdaysafteryourcomplete acceptanceoftheideaofsecurity,UncleJohnmadehisexitfromthisthreedimensional planeandleftyouhisestate,itisonlybecauseitwastimeforUncleJohntogo.Hedid notdieonesecondbeforehistime,however.ThegreateryousawthelifespanofJohn andusedhimasthewaytobringaboutthefulfillmentofyourfeelingofsecurity. Theacceptanceoftheendwillsthemeanstowardthefulfillmentofthatend.Donotbe concernedwithanythingsavetheend.Alwaysbearinmindthattheresponsibilitytomake itsoiscompletelyremovedfromyourshoulders.Itisyoursbecauseyouacceptitasso! 27.Question:IhavemorethanoneobjectiveWoulditbeineffectivetoconcentrateon differentobjectivesatdifferentperiodsofconcentration? Answer:Iliketotakeoneconsumingambition,restrictittoasingleshortphrase,oract

thatimpliesfulfillment,butIdonotlimitmyambition.Ionlyknowthatmyrealobjective willincludeallthelittleones. 28.Question:Ifinditdifficulttochangemyconceptofself.Why? Answer:Becauseyourdesiretochangehasnotbeenaroused.Ifyouwouldfallinlove withwhatyoureallywanttobe,youwouldbecomeit.Ittakesanintensehungertobring aboutatransformationofself. "Asthehartpantethafterthewaterbrooks,sopantethmysoulafterthee,OLord."Ifyou wouldbecomeasthirstyforperfectionasthelittlehartisforwaterthatitbravestheanger ofthetigerintheforest,youwouldbecomeperfect. 29.Question:Iamcontemplatingabusinessventure.Itmeansagreatdealtome,butI cannotimaginehowitcancomeintobeing. Answer:Youarerelievedofthatresponsibility.Youdonothavetomakeitareality,it alreadyis!Althoughyourconceptofselfseemssofarremovedfromtheventureyounow contemplate,itexistsnowasarealitywithinyou.Askyourselfhowyouwouldfeeland whatyouwouldbedoingifyourbusinessventurewereagreatsuccess.Becomeidentified withthatcharacterandfeelingandyouwillbeamazedhowquicklyyouwillrealizeyour dream. Theonlysacrificeyouarecalledupontomake,istogiveupyourpresentconceptofself andappropriatethedesireyouwanttoexpress. 30.Question:AsametaphysicalstudentIhavebeentaughttobelievethatracebeliefsand universalassumptionsaffectme.DoyoumeanthatonlytothedegreeIgivethese universalbeliefspoweroverme,amIinfluencedbythem? Answer:Yes.Itisonlyyourindividualviewpoint,asyourworldisforeverbearingwitness

toyourpresentconceptofself.Ifsomeoneoffendsyou,changeyourconceptofself.That istheonlywayotherschange.Tonight'spapermaybereadbyanysixpeopleinthisroom andnotwowillinterpretthesamestoryinthesameway.Onewillbeelated,theother depressed,anotherindifferent,andsoon,yetitisthesamestory. Universalassumptions,racebeliefs,callthemwhatyouwill,theyarenotimportantto you.Whatisimportantisyourconcept,notofanother,butofyourself,fortheconcept youholdofyourselfdeterminestheconceptyouholdofothers.Leaveothersalone.What aretheytoyou?Followyourowndesires. Thelawisalwaysinoperation,alwaysabsolute.Yourconsciousnessistherockupon whichallstructuresrest.Watchwhatyouareawareof.Youneednotconcernyourself withothersbecauseyouaresustainedbytheabsolutenessofthislaw.Nomancomesto youofhisownaccord,behegood,badorindifferent.Hedidnotchooseyou!Youchose him!Hewasdrawntoyoubecauseofwhatyouare. Youcannotdestroythestateanotherrepresentsthroughforce.Rather,leavehimalone. Whatishetoyou?Risetoahigherlevelofconsciousnessandyouwillfindanewworld awaitingyou,andasyousanctifyyourself,othersaresanctified. 31.Question:WhowrotetheBible? Answer:TheBiblewaswrittenbyintelligentmenwhousedsolarandphallicmythsto revealpsychologicaltruths.Butwehavemistakentheirallegoryforhistoryand,therefore, havefailedtoseetheirtruemessage. Itisstrange,butwhentheBiblewaslaunchedupontheworld,andacceptanceseemedto beinsight,thegreatAlexandriaLibrarywasburnttotheground,leavingnorecordasto howtheBiblecameintobeing.Fewpeoplecanreadotherlanguages,sotheycannot comparetheirbeliefswithothers.Ourchurchesdonotencourageustocompare.How manyofthemillionswhoaccepttheBibleasfact,everquestionit?Believingitistheword

ofGod,theyblindlyacceptthewordsandthuslosetheessencetheycontain.Having acceptedthevehicle,theydonotunderstandwhatthevehicleconveys. 32.Question:DoyouusetheApocrypha? Answer:Notinmyteaching.Ihaveseveralvolumesofthemathome.Theyarenogreater thanthesixtysixbooksofourpresentBible.Theyaresimplytellingthesametruthina differentway.Forinstance,thestoryistoldofJesus,asayoungboy,watchingchildren makebirdsoutofmud.Holdingthebirdsintheirhands,theypretendthebirdsareflying. Jesusapproachesandknocksthebirdsoutoftheirhands.Astheybegintocry,hepicks uponeofthebrokenbirdsandremoldsit.Holdingithigh,hebreathsuponitandthebird takeswing. Hereisastoryofonewhocametobreaktheidolsinthemindsofmen,thenshowthem howtousethesamesubstanceandremolditintoabeautifulformandgiveitlife.Thatis whatthisstoryistryingtoconvey."Icome,nottobringpeace,butasword."Truthslays allthelittlemudhensofthemindslaysillusionsandthenremoldsthemintoanew patternwhichsetsmanfree. 33.Question:IfJesuswasafictionalcharactercreatedbyBiblicalwritersforthepurpose ofillustratingcertainpsychologicaldramas,howdoyouaccountforthefactthatheand hisphilosophyarementionedinthenonreligiousandnonChristianhistoryofthosetimes? WerenotPontiusPilateandHerodrealfleshandbloodRomanofficialsinthosedays? Answer:ThestoryofJesusistheidenticalstoryasthatoftheHindusavior,Krishna.They arethesamepsychologicalcharacters.Bothweresupposedtohavebeenbornofvirgin mothers.Therulersofthetimesoughttodestroythemwhentheywerechildren.Both healedthesick,resurrectedthedead,taughtthegospelofloveanddiedamartyr'sdeath formankind.HindusandChristiansalikebelievetheirsaviortobeGodmademan. TodaypeoplequoteSocrates,yettheonlyproofthatSocrateseverexistedisintheworks

ofPlato.ItissaidthatSocratesdrankhemlock,butIaskyou,whoisSocrates?Ionce quotedalinefromShakespeareandaladysaidtome,"ButHamletsaidthat."Hamlet neversaidit,Shakespearewrotethelinesandputthewordsinthemouthofacharacterhe createdandnamedHamlet.St.Augustineoncesaid,"Thatwhichisnowcalledthe Christianreligionexistedamongtheancients.TheybegantocallChristianitythetrue religion,yetitneverexisted." 34.Question:Doyouuseaffirmationsanddenials? Answer:Letusleavetheseschoolsofthoughtthatuseaffirmationsanddenials.Thebest affirmation,andtheonlyeffectiveoneisanassumptionwhich,initselfimpliesdenialof theformerstate. Thebestdenialistotalindifference.Thingswitheranddiethroughindifference.Theyare keptalivethroughattention.Youdonotdenyathingbysayingitdoesnotexist.Rather youputfeelingintoitbyrecognizingit,andwhatyourecognizeastrue,istruetoyou,be itgood,badorindifferent. 35.Question:Isitpossibleforonetoappeardeadandstillnotbedead? Answer:GeneralLeewassupposedtohavebeenborntwoyearsafterhismother,believed tobedead,wasburiedalive.Luckyforhershewasnotembalmedorburiedintheearth, butinavaultwheresomeoneheardhercryandreleasedher.TwoyearslaterMrs.Lee boreasonwhobecameGeneralLee.Thatispartofthiscountry'shistory. 36.Question:Howcouldonewhowasdeprivedinhisyouthbecomeasuccessinlife? Answer:Wearecreaturesofhabit,formingpatternsofthemindwhichrepeatthemselves overandoveragain.Althoughhabitactslikeacompellinglawwhichdrivesonetorepeat thepatterns,itisnotalaw,foryouandIcanchangethepatterns.Manysuccessfulmen suchasHenryFord,RockefellerandCarnegieweredeprivedintheiryouth.Manyofthe

greatnamesinthiscountrycamefrompoorfamilies,yettheyleftbehindthemgreat accomplishmentsinthepolitical,artisticandfinancialworld. Oneeveningafriendofmineattendedameetingforyoungadvertisingexecutives.The speakeroftheeveningsaidtotheseyoungmen:"Ihavebutonethingtosaytoyou tonight,andthatistomakeyourselfbigandyoucannotfail." Takinganordinaryfishbowl,hefilleditwithtwobags,oneofEnglishwalnutsandthe otherofsmallbeans.Mixingthemwithhishand,hebegantoshakethebowlandsaid, "Thisbowlislife.Youcannotstopitsshakingaslifeisaconstantpulsing,livingrhythm, butwatch."Andastheywatchedthebigwalnutscametothetopofthebowlasthelittle beansfelltothebottom. Lookingintothebowlthemanasked,"Whichoneofyouiscomplaining,askingwhy?" Thenadded,"Isn'titstrange,thesoundiscomingfromthebowlandnottheoutside.A beaniscomplainingthatifhehadhadthesameenvironmentasthewalnuthe,toowould dobigthings,butheneverhadthechance."Thenhetookalittlebeanfromthebottomof thebowlandplacedhimontopsaying,"Icanmovethebeanthroughsheerforce,butI cannotstopthebowloflifefromshaking,"andasheshookthebowl,thelittlebeanonce againslidtothebottom. Hearinganothervoiceofcomplaintheasked,"What'sthatIhear?YouaresayingthatI shouldtakeoneofthosebigfellowswhothinksheissobigandputhimonthebottom andseewhathappenstohim?Youbelievehewillbejustaslimitedasyoubecausehewill berobbedoftheopportunityofbigthingsjustasyouare?Let'ssee." Thenthespeakertookoneofthebigwalnutsandpushedhimrightdowntothebottomof thebowlsaying,"Istillcan'tstopthebowlfromshaking,"andasthemenwatchedthebig walnutcametothetopagain.Thenthespeakeradded: "Gentlemen,ifyoureallywanttobesuccessfulinlife,makeyourselfbig."

Myfriendtookthismessagetoheartandbegantoassumehewasasuccessful businessman.Todayheistrulyabigmanifyoujudgesuccessbydollars.Henowemploys overathousandpeopleinthecityofNewYork.Eachoneofyoucandowhathedid. Assumeyouarewhatyouwanttobe.Walkinthatassumptionanditwillhardenintofact.

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BRAZENIMPUDENCE

Anewideawillnotbecomepartofyourcommoncurrencyofthoughtuntilithas beenrepeatedoverandoverandyoubegintolivebyit. YouhavebeentaughttobelievethatGodexistsoutsideofyou,butIsayyouareall Imagination.ThatGodexistsinusandweinhim.Thatoureternalbodyisthe Imagination,andthatisGodHimself.ImeaneverywordIhavejustsaid,butitisanew thought.Untilthisnewideabecomesapartofyourthinking,everytimeyouhearthe word,God,yourmindwillgoouttosomethingyouhaveconceivedGodtobe. WhenIsayIam,IamspeakingoftheLordJesusChristoftheNewTestamentandthe JehovahoftheOld.Whenyougotobedtonightandputyourheadonapillow,youare awareofbeing.ThatawarenessisGod!Iwanttoshowyouhowtouseyourawarenessas brazenimpudence. Inthe11thchapterofLuke,itissaidthatJesuswasprayingwhenoneofhisdisciples said:"Lord,teachustopray,"atwhichtimehegavethemtheLordsPrayer.Now,the

LordsPrayerthatyouandIhaveistranslatedfromtheLatin,whichdoesnothavethe imperativepassivemoodnecessarytoconveythemeaningoftheprayer.Initsoriginal Greek,theprayerislikebrazenimpudence,for theimperativepassivemoodisastandingorder,somethingtobedoneabsolutelyand continuously.Inotherwords,"Thywillbedone,"becomes"Thywillmustbebeing done."And"Thykingdomcome"becomesThykingdommustbebeingrestored." Thatisnotwhatisbeingtaught,however,ashetaughtintheformofaparablesuchas: "Whichofyouwhohasafriendwouldgotohimatmidnightandsaytohim,Friend,lend methreeloaves,forafriendofminehasarrivedonajourneyandIhavenothingtoset beforehim,andfromwithinhesays,Donotbothermethedoorisshutandmychildren areinbed.Icannotriseandgive youanything.YetItellyou,althoughhewillnotrisebecauseheisafriend,yetbecause ofhisimportunity,hewillriseandgivehimwhateverheneeds."Thewordimportunity meansbrazenimpudence.Inotherwords,hewouldnottakeNoforananswer! Jesuswasnotteachingadiscipleontheoutsidehowtopray.Hewastellingyouhowto adjustyourthinkingsoyouwillnottakeNoforananswer.Inthestorythefriendknew whathewanted.Heassumedhehaditandcontinuedtoassumehehadituntilhis assumptiontookonthefeelingofrealityandhegotit.ThisishowyoufindGodin yourself,bybeingpersistentinyourassumption. Thenthisstoryistoldtoshowhowyoushouldprayandnotloseheart:"Inacertaincity therewasajudgewhoneitherfearedGodnorregardedman.Therewasawidowinthat citywhocameconstantly,askinghimtovindicateheragainstherenemies.Atfirsthe refused,thenhesaidtohimself,AlthoughIneitherfearGodnorregardman,yetbecause thiswomanbothersmeIwill vindicateherbeforeshewearsmeout.Againweseetheneedforpersistenceinprayer. Whenyouknowhowtopray,youwilldiscoverthateveryoneintheworldcanbeusedas aninstrumenttoaidthebirthofyourprayer.Theymaybecondemnedintheactandpay

societysprice,whileyouaresavedyetyouarethecauseoftheiraction. Iwillnowsharewithyouaverypersonalstory.Itellittoillustrateaprinciple.Society blamedthisladyforwhatshedid,andshepaidtheprice,butIwasthecauseofher misfortune.Iamnotgoingtojustifymystoryandifyoucanttakeit,Imsorry.WhenI firsttoldit,oneladywasveryupsetandIregretthatbutIhavenoticedthatwhen someonehasrecentlygivenupalcohol,tobacco,meat,orsex,theyinvariablycondemnthe state.Theyfeeltooclosetoittofeelsecure.Iamnotsayingthatthisladyhadasimilar experiencewhereshewasthevictimIamonlyspeakingofaprinciple.Nowhereismy story: WhenIdecidedtomarrytheladywhonowbearsmynameIappliedthisprinciple.Atthe timeIwasterriblyinvolved.Ihadmarriedattheageofeighteenandbecameafatherat nineteen.Weseparatedthatyear,butIneversoughtadivorcetherefore,myseparation wasnotlegalinthestateofNewYork.Sixteenyearslater,whenIfellinloveandwanted tomarrymypresentwife,I decidedtosleepasthoughweweremarried.Whilesleeping,physicallyinmyhotelroom, Isleptimaginativelyinanapartment,sheinonebedandIintheother.Mydancingpartner didnotwantmetomarry,soshetoldmywifethatIwouldbeseekingadivorceandto makeherselfscarcewhichshedid,takingupresidenceinanotherstate.ButIpersisted! NightafternightIsleptinthe assumptionthatIwashappilymarriedtothegirlIlove. WithinaweekIreceivedacallrequestingmetobeincourtthenextTuesdaymorningat 10:00A.M..GivingmenoreasonwhyIshouldbethere,Idismissedtherequest,thinking itwasahoaxplayedonmebyafriend.SothenextTuesdaymorningat9:30A.M.Iwas unshavedandonlycasuallydressed,whenthephonerangandaladysaid:"Itwouldbeto youradvantage,asapublicfigure,tobeincourtthismorning,asyourwifeisontrial." Whatashock!Iquicklythankedthelady,caughtataxi,andarrivedjustascourtbegan. MywifehadbeencaughtliftingafewitemsfromastoreinNewYorkCity,whichshehad notpaidfor.AskingtospeakonherbehalfIsaid:"Sheismywifeandthemotherofmy

son.Althoughwehavebeenseparatedforsixteenyears,asfarasIknowshehasnever donethisbeforeandIdonotthinkshewilleverdoitagain.We haveamarvelousson.Pleasedonothingtohertoreflectinanywayuponourson,who liveswithme.IfImaysaysomething,sheiseightyearsmyseniorandmaybepassing throughacertainemotionalstatewhichpromptedhertodowhatshedid.Ifyoumust sentenceher,thenpleasesuspendit."Thejudgethensaidtome,"Inallofmyyearsonthe benchIhaveneverheardanappeallikethis.Yourwifetellsmeyouwantadivorce,and hereyoucouldhavetangibleevidence forit,yetyoupleadforherrelease."Hethensentencedherforsixmonthsandsuspended thesentence.Mywifewaitedformeatthebackoftheroomandsaid:"Neville,thatwasa decentthingtodo.GivemethesubpoenaandIwillsignit."WetookataxitogetherandI didthatwhichwasnotlegal:Iservedmyownsubpoenaandshesignedit. Now,whowasthecauseofhermisfortune?Shelivedinanotherstate,butcametoNew YorkCitytodoanactforwhichshewastobecaughtandtried.SoIsay:everybeingin theworldwillserveyourpurpose,sointheendyouwillsay:"Fatherforgivethem,for theyknownotwhattheydo."Theywillmoveundercompulsiontodoyourwill,justas mywifedid. Itellthisstoryonlytoillustrateaprinciple.Youdonotneedtoaskanyonetoaidyouin theanswertoaprayer,forthesimplereasonthatGodisomnipotentandomniscient.Heis inyouasyourownwonderfulIAmness.Everyoneontheoutsideisyourservant,your slave,readyandabletodoyourwill.Allyouneeddoisknowwhatyouwant.Constructa scenewhichwouldimplythefulfillmentofyourdesire.Enterthesceneandremainthere. Ifyourimaginalcounselor(yourfeelingoffulfillment)agreeswiththatwhichisusedto illustrateyourfulfilleddesire,yourfantasywillbecomeafact.Ifitdoesnot,startallover againbycreatinganewsceneandenterit.Itcostsyou nothingtoimagineconsciously! Inmyowncasethescenewasabedroomofanapartment,withmywifeinonebedandI intheother,denotingthatIwasnolongerlivinginahotelalone.Ifellasleepinthatstate,

andwithinoneweekIhadthenecessarypaperstostartactiononadivorce. ThisiswhattheBibleteaches.Itismytextbook."Whateveryoudesire,believeyouhave alreadyreceiveditandyouwill!" Thereisnolimittothepowerofbeliefortothepossibilitiesofprayer,butyoumustbe brazenlyimpudentandnottakeNoforananswer.Tryit!WhenIsayyouareall imagination,Imeanit.WhilestandinghereontheplatformIcan,inasplitsecond, imagineIamstandingontheoutside,lookingatthisbuilding.Or,inanothersecondbein Londonandviewtheworldfromthere.You saythatsallhallucination?Thatitisallinmyimagination?Allright,nowletmeshare anotherexperiencewithyou. IwasinNewYorkCitywhenIheardthatmyseventeenyearoldnephew,mysisters oldestchild,wasinaterminalstateofcancer.IknewhowshefeltandwonderedwhatI coulddotocomforthertoshowherthattheboyshesolovedwasnotfleshandblood, butspirit.SowhileinNewYorkCity,Iwenttomybedroom,closedthedoor,andlay downonmybed.Knowingthatmysister livedintheoldfamilyhouseinBarbados,IassumedIwasonthebedwhereIknewBilly tobe.Iassumedmysisterenteredthatroombutcouldnotseeherson,onlyherbrother, Neville.Ilostmyselfinthatassumptionuntilmysister,Daphne,enteredtheroom. Lookingstartled,shecameforward,staredatme,thenturnedandlefttheroom.WhenI wassatisfiedthatIhadseenher,and shehadseenmeandnotherson,Ibroketheexperienceandreturnedtoourlivingroom tobewithmywifeandafriendwhohadcomeforcocktails. TendayslaterIreceivedaletterfrommysister,inwhichshesaid:"Nev,Ijustcant understandit."GivingthedayandthehourwhichcoincidedwithmineinNewYorkCity shesaid:"IwentintoBillysroomandIwasstartledtoseeyouthere.Iknewyouwerein NewYorkCity,yetIcouldnotseeBillyonthebed,onlyyou.ImustconfessIwasabit afraid,so1lefttheroomandwhenI

returnedIcouldseeBillyagain.ShecouldseeBillybecausebythenIhaddeparted.IfI amallimagination,ImustbewhereIaminimagination.WhenIgavethescenesensory vividness,withallthetonesofreality,Iwasseenbymysistertwothousandmilesaway. No,IdidntsaveBilly.Hedied,butmypresencedidconvincemysisterthathersonwas notfleshandblood.Ifher brother,inNewYorkCity,couldappeartoherinBarbados,sheknewtherewas somethingthatinhabitsabodywhichcannotgotoeternaldeath. Itellyou:thereisanimmortalyouthatcannotdie.ThatnightIgavemysisterthe convictionofarealityinhersonthatwouldsurvivewhenthedoctorsaidhewasgone. Gonewhere?Restoredtoaterrestrialworldlikethisasayounglad,tocontinueajourney thatwassetupforhiminthebeginning.AndthatistoformtheimageofJesusChristin him.Whenthathappens,Billywill awakenasJesusChrist,theonebeingwhoisGodtheFather. Practicetheartofmovement.InNewYorkCity,mytelephonewasinthehallwayandmy chairinthelivingroom.Whilesittinginmychair,IwouldassumeIwasatthetelephone. ThenIwouldassumeIwaslookingintothelivingroom.Ipracticedthisexercise.untilI discoveredIcouldmoveanywhereinasplitsecondoftime.Tryitandperhaps,likemy sister,someonewillhavethe strangeexperienceofseeingyouwhereyouhavenotphysicallybeen.Makeitfun.Idoit allthetime. Alady,thinkingIwasstillinBarbadoswhereshelastsawmepainfullythinand weighingonly138poundswashopingIwasfeelingbetter,whenIinstantlyappearedin herlivingroom.IwasbrownfromtheBarbadossun,wearingagraysuit(whichIdidnot ownwhenIlefthere,butpurchasedinNewYorkCity)whenIsaid:"Thereisnotime," andvanished.Well,sheisaccustomedtothesethings,soshewasnotafraid. Iurgeyounottolimityourselftoalittlebodyoffleshandblood,foryouarespirit.Flesh andbloodcannotinheritthekingdomofGod,soonedayyoumusttakeitoff.Andhe

whotakesitoffisimmortal.HeisyourownwonderfulhumanimaginationwhoisGod, theFatherofalllife.Whenyoulearntolivethisway,lifebecomessoexciting.Yourdays arefullandyouareneveralone. IspendalldayathomereadingtheBibleandmeditating.Iclosemyeyesandtravelthe world.Itsfunandeducational.Itexpandsmeandmakesmebecomemoreawareofthe infinitebeingthatIreallyam. Now,thetwostoriesfromscripturethatIhavesharedwithyoushowtheimportanceof persistence.Whenyoupray,donotgetdownonyourkneesandpraytoanyunknown God.Instead,gotobedanddaretoassumeyouarenowwhoyouwanttobe.Fallasleep assumingitistrueandyouwillbeontheroadtosuccess,forthisishowthingsare broughtintobeing. Rightnowimaginesomethinglovelyforanother.Theyneedneverknowwhowasthe causeoftheirfortunebutyouwill.MyfirstwifedidnotknowIwasthecauseofher action.Hadshethoughtthatheractwouldmeanmyfreedomandherdisgracedoyou thinkshewouldhavedoneit?Shemovedundercompulsion,andIwasthecompelling force.Whenyourealizethis,youforgiveeveryoneforeverythingtheyhaveeverdone, becauseyoumayhavebeentheonewhowasthecauseoftheiraction. Blakesaid:"WhystandweheretremblingaroundcallingonGodforhelpandnot ourselvesinwhomGoddwells."Whycallonanygod,whentheonlyGoddwellswithin you?Heisnotpretending,butactuallybecameyou.Whenyouconfineyourselftothe littlegarmentyouwear,youareconfiningGod,becauseitishewhoiswearingit. Youneednointermediarybetweenyouandyourself,whoisGod.Dontrunfromthiscity toanotherinthehopeoffindingsomethingbetter,becausetheonepersonyouaregoing totakewithyouisyourselfsoresolveyourproblemshere.Donotcompromise.Decide exactlywhatyouwantandassumeyouhaveit.Ifyourworldwouldchange,determine whatitwouldlooklikethenconstructascenewhichwouldimplyyouarethere.Ifyour mentalconstructioncomesclose

toyourfulfilleddesire,yourlittledaydreamwillbecomeafact!Andwhenitdoes,willit matterwhatothersthinkaboutyourprinciple?Havingproveditselfinperformance,share yourexperiencewithanotherthattheymaysharetheirs.Keepsharingthisprinciple, becauseintheendwearealltheonebeingwhoistheLordJesusChrist.Onebody,one Lord,oneSpirit,oneGodandFather ofall.Dontbeashamedtoclaimit.ManseestheLordJesusChristassomelittlebeingon theoutsidebutheisinyou,andwhenyouseehim,hewilllookjustlikeyou! Afriendrecentlysharedthissweetvisionwithme.Shesaid:"Isawamaninawhiterobe standingonahill,buildingacanopyovertheentrancetoatemple.AsIapproachedI couldseethatthestripesusedforthecanopyweretranslucentgreenandIremarkedhow radiantlybeautifultheywere.ThemanturnedtolookatmeandIrealizeditwasyou, Neville,andyetyouwere Michelangelo.Thenyouaddressedmesaying:Ihavebeenworkingonthisthroughout eternityanditstillremainsinvisibletoothers.Takingthestripes,Iwovethemintothe formofabasketandyouthankedmeandsaid:GreatworkandIawoke."Thatwasa beautifuldream.Ihavebeentellingthestoryoftheresurrectionthroughouteternity,butit hasneverbeenputinto livingform.Itstillremainsdead,likeMichelangelosPieta,orhisDavidmadeoutof marble. LetDavidbecomealiveinthemindsofothers.GivelifetothePieta,thecrucifiedoneon themotherslap.Thestoryispublicproperty,nowadeadwrittencodeawaitinglifeinthe imaginationofmen.Dramatizesalvationsstory.Makeitintoaplayoratelevisionshow andletMichelangelosPietabecomealive.IhavemadethestoryalivebecauseIhave experiencedit. Michelangelo,withhistremendousknowhowofthehumanform,createdthedeadforms madeofmarble.Icamealong,unabletomoldastick,tofindthedeadformstakingonlife inme.Itismyhopethatonedaythiswonderfulstorywillbetoldasitreallyis,againstthe storythatwehaveheardforovertwothousandyears.

Nowletusgointothesilence.

RADIOLECTURES NevilleGoddard

BEWHATYOUWISHBEWHATYOUBELIEVE RadioTalk,StationKECA,LosAngeles July,1951 Anewspapermanrelatedtomethatourgreatscientist,RobertMillikan,oncetold himthathehadsetagoalforhimselfatanearlyagewhenhewasstillverypoorand unproveninthegreatworkhewastodointhefuture.Hecondensedhisdreamof greatnessandsecurityintoasimplestatement,whichstatement,impliedthathisdreamof greatnessandsecuritywasalready realized.Thenherepeatedthestatementoverandoveragaintohimselfuntiltheideaof greatnessandsecurityfilledhismindandcrowdedallotherideasoutofhisconsciousness. ThesemaynothavebeenthewordsofDr.MillikanbuttheyarethosegiventomeandI quote,"Ihavealavish,steady,dependableincome,consistentwithintegrityandmutual benefit."AsIhavesaid repeatedly,everythingdependsuponourattitudetowardsourselves.Thatwhichwewill notaffirmastrueofourselvescannotdevelopinourlife.Dr.Millikanwrotehisdreamof greatnessandsecurityinthefirstperson,presenttense.Hedidnotsay,"IwillbegreatI willbesecure,"forthatwouldhaveimpliedthathewasnotgreatandsecure.Instead,he madehisfuturedreamapresent fact."Ihave,"saidhe,"alavish,steady,dependableincome,consistentwithintegrityand mutualbenefit."

Thefuturedreammustbecomeapresentfactinthemindofhimwhoseekstorealizeit. Wemustexperienceinimaginationwhatwewouldexperienceinrealityintheeventwe achievedourgoal,forthesoulimaginingitselfintoasituationtakesontheresultsofthat imaginaryact.Ifitdoesnotimagineitselfintoasituation,itiseverfreeoftheresult. Itisthepurposeofthisteachingtoliftustoahigherstateofconsciousness,tostirthe highestinustoconfidenceandselfassertion,forthatwhichstirsthehighestinusisour teacherandhealer.Theveryfirstwordofcorrectionorcureisalways,"Arise."Ifweare tounderstandthereasonforthisconstantcommandoftheBibleto"arise,"wemust recognizethattheuniverseunderstoodinternallyisaninfiniteseriesoflevelsandmanis whatheisaccordingtowhereheisinthatseries.Asweareliftedupinconsciousness,our worldreshapesitselfinharmonywiththeleveltowhichwearelifted.Hewhorisesfrom hisprayerabetterman,hisprayerhasbeengranted. Tochangethepresentstatewe,likeDr.Millikan,mustrisetoahigherlevelof consciousness.Thisriseisaccomplishedbyaffirmingthatwearealreadythatwhichwe wanttobebyassumingthefeelingofthewishfulfilled.Thedramaoflifeisa psychologicalonewhichwebringtopassbyourattitudesratherthanbyouracts.Thereis noescapefromourpresentpredicamentexceptbyaradicalpsychologicaltransformation. Everythingdependsuponourattitudetowardsourselves.Thatwhichwewillnotaffirmas trueofourselveswillnotdevelopinourlives. Wehearmuchofthehumbleman,themeekmanbutwhatismeantbyameekman?He isnotpoorandgroveling,theproverbialdoormat,asheisgenerallyconceivedtobe.Men whomakethemselvesaswormsintheirownsighthavelostthevisionofthatlifeinto thelikenessofwhichitisthetruepurposeofthespirittotransformthislife.Menshould taketheirmeasurementsnotfromlifeastheyseeitbutfrommenlikeDr.Millkan,who, whilepoorandunproven,daredtoassume,"Ihavealavish,steady,dependableincome, consistentwithintegrityandmutualbenefit."SuchmenarethemeekoftheGospels,the menwhoinherittheearth.Anyconceptofselflessthanthebestrobsusoftheearth.The promiseis,"Blessedarethemeek,fortheyshallinherittheearth."

Intheoriginaltext,thewordtranslatedasmeekistheoppositeofthewordsresentful angry.Ithasthemeaningofbecoming"tamed"asawildanimalistamed.Afterthemindis tamed,itmaybelikenedtoavine,ofwhichitmaybesaid,"Beholdthisvine.Ifoundita wildtreewhosewantonstrengthhadswollenintoirregulartwigs.ButIprunedtheplant, anditgrewtemperateinitsvainexpenseofuselessleaves,andknottedasyouseeinto theseclean,fullclusterstorepaythehandthatwiselywoundedit." Ameekmanisaselfdisciplinedman.Heissodisciplinedheseesonlythefinest,hethinks onlythebest.Heistheonewhofulfillsthesuggestion,"Brethren,whatsoeverthingsare true,whatsoeverthingsarehonest,whatsoeverthingsarejust,whatsoeverthingsarepure, whatsoeverthingsarelovely,whatsoeverthingsareofgoodreportiftherebeanyvirtue andiftherebeany praise,thinkonthesethings." Werisetoahigherlevelofconsciousness,notbecausewehavecurbedourpassions,but becausewehavecultivatedourvirtues.Intruth,ameekmanisamanincompletecontrol ofhismoods,andhismoodsarethehighest,forheknowshemustkeepahighmoodifhe wouldwalkwiththehighest. Itismybeliefthatallmencan,likeDr.Millikan,changethecourseoftheirlives.Ibelieve thatDr.Millikanstechniqueofmakinghisdesireapresentfacttohimselfisofgreat importancetoanyseekerafterthe"truth."Itisalsohishighpurposetobeof"mutual benefit"thatisinevitablythegoalofusall.Itismucheasiertoimaginethegoodofall thantobepurelyselfishinourimagining.Byourimagination,byouraffirmations,wecan changeourworld,wecanchangeourfuture.Tothemanofhighpurpose,tothe disciplinedman,thisisanaturalmeasure,soletusallbecomedisciplinedmen. NextSundaymorning,July15th,IamspeakingastheguestofDr.Bailesat10:30atthe FoxWilshireTheateronWilshireBoulevard,nearLaCienega.Mysubjectfornext Sundayis"ChangingYourFuture."Itisasubjectneartotheheartsofusall.Ihopeyou

willallcomeonSundaytolearnhowtobethedisciplinedman,themeekman,who "changeshisfuture"tothebenefitofhisfellowman. Ifyouareobservant,youwillnoticetheswiftechoorresponsetoyoureverymoodinthis messageandyouwillbeabletokeyittothecircumstancesofyourdailylife.Whenweare certainoftherelationshipofmoodtocircumstanceinourlives,wewelcomewhatbefalls us.Weknowthatallwemeetispartofourselves.Inthecreationofanewlifewemust beginatthebeginning,withachangeofmood.Everyhighmoodofmanistheopeningof thedoortoahigherlevelforhim.Letusmouldourlivesaboutahighmoodora communityofhighmoods.Individuals,aswellascommunities,growspirituallyin proportionastheyrisetoahigherideal.Iftheiridealislowered,theysinktoitsdepthsif theiridealisexalted,theyareelevatedtoheightsunimagined. Wemustkeepthehighmoodifwewouldwalkwiththehighesttheheights,also,were meantforhabitation.Allformsofthecreativeimaginationimplyelementsoffeeling. Feelingisthefermentwithoutwhichnocreationispossible.Thereisnothingwrongwith ourdesiretotranscendourpresentstate.Therewouldbenoprogressinthisworldwereit notformansdissatisfactionwithhimself.Itisnaturalforustoseekamorebeautiful personallifeitisrightthatwewishfor greaterunderstanding,greaterhealth,greatersecurity.Itisstatedinthesixteenthchapter oftheGospelofSt.John,"Heretoforehaveyeaskedfornothinginmynameaskandye shallreceive,thatyourjoymaybefull." Aspiritualrevivalisneededformankind,butbyspiritualrevivalImeanatruereligious attitude,oneinwhicheachindividual,himself,acceptsthechallengeofembodyinganew andhighervalueofhimselfasDr.Millikandid.Anationcanexhibitnogreaterwisdomin themassthanitgeneratesinitsunits.Forthisreason,Ihavealwayspreachedselfhelp, knowingthatifwestrivepassionatelyafterthiskindofselfhelp,thatis,toembodyanew andhigherconceptofourselves,thenallotherkindsofhelpwillbeatourservice. Theidealweserveandhopetoachieveisreadyforanewincarnationbutunlessweoffer

ithumanparentageitisincapableofbirth.Wemustaffirmthatwearealreadythatwhich wehopetobeandliveasthoughwewere,knowinglikeDr.Millikan,thatour assumption,thoughfalsetotheouterworld,ifpersistedin,willhardenintofact. Theperfectmanjudgesnotafterappearanceshejudgesrighteously.Heseeshimselfand othersashedesireshimselfandthemtobe.Hehearswhathewantstohear.Heseesand hearsonlythegood.Heknowsthetruth,andthetruthsetshimfreeandleadshimto good.Thetruthshallsetallmankindfree.Thisisourspiritualrevival.Characterislargely theresultofthedirectionand persistenceofvoluntaryattention. "Thinktruly,andthythoughtsshalltheworldsfaminefeed Speaktruly,andeachwordofthineshallbeafruitfulseed Livetruly,andthylifeshallbeagreatandnoblecreed."

BYIMAGINATIONWEBECOME RadioTalk,StationKECA,LosAngeles (July,1951) Howmanytimeshaveweheardsomeonesay,"Oh,itsonlyhisimagination?" Onlyhisimaginationmansimaginationisthemanhimself.Nomanhastoolittle imagination,butfewmenhavedisciplinedtheirimagination.Imaginationisitself indestructible.Thereinliesthehorrorofitsmisuse.Daily,wepasssomestrangeronthe streetandobservehimmutteringtohimself,carryingonanimaginaryargumentwithone notpresent.Heisarguingwithvehemence,withfearorwithhatred,notrealizingthathe issettinginmotion,byhisimagination, anunpleasanteventwhichhewillpresentlyencounter.

Theworld,asimaginationseesit,istherealworld.Notfacts,butfigmentsofthe imagination,shapeourdailylives.Itistheexactandliteralmindedwholiveinafictitious world.OnlyimaginationcanrestoretheEdenfromwhichexperiencehasdrivenusout. Imaginationisthesensebywhichweperceivedtheabove,thepowerbywhichweresolve visionintobeing.Everystageofmansprogressismadebytheexerciseofthe imagination. Itisonlybecausemendonotperfectlyimagineandbelievethattheirresultsaresometimes uncertainwhentheymightalwaysbeperfectlycertain.Determinedimaginationisthe beginningofallsuccessfuloperation.Theimagination,alone,isthemeansoffulfillingthe intention.Themanwho,atwill,cancallupwhateverimagehepleasesis,byvirtueofthe powerofhisimagination,leastofallsubjecttocaprice.Thesolitaryorcaptivecan,by intensityofimaginationandfeeling, affectmyriadssothathecanactthroughmanymenandspeakthroughmanyvoices. "Weshouldneverbecertain,"wroteWilliamButlerYeatsinhisIDASOFGOODAND EVIL,"thatitwasnotsomewomantreadinginthewinepresswhobeganthatsubtle changeinmensminds,orthatthepassiondidnotbegininthemindofsomeshepherd boy,lightinguphiseyesforamomentbeforeitranuponitsway." Letmetellyouthestoryofaverydearfriendofmine,atthetimethecostumedesignerof theMusicHallinNewYork.Shetoldme,oneday,ofherdifficultyinworkingwithone oftheproducerswhoinvariablycriticizedandrejectedherbestworkunjustlythathewas oftenrudeandseemeddeliberatelyunfairtoher. Uponhearingherstory,Iremindedher,asIamremindingyou,thatmencanonlyechoto usthatwhichwewhispertotheminsecret.Ihadnodoubtbutthatshesilentlyargued withtheproducer,notintheflesh,butinquietmomentstoherself.Sheconfessedthatshe didjustthateachmorningasshewalkedtowork.Iaskedhertochangeherattitude towardhim,toassumethathewas

congratulatingheronherfinedesignsandshe,inturn,wasthankinghimforhispraiseand kindness.Thisyoungdesignertookmyadviceandasshewalkedtothetheater,she imaginedaperfectrelationshipoftheproducerpraisingherworkandshe,inturn, respondingwithgratitudeforhisappreciation. Thisshedidmorningaftermorningandinaveryshortwhile,shediscoveredforherself thatherownattitudedeterminedthesceneryofherexistence.Thebehaviorofthe producercompletelyreverseditself.Hebecamethemostpleasantprofessionalemployer shehadencountered.Hisbehaviormerelyechoedthechangesthatshehadwhispered withinherself.Whatshedidwasbythepowerofimagination.Herfantasyledhisandshe, herself,dictatedtohimthediscoursetheyeventuallyhadtogetheratthetimeshewas seeminglywalkingalone. Letussetourselves,hereandnow,adailyexerciseofcontrollinganddiscipliningour imagination.Whatfinerbeginningthantoimaginebetterthanthebestweknowfora friend.Thereisnocoalofcharactersodeadthatitwillnotglowandflameifbutslightly turned. Dontblameonlyresolve.Life,likemusic,canbyanewsettingturnallitsdiscordsinto harmonies.Representyourfriendtoyourselfasalreadyexpressingthatwhichhedesiresto be.Letusknowthatwithwhateverattitudeweapproachanother,asimilarattitude approachesus. Howcanwedothis?Dowhatmyfrienddid.Toestablishrapport,callyourfriend mentally.Focusyourattentiononhimandmentallycallhisnamejustasyouwouldto attracthisattentionwereyoutoseehimonthestreet.Imaginethathehasanswered, mentallyhearhisvoiceimaginethatheistellingyouofthegreatgoodyouhavedesired forhim.You,inturn,tellhimofyourjoyinwitnessinghisgoodfortune.Havingmentally heardthatwhichyouwantedtohear,havingthrilledtothenewsheard,goaboutyour dailytask.

Yourimaginedconversationmustawakenwhatitaffirmedtheacceptanceoftheendwills the means.Andthewisestreflectioncouldnotdevisemoreeffectivemeansthanthosewhich arewilledbytheacceptanceoftheend.However,yourconversationwithyourfriend mustbeinamannerwhichdoesnotexpresstheslightestdoubtastothetruthofwhatyou imaginethatyouhear andsay.Ifyoudonotcontrolyourimagination,youwillfindthatyouarehearingand sayingallthatyouformerlyheardandsaid. Wearecreaturesofhabitandhabit,thoughnotlaw,actslikethemostcompellinglawin theworld.Withthisknowledgeofthepowerofimagination,beasthedisciplinedmanand transformyourworldbyimaginingandfeelingonlywhatislovelyandofgoodreport.The beautifulideayouawakeninyourselfshallnotfailtoarouseitsaffinityinothers.Donot waitfourmonthsfortheharvest.Todayisthedaytopracticethecontrolanddisciplineof yourimagination.Manisonly limitedbyweaknessofattentionandpovertyofimagination.Thegreatsecretisa controlledimaginationandawellsustainedattention,firmlyandrepeatedlyfocusedonthe objecttobeaccomplished. "Nowistheacceptabletimetogivebeautyforashes,joyformourning,praiseforthe spiritofheavinessthattheymightbecalledtreesofrighteousness,theplantingofthe LordthatHemightbeglorified." Nowisthetimetocontrolourimaginationandattention.Bycontrol,Idonotmean restraintbywillpowerbutrathercultivationthroughloveandcompassion.Withsomuch oftheworldindiscordwecannotpossiblyemphasizetoostronglythepowerof imaginativelove. ImaginativeLove,thatismysubjectnextSundaymorningwhenIshallspeakforDr. Baileswhileheisonhisholiday.TheserviceswillbeheldasalwaysattheFoxWilshire TheateronWilshire

Boulevard,nearLaCienegaat10:30."Astheworldis,soistheindividual,"shouldbe changedto,"Astheindividualissoistheworld." AndIhopetobeabletobringtoeachofyoupresentthetruemeaningofthewordsof Zechariah, "Speakyeeverymanthetruthtohisneighborandletnoneofyouimagineevilinyour heartsagainsthisneighbor."Whatawonderfulchallengetoyouandtome."Asaman thinkethinhisheartsoishe."Asamanimaginessoishe.Holdfasttoloveinyour imagination.Bycreatinganidealwithinyourmentalsphereyoucanapproximateyourself tothis"idealimage"tillyoubecomeoneandthesamewithit,therebytransforming yourselfintoit,orrather,absorbingitsqualitiesintotheverycoreofyourbeing.Never, never,losesightofthepowerthatiswithinyou.Imaginativeloveliftstheinvisibleinto sightandgivesuswaterinthedesert.Itbuildsforthesoulitsonlyfitabidingplace. Beauty,loveandallofgoodreportarethegarden,butimaginativeloveisthe wayintothegarden. Sowanimaginaryconversation,youreapanactSowanact,youreapahabitSowa habit,youreapacharacterSowacharacter,youreapyourdestiny. Byimagination,weareallreapingourdestinies,whethertheybegood,bad,orindifferent. Imaginationhasfullpowerofobjectiverealizationandeverystageofmansprogressor regressionismadebytheexerciseofimagination.IbelievewithWilliamBlake,"What seemstobe,is,tothosetowhomitseemstobe,andisproductiveofthemostdreadful consequencestothosetowhomitseemstobe,evenoftorments,despair,andeternal death. Byimaginationanddesirewebecomewhatwedesiretobe.Letusaffirmtoourselvesthat weare whatweimagine.Ifwepersistintheassumptionthatwearewhatwewishtobe,wewill becometransformedintothatwhichwehaveimaginedourselvestobe.Wewerebornbya naturalmiracleofloveandforabriefspaceoftimeourneedswereallanotherscare.In

thatsimpletruthliesthesecretoflife.Exceptbylove,wecannottrulyliveatall. Ourparentsintheirseparateindividualitieshavenopowertotransmitlife.So,backwe cometothebasictruththatlifeistheoffspringoflove.Therefore,nolove,nolife. Thus,itisrationaltosaythat,"GodisLove."Loveisourbirthright.Loveisthe fundamentalnecessityofourlife."Donotgoseekingforthatwhichyouare.Thosewho goseekingforloveonlymakemanifesttheirownlovelessnessandthelovelessneverfind love.Onlythelovingfindloveandtheyneverhavetoseekforit."

ANSWEREDPRAYER RadioTalkStationKECA,LosAngeles (July,1951) Haveyoueverhadaprayeranswered? Whatwouldntmengivejusttofeelcertainthatwhentheypray,something definitewouldhappen.Forthisreason,Iwouldliketotakealittletimetoseewhyitis thatsomeprayersareansweredandsomeapparentlyfallondryground."Whenyepray, believethatyereceive,and yeshallreceive." Believethatyereceiveistheconditionimposeduponman.Unlesswebelievethatwe receive,ourprayerwillnotbeanswered.Aprayergrantedimpliesthatsomethingis doneinconsequenceoftheprayerwhichotherwisewouldnothavebeendone.Therefore, theonewhopraysisthespringofactionthedirectingmindandtheonewhogrants theprayer.Such responsibilitymanrefusestoassume,forresponsibilityitseems,ismankindsinvisible nightmare.

Thewholenaturalworldisbuiltonlaw.Yet,betweenprayeranditsanswerweseeno suchrelation.WefeelthatGodmayanswerorignoreourprayer,thatourprayermayhit themarkormaymissit.ThemindisstillunwillingtoadmitthatGodsubjectsHimselfto Hisownlaws.Howmanypeoplebelievethatthereis,betweenprayeranditsanswer,a relationofcauseandeffect? Letustakealookatthemeansemployedtohealthetenlepersasrelatedinthe seventeenthchapteroftheGospelofSt.Luke.Thethingthatstrikesusinthisstoryisthe methodthatwasusedtoraisetheirfaithtotheneedfulintensity.Wearetoldthattheten lepersappealedtoJesusto"havemercy"onthemthatistohealthem.Jesusordered themtogoandshowthemselvestothepriests,and"astheywent,theywerecleansed." TheMosaicLawdemandedthatwhenaleperrecoveredfromhisdiseasehemustshow himselftothepriesttoobtainacertificateofrestoredhealth.Jesusimposedatestupon thelepersfaithandsuppliedameansbywhichtheirfaithcouldberaisedtoits fullpotency.Ifthelepersrefusedtogotheyhadnofaithand,therefore,couldnotbe healed.But,iftheyobeyedHim,thefullrealizationofwhattheirjourneyimpliedwould breakupontheirmindsastheywentandthisdynamicthoughtwouldhealthem. So,weread,"Astheywent,theywerecleansed." You,nodoubt,oftenhaveheardthewordsofthatinspiringoldhymn"Oh,whatpeace weoftenforfeitoh,whatneedlesspainwebear,allbecausewedonotcarryeverythingto Godinprayer."I,myself,cametothisconvictionthroughexperience,beingledtobrood uponthenatureofprayer.Ibelieveinthepracticeandphilosophyofwhatmencallprayer, butnoteverythingthat receivesthatnameisreallyprayer. Prayeristheelevationofthemindtothatwhichweseek.Theveryfirstwordof correctionisalways"arise."Alwaysliftthemindtothatwhichweseek.Thisiseasilydone byassumingthefeelingofthewishfulfilled.

Howwouldyoufeelifyourprayerwereanswered? Well,assumethatfeelinguntilyouexperienceinimaginationwhatyouwouldexperience inrealityifyourprayerwereanswered.Prayermeansgettingintoactionmentally.It meansholdingthe attentionupontheideaofthewishfulfilleduntilitfillsthemindandcrowdsallotherideas outoftheconsciousness.Thisstatementthatprayermeansgettingintoactionmentally andholdingtheattentionupontheideaofthewishfulfilleduntilitfillsthemindand crowdsallotherideasoutoftheconsciousness,doesnotmeanthatprayerisamental effortanactofwill.Onthecontrary,prayeristobecontrastedwithanactofwill. Prayerisasurrender.Itmeansabandoningoneselftothefeelingofthewishfulfilled. Ifprayerbringsnoresponsethereissomethingwrongwiththeprayerandthefaultlies generallyintoomucheffort.Seriousconfusionarisesinsofarasmenidentifythestateof prayerwithanactofwill,insteadofcontrastingitwithanactofwill.Thesovereignruleis tomakenoeffort,andifthisisobserved,youwillintuitivelyfallintotherightattitude. Creativenessisnotanactofwill,butadeeperreceptivenessakeenersusceptibility.The acceptanceoftheendtheacceptanceoftheansweredprayerfindsthemeansforits realization.Feelyourselfintothestateoftheansweredprayeruntilthestatefillsthemind andcrowdsallotherstatesoutofyourconsciousness.Whatwemustworkforisnotthe developmentofthewill,buttheeducationoftheimaginationandthesteadyingof attention. Prayersucceedsbyavoidingconflict.Prayeris,aboveallthings,easy.Itsgreatestenemyis effort.Themightysurrendersitselffullyonlytothatwhichismostgentle.Thewealthof Heavenmaynotbeseizedbyastrongwill,butsurrendersitself,afreegift,totheGod spentmoment.Alongthelinesofleastresistancetravelspiritualaswellasphysicalforces. Wemustactontheassumptionthatwealreadypossessthatwhichwedesire,forallthat

wedesireisalreadypresentwithinus.Itonlywaitstobeclaimed.Thatitmustbeclaimed isanecessaryconditionbywhichwerealizeourdesires.Ourprayersareansweredifwe assumethefeelingofthewishfulfilledandcontinueinthatassumption. OneoftheloveliestexamplesofanansweredprayerIwitnessedinmyownlivingroom.A verycharmingladyfromoutoftowncametoseemeconcerningprayer.Asshehadno onewithwhomtoleavehereightyearoldson,shebroughthimwithherthetimeofour interview.Seemingly,hewasengrossedinplayingwithatoytruck,butattheendofthe interviewwithhismotherhesaid,"Mr.Neville,Iknowhowtopraynow.IknowwhatI wantacolliepuppyandIcanimagineIamhugginghimeverynightonmybed." Hismotherexplainedtohimandtometheimpossibilitiesofhisprayer,thecostofthe puppy,theirconfinedhome,evenhisinabilitytocareforthedogproperly.Theboy lookedintohismotherseyesandsimplysaid,"But,Mother,Iknowhowtopraynow." Andhedid.Twomonthslaterduringa"KindnesstoAnimalsWeek"inhiscity,allthe schoolchildrenwererequiredtowriteanessayonhowtheywouldloveandcarefora pet.Youhaveguessedtheanswer.Hisessay,outofthefivethousandsubmitted,wonthe prize,andthatprize,presentedbythemayorofthecitytotheladwasacolliepuppy. Theboytrulyassumedthefeelingofhiswishfulfilled,huggingandlovinghispuppyevery night. PrayerisanactofImaginativeLovewhichistobethesubjectofmymessagenextSunday morningat10:30attheFoxWilshireTheateronWilshireBoulevardnearLaCienega.Itis mydesire,nextSunday,thatImayexplaintoyou,howyou,liketheyoungboycanyield yourselvestothelovelyimagesofyourdesiresandpersistinyourprayereventhough you,likethelad,aretoldthatyourdesiresareimpossible. ThenecessityofpersistenceinprayerisshownusintheBible."Whichofyou,"asked Jesus,"shallgountohimatmidnight,andsayuntohim:Friend,lendmethreeloavesfora friendofmineiscometomefromajourney,andIhavenothingtosetbeforehimandhe fromwithinshallanswerandsay,Troublemenotthedoorisnowshutandmychildren

arewithmeinbedIcannotriseandgivethee.Isayuntoyou,thoughhewillnotriseand givehimbecauseheishisfriend,yetbecauseofhisimportunityhewillariseandgiveas manyasheneedeth."Luke2. Thewordtranslatedas"importunity"means,literally,shamelessimpudence.Wemust persistuntilwesucceedinimaginingourselvesintothesituationoftheansweredprayer. Thesecretofsuccessisfoundintheword"perseverance."Thesoulimaginingitselfinto theact,takesontheresultsoftheact.Notimaginingitselfintotheact,itiseverfreefrom theresult. Experienceinimaginationwhatyouwouldexperienceinrealitywereyoualreadywhat youwanttobe,andyouwilltakeontheresultofthatact.Donotexperiencein imaginationwhatyouwanttoexperienceinrealityandyouwilleverbefreeoftheresult. "Whenyepray,believethatyereceive,andyeshallreceive." Onemustpersistuntilhereacheshisfriendonahigherlevelofconsciousness.Hemust persistuntilhisfeelingofthewishfulfilledhasallthesensoryvividnessofreality.Prayeris acontrolledwakingdream.Ifwearetopraysuccessfully,wemuststeadyourattentionto observetheworldasitwouldbeseenbyuswereourprayeranswered. Steadyingattentionmakesnocalluponanyspecialfaculty,butitdoesdemandcontrolof imagination.Wemustextendoursensesobserveourchangedrelationshiptoourworld andtrustthisobservation.Thenewworldisnottheretograsp,buttosense,totouch.The bestwaytoobserveitistobeintenselyawareofit. Inotherwords,wecan,bylisteningasthroughweheardandbylookingasthoughwe saw,actuallyhearvoicesandseescenesfromwithinourselvesthatareotherwisenot audibleorvisible.Withourattentionfocusedonthestatedesired,theouterworld crumblesandthentheworldlikemusic byanewsetting,turnsallitsdiscordsintoharmonies.

Lifeisnotastrugglebutasurrender.Ourprayersareansweredbythepowersweinvoke notbythoseweexert.Solongastheeyestakenotice,thesoulisblindfortheworld thatmovesusistheoneweimagine,nottheworldroundaboutus.Wemustyieldour wholebeingtothefeelingofbeingthenobleonewewanttobe.Ifanythingiskeptback, theprayerisvain.Weoftenaredeprivedofourhighgoalbyourefforttopossessit.We arecalledupontoactontheassumptionthatwealreadyarethemanwewouldbe.Ifwe dothiswithouteffortexperiencingin imaginationwhatwewouldexperienceinthefleshhadwerealizedourgoal,weshallfind thatwedo,indeed,possessit.Thehealingtouchisinourattitude. Weneedchangenothingbutourattitudetowardsit.Assumeavirtueifyouhaveitnot, assumethefeelingofyourwishfulfilled."Prayformysoulmorethingsarewroughtby prayerthanthisworlddreamsof."

MEDITATION RadioTalk,StationKECA,LosAngeles (July,1951) Manypeopletellmetheycannotmeditate.Thisseemstomeabitlikesayingthey cannotplaythepianoafteroneattempt. Meditation,asineveryartorexpression,requiresconstantpracticeforperfectresults.A trulygreat pianist,forinstance,wouldfeelhecouldnotplayhisbestifhemissedonedayofpractice. Ifhemissedaweekoramonthofpracticehewouldknowthatevenhismostuninitiated audiencewouldrecognizehisdefects. Soitiswithmeditation.Ifwepracticedailywithjoyinthisdailyhabit,weperfectitasan

art.Ifindthatthosewhocomplainofthedifficultyinmeditationdonotmakeitadaily practice,butrather,waituntilsomethingpressingappearsintheirworldandthen,through anactofwill,trytofixtheirattentiononthedesiredstate.Buttheydonotknowthat meditationistheeducationofthe will,forwhenwillandimaginationareinconflict,imaginationinvariablywins. Thedictionariesdefinemeditationasfixingonesattentionuponasplanninginthemind asdevisingandlookingforwardengagingincontinuousandcontemplativethought.Alot ofnonsensehasbeenwrittenaboutmeditation.Mostbooksonthesubjectgetthereader nowhere,fortheydonotexplaintheprocessofmeditation. Allthatmeditationamountstoisacontrolledimaginationandawellsustainedattention. Simplyholdtheattentiononacertainideauntilitfillsthemindandcrowdsallotherideas outofconsciousness.Thepowerofattentionshowsitselfthesureguaranteeofaninner force.Wemustconcentrateontheideatoberealized,withoutpermittinganydistraction. Thisisthegreatsecretofaction.Shouldtheattentionwander,bringitbacktotheidea youwishtorealizeanddosoagainandagain,untiltheattentionbecomesimmobilizedand undergoesaneffortlessfixationupontheideapresentedtoit. Theideamustholdtheattentionmustfascinateitsotospeak.Allmeditationendsat lastwiththethinker,andhefindsheiswhathe,himself,hasconceived.Theundisciplined mansattentionistheservantofhisvisionratherthanitsmaster.Itiscapturedbythe pressingratherthantheimportant. Intheactofmeditation,asintheactofadoration,silenceisourhighestpraise.Letus keepoursilentsanctuaries,forinthemtheeternalperspectivesarepreserved.Daybyday, weekbyweek,yearbyyear,attimeswherenonethroughloveorlesserintentionswere allowedtointerfere,Isetmyselftoattainmasteryovermyattentionandimagination.I soughtoutwaystomakemore securelymyown,thosemagicallightsthatdawnedandfadedwithinme.Iwishedto

evokethematwillandtobethemasterofmyvision. Iwouldstrivetoholdmyattentionontheactivitiesofthedayinunwavering concentrationsothat,notforonemoment,wouldtheconcentrationslacken.Thisisan exerciseatrainingforhigheradventuresofthesoul.Itisnolightlabor.The ploughmanslabor,workinginthefieldsiseasierbyfar.Empiresdonotsendlegionsso swiftlytoobstructrevoltasallthatisaliveinushurriesalongthenervehighwaysofthe bodytofrustrateourmeditativemood.Thebeautifulfaceofoneweloveglowsbeforeus toenchantusfromourtask.Oldenmitiesandfearsbeleaguerus.Ifwearetempteddown thesevistas,wefind,afteranhourofmusing,thatwehavebeenluredaway.Wehave desertedourtaskandforgottenthatfixityofattentionwesetouttoachieve.Whatmanis therewhohascompletecontrolofhisimaginationandattention. Acontrolledimaginationandsteadiedattention,firmlyandrepeatedlyfocusedontheidea to berealized,isthebeginningofallmagicaloperations.Ifhepersiststhroughweeksand months,soonerorlater,throughmeditation,hecreatesinhimselfacenterofpower.He willenterapathallmaytravelbutonwhichfewdojourney. Itisapathwithinhimselfwherethefeetfirstfalterinshadowanddarkness,butwhich laterismadebrilliantbyaninnerlight.Thereisnoneedforspecialgiftsorgenius.Itisnot bestowedonanyindividualbutwonbypersistenceandpracticeofmeditation.Ifhe persists,thedarkcavernsofhis brainwillgrowluminousandhewillsetoutdayafterdayforthehourofmeditationasif tokeepanappointmentwithalover.Whenitcomes,heriseswithinhimselfasadiver,too longunderwater,risestobreathetheairandseethelight.Inthismeditativemoodhe experiencesinimaginationwhathewouldexperienceinrealityhadherealizedhisgoal, thathemayintimebecometransformedintotheimageofhisimaginedstate. Theonlytestofreligionworthmakingiswhetheritistruebornwhetheritspringsfrom thedeepestconsciousnessoftheindividualwhetheritisthefruitofexperienceor

whetheritisanythingelsewhatever. ThisismyreasonforspeakingtoyouonmylastSundayinLosAngelesaboutTheTrue Religious Attitude.Whatisyourreligiousattitude?Whatismyreligiousattitude?Ishallspeakon thissubjectnextSundaymorningat10:30asDr.Bailesguest.Theservicewillbeheldat theFoxWilshireTheateronWilshireBoulevardnearLaCienega.Ishallendeavorto showyouthatthemethodsofmentalandspiritualknowledgeareentirelydifferent.For weknowathingmentallyby lookingatitfromtheoutside,bycomparingitwithotherthings,byanalyzinganddefining itwhereaswecanknowathingspirituallyonlybybecomingit. Wemustbethethingitselfandnotmerelytalkaboutitorlookatit.Wemustbeinloveif wearetoknowwhatloveis.WemustbeGodlikeifwearetoknowwhatGodis. Meditation,likesleep,isanentranceintothesubconscious."Whenyoupray,enterinto yourcloset,andwhenyouhaveshutyourdoor,praytoyourFatherwhichisinsecretand yourFatherwhichisinsecretshallrewardyouopenlhy." Meditationisanillusionofsleepwhichdiminishestheimpressionoftheouterworldand rendersthemindmorereceptivetosuggestionfromwithin.Themindinmeditationisina stateofrelaxationakintothefeelingattainedjustbeforedroppingofftosleep.Thisstate isbeautifullydescribedbythepoet,Keats,inhisODETOANIGHTINGALE.Itissaid thatasthepoetsatinthegardenandlistenedtothenightingale,hefellintoastatewhich hedescribedas"AdrowsynumbnesspainsmysensesasthoughofhemlockIhaddrunk." Thenaftersinginghisodetothenightingale,Keatsaskedhimselfthisquestion,"Wasita visionorawakingdream?FledisthemusicdoIwakeorsleep?" Thosearethewordsofonewhohasseensomethingwithsuchvividnessorrealitythathe wonderswhethertheevidenceofhisphysicaleyescannowbebelieved.Anykindof meditationinwhichwewithdrawintoourselveswithoutmakingtoomuchefforttothink

isanoutcroppingofthesubconscious. Thinkofthesubconsciousasatidewhichebbsandflows.Insleep,itisafloodtide,while atmomentsoffullwakefulness,thetideisatitslowestebb.Betweenthesetwoextremes areanynumberofintermediarylevels.Whenwearedrowsy,dreamy,lulledingentle reverie,thetideishigh.Themorewakefulandalertwebecome,thelowerthetidesinks. Thehighesttidecompatiblewiththeconsciousdirectionofourthoughtsoccursjust beforewefallasleepandjustafterwe wake. Aneasywaytocreatethispassivestateistorelaxinacomfortablechairoronabed. Closeyoureyesandimaginethatyouaresleepy,sosleepy,soverysleepy.Actprecisely asthoughyouweregoingtotakeasiesta.Insodoing,youallowthesubconscioustideto risetosufficientheighttomakeyourparticularassumptioneffective. Whenyoufirstattemptthis,youmayfindthatallsortsofcounterthoughtstrytodistract you,butifyoupersist,youwillachieveapassivestate.Whenthispassivestateisreached, thinkonlyon"thingsofgoodreport"imaginethatyouarenowexpressingyourhighest ideal,nothowyouwillexpressit,butsimplyfeelHEREANDNOWthatyouarethe nobleoneyoudesiretobe.Youareit now.Callyourhighidealintobeingbyimaginingandfeelingyouareitnow. Ithinkallhappinessdependsontheenergytoassumethefeelingofthewishfulfilled,to assumethemaskofsomeothermoreperfectlife.Ifwecannotimagineourselvesdifferent fromwhatweareandtrytoassumethatsecondmoredesirableself,wecannotimposea disciplineuponourselvesthoughwemayacceptdisciplinefromothers. Meditationisanactivityofthesoulitisanactivevirtueandanactivevirtue,as distinguishedfrompassiveacceptanceofacodeistheatrical.Itisdramaticitisthe wearingofamask.

Asyourgoalisaccepted,youbecometotallyindifferenttopossiblefailure,foracceptance oftheendwillsthemeanstotheend.Whenyouemergefromthemomentofmeditationit isasthough youwereshownthehappyendofaplayinwhichyouaretheprincipalactor. Havingwitnessedtheendinyourmeditation,regardlessofanyanticlimaticstateyou encounter,youremaincalmandsecureintheknowledgethattheendhasbeenperfectly defined.Creationisfinishedandwhatwecallcreativenessisreallyonlyadeeper receptivenessorkeenersusceptibilityonourpart,andthisreceptivenessis"Notbymight, norbypower,butbymyspirit,saiththeLordofHosts."Throughmeditation,weawaken withinourselvesacenteroflight,whichwillbetousa pillarofcloudbydayandapillaroffirebynight.

THELAWOFASSUMPTION RadioTalk,StationKECA,LosAngeles (July,1951) Thegreatmystic,WilliamBlake,wrotealmosttwohundredyearsago,"What seems tobe,is,tothosetowhomitseemstobeandisproductiveofthemostdreadful consequencestothosetowhomitseemstobe." Now,atfirst,thismysticalgemseemsabitinvolved,oratbesttobeaplayonwordsbut itis nothingofthekind.Listentoitcarefully."Whatseemstobe,is,tothosetowhomit seemstobe."Thatiscertainlyclearenough.Itisasimpletruthaboutthelawof

assumption,andawarningoftheconsequencesofitsmisuse. TheauthoroftheEpistletotheRomansdeclaredinthefourteenthchapter,"Iknow,and ampersuadedbytheLordJesus,thatthereisnothinguncleanofitselfbuttohimthat esteemethanythingtobeunclean,tohimitisunclearn." Weseebythisthatitisnotsuperiorinsightbutpurblindnessthatreadsintothegreatness ofmensomelittlenesswithwhichitchancestobefamiliar,forwhatseemstobe,is,to thosetowhomitseemstobe. Experimentsrecentlyconductedattwoofourleadinguniversitiesrevealedthisgreattruth aboutthelawofassumption.Theystatedintheirreleasestothenewspapers,thatafter twothousandexperimentstheycametotheconclusionthat,Whatyouseewhenyoulook atsomethingdependsnotsomuchonwhatisthereasontheassumptionyoumakewhen youlook.Whatyoubelievetobetherealphysicalworldisactuallyonlyanassumptive world." Inotherwords,youwouldnotdefineyourhusbandinthesamewaythatyoumother would.Yet,youarebothdefiningthesameperson.Yourparticularrelationshiptoathing influencesyourfeelingswithrespecttothatthingandmakesyouseeinitanelement whichisnotthere. Ifyourfeelinginthematterisaselfelementitcanbecastout.Ifitisapermanent distinctioninthestateconsidered,itcannotbecastout.Thethingtodoistotry.Ifyou canchangeyouropinionofanother,thenwhatyounowbelieveofhimcannotbe absolutelytrue,butrelativelytrue. Menbelieveintherealityoftheexternalworldbecausetheydonotknowhowtofocus andcondensetheirpowerstopenetrateitsthincrust.Strangelyenough,itisnotdifficult topenetratethisviewofthesenses.Toremovetheveilofthesenses,wedonotemploy greatefforttheobjectiveworldvanishesasweturnourattentionfromit.Wehaveonlyto

concentrateonthestatedesiredtomentallyseeitbuttogiverealitytoitsothatitwill becomeanobjectivefact,wemustfocusourattentionuponthedesiredstateuntilithasall thesensoryvividnessandfeelingofreality. When,throughconcentratedattention,ourdesireappearstopossessthedistinctnessand feelingofrealitywhentheformofthoughtisasvividastheformofnature,wehave givenittherightto becomeavisiblefactinourlives.Eachmanmustfindthemeansbestsuitedtohisnature tocontrolhisattentionandconcentrateitonthedesiredstate.Ifindformyselfthebest statetobeoneofmeditation,arelaxedstateakintosleep,butastateinwhichIamstill consciouslyincontrolofmyimaginationandcapableoffixingmyattentiononamental object. Ifitisdifficulttocontrolthedirectionofyourattentionwhileinthisstateakintosleep, youmayfindgazingfixedlyintoanobjectveryhelpful.Donotlookatitssurface,but ratherintoandbeyondanyplainobjectsuchasawall,acarpetoranyobjectwhich possessesdepth.Arrangeittoreturnaslittlereflectionaspossible.Imagine,then,thatin thisdepthyouareseeing andhearingwhatyouwanttoseeandhearuntilyourattentionisexclusivelyoccupiedby theimaginedstate. Attheendofyourmeditation,whenyouawakefromyourcontrolledwakingdreamyou feelasthoughyouhadreturnedfromagreatdistance.Thevisibleworldwhichyouhad shutoutreturnstoconsciousnessand,byitsverypresence,informsyouthatyouhave beenselfdeceivedintobelievingthattheobjectofyourcontemplationwasrealbutifyou remainfaithfultoyourvisionthissustainedmentalattitudewillgiverealitytoyourvisions andtheywillbecomevisibleconcretefactsinyourworld. Defineyourhighestidealandconcentrateyourattentionuponthisidealuntilyouidentify yourselfwithit.Assumethefeelingofbeingitthefeelingthatwouldbeyourswereyou nowembodyingitinyourworld.Thisassumption,thoughnowdeniedbyyoursenses,"if

persistedin"willbecomeafactinyourworld.Youwillknowwhenyouhavesucceeded infixingthedesiredstatein consciousnesssimplybylookingmentallyatthepeopleyouknow. Thisisawonderfulcheckonyourselfasyourmentalconversationsaremorerevealing thanyourphysicalconversationsare.If,inyourmentalconversationswithothers,youtalk withthemasyouformerlydid,thenyouhavenotchangedyourconceptofself,forall changesofconceptsofselfresultinachangedrelationshiptotheworld.Rememberwhat wassaidearlier,"Whatyouseewhenyoulookatsomethingdependsnotsomuchon whatisthereasontheassumptionyoumakewhenyoulook." Therefore,theassumptionofthewishfulfilledshouldmakeyouseetheworldmentallyas youwouldphysicallywereyourassumptionaphysicalfact.Thespiritualmanspeaksto thenaturalmanthroughthelanguageofdesire.Thekeytoprogressinlifeandtothe fulfillmentofdreamsliesinthereadyobediencetothevoice.Unhesitatingobediencetoits voiceisanimmediateassumptionofthewishfulfilled.Todesireastateistohaveit.As Pascalsaid,"Youwouldnothavesoughtmehadyounotalreadyfoundme." Man,byassumingthefeelingofthewishfulfilledandthenlivingandactingonthis convictionchangeshisfutureinharmonywithhisassumption.To"changehisfuture"is theinalienablerightoffreedomlovingindividuals.Therewouldbenoprogressinthe worldwereitnotforthedivinediscontentinmanwhichurgeshimontohigherandhigher levelsofconsciousness. Ihavechosenthissubjectsoclosetotheheartsofusall"ChangingYourFuture"for mymessagenextSundaymorning.IamtohavethegreatjoyofspeakingforDr.Bailes whileheisvacationing.Theservicewillbeheldat10:30attheFoxWilshireTheateron WilshireBoulevardnearLaCienegaBoulevard.Sincetherighttochangeourfutureisour birthrightassonsofGod,letusacceptitschallengeandlearnjusthowtodoit. Againtoday,speakingofchangingyourfuture,Iwishtostresstheimportanceofareal

transformationofselfnotmerelyaslightalterationofcircumstanceswhich,inamatter of moments,willpermitustoslipbackintotheolddissatisfiedman.Inyourmeditation, allowotherstoseeyouastheywouldseeyouwerethisnewconceptofselfaconcrete fact.Youalwaysseemtootherstheembodimentoftheidealyouinspire. Therefore,inmeditation,whenyoucontemplateothers,youmustbeseenbythem mentallyasyouwouldbeseenbythemphysicallywereyourconceptionofyourselfan objectivefact.Thatis,inmeditation,youimaginethattheyseeyouexpressingthisnobler manyoudesiretobe.Ifyouassumethatyouarewhatyouwanttobe,yourdesireis fulfilledand,infulfillment,alllonging"tobe"isneutralized. This,also,isanexcellentcheckonyourselfastowhetherornotyouhaveactually succeededinchangingself.Youcannotcontinuedesiringwhathasbeenrealized.Rather, youareinamoodtogivethanksforagiftreceived.Yourdesireisnotsomethingyou labortofulfill,itisrecognizingsomethingyoualreadypossess.Itisassumingthefeeling ofbeingthatwhichyoudesiretobe. Believingandbeingareone.Theconceiverandhisconceptionareone. Therefore,thatwhichyouconceiveyourselftobecanneverbesofaroffaseventobe near,fornearnessimpliesseparation."Ifthoucanstbelieve,allthingsarepossibletohim thatbelieveth."Faithisthesubstanceofthingshopedfor,theevidenceofthingsnotyet seen.Ifyouassumethatyouarethatfiner,nobleroneyouwishtobe,youwillseeothers astheyarerelatedtoyourhighassumption.Allenlightenedmenwishforthegoodof others.Ifitisthegoodofanotheryouseek,youmustusethesamecontrolled contemplation. Inmeditation,youmustrepresenttheothertoyourselfasalreadybeingorhavingthe greatnessyoudesireforhim.Asforyourself,yourdesireforanothermustbeanintense one.Itisthroughdesirethatyouriseaboveyourpresentsphereandtheroadfromlonging tofulfillmentisshortenedasyouexperienceinimaginationallthatyouwouldexperience

inthefleshwereyouoryourfriendtheembodimentofthedesireyouhaveforyourselfor him. Experiencehastaughtmethatthisistheperfectwaytoachievemygreatgoalsforothers aswellas formyself.However,myownfailureswouldconvictmewereItoimplythatIhave completelymasteredthecontrolofmyattention.Ican,however,withtheancientteacher say:"ThisonethingIdo,forgettingthosethingswhicharebehind,andreachingforth untothosethingswhicharebeforeIpresstowardsthemarkfortheprize."

TRUTH RadioTalk,StationKECA,LosAngeles (July,1951) Iwishtoaskeachoneofyoulisteningtometodayaquestionaquestion whichmustbeclosetotheheartsofusallconcerningtruth. Ifamanknowntoyouasamurdererbrokeintoyourhomeandaskedthewhereaboutsof yourmother,wouldyoutellhimwhereshewas?Wouldyoutellhimthetruth?Would you? IventurenotIhopenot.InthemostmysticaloftheGospelsintheGospelofSt.John weread,"Yeshallknowthetruth,andthetruthshallmakeyoufree." Thereinliesachallengetousall,"Thetruthshallmakeyoufree." Ifyoutoldthetruthconcerningyourmother,wouldyousetherfree?Again,inJohnwe read,"Sanctifythembythetruth."Ifyougaveyourmotheruptoamurderer,wouldyou

"sanctifyher?"What,then,isthetruthofwhichtheBiblesoconstantlyspeaks?Thetruth oftheBibleisalwayscoupledwithlove.ThetruthoftheBibleisthatspiritualrealization ofconsciouslifeinGodtowardswhichthehumansoulevolvesthroughalleternity. Truthisaneverincreasingillumination.Noonewhoseekssincerelyfortruthneedfear theoutcomeforeveryraisingerstwhiletruthbringsintoviewsomelargertruthwhichit hadhidden.Thetrueseekeraftertruthisnotasmug,critical,holierthanthouperson. Rather,thetrueseekeraftertruthknowsthewordsofZechariahtobetrue."Speakye everymanthetruthtohisneighborandletnoneofyouimagineevilinyourheartsagainst hisneighbor."Theseekeraftertruthdoesnotjudgefromappearancesheseesthegood, thetruthinallheobserves.Heknowsthatatruejudgmentneednotconformtothe externalrealitytowhichitrelates.Neverarewesoblindtothetruthaswhenwesee thingsastheyseemtobe.Onlypicturesthatidealizereallydepictthetruth. Itisneversuperiorinsightbutrather,purblindnessthatreadsintothegreatnessofanother somelittlenesswithwhichithappenstobefamiliar. Weallknowatleastonepettygossipwhonotonlyimaginesevilagainsthisneighbor,but alsoinsistsuponspreadingthatevilfarandwide.Hiscruelaccusationsarealways accompaniedbythestatement,"Itsafact,"or"Iknowitsthetruth."Howfarfromthe truthheis.Evenifitwerethetruthasheknowsthetruth,itisbetternottovoiceitfor"A truthtoldwithbadintentbeatsalltheliesyoucaninvent."Suchamanisnotaseeker afterthetruthasrevealedintheBible.Heseeksnottruthsomuchassupportforhisown pointofview.Byhisprejudices,heopensadoorbywhichhisenemiesenterandmake theirownthesecretplacesofhisheart.Letusseeksincerelyforthe truthasRobertBrowningexpressesit: "Truthiswithinourselvesittakenorise Fromoutwardthings,whateeryoumaybelieve. Thereisanimmortalcenterinusall Wheretruthabidesinfullness.

Thetruththatiswithinusisgovernedbyimaginativelove.Knowingthisgreattruth,we cannolongerimagineevilagainstanyneighbor.Wewillimaginethebestofourneighbor. Itismybeliefthatwherevermansattitudetowardslifeisgovernedbyimaginativelove, thereitisreligiousthereheworshipsthereheperceivesthetruth. IamgoingtospeakonthissubjectnextSundaymorningwhenmytitlewillbe, "ImaginativeLove."Atthattime,IamtohavethepleasureandtheprivilegeoftakingDr. FrederickBailesserviceattheFoxWilshireTheateronWilshireBoulevardnearLa Cienega.TheservicewillbeheldasDr.Bailesalwaysconductsitat10:30Sunday morning. Itisanintuitivedesireofallmankindtobeafiner,noblerbeing,todothelovingthing. Butwecandothelovingthingonlywhenallweimagineisfullofloveforourneighbor. Thenweknowthetruth,thetruththatsetsallmankindfree.Ibelievethisisamessage thatwillaidusallintheartoflivingabetterandfinerlife.Infiniteloveinunthinkable originwascalledGod,theFather.InfiniteloveincreativeexpressionwascalledGod,the Son.Infiniteloveinuniversalinterpenetration,inInfiniteImmanence,andinEternal procession,wascalledGod,theHolyGhost.WemustlearntoknowourselvesasInfinite Love,asgoodratherthanevil. Thisisnotsomethingthatwehavetobecomeitis,rather,forustorecognizesomething thatwearealready.Theoriginalbirthplaceofimaginationisinlove.Loveisitslifeblood. Insofarasimaginationretainsitsownlifesblood,itsvisionsareimagesoftruth.Thenit mirrorsthelivingidentityofthethingitbeholds.Butifimaginationshoulddenythevery powerthathasbroughtittobirththenthedirestsortofhorrorwillbegin.Insteadof renderingbacklivingimagesofthe truth,imaginationwillflytolovesoppositefearanditsvisionswillthenbeperverted andcontortedreflectionscastuponascreenoffrightfulfantasy. Insteadofbeingthesupremelycreativepower,itwillbecometheactiveagentof destruction.Wherevermansattitudetolifeistrulyimaginative,theremanandGodare

mergedincreativeunity.RememberthatLoveisalwayscreative,causativeinevery spherefromthehighesttotheverylowest.Thereneverhasexistedthought,wordordeed thatwasnotcausedbylove,orbyitsoppositefearofsomekind,evenifitwereonlya desireofanotveryworthyaim.Loveandfeararethemainspringofourmental machinery.Everythingisathoughtbeforeitbecomesathing. Isuggestthepursuitofahighidealtomakeafactofbeingbecomeafactof consciousnessandtodothisbytrainingtheimaginationtorealizethattheonly atmosphereinwhichwetrulyliveandmoveandhaveourbeingisInfiniteLove.Godis Love.Loveneverfaileth.InfiniteCreativeSpiritisLove.TheurgethatcausedInfinite unconditionedconsciousnesstoconditionItselfintomillionsofsensitiveformsisLove. Loveregardedasanabstractionapartfromanobjectisunthinkable.Loveisnotloveif thereisnobeloved.Loveonlybecomesthinkableinrelation,inprocessinact.Letus recognizewithBlakethat,"Hewhowillnotlivebylovemustbesubduedbyfear,"andset ourselvesthehighestofidealstoloveandtoliveby.Butourhighestidealsdonotbless unlesstheycomedownandtakeonflesh.Wemustmakeresultsandaccomplishmentsthe crucialtestofourimaginationandourlove,forincarnationistheonlytruerealization. Ourfaithfulnessmustbetothesumofallthetruthweknowanditmustbeabsolute. Otherwise,thattruthlacksavehicleandcannotbeincarnatedinus. Ourconceptofourselvesdeterminesthesceneryofourlives.Weareeverourownjailers. Theprisondoorsthatwethoughtclosedaretrulyajarwaitingforustoseethetruth. "Maneversurroundshimselfwiththetrueimageofhimself,"saidEmerson."Everyspirit buildsitselfahouseandbeyonditshouse,aworld,andbeyonditsworld,aheaven.Know thentheworldexistsfor you,foryouthephenomenonisperfect.Whatwearethatonlycanwesee.AllthatAdam had,alltheCaesarcould,youhaveandcando." Adamcalledhishouseheavenandearth.Caesarcalledhishouse,Rome.Youperhapscall yoursacobblerstrade,orahundredacresofland,orascholarsgarret.Yetlineforline,

andpointforpoint,yourdominionisasgreatastheirs,thoughwithoutsuchfinenames. Build,therefore,yourownworldandasfastasyouconformyourlifetothepureideain yourmind,thatwillunfolditsgreatproportions. Thetruthisoursecretinwardreality,thecause,themeaning,therelationofourlivesto allthings.Letthetruthcarryusheavenwards,expandingourconceptions,increasingour understandinguntilweknowthe"Truth"andaremade"Free."

FEELINGISTHESECRET RadioTalk,StationKECA,LosAngeles (July,1951) Recently,Iaskedaverysuccessfulbusinessmanhisformulaforsuccess.He laughedandwasalittleembarrassed.Thenhereplied,"IguessitsjustbecauseIcant conceiveoffailure.ItsnothingthatIthinkaboutmuch.ItsmoreafeelingthatIhave." Hisstatementcoincidedcompletelywithmyownbeliefsandexperiments.Wecan thinkaboutsomethingforeverandneverseeitinourworld,butonceletusfeelitsreality, andweareboundtoencounterit.Themoreintenselywefeel,thesoonerwewill encounterit. Weallregardfeelingsfartoomuchaseffects,andnotsufficientlyascausesofthe events oftheday.Feelingisnotonlytheresultofourconditionsoflife,itisalsothecreatorof thoseconditions.Wesaywearehappybecausewearewell,notrealizingthattheprocess willworkequallywellinthereversedirection.Wearewellbecausewearehappy.Weare allfartooundisciplinedinourfeelings.

Tobejoyfulforanotheristoblessourselvesaswellashim.Tobeangrywithanotheristo punishourselvesforhisfault.Thedistressedmindstaysathomethoughthebodytravels totheendsoftheearth,whilethehappymindtravelsthoughthebodyremainsathome. Feelingisthesecretofsuccessfulprayer,forinprayer,wefeelourselvesintothesituation oftheansweredprayerand,then,weliveandactuponthatconviction.FeelingafterHim, astheBiblesuggests,isagradualunfoldingofthesoulshiddencapacities.Feelingyields inimportancetonoother.Itisthefermentwithoutwhichnocreationispossible.All formsofcreativeimaginationimplyelementsoffeeling.Allemotionaldispositions whatevermayinfluencethecreativeimagination.FeelingafterHimhasnofinality.Itisan acquisition,increasinginproportiontoreceptivity,whichhasnotandneverwillhave finality.Anideawhichisonlyanideaproducesnothinganddoesnothing.Itactsonlyifit isfelt,ifitisaccompaniedbyeffectivefeeling. Somewherewithinthesoulthereisamoodwhich,iffound,meanswealth,health, happinesstous.Thecreativedesireisinnateinman.Hiswholehappinessisinvolvedin thisimpulsetocreate. Becausemendonotperfectly"feel,"theresultsoftheirprayersareunsure,whenthey mightbeperfectlysure.WereadinProverbs,"Amerryheartdoethgoodlikeamedicine butabrokenspirit drieththebones."Orchestralheartsburnintheoilofthelampoftheking.Thespiritsings untotheLordanewsong.Alltrueprayerwearsagladcountenancethegoodare anointedwiththeoilofgladnessabovetheirfellows. Letus,then,watchourfeelings,ourreactionstothedaysevents.Andletusguardour feelingsevenmorezealouslyintheactofprayer,forprayeristhetruecreativestate. Dignityindicatesthatmanhearsthegreatermusicoflife,andmovestothetempoofits deepermeaning.Ifwedidnothingbutimagineandfeelthelovely,theworldsreform would,atonce,beaccomplished.ManyofthestoriesoftheBibledealexclusivelywiththe powerofimaginationandfeeling.

"FeelingafterHim"isthecryofthetruthseeker.Onlyimaginationandfeelingcanrestore theEdenfromwhichexperiencehasdrivenus.Feelingandimaginationarethesensesby whichweperceivethebeyond.Whereknowledgeends,theybegin.Everynoblefeelingof manistheopeningforhimofsomedoortothedivineworld.Letusmeasuremen,notby theheightoftheircities,butbythemagnificenceoftheirimaginationsandfeelings.Letus turnourthoughtuptoHeavenandmixourimaginationwiththeangels.Theworldthat movesusistheoneweimagine,nottheworldthatsurroundsus.Intheimaginationliethe unexploredcontinents,andmansgreatfutureadventure. Thisconsciousnessofnonfinalityin"feelingafterGod"hasbeentheexperienceofall earnest Godwardfeelers.TheyrealizethattheirconceptionoftheInfinitehasconstantly deepenedandexpandedwithexperience.Thosewhoendeavortothinkoutthemeaningof theexperienceandtocoordinateitwiththerestofourknowledge,arethephilosophic mysticsthosewhotrytodevelopthefacultyinthemselves,andtodeepentheexperience arethepracticalorexperimentalmystics. Some,andamongthemthegreatest,havetriedtodoboth.Religionbeginsinsubjective experience.Religioniswhatamandoeswithhissolitude,forinsolitudewearecompelled tosubjectiveexperience. ItisoftheReligiousAttitudethatIshallspeaknextSundaymorning.Thiswillbethelast SundaymorningIshalltaketheserviceforDr.Bailesthisseason.Theserviceisheldat 10:30attheFoxWilshireTheateronWilshireBoulevard,nearLaCienega.ATrue ReligiousAttitudeismanssalvation. Godneverchangesitiswewhoarechangingourspiritualeyesareevergettingkeener andthisenlargementoftruthwillbringusaneverincreasinginnerpeace. Thebestdefenseagainstthedeceptiveassaultuponourmentalandmoraleyesightisthe spiritualeyeortheEyeofGod.Inotherwords,aspiritualidealthatcannotbechangedby

circumstance,acodeofpersonalhonorandintegrityinourselvesandgoodwillandlove toothers."Notwhatthouart,norwhatthouhastbeen,beholdethGodwithhismerciful eyes,butthatthouwouldstbe." Throughtheveinsofthehumblestmanonearthrunstheroyalbloodofbeing.Therefore, letuslookatmanthroughtheeyesofimaginativelovewhichisreallyseeingwiththeEye ofGod.UndertheinfluenceoftheEyeofGod,theidealrisesupoutoftheactualas waterisetherializedbythesunintotheimagerycloudland.Thingsaltogetherdistantare presenttothespiritualeye. TheEyeofGodmakesthefuturedreamapresentfact.Notfourmonthstoharvestlook again,Ifwepersistinthisseeing,onedaywewillarisewiththedistanceinoureyes,and allthestaying,stagnantnearbywillsuddenlybeofnoimportance.Wewillbrushitaside aswepassontoourfarseenobjective. Themanwhoreallyfindshimselfcannotdootherwisethanlethimselfbeguidedbylove. Heisoftoopureeyestobeholdiniquity.Ourabilitytohelpotherswillbeinproportionto ourabilitytocontrolandhelpourselves.Thedayamanachievesvictoryoverhimself, historywilldiscoverthattohavebeenavictoryoverhisenemy.Thehealingtouchisinan attitude,andonedaymanwilldiscoverthatonegovernssoulsonlywithserenity.The mightysurrendersitselffullyonlytothemostgentle. Recognizingthepoweroffeeling,letuspaystrictattentiontoourmoodsandattitudes. Everystageofmansprogressismadethroughtheexerciseofhisimaginationandfeeling. Bycreatingan"ideal"withinourmentalspherewecanfeelourselvesintothis"ideal image"tillwebecomeoneandthesamewithit,absorbingitsqualitiesintotheverycore ofourbeing.Thesolitaryorcaptive can,bytheintensityofhisimaginationandfeeling,effectmyriadssothathecanact throughmanymenandspeakthroughmanyvoices.Extendyourfeelers,trustyourtouch, participateinallflightsofyourimaginationsandbenotafraidofyourownsensitivities.

Thebestwaytofeelanothersgoodistobemoreintenselyawareofit.Belikemyfriend andhave"moreofafeeling"forthehealth,thewealth,thehappinessyoudesire.Ideasdo notblessunlesstheydescendfromHeavenandtakeflesh.Makeresultsor accomplishmentsthecrucialtestoftrueimagination.Asyouobservetheseresults,you willdeterminetofillyourimageswithloveandtowalkinahighandnoblemoodforyou willknowwiththepoet: "Thatwhichyesowyereap. Seeyonderfields Thesesamumwassesamum,thecorn Wascorn.TheSilenceandtheDarknessknew Soismansfateborn."

AFFIRMTHEREALITYOFOUROWNGREATNESS RadioTalk,StationKECA,LosAngeles (July,1951) Inthecreationofanewwayoflife,wemustbeginatthebeginning,withourown individualregeneration.Theformationoforganizations,politicalbodies,religiousbodies, socialbodiesisnotenough.Thetroubleweseegoesdeeperthanweperceive.The essentialrevolutionmusthappenwithinourselves. Everythingdependsonourattitudetowardsourselfthatwhichwewillnotaffirmwithin ourselfcanneverdevelopinourworld.Thisisthereligionbywhichwelive,forreligion beginsinsubjectiveexperience,likecharity,itbeginsathome."Beyetransformedbythe

renewingofyourmind"istheancientformulaandthereisnoother.Everythingdepends uponmansattitudetoward himself.Thatwhichhecannotorwillnotclaimastrueofhimselfcanneverevolveinhis world. Manisconstantlylookingabouthisworldandasking,"Whatstobedone?Whatwill happen?"whenheshouldaskhimself"WhoamI?Whatismyconceptofmyself?"Ifwe wishtoseetheworldafiner,greaterplace,wemustaffirmtherealityofafiner,greater beingwithinourselves.It istheultimatepurposeofmyteachingtopointtheroadtothisconsummation.Iamtrying toshowyouhowtheinnermanmustreadjusthimselfwhatmustbethenewpremiseof hislife,inorderthathemaylosehissoulonthelevelhenowknowsandfinditagainon thehighlevelheseeks. Itisimpossibleformantoseeotherthanthecontentsofhisownconsciousness,for nothinghasexistenceforussavethroughtheconsciousnesswehaveofit.Theidealman isalwaysseekinganewincarnationbutunlesswe,ourselves,offerhimhumanparentage, heisincapableofbirth.Wearethemeanswherebytheredemptionofnaturefromthelaw ofcrueltyistobeeffected.The greatpurposeofconsciousnessistoeffectthisredemption.Ifwedeclinetheburdenand pointtonaturallawasgivingusconclusiveproofthatredemptionoftheworldby imaginativeloveissomethingthatcannevercomeabout,wesimplynullifythepurposeof ourlivesthroughwantoffaith.Werejectthemeans,theonlymeans,wherebythisprocess ofredemptionmustbeeffected. Theonlytestofreligionworthmakingiswhetheritistruebornwhetheritspringsfrom thedeepestconvictionoftheindividual,whetheritisthefruitofinnerexperience.No religionisworthyofamanunlessitgiveshimadeepandabidingsensethatalliswell, quiteirrespectiveofwhathappenstohimpersonally.Themethodsofmentalandof spiritualknowledgeareentirely different,forweknowathingmentallybylookingatitfromtheoutside,bycomparingit

withotherthingsbyanalyzinganddefiningit. Whiteheadhasdefinedreligionasthatwhichamandoeswithhissolitude.Ishouldliketo add,Ibelieveitiswhatamanisinhissolitude.Inoursolitudewearedriventosubjective experience.Itis,then,thatweshouldimagineourselvestobetheidealmanwedesireto seeembodiedintheworld.If,inoursolitude,weexperienceinourimaginationwhatwe wouldexperienceinrealityhadweachievedourgoal,wewillintime,become transformedintotheimageofourideal."Berenewedinthespiritofyourmindputon thenewmanspeakeverymantruthwithhisneighbor."Theprocessofmakinga"Fact ofbeingafactofconsciousness"isbythe"renewingofourmind." Wearetoldtochangeourthinking.Butwecantchangeourthoughtunlesswechange ourideas.Ourthoughtsarethenaturaloutpouringofourideas,andourinnermostideas arethemanhimself.Theendoflongingisalwaystobenottodo.Bestillandknow"I amthatwhichIdesire."Strivealwaysafterbeing.Externalreformsareuselessifyour heartisnotreformed.Heavenisenterednotbycurbingourpassionsbutrather,by cultivatingourvirtues.Anoldideaisnotficklyforgotten,itiscrowdedoutbynewideas. Itdisappearswhenawhollynewandabsorbingideaoccupiesourattention.Oldhabitsof thinkingandfeelinglikedeadoakleaveshangontilltheyarepushedoffbynewones. Creativenessisbasicallyadeeperreceptiveness,akeenersusceptibility.Thefuturedream must becomeapresentfactinthemindofanyonewhowouldalterhislife.Everygreatout picturingisprecededbyaperiodofprofoundabsorption.Whenthatabsorptionisfilled withourhighestideal,whenwebecomethatidealthenweseeitmanifestinourworld andwerealizethatthepresentdoesnotrecedeintothepast,butadvancesintothefuture. Thisisessentiallyhowwechange ourfuture.A"now"whichis"elsewhere"hasforusnoabsolutemeaning.Weonly recognize"now"whenitisatthesametime"here." Whenwefeelourselvesintothedesiredstate"here"and"now"wehavetrulychangedour

future.Itisthis"ChangingYourFuture"whichIhopetoexplaintoyoufullynextSunday morningwhenIamspeakingforDr.Bailesat10:30attheFoxWilshireTheateron WilshireBoulevardnearLaCienega.Itismypurposetostiryoutoahigherconceptof yourselfandtoexplainsoclearlythemethodbywhichyoucanachievethisconceptthat eachoneofyouwillleavetheserviceonSundaymorningatransformedbeing. Discouragedpeoplearesorelyinneedoftheinspirationofgreatprinciples.Wemustget backtofirstprinciplesifwearetospeakwithavoicethatwillkindletheimaginationand rousethespirit.Again,Imustrepeat,inthecreationofanewwayoflife,wemustbegin attheverybeginningwithourownindividualregeneration.Manschiefdelusionishis convictionthathecandoanything. Everyonethinkshecandoeveryonewantstodoandallask,"Whattodo?" Whattodo?Itisimpossibletodoanything.Onemustbe.Itishardforustoacceptthe factthat"We,ofourselves,donothing."Itisespeciallydifficultbecauseitisthetruthand thetruthisalwaysdifficultformantoaccept.But,actually,nobodycandoanything. Everythinghappensallthatbefallsmanallthatisdonebyhimallthatcomesfrom himallthishappens,andithappensinexactlythesamewaythatrainfallsasaresult ofachangeinthetemperatureinthehigherregionsoftheatmosphere. Thisisachallengetousall.Whatconceptareweholdingofourselvesinthehigher regionsofoursoul?Everythingdependsuponmansattitudetowardshimself.Thatwhich hewillnotaffirmastruewithinhimselfcanneverdevelopinhisworld.Achangeof conceptofselfistherightadjustmentthenewrelationshipbetweenthe surfaceandthedepthofman.Deepeningis,inprinciple,alwayspossible,fortheultimate depthlivesineveryone,anditisonlyaquestionofbecomingconsciousofit.Life demandsofusthewillingnesstodieandtobebornagain. Thisisnotmeantthatwedieintheflesh.Wedieinthespiritoftheoldmantobecomethe

newman,thenweseethenewmanintheflesh."SubjectiontothewillofGod"isanold phraseforitandthereis,Ibelieve,nonewonethatisbetter.Inthatselfcommittaltothe idealwedesiretoexpress,allconflictisdispersedandwearetransformedintotheimage oftheidealinwhomwerest. WearetoldthatthemanwithoutaweddinggarmentreachestheKingdombycleverly pretending.Hedoesnotbelieveinternallywhathepracticesexternally.Heappearsgood, kind,charitable.Heusestherightwords,butinwardlyhebelievesnothing.Cominginto thestronglightofthosefarmoreconsciousthanhimself,heceasestodeceive.Awedding garmentsignifiesadesireforunion. Hehasnodesiretounitewithwhatheteaches,evenifwhatheteachesisthetruth. Therefore,hehasnoweddinggarment.Whenweareunitedwiththetruth,thenwewill putofftheoldnatureandberenewedinthespiritofourmind. Truthwillstripthecleverpretendersoftheirfalsearistocracy.Truth,initsturn,willbe conqueredandgovernedbythearistocracyofgoodness,theonlyunconquerablethingin theworld.

THATWHICHALREADYHASBEENNevilleGoddard NevilleGoddard1061959

Thisplatformisconcernedonlywiththegreatsecretoflife.Hereweare

convincedthattheSupremePowerthatcreatedandsustainstheuniverseisDivine Imagining,anditdoesnotdifferfromhumanimaginationsaveindegreeofintensity.So GodinmanisyourwonderfulImaginationthatisGod.WetellyouthatImagination createsReality,butbearinmindthatatthishumanlevelonearthittakestimeand persistence.Ifwewillpersistintheimage,livein it,sleepinit,breatheinit,itwillcrystallizeintotangibleform.Nightafternightwetake differentfacetsofthistrulygreatsecret,andasweturntothegreatestbookon Imaginationintheworld,wetreatitdifferently.So,asweturntoit,bearinmindthatthe BibleisaddressedtotheImagination, nottothemanofsenseorthemanofreasontheonethatis"lost"or"dead"or"sound asleep." Wewilltakeasimplelittleverseandshowyouwhyitisnotaddressedtothenaturalman, Ecclesiastes3:15:"Thatwhichis,alreadyhasbeenthatwhichistobe,alreadyhasbeen andGodseekswhathasbeendrivenaway."The"naturalman"cannotgraspthat,forto himrealityisbasedonlyontheevidenceofthesenses.Themanofreasoncouldjustifythe verse'send,sayingifithasanymeaningthenthewritermustmeanrecurrence.Thesun comeseverydayandthemooncompletesitscycleandtheseasonscomeandgo.Ifwe tookapictureoftheuniversetoday,thescientistscancomputehowlongitwilltaketo returntothispointinthepicture.Sotheintellectualmancouldjustifytheversebutthatis notwhatismeant,foritisaddressednottothemanofreasonorthemanofsense,butto themanofImagination.Whatisitallabout?"Thatwhichis,alreadyhasbeenthatwhich istobe,alreadyhasbeen,andGodseekswhathasbeendrivenaway." Wearetoldthathemadegenericman(malefemale)inhisownimageandcalledthem "Man."Thenwearetoldthatthismanwasdrivenout,andthepriesthoodstellushewas drivenoutbecauseofsome"originalsin."Isendmychildtoschooltoprepareherfor livingintheworld,nottopunishher,buttodoitImustsendherout.InBarbadoswe haveagoodschoolsystem,thoughnotbeyond highschool,andwhenIwasaboythereIwouldseethesechildrenarrivingfromtheother islandsatthebeginningoftheschoolyearwiththeirnewclothesandtheirnewbooks.

Theythoughtitwasexciting,notknowingwhatitwasallabout.Butthenthetimecame fortheparentstokissthemgoodbyeandleavetheminthisstrangeplace,andmanyachild criedhimselftosleepnotjustfor anightbutforthewholeterm,suchwastheirhomesicknessandloneliness.Butthe parentsdiditinloveandleftthemthere.ManysenttheirchildrenontoEnglandforstill highereducationatgreatsacrifice,andtheycouldnotaffordtobringthemhomefor vacations,sotheyhadtowaityearstoseethemagain. Buttheydiditinloveandonlylove. Aninfinitebeingoflovedidthesamethingtous.Wewere"dead."Wewerefullymade andperfectbutwewerelikethestatueofGalatea.Andthentoquickenmanandmake himlikeGod,hehadtodrivehimoutnotinspace,outinmind.SoGodbecameman, thethingthatwasdead,andtodoithehadtolowerhimselftothislevelwhichin comparisontothehigherstateswouldbe called"dead."ThisgarmentofskinyouwearhasbeenlonginpreparationfortheSonof God.Wearetold:"AndHeclothedthemingarmentsofskin."Itisforschooling purposes. Whyarewehere?Tomakeimages.Thewholeuniverseisanimageofcosmicfancy.We arelearning,sowebeginwiththesimplestthingsajob,anewhome,achangein environment.WedoitinthesamewayasourFatherdidit,butthisisaclassroomsowe makemistakesbutthefaultisnotoursforwearenotyetawake.Therewastheperfect system,existingforitscreator,andthenGodsetfreecertainportionsofit,andsohe "preparedthewayforhisbanishedonestoreturn."Godseekswhathasbeendrivenaway, sothathemaysay:"This,myson,whowasdead[and]isaliveagain."Sowearetheone heisseeking. Thereissomethinghiddeninthiscoatofskinthatheisseeking. Wemustgetbeyondthesensesandbegintocreate.SoIsaytoeveryonethatwemust

starttheartofcreating,nomatterhowsimpleorhowbigthethingis,nomatterwhatitis thatiscreating.Wecreatebyfaith,andfaithisbeliefinthethingnotyetseen.Wecreate byassemblinganimagethatimplieswenowhavewhatwewantinthisworld,andifwe arefaithfulwebringittopass,and aswedoitwebegintomovethroughthislabyrinthinewayforthereturnofhisSon. "WhomGodhasafflictedHewillcomfortandcallhisfriend."Soifyouarehurtdonot believethatitwasbecauseofwhatyoudidinthepast.No.Wepassthroughthefixed labyrinthinewaysthathehaspreparedforthereturnofhisSon.SotheSonfinally awakensandhewalkswithmethroughthewholeroadwayofthesestates. Youcancreateanythinginthisworldifyouknowwhoyouare,andifyoudonotknow, thatiswhytheseplatformsexisttoteachyou,forweareallinterlaced.Youmaythinkyou areinsignificantyoumayevenbeinjailbutevenbehindbarsyouarecreating.Andyou neednotremaininjailifyouknowwhoyouare. Haveyoueverflownoveralakeorovertheocean?AfriendrecentlyflewinfromSan Diego.Hehadbeeninthenavyandhehadalwaysownedboats,buthehadneverbefore observedwhathesawnowfromtheair.Hewasontheoceansideastheplanetookoff fromSanDiego,andlookingdownhesawthislittlethirtyfootercomingintheopposite direction.Henoticedthewakeofthis littleshipandwatcheditwiden,andnothinginterruptedit.Whenhisplaneturnedinland hewasflyingatthreehundredmilesperhour,butlookingbackherealizedthatthislittle boatdoingmaybethirtyknotswastroublingtheentirePacific.Asfarastheeyecould seethiswakewasmovingandnothingcouldstopitandtheoccupantofthatboatwas totallyunawareofwhathewas doing. Wearealllikethat.Youthinkyoucanimagineandnotaffectothers?Itislikethewake: intimeitencompassesthewholeworld.Itstartsasalittle"v"butitgrowswiderand wider.Everyonewillbeinsomewayinfluencedbymypattern.Ifoneknowswhathe wantsforhimselforforothersandremainsfaithfultoit,hedoesnothavetoask:"Who

willhelpme?"Foreverypersonwhomustplayapartwillplayittomakepossiblethe fulfillmentofthatdream. Aladysaidtometheothernight:"Lookatmyhands!Aweekagotheywereblisteredas ifwithacidnowthereisnoscar,butittookmefivedaysofrevisiontobringaboutwhat youareseeing."Forunnumbereddayspriortothisnothinghappened,butfivedaysof revisionbroughtthisabout.Sheproducedinherownbodythischange.Thisseems stupiditytotherationalmantotheGreek itisfoolishnessandtotheJewastumblingblock.Itmeansthatthemanofreasoncannot comprehendithecannotbelievethatonecancreatebyimagination.Thewayisprepared foryou,forthereareunnumberedstates,andwecancreatestatestodeliverothersand pullthemoutofthoseintowhichtheyhavefallen. Wearehereontheearthasinagreatschoolroom.Wewerenotsentheretobepunished, buttolearntobecomecreatorslikeourFather.Thereisno"originalsin"forGodmade thedecisiontosendmeto"school."InfactIwas"dead."IexistedonlyforGod,the creatoroftheperfectsystem,andthencamethedecisiontosubjectmetothisschoolroom inthehopeIwouldbesetfreeinthe gloriouslibertyofthesonsofGod.Giventhechoice,whatchildwouldgotoschool?But lovingthechildtheparentssubjectittothattraining.Howmanyyearsaretakenfrom children'slivesandgiventolearning?Itisthesamewithus,onlyitisavasterschool.So letnoonetellyouthatyoudidanythingwronginbeingborn.Thesecoatsofskinwere preparedforus,fortheyhelpman theinvisiblerealitytobecomeconscious.AndthensomecertainteacherssentbyGod tellthemoftheonlyvalueintheworldandthatistoawake.Butifintheawakeningyou wantabetterhome,afinerjob,betterhealth,thentrytocreateit.Failuredoesnotmatter youarelearning.Ifyoupersistyouwillwin.Youcreatebyfaith.Byfaiththeworldswere madeandsustained.Things thataremadearemadefromthingsthatdonotappear.Sowhatwoulditbelikeifyou werethemanyouwanttobe?Seetheworldasyouwouldliketoseeit.

LetmedefineImaginationforyou.Itisspiritualsensation,buttheword"spiritual"isto mostofussomethingthatisnotpracticaltheincorporealasopposedtothecorporeal. ButImaginationisthepowertoperceivewhatisabsentfromthesenses.Takearose thereisnotoneherebutrightnow couldIsenseitinanyway?Smellit?Touchit?Ican,thoughitisabsentfromthesenses. ThatisImagination.IfImaginationcreatesreality,suchperceptionofwhatisabsentfrom thesensesmakesitso.Wehaveunnumberedcasehistoriestoproveit.Imaginationisthe powertoperceivewhatisabsentfromthesenses,andifyoupersist,yougobeyondthe sensemanandgobeyondthe rationalman."ThenaturalmanreceivesnotthethingsofthespiritofGodfortheyare foolishnessuntohim." HowcanIdiscernmyhomespiritually?Icannotseeitwithmyphysicaleyeortouchit withmyphysicalhands,butinImaginationIcandoboth.Youmaysay:"Idonothavea home."Well,youdothesamethingwithahomeyoudonotyetown.Doitwithfunds youdonotnowpossess.Nothinghasquitethesamesmellasmoney,orthesamesound. Ifitismoneyyouwant,useeverysensetomakeitreal.Butdonotsay:"Iperceiveit becauseIknowitisthere."Toexercise theImaginationyouseesomethingthatisnotyetthere.Thenwegetbeyondthenatural man,liketheladywhoinfivedaysbroughtaboutacompletetransformationinherhands. Everyoneishereforimagemakingandtolearnlessons,andthebeingwhosentyouhere camewithyouandhehasneverleftyou.Hebecameyouandlityouwithhimself.Ashelit manheawokethroughthe passagepreparedforhimintothisschoolroomcalledearth.Andthenasheislifteduphe isembracedandgiventheringandthefattedcalf."Forthisismysonwhowasdeadand nowlivesagain."Forthefirststatewasdeathandthencomesthequickeningofthisstate. Hewaslostandnowheisfoundagain."Thatwhichisalreadyhasbeenthatwhichisto bealreadyhasbeen,andGodseeksthatwhichwasdrivenaway."Sohedriveshimoutby takinghimoutofmind.He isseekingJacobintheOldTestament,andintheNewTestament,Jesus.Forwhenhe findshim,heisJesus.Ashefindshim,hisistherealityofbeing,whichisJesus.Hewill

findhimineverybeingintheworld.Whenthisbeginstoawakeninyou,theoldform cannotcontainitanymorethannewwinecanbecontainedinoldbottles.Youcannottake thisnewwineoftruthandconfineit totheolddogmaitwillblowitapart.SoithastotakeanewformastheSpiritbeginsto awakenwithinone. Somakeyourimageandasknoonetohelpyou,forlikethewakeoftheshipitwill changethewholeworld,ifitisnecessarytothefulfillmentofyourdrama."Everythingin thePacifichadtoencounterthatwakenothingcouldstopit."YouarethearkofGodand whatyouareimaginingisinfluencingalltheotherswhoarealsoimagining.So Imaginationchangesthings.Donotbaseiton facts.Truthasweseeitisnotconfinedtofactsbutdependsonlyupontheintensityof Imagination.Everyonecandoitbutoftenreasonwillinterfere. Afriendtoldmetonightthathedesiredtheanswertoacertainproblemanditwasgiven tohim.Hesaid:"Iprayedtothebeingwithinme."Itwasafinancialpictureandhegotthe answer,butitseemedsostupidhedidnotapplyit.Althoughhedidshareinit,itbrought abouteverythingthathedesired.Reasoninterferedandhedidnotputhismoneyintoa certainventure.Reasonstands betweenthemanofsenseandthemanofImagination. HaveyoureadProdigalGenius,theLifeofNikolaTesla?Hesaidtherewasnothingthat wasnotwithintheImagination.Heconceivedofalternatingcurrent,andwhenEdisontold himitcouldnotbedonehesaid:"ButIseeit,andIamstoppingitandstartingit."And whentheybroughthismodelintothefactorytheydidnotchangeaboltofit. Afriendofmine,aviolinist,cutanaccuratemodelofsomethinghehadseeninhismind. Itwasacollapsibleboxsuchasnowusedbydepartmentstorestoholddressesandsuch. Hehaditpatentedandsoldhispatentfor$10,000.Notonepersoninthiscountrybuthas usedthatkindofbox.HarryWebbgotitinavision.Themanufacturermademillions. Harrydidnotlaborforit.Reasonwas

suspendedandthiscamethrough. Applythisprincipletothelittlethingsoflifeandletnoonetellyouitistoomaterialthe sameoneswillaskyouforwhateveritiswhenyoudiscardit.Youarehereinthis schoolroomtocreateoutofyourimaginationandtodoitbyfaith.Imagineandcreatethe noblestconceptsforyourselforforothersandlivein[them],andinawayyoudonot know,youwillinfluencethelivesof everyoneintheworld,andeveryonewhowillbeneededtobringaboutyourdreamwillbe drawnintoitandbroughttoyou.Eventhosewhoseektostackthecardsagainstyouand thinktheyaredoingsoverycleverlywillfindthattheverythingtheydidwillinsteadstack thecardsagainstthemselves. Youareinfluencingeveryoneinthisworldwhenyouareimagining.Whoknowswhat beingnowinsolitaryisnotdisturbingthewholevastworld.Hewillneverbeaccused,for heisnotout.Theycanfindapproximatecause,buttheycannotblamehimforhewasina cell.Yethecouldcauseawaveofhateoutofthedepthofhisownbeing.Thatiswhyitis soimportanttoimaginewisely.ThereisonlyonebeingawakeningandthatisGod,and wewereputintothisschoolroominloveeventhoughmanyanight,likethechildren,we cry.Lovingfathersherehavesenttheirunwillingchildrentoschoolalovingheavenly fathersentyouhereonearth.Youapplyitandusethegreatesttalentintheworld,which ishimself.ThatisImagination. Icannotbegintotellyouthethrillthatisinstoreforyouasyoubegintoliveby Imagination.Andthenyoucanpassthroughallthesestateswhichwerepreparedforthe returnofhisbanishedones.NotastatebuthasbeenfixedbeforeheputhisSonintothe depthtorise.Soasheisthelifeofman,itisreallyGodwhoisrising.Sowedeliver ourselvesfromstatesandatthesametimedeliverothersfromthesamestate.Nomatter whatamanhasdone,heisonlyinastateandcanbeliftedout. Whenwebegintoawakenwewillbegintocomfortandheal,forwhomGodafflictshe diditforasoundend,andthatwasthathemightawaken."Thisismysonwhowasdead

andnowliveth."Themostmonstrousbeastthateverwalkedtheearthcannotbelost,for Godisalsopresentinhim.IfonecouldbelostthenGodcouldbelost,forhebecamehis SonthathemightawakenthatSonasGod. Somakeyourdreamandliveinitanditwillcometrue.Wearetoldthatasthesower sowed,theseedfellonfourkindsofsoil.Thefirstisnotprepareditisthehighway,and noseedtookroot.Thesearethosewhowillnotlisten.Thenyouwillfindonewhowill takethisteaching,butitfallsonstonyground. Theygetsomethingnewbutthereisnoroot.Thefirstthingtheysayis:"Oh,itwould havehappenedanyway!"Thethirdfellamongthe"thornsandthistles."Itgrowsdeeper thantheoneontherock,buttheyreallybelievethatitisonlywithmoneytheycanget thingsandsotheteachingwaschokedbythethornsoftheirunbelief.Thenthereisthe wellpreparedground,anditrootsdeeplyandproducesfiftyandahundredbeenprepared foryoureducationandthatitisallinterwoveninthelabyrinthinewaysofyourownmind. Andthenyoulearntowalkinthefeelingofyourwishfulfilled,andyoucancreatestates fromthisheavenlyalphabetofGod,andthenwefindhowtheentireBiblestoryisatrue storyasseenthroughtheeyesofthosewhowroteit.Itisthehistoryofthesoulofman andsomedayyouwillknowitistakingplaceinyou,andthenitmovesrapidlyandyou willunderstandthevisionyoudidnotunderstandbefore. Thenyoucansay:"ThewholeBookspokeofme!" So,speakingoftheonethatGodisseeking,theonewhowaslost,whofoundhim?God foundhim.Youfinditunfoldingwithinyou.Andthenyouseethatyoucannotfromnow onusetheoldbottleortheoldframe,forthevisiondiffersandyoucannotputnewcloth onoldgarments,ornewwineinoldbottles,[and]yourfriendstellyouthatifyoudothis youwillhavenolisteners.Butyou mustgoblindlyon,becauseyouhavebeengiventhenewwine.Youseenoonewhois importantandyoudonotconsiderthewiseorthefoolishtobeinsupremestates,butyou seethempassingthroughthesestatesintowhichwemayallfallaswearebeingeducated,

aswemovefromthestateofdeathtothedivinelibertyofthesonsofGod. Soifyougetavision,donotletreasoninterferelikemyfriendwholost$50,000because heallowedreasontointerfereanddidnotfollowthroughontheanswerthatwasgiven him.ReasondividesthenaturalmanofsensefromthemanofImagination.Blakesays: "Thosewhorestraindesiredosobecausetheirsisweakenoughtoberestrained,andthe restrainerorreasonusurpsitsplaceandgovernstheunwilling.Andbeingrestrained,itby degreesbecomespassive,till itisonlytheshadowofdesire."Ifyoudesiretherecoveryofafriend,donotrestrainit, forthenreasonwillrestrainit.Letnoonetellyouheissufferingbecauseofthepast.You arecalledononlytoforgivehim.Youarenotthejudge.Letnoonetellyouthatyour fatherpunishes.Heseemstodoitisforapurpose:"Ikill,Iheal,Iwound,Imakealive," etc.Chooselife,buttheremustbethecontrarytoawakenyou.Butwemaychoosefrom thetreeoflife,whichistruthanderror. Sodeliveranyonefromthestateintowhichhehasfallen.[Now]youseewhattheprophet meant:"Thatwhichisalreadyhasbeen,"etc.,fortheschoolroomispreparedforthe awakeningSonofGod. Nowletusgointothesilence.

YOURSFORTHETAKING

Neville09181967

Thereisonlyonecauseforthephenomenaoflife.ThatcauseisGod. Housedin you,Godisapersoninthemostliteralsenseoftheword.Believeme,forIknowthis fromexperience.God,theonlycreator,ispureimaginationworkinginthedepthofyour soul.GodbeganagoodworkinyouandHewillbringittocompletiononthedayGod's creativepowerisunveiledinyou!God'screativepowerandwisdomisdefinedinscripture asChrist.WhenChristunveilshimselfinyou,youwillknowyouareGod'spowerand God'swisdom. God,yourownwonderfulhumanimagination,underliesallofyourfaculties,including perception,andstreamsintoyoursurfacemindleastdisguisedintheformofcreative, productivefantasy.Whenyouaskyourselfwhatyoucandototranscendyourpresent limitationoflife,youaredwellinguponthemeans.Goddoesnotaskyoutoconsiderthe means,buttodefinetheend.Speakingtoyouthroughthemediumofdesire,Godasksthe question:"Whatwantestthouofme?" Thenhetellsyounottobeconcernedwiththewaysandmeans,forhiswaysare unsearchable.Theyareinscrutableandpastfindingout.Thisstatementyouwillfindinthe 11thchapteroftheBookofRomans.Sodon'tbeconcernedastohowGodwillfulfillthe end,onlyknowthatHewill. Canyoubelieveyourdesireisfulfilled?Canyoubelieveitistrue?Ifyoucan,itisyours forthetaking,fornothingisimpossibletoonewhobelieves. Now,letmesharewithyouthreestorieswhichcametomeduringthesummer.Thefirst letterwasfrommyfriendBennie.Inithetoldoflyingproneonhisbed,facedown,when hefeltasthoughsomeonegrabbedhisshouldersandashewasliftedupheheardthe

words:"Takeastand!"Intuitivelyheknewhehadtomakethedecisionnowastowhether hewasgoingtobelievethatimaginingcreatesrealityordisbelieveit. Scripturetellsus,"Hewhoisnotwithmeisagainstme."Thereisnoneutralground,for "Ihavenotcometobringpeace,butasword.Tosetamanagainsthisfatheranda daughteragainsthermother."Why?Becauseaman'senemiesarewithinhim.Everyone musteventuallytakethestandthatimaginingcreatesrealityandswimorsinkwiththis concept. Now,afewdayslaterwhileinmeditation,Benniefelthimselfbeingheldfrombehindby threemen.Astheyraisedhim,hewatchedthesunriseandheardthewords:Look! Behold!andRecognition!Andherememberedapassagefrommybook,YourFaithIs YourFortune:"Recognitionofthistruthwilltransformyoufromonewhotriestomakeit so,intoonewhorecognizesittobeso." Soonafterthis,afriendaskedBentoprayforhim.Hewantedtobethepropertymanager ofthecompanyheworkedfor.Althoughhehadbeenpassedbyyearafteryear,Bennie toldhimwhattodo,andimaginedhearingthefriendtellhimthejobwasnowhis.Afew monthslaterthejobwasvacatedandhisfriendwasgiventhepositionwithanincreasein salaryandgreaterresponsibility,justashehadimagined.WhatdidBenniedo?He imagined!Towhomdidhepray?Tohisownwonderfulhumanimagination!God,the creatorofalllife,islikepureimagininginyou,underlyingallofyourfacultiesincluding perception.Hestreamsintoyoursurfacemindleastdisguisedinthe formofproductivefantasy.Bennietookastand.Heprayedforhisfriendandbelievedhis prayerwasanswered.Hetestedhimself,andthewindowsofheavenopenedandpoured forthblessingsforalltosee.NowBennieknowsthatwithGodallthingsarepossible. Godisyourmightierself.Emptyinghimself,Godtookontheformofaslaveandisnow foundinthelikenessofman.Abdicatinghispower,PureImaginationtookuponhimself thelimitationsofflesh,therebybecominghuman.ItisGodwhoweavesyoureverydesire intocubicreality,waitinguponyoueffectivelyandswiftly,regardlessofwhetheryour

desireisforevilorforgood.TheonewhoconjuresthoughtsinthemindofaHitleror StalinisthesamepowerastheoneconjuringthoughtsinthemindofapopeortheArch BishopofCanterbury.Therearen'ttwoGods.Thereisonlyone! The14thand53rdchaptersoftheBookofPsalmsareidentical,eachtellingus:"Thefool saysinhisheartthereisnoGod,buttheLordlooksdownfromheavenuponthechildren ofthemanytoseeifthereareanythatactwiseandseektheLord."Herewefindthatin theeyesofGod,wisdomisequatedwithseekingtheLord.AndifGodisallwiseandall powerful,thenanysearchotherthanfortheLordisstupid.Youmaybethegreatest mathematicianorscientist,themost intelligentandhonoredmanamongmen,butifyoursearchisnotforGod,youarestupid inHiseyes. Calledupontolookforthecauseofcreation,whatareyoudoinglosingyourselfinthe phenomenaoflife?Whensomethinghappens,searchyourthoughtsandyouwilldiscover yourownwonderfulhumanimaginationtobethecauseofyourexperience,becauseGod isaperson.AtthepresenttimeHeiswearingamaskcalledNeville,buttheonespeaking toyounowknowshimselftobethe AncientofDays.EverybeingintheworldisamaskwornbyGodforhousedinman,is man'simagination. Athoughtacteduponisanimaginalact.Think(imagine)ahorribleearthquakeandGod willgiveittoyou.Imagine(thinkof)awarandGodwillprovidethat,too.Imaginepeace andyouwillhaveit.Godwillgiveyouhealthifyouwillbutimaginebeinghealthy. Imaginesuccessandyouwillhaveit.Themomentyouthink,youarefeedingyour imagination,whichisaperson.Iusetheword persondeliberately,foryouareaperson.YouarethemaskGodisnowwearing,forGod becameyouthatyoumaybecomeGod. Nowletmeshareanotherletterwithyou.Lastyearthislady,livingaboutsixtymiles northofSanFrancisco,waspossessedwiththedesiretocometoLosAngelesandattend

mylecture.Leavingwordatheroffice,shedrovehercartotheSanFranciscoairport, whereshetookaplanetoLosAngeles.Thereshewasmetbyafriendandimmediately cametothelecture.Afterthelectureshe joinedagroupoffourwomenandonemanforcoffee,wheresheexpressedherhunger, havingmissedlunchanddinnerthatday.Thegentlemansittingbesideherthensaid,"I'd liketobuyyouasteak."Andasshelookedintohisfacesheheardavoicewithinhersay, "Thisisyourhusband." Now,thisladyhasbeenmarriedanddivorcedfourtimes,soshehadspecificdesiresfora husbandwhichshefeltmustbefulfilled.Shewantedtobehappilymarriedtoamanwho livedbythistruth.Shewantedhimtoloveandrespectheraswellasherseventeenyear oldson.HavingimaginedsuchamaninSeptember,sheattendedmymeetinginOctober, andmarriedthegentlemanshemetherethefollowingJanuary. Thegentlemanaddedhisstorytoherletter,saying:"Havingplayedwiththeideaofbeing married,IwenttoapawnshoplastSeptemberandpurchasedaplaingoldbandwhichI placedonthethirdfingerofmylefthand.EverydayIworetheringandeverynightIslept inthefeelingofbeinghappilymarried.(Myfriendthoughthecouldnotgetthefeelingof beingmarriedwithouta physicalaid,butyoudon'tneedanythingoutsideofyourimaginationtocatchthemood.) Havingbeenanalcoholic,thisgentlemanimaginedhiswifenevermentionedhispastfor althoughhehadnottastedalcoholfornineyears,hehadpaidthepriceinhissearchfor God.Yousee,thealcoholicissearchingfortruth.Thirsty,hefindsafalsespiritinthe formofalcohol,whilethosewhowillnottouchitandcriticizethosewhodohaven't evenstartedtheirsearch. ButIhavenewsforthem.Onedaythey,too,willknowahungerwhichwillnotbe satisfiedbybread.Theywillknowathirstsogreattheywillmakethemistakeofclothing itintheformofabottle.Butbecauseitwillbeafalsethirst,thethirstwillremain.Then theywilldiscoverthetruehungerandthetruethirst,whichisforthehearingoftheword

ofGod. Now,inthethirdletteragentlemanwrites:"Havingborrowedfromthebank,everymonth whenIsentinmypaymentIreducedthetotalamountinmyrecordbook.Oneday,asI waswritingmycheckandrecordingitspayment,Iclosedmyeyesandsawtwozeros underthebalanceduecolumn.ThenIgaveasighofreliefbecausethenotewaspaid.For thenexttheemonthsIpersistedinseeingthosedoublezerosandrejoicinginbeingdebt free.Thencameanunexpectedsurprise!Ourcompanypaidusallamidyearbonuswhich wassolargeIwasabletopayallofmybills,includingthebankloan,anddeposittherest inthebank." NowIthinkthisgentlemanandImustbetwopeasinthesamepod,becausemoneyseems toburninhispocket,too.Insteadofkeepingthemoneyinthebankastherationalmind woulddo,myfriendbegantothinkabouthowtospendit,soofcoursehefoundaway. Heboughtataperecordertobringandrecordmymessage! Towhomdidmyfriendturnwhenhewantedthebankloanpaid?HeturnedtoGod!He didnotgetdownonhiskneesandasksomeoutsideGodtodoitforhim.Hedidn'tgoto churchandconsultapriest,rabbiorminister.Hedidn'tcontactasocalledtruthteacher, butsimplyclosedhiseyestotheobviousandsawtwozerosinthebalanceduecolumn. Thenforthefirsttimeinthehistoryofhis companyamidyearbonuswaspaid.Thishappenedtohimbecauseofhisuseofthelaw, andhisknowledgeofwhoGodis. NoteveryonewhoseeksGodfindshim,buttherearethoselikePhilipthatwhenthey findhim,theybringtheirbrotherNathanael.AndrewfoundJesusandbroughtPeter.You, too,willfindJesuswhenyouexerciseyourimagination,andbringthoseyoulovetohis awareness.Ifgreatwealthbefellyou,wouldnotyourwife(orhusband),yourchildren,as wellasthoseinyourimmediatecirclebenefitfromyourgoodfortune?Andifitbefell them,woulditnotbefallyou?

SowebenefiteachotheraswesearchoutGodandtesthim. Revelationtellsustobeeitherhotorcold,butnevertobelukewarm.Ifyoudonot believemetothepointoftestingthelaw,youarelukewarm.Butoneday,likeBen,you willtakeastand.Youwilleitherbeformeoragainstme.Youwilltrytobelievethat imaginingcreatesreality,orrejectit.Youwillbehotorcoldaboutit,andthatisbetter thanbeinglukewarm.IhavediscoveredthatthosewhohatedmeatfirstwhenItookfrom themtheiridols,theiconintheirmindcalledJesus,havebecomemyfineststudents.So manypeopleclaimtheybelieveinJesus,butcannotdefinehim.Unabletoplacehimin timeandspace,theyaredefiantwhenIsay:Christinyouisyourhopeofglory.Fullof insults,theyarecold.Somehaveevenbeenviolent.Butonedaytheywillfindhimof whomMosesandtheprophetswrote,turnaround,andbeembracedbytheLord. Istartedtellingthisstoryinthe1930'sandhereweareinthe1960's.Duringthesethirty oddyearsIhavefoundthosewhoreallyopposedmethosewhoweresomovedand disturbedtheyweredeterminedtodisprovemywords.Butsincetheycouldn'tdoit,they toohavefoundGodtobetheirownwonderfulhumanimagination.TheBibleisaddressed onlytothehumanimagination.InBlake'sfamouslettertotheRev.Dr.Truslerhemakes thiscomment:"WhyistheBiblemoreentertainingandinstructivethananyotherbook?Is itnotbecauseitisaddressedtotheimagination,whichisspiritualsensation,andonly immediatelytotheunderstanding,orreason?" TheBibleisimaginativeinstruction.Whenitunfoldsinyouitismorerealthananything here,yetitisallimagined,forGodisallimaginationandsoisman.Theeternalbodyof manistheimagination,andthatisGodHimself.Thereisnothingbutthisonebodycalled Jesus,whoistheLordGodJehovah. Itellyou,GodbecameaswearethatwemaybecomeasHeis.NoonetookGod'slife. Helaiditdownhimselfsaying:"Ihavethepowertolayitdownandthepowertoliftitup again.Thefallintofragmentedspacewasdeliberate.AndHewhofellhasthepowerto gatherusalltogether,onebyone,intothatsinglebodywhoisalllove.Hisbodyisabove

theorganizationofsex.Initthereis noGreek,noJew,nobond,nofree,nomale,nofemale.Whenyouwearityou understandPaul'sstatement:"Iconsiderthesufferingsofthispresenttimenotworth comparingtotheglorythathasbeenrevealedinme."Inthatbodyyouknowyourselfto betherealMan,andthisfleshlybodyasnothing.Youwillrealizethatyouwerenever maleorfemale,buthavealwaysbeenGod. Remember,everythingisyoursforthetaking.Ifyouwantit,takeit.Ifyoucannotclaimit foryourself,askafriendforhelp.Ifyouwanttobehappilymarried,dowhatmyfriends did.Youwanttopayoffallofyourdebts?Whateveryoudesireisyours.Allyouhaveto doisimagineyouhaveit,foreverythinginlifeisyoursforthetaking! Nowletusgointothesilence.

NevilleGoddard1211959 THEFOUNDATIONSTONEIMAGINATION

Webelievethatmancancreateanythinghedesires.WebelievetheUniverseis infiniteresponseandtheonewhocausesitistheindividualperceiver.Nothingis independentofyourperceptionofit.Wearesointerwovenwearepartofthemachine, butasweawakewedetachourselvesfromthismachineandmakelifeaswewishittobe. "FormanisallImaginationandGodismanandexistsinusandweinhim.""Theeternal bodyofmanistheImagination:thatisGod himself." YoucanimagineandIcanimagine,andifwecanbefaithfultothestateimagineditmust

appearinourworld.Thisisnotnew.Thiswasgivencenturiesago,forwehaveitinthe BiblebutpeopledonotknowhowtoreadtheBible,sotheygottogetherandorganized itintoan"ism."Itisnotan "ism,"butitisthegreatplantofreeman.TheBibleshowsthisplanindetail.Wewillturn toafewpassagesandshowyouwhatthosewhowroteitintendedweshouldsee. Isaiah28:16:"ThussaystheLordGod,'Behold,IamlayinginZionforafoundationa stone,atestedstone,apreciouscornerstone,ofasurefoundation:Hewhobelieveswill notbeinhaste.'"Now,wearetoldintheBookofPsalmsthattheworldrejectedthe stone."Thestonewhichthebuildersrejectedhasbecometheheadofthecorner.""You cannotlayanyotherstone." "Onthisstoneyoumaybuildgold,silver,hay,orstubbleandthedaywillrevealit." ItellyouthatthisstoneisyourImagination,anditiscalledintheBible:ChristJesus,or God,ortheLord.ItisyourImagination,whichisonewiththeDivineImaginationwhich created,sustains,changes,andevendestroyspartsofthecreation.Thisisthestonethatis testedanditisasurefoundation,andhewhobelievesinitwillnotbeinhaste.IfIcanbut imagineandknowthatimaginingcreatesrealityIwillnotbeimpatientorleadasuperficial life.WhenamandoesnotliveinhisImaginationhewillbecomeimpatientoftheoutcome ofwhathedesires,andfinallyhewillbecomeviolentinhisefforttogetthings. Hereisonewhoasksthequestion:"WhodomensaythattheSonofManis?"Somesaid thisandsomethat,butagainheasked:"ButwhodoyousaythatIam?"(Matthew16:13) "AndSimonPeterreplied,'YouaretheChrist,theSonoftheLivingGod.'AndJesus answeredhim,'Blessedareyou,SimonBarJona!Forfleshandbloodhasnotrevealedthis toyou,butmyFatherwhoisinHeaven.AndItellyou,youarePeter,andonthisrockI willbuildmychurch." ThechurchestellyouthatitmeansamancalledPeter.Itisnotanindividual.Thewhole thingtakesplaceinthemindofyoutheindividual.Youimagineacertainstateanditis calledPeter.IfitwereamancalledPeter,youwouldnotfindwhatyoufindsixverses

later.Forthereheturnstothesamecharacter,Peter,andsaystohim:"Getbehindme Satan:YouareahindrancetomeforyouarenotonthesideofGod,butofmen."Thatis whateverymanintheworlddoes.Hegetsarevelationandherealizesthefoundation stoneisImagining.Heseesafriendwhoneedshelpandheimagineshehaswhathewants. Ifhebelievesit,heisnotinhaste.Heisimaginingwhathewantsandheisnotviolent, andheisnotconcerned,andhedoesnotgivesuggestionstothe friendastowhattodophysicallytobringhisdesiretopass.Ifthefoundationstoneis true,thereisonlyonepowertosupportit.Ifheknowsthat,hewillnotallowhimselfto beturnedhewillremainfaithfultohisassumption.ButwearetoldintheBiblestorythat theonewhohadbeen commended,Peter,turnedandbecameviolent,andthenJesussaidtohim,"Getbehind me,Satan."Youturnbacktothewaysofmentogetthingstogoasyouwantthemtogo. Youpullallthewiresandthereforeyouhaveturnedfromtheonlyfoundationinthe world,andthatisChristJesus,whichishumanImagination.Ifyoubelievethisyouwill notrejectthestone. "Stone"is"even"[inHebrew]anditmeanstocreate,orbuild,orbegetchildren.Hereisa stonein"Zion"(whichmeansahighpinnacleorabarrenplace).Thatisman,beforethe stoneissunkinhim.Heisthewaste,thedesert.SunkinmanashisImaginationistheonly foundationstone,for[thereis]nootherfoundationofthelivingGodandhehassunk himselfinme.Therefore,IamthesonofthelivingGod,forthereisonlyoneandIAmhe. IfIbelievethis,Iwillnotbeimpatient."Hewhobelievesitwillnotbeinhaste."Thisis theLord'sway.Iaskyoutotestit.Bringbeforeyourmind'seyewhatyouwanttoseein thisworld.Itmaybebusinessorafriend'sgoodfortune.Itcanbeanything,foronthis foundationyoucanputstubble,orwood,orhay.Youarebuildingwithhaywhenyousay ofsomeone:"Iknowhewasnogood."Theylivedinthatstateconcerninganotherand thenitcametopassandtheysay:"Ialwaysthoughthewaslikethat."Someofusbuild strangethingsforanother.Wewereimaginingontheonlyfoundation,butwehaveput stubbleonitinsteadofgoldorsilver,andthedayrevealedit,andthenwecannotrelate whathappenstoanythingwehavedone.

TheHebrewmeaningofthe"stone"istobegetchildren.Alltheeventsofmylifearemy children.Everyonecanbuildonthisonefoundation."IamlayinginZionastone."What stone?Godisburyinghimselfineveryoneintheworld.Itisatruestone,aprecious cornerstone,andonewhobelieveswillnotbeinhaste.Ihaveseenanimaginalacttake twoyearstocomeforth,butwhenit appearedwhatagiant!Ihaveseenitcomeinanhour.Butdonotbeinhasteorthink thereisanyotherfoundationandlikePeterturntoanotherfoundation,growingviolent towardthosewhowouldleadJesustothecross.ButChristsaid:"Icametomovetoward thecross.Getbehindme,Satan.Youareahindrancetome." IfIamstillinthemachine,Ithinkthegoodthingscomeonlybyaccidentorchance.Let thewheelturn,foreachmustgothroughallthefurnacesuntilheawakensandseesthe wholeuniverseasinfiniteresponse.Thedaywillcomewheneveryperson,atacertain degreeofawakening,willfreezeanactivitywithinhimself,andasitcomestoastop withinhim,thatwholesectionis"dead."Thelawsofnatureareonlyfreeaction,repeated untiltheybecomeacceptedasalaw.Yetyouwillseeleavesinmidairnotfalling,and peoplemovinginspacewillceasetomovebutwillnotfall,forasyoustoppedtheaction withinyourselfthewholethingstopped.AndyouwillseethewholethingasZionthe desertandtheonlythingthatmakesitaliveisthestoneburiedinit.But manbecomeslostinthethingshehasmadeandgivestothemthepower.Forexample, throughtheuseofhisImaginationhebringsmoneyintohisworldthenheforgetsthatit wastheactivityofhismindthatdidthis,andheseesinthemoneyitselfthepowertoget whathedesires.Butwhenheawakeshewillnolongerlosehimselfinhisowncreation. Isaytoeveryonehere:thereisonlyonestone.Iftonightthereissomeoneveryillwho needsyourhelpandyouimaginethebestforhimandthenyougetnewsthatheisworse tomorrow,donotbeimpatient,butremainfaithfultotheonestonelaidinZion.What morecanyoudoafteryouhaveimagined?Someonewritestoyouaboutaproblem. Imagineforthemwhattheydesireandthendonotturnasidetodoanythingtomakeit cometrue.Youremainfaithful,anditwillcreatetheconditionsnecessarytobring fulfillment.

Youcanlookatsomeonewithdeepconcernandwantachange.Youdonotvoiceit,but lockitin,andthenfortyeighthourslaterthereisinitiatedwhatyousetinmotion.And theywonder:"Couldmyproblembetracedtosoandso?"Justtheverythingyouhad beenthinking!Youentertainedtheirproblemwithdeepconcern,andthenyouwillask: "DidyouinfluencemeordidIinfluenceyou? Whendidyouentertainthisthought?"Andtheysay:"Justnow,"andthenyousay: "FortyeighthoursagoIentertainedthisthought,butIdidnotsayitaloud."Thatmakes nodifference.Allthingsbyalawdivineinoneanother'sbeingsmingle.Weallinfluence eachother.Weareallinterpenetrated,andthemoreoneisdeeplyconcernedforanother, themoreheispenetratedbyanother. Isaytheuniverseisinfiniteresponse,butitalsogivesbackmorethanyouimagine.Itis presseddownandrunningover.Therefore,tobenegativecanbefrightening.Thegood willcomebackathousandfold,butsowillthenegative.ButifIamoptimisticanddonot waver,Iwillbringthatalsopresseddownandrunningover.Itissomethingwonderfulit willcomelikeagusher.Theworld respondsmorethanittakes,anditgivestotheindividualmorethanheimaginesgoodor bad. IsaytoeveryonethatthegreatestofbooksistheBible,butpeoplehaveorganizedit,and evensaytheyhavefoundtheremainsofPeterorsomeotherBiblicalcharacter.Peteris notaman,butastate.YouriseuptothecrownofitallandthatisChrist.Statesare permanentbutIamnotfixedIamalivingmovingbeing.Icanbepraisedforonestate andthenIseeamorningheadline,say,andmovefromthattruefoundation,andthenthe powerrebukesmeasSatan,forIreactedinsteadofacted.Wouldyouliketobeinthe statecalledPeter,theoneaddressedinMatthew16?How?Letmesay,andmeanit:"My ImaginationisGodandthereisnoother."Itisonewiththesupremepowerandletme liveinthatstate,andthenIambeingaddressed:"Youareblessed, SimonBarJona."Itmeansthedepthofmybeingisgivingittome.CanIdoit?Theday

thatyoudoitandrememberyoudidit,atthatmomentyouarerelatingthatstory.When Peterconfessed:"ThouarttheChrist,"thatisthestoneonwhichthewholethingrests, butwhenhegotawayfromthatandreacted,thenhewascalledSatan,orthereactor. Godisbegettingsonsbymeansofthestone.Heburieshimselfineverymanintheworld, butheisrejected.Icantellyouthesethingshere,butifItoldthemacrosstheairwaysI wouldbeimmediatelyturnedoff.Peoplecannotbelievetheyareresponsiblefortheir imaginalacts.Theydonotwanttobelieveit.IcannotbefreeoftheresultsofwhatI imagine.Gooutdeterminedtoproveit,andhavingprovedit,keepthestonealive.There isnootherstone."Noothercananymanlay,whichisChristJesus,"Butonthisbuild anythingbutbuildgold,donotbuildhayorstubble.Iwanteveryoneheretotestit.Take someonewhoisreallydistressed,andifyoubelieveinthefoundationyouwillleavehere tonightwithoutanyconcernforthem,evenifyoureceivewiresstatingthingsareworse. Itmighttakeaweekoramonth,butthatwhichyouhaveimagined,ifyouremainfaithful tothestone,willcome. Ihaveseenamanlookingatabuildingwhichisaninanimatethingandyouwouldsay itcouldnotrespond.Howcanhelookatitandseehisnameonitwhenhedoesnothave anickel?Buthedidit.Iknowtheman.[Neville'sbrother]andinawayhecouldnothave devised,thebuildingbecamehis.Letnoonetellyouthatsomethingcannotrespond,but whenwearestillpartofthe machine,wecannotquiteseethatwearethecauseofeverythinginourworld,andwe hopegoodfortunewillsmileonus.Thenwhenyousetsomethingbadinmotion,asthe machineturnsyoucannotseewhatcausedit,butwhenyoubecomeawakeyoucan controlthemachine.Itrespondstotheimaginalactsoftheawakenedman,forthe awakenedmanisincontrol. Athrillisinstoreforyouwhenyoucanfinallystopallactivityandthewholethingwill freeze.Youwillknowwhatthesocalledwisemensay,butyouwillhearonlythese words:"IthankyouFatherthatyouhavehidthesethingsfromthewiseandpiousand revealedthemuntobabes."Foryouwillknowthatitistheperceiverwhoismaking

everythingalive.Foryouwillfindthatnothing isindependentofthemindoftheperceiver.Atrulyawakenedteachercouldfreezecertain sectionsfortheedificationofhisstudentsifhechose.Bynormalstandardseverything woulddieifyoususpendedactivitybutitdoesnotdie,forthereisnothingoutsideof yourperceptionofit.Takeyourbossoranemployeeandrepresentthemtoyourselfas youwantthemtobe,andbelievein therealityofthefoundationstone,andthenyouwillnotmakehastetobringittopass. ForImaginationiscreatingreality,andinawaynooneknowsitwillbebroughttopassif youremainfaithfuistobebroughtupbyhiswife'ssister.Thismanhadtriedforseven yearstogetenoughaheadtotakeatriptoSt.Louistoseethechild.Heconstantlytried toseehimselfgettingajobwithmoremoneysohecouldmakethetrip.Hewastoldthat bytherightuseofthislawheshouldonlyseehimselfwithhischildandletthewaybeleft toGod.FollowingthishewasgivenajobthattookhimfromLosAngelestoNew Orleans.ButthatwasnotnearSt.Louis.Hetookthejobandpersistedinhisdream,and inthreemonthshewastransferredtotheSt.Louisrunandgivenatwentyfourhour layoverthereeveryweek. ThebestthingthateverhappenedtomewaswhenIwasfiredfromMacy'sduringthe depression.ImightbecaptainoftheelevatorsifIhadstayedthere.Myfatherlost everythingheowned,andthatprovedtobethebeginningofthegreatdreamhebrought topass.Onepersonbelievedinhimandhestartedonthat,andwhenhemadehisexitlast October,hehadgiventohiscommunitymuch thatnoonehadevergivenbefore.Theblackestdayofhislifeturnedouttobethebright dayofhislife.Nomatterwhatyouhavedone,forgetit.YouareGodandGodis untarnished,forheisallimagining. Now,youstarttoimagineandmakeitsomethingofwhichyoucanbeproud.Makeitbig. IfitistrulythestonebeinglaidinZion,donotturntoanyargumentofman.Yoube faithful,andwhateveryouputonthestoneasanimaginalactivitywillcomeintoyour world.Ofcourse,youmaygobacktotheworldofmen,likePeter.Hedeniedthestone

threetimesbuthedidthenreturntoitagain.Youmaydothat,butintheendyouwill learn,forinthedepthofyourbeingthewordsarebeingsaid:"Getbehindme,Satan."But Ihaveseenpeopleforget.Ihaveseenthemrisefromnothingtogreatheightsandthen say:"Itwouldhavehappenedanyway."Theydonotbelievethattheirimaginalactivity wasthefoundationonwhichtheybuiltthatstructure.Thereisonlyonestoneandthatis yourwonderfulImagination. Thisworksbetterifyoudonottrytoaiditontheoutside,foritisnotfleshandbloodthat revealedittoyou.YougotitfromtheChrist. Nowletusgointothesilence.

IMAGINATIONCREATESREALITY

byNeville YourownwonderfulhumanimaginationistheactualcreativepowerofGodwithinyou.It isyoursavior.Ifyouwerethirsty,waterwouldbeyoursavior.Ifyouneededajob, employmentwouldbeyoursavior.Yourimaginationisthepowertosaveyoufrom whatevercircumstancesyounowfindyourself.Youcanexperienceyourheartsdesire throughtheuseofyourimagination.Nothingisimpossibletoyourimagination.Your imaginationisunlimitedinwhatitcanaccomplish.Ifyoucanimaginesomething,youcan achieveit. Letmegiveyouanexample.Ifyouwereunabletowalkandwereconfinedtoa wheelchair,youcouldcloseyoureyesandimagineyourselfrunningonthebeachor wadinginthewater.Ifyouwouldimagineyourselfdoingthisuntilittookonthetonesof reality,youcouldaccomplishahealingthatwouldallowyoutoactuallywalkorrun. Thewaytouseyourimaginationcreativelyisthis.Relaxinachairoronabedandclose youreyes.Firstdeterminewhatitisyouwishtoexperience.Then,inthisstateof completerelaxation,bringtomindtheendresultofwhatitisyoudesire.Inotherwords, ifyouwereseekingapromotionatwork,theendresultmightbethatpeoplewould congratulateyouonyourpromotion.Youmightmovetoalargeroffice.Youwouldenjoy anincreaseinpay.Takeanyoneoftheseeventsand,withyoureyesclosed,actuallyhear yourfriendscongratulateyouonyourpromotion.Feeltheirhandinyoursastheytellyou howhappytheyareforyou. Byactuallyfeelingthatyouarebeingcongratulated,yourimaginationwillgotoworkto bringaboutthatstateinyourouterworld.Youneednotbeconcernedabouthowthiswill beaccomplished.Yourimaginationwillusewhatevernaturalmeansarenecessarytobring

itabout.Iamthebeginningandtheend.Mywaysarepastfindingout.Whatyoudo inimaginationisaninstantaneouscreativeact.However,inthisthreedimensionalworld, eventsappearinatimesequence.Therefore,itmaytakeashortintervaloftimetorealize intheouterworldwhatyouhavejustexperiencedinimagination.Afteryouhave performedthisactinyourimagination,openyoureyesandgoaboutyournormal,natural affairs,confidentthatwhatyouhavedonemustcometofruitioninyourworld.Make yourinnerconversationsconformtoyourimaginalact.Youhaveplantedaseedandyou willsoonseetheharvestofthatwhichyouhavesowed. Whenyougointoyourimagination,makesurethatyouareactuallyperformingthe action,hearingthewords,touchingtheobject,orsmellingthearomainyourself conceiveddrama.Whatyoudoinyourimaginationisnotmerelyadaydreaminwhichyou seeeventsinyourmindseye.Youmustenterthedreamasifyouwereactuallythere. Youmustmakethennowandmaketherehere.Tomakethisperfectlyclear,imagine thatyouwouldexperiencedrivinganewcarafteryouhaveachievedyourgoal.Inthat case,youwouldnotmerelyseeanewcarinyourmindseye.Youmustactuallyenterthe dream.Feelyourselfseatedbehindthesteeringwheel.Smellthenewnessoftheinterior. Feelyourselfenjoyingacomfortableride.Feelthehappinessthatwouldbeyoursafter accomplishingyourdream. Thatwhichyouexperienceinimaginationisanactualcreativeact.Itisafactinthefourth dimensionofspaceandwillmakeitsappearanceinthisthreedimensionalworldjustas surelyasplantingaseedwillresultinthegrowthofaparticularplant.Onceyouhave plantedthisseedinyourimagination,donotuprootitbybeinganxiousabouthowitwill beaccomplished.Eachseedhasitsownappointedtime.Someseedstakeafewdays othersalittlelonger.Feelconfidentthatwhatyouhaveplantedwillappearinyourworld. Yourimaginationwilldrawallthatitneedstomakeyourdreamanactualreality.Itif takesotherstoplayapartinordertoaccomplishyourend,yourimaginationwilldraw thatpersonintoyourdramatoplayhisorherpartinthesequenceofevents.Youronly responsibilityistoremainfaithfultoyourimaginalactuntilyouexperienceitinyourouter world.Youcanrepeatyourimaginalacteachnightbeforefallingasleep.Infact,youmay

wishtoenactthisdramaoverandoveragainuntilitfeelsnormalandnaturaltoyouasyou dropofftosleep.Yourimaginationwillworkoutthemeanstorealizeyourdreamwhile yourconsciousmindsleeps. Bringyourfivesensesintoplayasyouperformyourimaginalactivity.Actuallyheara friendsvoicecongratulatingyouorfeelyourselfhuggingthatperson.Ifyouwanteda newpiano,runyourhandoverthesmoothwood,touchthekeys,andlistentothesound. Ifyouwantedtoreceiveadozenroses,actuallysmellthefragranceandtouchtheir velvetypetals. Finally,youmustbepersistentinattainingyourdesire.Continuetoimaginewhatyou wantuntilyouhaveactuallyobtainedit.Youdonothingelsetoobtainyourdesire.Ifitis necessarytotakesomeaction,youwillbeledtodosoinanormal,naturalmanner.You donothavetodoanythingtohelpbringitabout.RememberthatitisGod,Himself, whoisdoingtheworkandHeknowsexactlyhowtoaccomplishit.Ifyouthinkofyour desireduringtheday,givethanksthatitisalreadyanaccomplishedfactbecauseitis! Dreambetterthanthebestyouknow.

ONECAUSE

Nothingisimpossible!Therearetwowaystointerpretthisstatementbothofwhichare correct.Theobviousmeaningisthatitispossibletoachieveanythingyouwant.Itcan alsobeinterpretedtomeanthatitisimpossiblefornothingtoexist.Everythingweare awareoforperceiveinsomewayissomething.Itisinconceivablethatsomethingcan comefromnothingorthatsomethingcanbecomenothing.Itisafactthatnatureabhorsa vacuumandalwaysrushesintofillitwithsomething.Someforceorpowercreatedall thatis.AccordingtotheBible,creationisfinished.Notonlyiscreationfinished,butGod saiditwasgood. HaveyoueverconsideredwhatGodcouldhaveusedtocreateallthereis?Ifcreationis

finished,howisitpossibletopraytoGodtocreatesomethinginyourlifethatdidnot existyesterdayortoday?IsitdifficulttobelievethatGodsaidHiscreationwasgood?If allofcreationisgood,whydopeopleexperienceproblemsandhowcanwars,crime, starvationandotherundesirableconditionsexist? Theanswerstothesequestionsarecontainedwithinthefollowingpages.Your understandingoftheseanswerswillenableyoutoseethatitisimpossiblefornothingto exist.Youwillalsoseethatyoucanobtainanythingyoudesirebecausenothingis impossibletothecreativepowerthatresideswithinyou.Youcanbeandyoucanhaveall thatyoudesiretobeandtohave.Thereisnolimittowhatyoucanaccomplishfor yourselfandothers.Itdoesntmatterwhatyourpresentcircumstancesare.Theprinciple youhaveunconsciouslyusedtobringabouttheundesirableconditionsinyourlifecanbe consciouslyappliedtomakeyoureverydreamcometrue. Creationisfinishedanditisgood!GodcreatedtheearthandallthatisinitandGodsaid itwasgood.Manhaspuzzledoverthesestatementsforcenturies.Ifmanreally understoodthemeanings,hewouldnotbeconfusednorwouldhefeelanxiousabouthis past,presentorfuture.Theunderstandingofthesetwostatementswouldenablemanto realizethathe,alone,controlshisactionsandthecircumstancesofhislife. Letustakethefirststatement.Godcreatedtheearthandallthatisinit.Godisinfinite therefore,Godmusthavebeenbeforeanyformcameintobeing.WhatsubstancecouldHe haveusedtocreateallthatexists? Therecanbeonlyoneanswer.Godcreatedeverythingthatexistsfromtheonlysubstance availableHimself.God(thought/consciousness)spoketheWordandbroughteverything intobeingoutofhimself.EverythingyouperceiveismadeoftheonesubstanceGod. TheonesubstancebackofeverythingisenergyandthatenergyisGodortheWord. Althoughscientistsandmedicalmencananalyzethevariouschemicalsofwhichthebody ismade,nonecancombinethesechemicalstoformalivingperson.SinceGodcreatedall

thatisoutofHimself,itfollowsthatGodisthecreatorandthecreation.Godis expressinglifethrougheachandeveryoneofus.Itcouldnotbeotherwise. Letustakethesecondstatement.GodsaidthatHiscreationwasgood.Thatstatement hasconfusedmanwhobelievesthatifGodisgood,anotherpowermusthavecreatedthat whichisnotgood.Yet,manalsoacknowledgesthatGodisinfinite,omnipotent, omnipresent,andomniscient.ThesequalitiesofGodmustincludeallforms,allevents,and allsituations.Ifitwerepossibletoremoveallthatisdiscordantorinharmoniousfromthe world,itwouldnotbepossibletoexperiencethereverseofthatcondition. Perhapsthisstatementcanbeunderstoodmoreeasilyifyouwillthinkoftheprincipleof mathematics.Inaddingthesumoffiveandsix,itispossibletoobtaintheincorrectanswer oftwelve.Toeliminatethatpossibility,thenumbertwelvewouldneedtoberemoved fromthewholeofnumbers.Itwould,therefore,beimpossibletoaddsixandsixandreach thecorrectansweroftwelve.Youcanseethatbyeliminatingthepossibilityofapotential wronganswer,allnumberswouldeventuallybeeliminatedandmathematicswouldnotbe possible.However,justasmathematicsexistsandcanbeusedbyanyonewhohasgained anunderstandingofhowtousetheprincipletoobtaincorrectanswers,sotheprincipleof creationcanbeunderstoodtoobtaindesiredresults. BecauseGodhasgivenallofusfreewill,youcanchoosethestatesyouwishtooccupy. GoddoesnotpredetermineyourfatenordoesGodpunishyouformistakesormisdeeds. Becauseamanmaynotunderstandthelawofmathematics,hemaybeadverselyaffected whenhemakesamistakeinsubtractinganamountinhischeckregister.Thelawof mathematicsisnotpunishinghim.Thelawsimplyisandcanbeusedcorrectlyor incorrectly.Godhasallowedyoucompletefreedomtochoosethatwhichyouwill encounter.WhenyoucometotherealizationthatyouareGodinformandexpression, youwillseektoexperiencegreatergoodandnoblerpurposesforyourselfandothers. InthebeginningwastheWordandtheWordwaswithGodandtheWordwasGod. TheWordisthoughtorimagination.Godimaginedtheworldintobeingandbecamethat

whichHeconceived.Thisistheprincipleonwhichallcreationrests.SinceGodbecame mantogivemanlife,manmustcontainthatsamecreativeprinciplewithinhimself.The KingdomofHeaveniswithinyou.Wehavecreatedourpersonalworldthroughthought. Ifyouareexperiencinglack,limitation,illness,disharmonyoranyotherunwanted condition,youhaveeitherconsciouslyorunconsciouslybroughttheseconditionsinto yourexperience.Themajorityofpeopledonotrealizethatthought,belief,and imaginationhascreatedtheirindividualworlds.Thereisnoothercausefortheconditions ofyourlife.Youmaychoosetodisbelievethis,butwhetheryoubelieveitornot,allthat youbeholdintheouterworldwasconceivedwithinyourownconsciousnesspriortoyour experienceofit. Thatwhichyouthinkaboutwithfeeling,thatwhichyoubelievetobetrueandthatwhich youimagineyourselftobeortohaveisthecauseofeverythinginyourpersonalworld. Youmaybelievethatthereissomeothercauseyoumayblameothersforyourproblems youmaybelievethattheeventswerewroughtbyfateorchance,butifyouareobjective andobserveyourownbeliefsandthoughtpatterns,youwillseethatyourworld accuratelyreflectsallthatyoubelievetobetrueofyourselfandothers.Thereisnoone andnothingtochangebuttheideasfromwhichyouthink.Wethinkfromideasthatwe consenttoastrueandweimaginesituationsthatmatchourbeliefs.Consciousnessisthe onlyreality.Itisthecreativeprinciplethatbringsintoyourexperiencetheexactduplicate orreflectionofthatwhichyouimaginetobetrue.Theworldinwhichwelivemirrorsall thatwebelieveandimaginetobetrue,beitgood,bad,orindifferent. Thesoonerthatmanridshimselfofthebeliefinasecondcause,thesoonerwillherealize thatnothinghappenstohimexceptthatwhichoriginatesinhisownconsciousness.Ido notdenythatmanbelievesthatifhecontractsacertaingermorvirusthathewillmanifest aparticularillnessordisease.Ifhecontemplatesthecause,hemayconcludethatitis becausehecameincontactwithsomeoneelsewhohadthebug.Hedoesntrealizethatin someway,hisownfeelingsabouthealthorillnessattractedtheillnessheisexperiencing. Ifvirusesorgermsweretrulythecauseofdisease,everyonewhocameincontactwitha particularviruswouldbeaffected.Theouterworldmerelyreflectsthatwhichamanisin

hisownconsciousness. Itdoesntmatterwhatyouhavebeentaughtyoucanchangeyourbeliefsandsochange thecircumstancesofyourlife.TheBiblestatesthatwhenyoupray,believethatyouhave receivedandyoushallhaveit.Mostofushavereadthatstatementorhearditatsome time.Fewpeoplehaveactuallyprayedinthatmanner.Haveyoueverbeenillandprayed forhealth?Ifyouneededmoney,didyoubelievewhenyouprayedthatyoualreadyhad thesumyouaskedfor?MostpeoplepraytoGodtochangesomethingintheirlivesorto givethemsomethingtheydonothave.Iftheirprayerswerenotanswered,theythinkthat Godhadareasonforwithholdingthatparticularthing.TheythinkthatperhapsGoddidnt granttheirrequestbecauseHedidntwantthemtoattaintheirdesireforsomereason knownonlytoGod.MansometimesthinksthatGoddoesntanswerprayersbecauseman isundeservingofthatwhichheseeks.Manmustlearntobelieveinthatwhichhedoesnot, atthemoment,seeinordertogranthimselfthatwhichhedesirestohave.Manspayers arealwaysanswered,forhealwaysreceivesthatwhichhebelieves.Thelawthatgoverns prayerisimpersonal.Beliefistheconditionnecessarytorealizethedesire.Noamountof pleasorritualwillbringaboutthefulfillmentofyourdesiresotherthanthebeliefthatyou areorhavethatwhichyouwant. Faithisthesubstanceofthingshopedfor,theevidenceofthingsnotseen.Thefull meaningofthatstatementmustbeunderstood.Ifthemeaningwereunderstood,man wouldhavenoprobleminaccomplishinghisaims.Mostmenbelievethatnothingis impossibletoGodthatGodcoulddoanythingifhechosetodoit.Somanbelieveshe hasfaithinGodandpraystoGodforthatwhichhewants.Ifhisprayerisnotgranted,he thinksthatheeitherdidnotpraylongenoughorhardenoughorthatGodchoseto withholdhisrequest. However,faithistheactualsubstanceofthatwhichishopedfor.Itistheevidenceofthe thingyouwantwhichyoudonotseeintheouterworld.Thatwhichyouwanttodoorbe hasalreadybeencreated.Therefore,itactuallydoesexist.Itispossibletobringintoyour worldanythingincreationbyyourbeliefthatyoualreadyhaveit.Faiththatwhatyou

wantisalreadyafactisthemeansbywhichyouactivatetheinvisiblestate.Thatstatethen islaterreflectedinyourouterworld.Creationisfinished.Godcancreatenothingthatis notalreadyexistent.Faithorbeliefthatyoualreadyareorhavethatwhichyoudesireis theonlymeansbywhichtoexperienceyourdesires.Nolimitationisimposedonthat whichyoucanhaveexceptyourfailuretoassumepossessionofthequalityorthing desired

HOWTHELAWWORKS

Thelawofidenticalharvestorcauseandeffectisimpersonalandcanbeusedtobringinto yourexperienceanythingyoucanconceive.Sincecreationisfinished,everypossiblestate alreadyexists.Yourfusionwithaparticularstate(imaginingwithfeelingwhatyouwould experiencewereyouinthatstate)causesthatstatetobeprojectedonyourscreenof space.Thislawcannotbechangedorbrokenandalwaysreproducesinyourouterworld theexactduplicateofanybeliefyouconsenttoastrue.Ifyouwouldchangeyourworld, youmustchangeyourbeliefs.Sinceconsciousnessistheonlycause,youcannotblame othersfortheconditionswhichpresentlyexistnorcanfateorchancebethecauseofthat whichyouarenowexperiencing.Nothingcanalterthecourseofeventsinyourlifeexcept achangeinyourownconsciousness.Whateverisappearinginyourworldnow,although itappearsrealandanunalterablefact,isareflectionofpreviousactivityinyourown consciousness.Therefore,achangeinconsciousnesswillreflectthatchangeinthefuture justassurelyaspastbeliefsreflectthepresent. Manispureformlessconsciousnessandthatwhichheconceiveshimselftobeisan illusionorreflectionoftheparticularideasheholdstrue.Theseillusionsexistonlysolong asmanfocuseshisattentionuponthemandgivesthemlife. Theconsciousmindformsbeliefsandopinionsfromtheevidenceofthesensesorthe perceivedouterworld.Thecreativepowerwithineachofusacceptsastruethatwhichthe consciousmindimpressesuponit.Yourcreativepowertakesthoseideas,whichare thoughtofwithfeeling,andprojectstheminyourouterworld.Itisimportantto

rememberthatnotallthoughtsarecreative.Onlythosewhicharebelievedtobetrueor whicharejoinedwithfeelingcreatethecircumstancesandeventsthatyouwillencounter. Therefore,emotionssuchasanger,fear,loveorjoyarecreative.Youmustguardthe emotionswhichyouallowtoenteryourconsciousnessjustasyouwoulddiscriminatein allowingastrangerintoyourhome.Youcannotallownegativeemotionstofillyourmind withoutsufferingtheconsequencesofexperiencingthestatewithwhichthoseemotions arejoined.Fearoflossbringslossintoyourworld.Youcouldtakeeveryoutward precautiontoguardagainstloss,butifyoufearloss,youwillmostcertainlyexperienceit inyouraffairs.Feelingsofloveandjoycreatehappyeventsandlovingrelationships. Feelingabundantbringsrichesintoyourlife.Apersonwhoisunlovingorsuspiciousand feelsthatotherstakeadvantageofhim,drawstohimselfthatwhichhebelieves.Nomatter whathedoesexternally,hisrelationshipswithotherswillreflectthatwhichheacceptsas true.Hemaywantalovingrelationshipbuthecandrawtohimselfonlythatwhichheis consciousofbeing. Likeliterallydoesattractlike.Aswithin,sowithout.Consciousnessisrealityandthat whichisperceivedbyoursensesandappearssorealisbuttheshadowofthatwhichwe believeourselvesandtheworldtobe.

CONSCIOUSUSEOFTHELAW

Atthistime,ImgoingtotalkaboutwhoIamandwhatIamdoing.Ifthatsoundsego centered,itis.Therehavebeen66bookswrittenaboutwhoIam.Imgoingtoquote somestatementsfromafewofthosebooks.Youhaveheardmanyofthesequotesbut didntrealizethattheyweretalkingaboutthebeingthatIam.Thefirstquoteistaken fromtheBookofExodus.Here,MosesistalkingtoGodandhesaid,WhenIgobackto thepeople,whoshallIsayhassentme?Thevoiceanswers,TellthemIamhassentme untoyou.ThatismynameforeverandthenameIshallbeknownbythroughoutall generations.TheTenCommandmentsstate,ThoushaltnotusethenameoftheLord thyGodinvain.Shaltnotisacommand.Shaltnotmeansyoumustnot.Itmeans

thatundernocircumstancesmustyoudoit.ThatnameisIAM. Now,firstofall,wehaveallforgottenHisname.Wesay,Iamhundredsoftimesaday andwedontknowweareusingthenameofGod.Secondly,wetrytobreakthe Commandmentalldaylong.WepaynoattentiontowhatwesayfollowingIAM.When wesay,IAMandfollowitwithsomethingwewouldnotlikeinourworld,weareusing theNameoftheLordbutnotinvain.TheBiblestateswecannotusetheNameinvain. NothingwesayprecededbyIAMisinvain.ThatshisName.ItisGodHimselfand becauseitisGod,itiscreative.GodgaveusHimself.HeisIAMandthatiswhoIam. IcanneverforgetthatIam.ImayforgetwhoIamorwhereIambutIcanneverforget thatIexist. WheneverIsayIAM,IAM[is]creatingsomething.Prayerisbelievingthatwehave alreadyreceivedthatwhichweask.WhenIsay,Iam,Iamattachingmyawarenessof beingtosomething.Now,youcanlieandnotbelievewhatyouaresaying,butyoucannot believesomethingaboutIamandnotcreateit.Wearecreatingmorning,noon,and nightbyourIamstatements.Ifyousay,Idontfeelwellandyoubelieveit,youare perpetuatingillnessinyourlife.YoumustchangethosestatementstoIfeelwonderful. Weweretaught,Lettheweakmansay,Iamstrong.But,youcantsayitlikeaparrot. Wehavetopray(sayIam),believingthatitistrue,andthenwewillreceive. First,wemustbeliketheWatchmanattheGate.Wemustwatcheverythoughtthat containsIAm.Ifyouareobservant,youwillseethatyouhavecreatedeverycircumstance andexperienceofyourlife. Anotherimportantwordtowatchisif.Theconsciousmindisverysubtleinexpressing doubt(SatanortheDevil).Wemaybeabletokeepourmindsfocusedonwhatwewant byusingpositiveIstatements.Ifwearenotcareful,wemayletalittleIfsneakin withoutrecognizingitsimplication.Wecouldsay,Ifeelwonderfulbutthenfollowit withIfthepaincontinues,however,IwillseeadoctoronTuesday.Ifsarealways followedbysomethingnegativeandthatissimplydoubtcreepingintostealthegoodseed

wehavesown.Removethewordiffromyourvocabulary,asitisnotproductiveofthat whichyouwouldliketoreap.Ifputseverythinginthepastorfuturetense,andIalways experiencewhatIbelieveIam.Iamisnotfuturetense.Gettingwellisnotbeingwell.I mustbelievethatIamalreadywhatIwanttobe. Remember,Everywordthatgoethforthfrommymouthshallnotreturnuntomevoid. Doyoubelieveit?InthebeginningwastheWord,andtheWordwaswithGod,andthe WordwasGod.WhatshisName?IAm.So,begintomonitoreveryword(IAM)that yousay.Doyouseeapattern?Dontthecircumstancesofyourlifereflectwhatyouhave beensaying?YouhavebeenmisusingthecreativepowerthatisGod(IAM).Nowthat youareawareofwhatyouhavebeendoing,watcheverywordandmakeitconformto whatyouwishtobringintoyourlife.Eventually,youwillhavefaiththatwhatyouare stating,thoughthereisnooutwardevidencetosupportit,isafactinconsciousnessand willshortlyprojectitselfsothatyoumayexperienceitintheouter.KnowingthatGod actuallybecameyoubecauseHeisIAM,youmustrealizethatyouareusingyourpower tocreateeverytimeyouusethatName.

CHOICEFREEWILL

Creationisfinishedandyouhavefreewilltochoosethestateyouwilloccupy.Therefore, itisimportanttodeterminetheideasfromwhichyouthink.Anyconceptthatisaccepted astruewillexternalizeitselfinyourouterworld.Choiceofwhatyouwillfocusyour attentionuponistheonlyfreewillthatyoucanexercise.Onceathoughtisacceptedand chargedwithfeeling,thecreativepowerwithinproceedstoexternalizeit.Whetheryour assumptionsareconsciousorunconscious,theydirectallactiontotheirfulfillment.Itisa delusionthat,otherthanassumingthefeelingofthewishfulfilled,youcandoanythingto aiditsrealization.Yourownwonderfulhumanimaginationdeterminesthemeansitwill usetobringyourassumptionstofruition. Eachofusissubjecttoaseaofideas.Welistentotheradio,watchthenewson television,orhearsomegossip.Ifwhatweobservecallsforthanemotion,wehave

reactedand,thereby,plantedaseedwhichwillsproutatsomefuturetime.Thoughtsdo notrecedeintothepast.Rather,theyadvanceintothefuturetoconfrontussothatwe mayseethatwhichwehaveplanted,eitherwiselyorunwisely. Itisaworthwhileexercisetoawakeinthemorningandimagineyourselfattheendof yourday,havingaccomplishedallthatyouwantedandfeelinghappyandcontented.If thereisasituationthatyouwillencounterlaterinthedaythatisofconcerntoyou,spend afewmomentsimaginingtheoutcomeyouwishtoexperience.Theseimaginalactivities willnowadvanceintoyourfuturetorevealtheharvestyousowiselyplanted.

DESIRE

DesireisagiftofGod.Manisrequiredtodonothingmorethanacceptthegiftbysimply givingthanksfortheunseenrealitybeforeheobservesitinhisouterworld.Through desire,Godbeckonsustoliftourawarenesstohigherandhigherlevelsofconsciousness. Duringourjourneythroughthisdreamoflife,itisnecessarytoexperienceallpossible statessothatwemayreturnasGod,theFather,butenhancedbyhavingexperiencedboth goodandevil.Thedesiretodomore,tobemore,andtohavemorethanyouarepresently expressingistheurgeforexpansion. YoumayquestionwhetheradesiretokillorinjuresomeonecanbeinspiredbyGod.The answeristhatnomanactuallydesirestokillorharmanother.Hemaywishtobefreefrom thatseemingotherand,throughhislimitedunderstanding,hefeelsthattheonlywayhe canachievesuchfreedomisbydestroyingtheother.Mandoesnotrealizethatthedesire forfreedomcontainswithinitselfthepowerandthemeanstofulfillitself.Becauseofhis lackoffaith,mandistortsthesegiftsfromGod.HedoesnotrealizethatGod,thewisdom andpowerwithinhim,haswaysthathe,asman,knowsnotofandthosewaysarepast findingout. Learntobegratefulforthedesiresyouhavebeengiven.Theyalreadyexistandareready forembodimentinyourworld.Youarenotcalledupontodoanythingtoaidtheir

realizationexcepttofreeyourmindofanydoubtastohowtheywillcomeaboutand completelyacceptthemasyouwouldagiftfromalovedone.

BEOBSERVANT

Theimportanceofobjectivelyobservingyourthoughtscannotbestressedenough.Itis easytoslipintothoughtpatternsthatcanhinderusinachievingourdesires.Itthen becomeseasytoblameothersorattributeourfrustrationstosecondcauses. Beingaratherimpatientperson,IamusuallyanxioustogethomeafterworkandI particularlydislikewaitinginlines.IbegantonoticethatnomatterwhattimeIchoseto pickupafewitemsatthemarket,Iwouldencounterproblemsatthecheckstandsuchas pricechecksneedingtobedone,peoplewritingcheckswhohadtroublelocatingtheir identification,andvariousotherkindsofdelays.Ifoundmyselfdreadingtheseoccasions, andIwantedtodosomethingaboutthisannoyingsituation.AsIbegantoobservemy thoughts,Ifoundthat,whilestandinginline,Iwouldsaytomyself,Ialwayshaveto wait.ThenIrealizedthatthosestatementsmadeoverandoveragainhadcreatedthat whichIdidnotwishtoexperience.Iconsciouslychangedthatstatementto,Nomatter whenIstopatthemarket,Ineverhavetowait.Ofcoursethatnewstatementhas workedjustaswellastheoldnegativeone. Asyoubegintoobserveyourthoughts,donotbediscouragedifyoufindthatyourinner conversationsdonotmatchthewayyouwouldfeelifyouhaveachievedyourgoal.You mustfirstbecomeawareofwhatyouaredoingwithyourcreativepowerbeforeyoucan begintochangeit.Iaskyoutogodowntothepottershouseandseewhatheisdoing. Ifthevesselisspoiled,thenreworkitintothekindofvesselthatwillpleaseyou. Asyoubeginobservingyourthoughts,youcannotavoidtherealizationthatyoualoneare thecauseofallthatcomesintoyourworld.You,alone,canchangeit.

APPEARANCES

Thatwhichisconfrontingyouinyourworldnowistheresultofyourpastthoughts, beliefs,feelingsandimaginalactivity.Theseappearanceswillcontinueinbeingaslongas yougivethemlifethroughyourconsciousawarenessofthem.Youmustdisregardthe evidenceofyoursensesasitpertainstoanyundesirableconditioninyourlife.Youmust imagineandfeelthatyouhavealreadyattainedthatwhichyouwanttoexperiencerather thanthatwhichyoudonotwanttocontinueinbeing.Thismayappeardifficult,yetyou haveprobablyexercisedthisprincipleunconsciouslytoproducenegativeresults. WhenIwasinmyearlytwenties,Ifoundmyselfinasituationthatwasveryunpleasantto meandIwantedtogetoutofit.AfterattendingalecturebyNeville,Iwaitedtospeakto himafterwards.Ibrieflytoldhimofmyunhappycircumstancesandwashopinghewould offersomeadviceastohowtochangethem.Hesmiledatmeandsaid,Dontacceptit. AtthattimeinmylifeIdidnotfullygraspwhatNevillehadbeenteaching.Ithoughthe hadmisunderstoodmyquestion,andItriedtoclarifymyproblembystatingthatIhad alreadymadethechoicetobeinthesituationInowfoundsounpleasant.Nevilleagain smiledandsaid,Dontacceptit.Ilefthispresencequitefrustrated,thinkinghehadnot understoodmyproblem.IcontinuedtoreadthetwobooksIhadbyNeville.Igradually understoodthatregardlessofthecircumstanceswhichsurroundedme,Ididnotneedto acceptthemasfinal.IbegantoimaginewhatIwantedratherthanfocusmythoughtson mynegativesurroundings.AneventtookplacetwoweeksafterIbeganmyimaginalacts thatwasinstrumentalinbringingaboutmyheartsdesirefivemonthslaterthatofa brandnewhome.Meanwhile,thesituationthathadbeensodepressingtomeimproved, andIspentthenextfivemonthsplanningwhatIwoulddoinmynewhome. Thinkaboutsomepastdisappointmentyoumayhavehad.Perhapsyouwerelooking forwardtoattendingaspecialeventwithsomeone.Inyouranticipationofit,didyou think,Thisistoogoodtobetrue,somethingwillprobablyhappenedtospoilit. Somethingprobablydidhappentocreateconflictortocauseyoutomissitentirely.Man findsitrelativelysimpletodisregardthepromiseofsomethinggoodbythinkingofallthe

reasonswhyhecannotachieveit. Peoplearoundyoumaybequicktopointoutthatyouarebeingunrealisticwhenyou mentionadesirethatappearsdifficultorimpossibletoreach.Weshouldallbeunrealistic inthefaceofthearmyofdoubtifwewouldexperienceourwishfulfilled.Wearecalled upontodisregardthefactswhichwoulddenytheachievementofourheartsdesire. Habitistheonlythingthatkeepsourthoughtsmovingalongtheoldfamiliarnegativeruts. Noonecanchangeyourthoughtpatternsand,therefore,yourlifebutyou. Itisworthalltheeffortitmaytaketocenteryourattentionandfeelasifyoualready possessthatwhichyouwantinplaceofthingsastheyare.Consciousnessistheonlycause andtheonlyreality.Everynegativeexperiencewasproducedbyfirstgivingattentionand feelingtothatcondition.Whatconsciousnesshasmade,itcanunmake.Your responsibilityistoimpressuponyourmindthechangeyouwishtoexpress.Your imaginationisthecreativepowerthatcanandwillaccomplishtheendwithouteffortand inanaturalway. Appearancesconfirmourformerhabitualpatternsofthought.Thatwhichyouimagine yourselftobetodaywillprojectitselfinyourworldtomorrow.Persistenceinassuming thatyouarethepersonyouwishtobe,despiteyourpresentcircumstances,istheonly conditionimposeduponyoutoembodythatideal.

INNERCONVERSATIONS

Allofusarementallyspeakingwithinourselveseverywakingmoment.Ourinner conversationsmustmatchthewishfulfilledifwewouldrealizeourdesire.Ifourdesireis forabetterjobandweimagineourselvesbeingcongratulatedbecausewearegainfully employedinawonderfulposition,wemustalsomakeourinnerconversationsconformto thatend.Wemustbecertainthatwearenotsayingwithinourselvessomethinglike,That bossofminedoesntbelieveinpromotingpeopleorItwouldbedifficulttofindanyjob atmyage,nevermindabetterone,orsimilarstatementsthatwouldimplythatwedonot

havethatwhichwedesire.Wemustpersistinthefeelingofourimaginalactbymaking ourmentalconversationsconformtowhatwewouldsayhadwealreadyrealizedouraim. If,forinstance,wewishedtoownanewcar,wecouldimagineanewcarparkedinour garageorimagineourselvesdrivingit,orimagineourfriendsadmiringit.Wemustthen makeourinnerconversationsreflectthetypeofconversationswewouldengageinwere wereallytheownerofanewcar.Ourconversationscouldconsistofdiscussingournew carwithfriendssuchastellingthemofthewonderfulfuelmileagewearereceiving,or hearingourfriendstellushowmuchtheyenjoyridinginournewcar,etc. Ourinnerconversationsarejustascreativeasourdeliberateimaginingofthewish fulfilled.Infact,iftheyareoftheoppositenature,theycannegatewhatwehave imagined.Youmustwatchwhatyouaresayinginternallytomakesurethatthese conversationscoincidewithyourwishfulfilled.Ifyoubecomeawarethattheseinnertalks contradictwhatyouwouldliketoachieve,revisethemsothattheyfollowalongthetrack thatwouldindicatethatyoualreadyhavewhatyoudesireorarealreadythepersonyou wishtobe.

REVISION

Yourpresentworldreflectsthesumtotalofallthatyoubelievetobetrueofyourselfand others.Thatwhichyouimagineyourselftobetodaygoesforwardandwillconfrontyouin thefuture.Ifyouhaveforgottenyourimaginalactivitiesofthepast,thatwhichyousee appearinginyourworldindicatesthekindofseedsyouhavepreviouslysown. Assumingthefeelingofyourwishfulfilledisusingyourimaginationcreativelytobring intoyourworldthatwhichyoudesiretoexperience.Youcanusetheartofrevisionto changetheeffectsofpriorthoughtsandbeliefs. If,forinstance,youhadgonetoaninterviewforajobyoutrulywantedbutlaterlearned thatsomeoneelsewashired,youcanrevisethatnewstomakeitconformtowhatyou

wishyouhadheard.Ifyoureactbyfeelingdepressedorassumeanyothernegative attitude,youwillthenexperiencethesametypeofrejectioninthefuture.Yourreactions, whetherpositiveornegative,arecreativeoffuturecircumstances.Inyourimagination, youcanhearwordscongratulatingyouongettingawonderfulnewjob.Thatimaginalact nowgoesforwardandyouwillencounterthispleasantexperienceinthefuture. Asyoureviewyourday,itisimportanttoreviseeachnegativereactionsothatyoucan rememberitaswhatyouwishedhadhappenedratherthanstoringthatmemoryasitdid occur.Whatyouthinkofwithfeelingoremotionisanactualfact.Thatwhichyou experienceinthephysicalworldismerelyashadow,reflectingtherealityofyourimaginal activity.Therefore,whenyoureviseaconversation,anunhappyexperience,oraquality aboutyourself,youareliterallyexperiencingitinreality(yourconsciousness).Theouter worldisadelayedreflectionoftheinnerandisconfinedtoadimensionofspacewhere eventsoccurinatimesequence.Revision,then,literallychangesthepast.Itreplaceswhat occurredintheouterworldwiththerevisedversion.Therevisedscenethengivesoffits effectbygoingforthtochangefutureevents. Dwellingonpastirritationsorhurtsperpetuatesthemandcreatesaviciouscirclethat servestoconfirmthesenegativeemotions.Thecirclecanbebrokenbystartingnowto reviseanythingthatyounolongerwishtosustaininyourworld.Byrevisingthepast,you ridyourselfofanyeffectitmayhaveonyourfuture.Revisionistrulythekey,whichcan beusedtounlockthedoorsthathavekeptyoutrappedinaparticularstate.Beye transformedbytherenewingofyourmind.

STATESOFCONSCIOUSNESS

Allstatesexistandareafixedpartofcreation.Anyonecanenterastateconsciouslyorfall intoastateinadvertently.Youmaymoveintodifferentstatesthroughoutyourlifetimeor youmayoccupyasinglestate.Desireiswhatusuallymotivatesustomovefromonestate toahigherlevel.Sinceastateistotalandcompleteinitself,whenweenterastateweare compelledtobehaveinamannerdictatedbythatstate.Forinstance,inthestateof

poverty,wewouldfindourselvesconstantlyinneedoffunds.Wewouldhavedifficulty makingendsmeetandhavenowaytoenjoyluxuries.Shouldwebegivenalargesumof money,ifweremaininthestateofpoverty(fillingourmindwiththoughtsoflackand limitation,)wewouldsoonfindourselveswithoutfundsandagainexperiencingthesame difficulties.Thereversewouldbetrueifweoccupiedastateofwealth. Whenweareinastateweseeonlythecontentsofthatstateandarecompelledtoactin accordancewithallthatthestateentails.Whileinaparticularstate,youbelievecertain thingsaretrueandwouldfinditdifficulttounderstandanotherpointofview.Inthestate ofpoverty,itiseasytofocusyourthoughtsontheproblemsofprovidingfood,shelter andclothing.Whenyousucceedinmovingoutofthisstate,younolongerfinditdifficult toacquirethesethings.Mostpeopleattributethischangeoffortunetoachangein circumstances.However,unlessyouhavemovedfromthestateofpoverty,nochangein circumstancewouldbepermanent.Rather,movingoutofonestateandintoanotherin yourimaginationautomaticallycreatesachangeinyourouterworld. TheBiblehaspersonifiedeverytypeofstateandcallsthesestatesbynamesknowntous asMoses,Noah,Job,Peter,Andrew,andJesus.Throughoutourjourney,weenterthese statesandexperienceallthattheyoffer.ThelaststatewewillenteristhestateofJesus Christ.Inthisstate,webecomeawarethatweareGod,theFather,andthatwehaveason symbolizedasDavid,whopersonifiesthesumtotalofallhumanity.Thejourneybegins withAdam,whofellasleepanddreamedthedreamoflife,andthenenteredthemyriad statestogaintheexperiencesnecessarybeforeawakening.Whenyouenterthestateof JesusyouknowyourselftobeGod,andyourjourneyintothisworldofdeathisthen complete.

THEPLAY

AsShakespearesaid,Alltheworldsastageandallthemenandwomenmerelyplayers. Theyhavetheirexitsandtheirentrancesandeachmaninhistimeplaysmanyparts. Thisworld,whichseemssoreal,isasmuchadreamasthedreamsweencounterwhile

asleep.Ourwakingdreamseemssorealbecauseithascontinuitywhileourdreamsat nightappeartoberandomsequences,takingplaceinunfamiliarsurroundingsand situations. Godisthedreamer,dreamingtheplayintoexistence,andGodplaysalltheparts. EveryonewhoappearsinyourworldisGodplayingthatpartforyou,theauthor.No mancomesuntome,saveIcallhim.Eachofusiswritinghisorherownscript.Ifyou aredissatisfiedwiththeplay,itisuptoyoutorewritethescripttomakeitconformto yourideaofwhattheplayshouldbe.Youcannotdemandthattheactorsinyourplay changethecharactertheyareportraying.Allchangesmusttakeplaceinthemindofthe author. Ifthereissomeoneinyourworldwhoisthesourceofannoyanceorirritationtoyou,that personhasnochoicebuttoplaythepartcalledforinyourscript.Thereisnothingyoucan doontheoutsidetobringaboutchangesinanother.Youcanusetheartofrevisionto changealineofdialogue,toreplaceacertaincharacterwithanother,andtowritehappy endingstothesubplotsoftheplay. Whenyoubegintoviewthiswakingdreamobjectively,youwillbeabletoverifythatyou havebeentheauthorofboththepleasantandunhappyactsinyourplay.Youcanradically changetheplaybyusingyourimaginationcreatively,byassumingyourwishfulfilled.You canchangethescriptonadailybasisbyrevisingthescenethatdidnotpleaseyou.The characterwhodisturbedyoutodaywillnotdosotomorrowifyouwritethedialogueyou wishtohearandalterthatroleinyourimagination. WhenyouawakentoknowthatyouareGod,theFatherandauthorofthismagnificent play,youwillunderstandthat:eachmaninhistimeplaysmanyparts.

YOURREALPURPOSE

GodbecameyousocompletelythatheforgotthathewasGod.Inbecomingman,God

reachedthelimitofcontractionandopacity.GodtotallyforgetsthatheisGodinorderto becomeandanimateHiscreation,man.Godthengoesthroughalloftheexperiencesof knowinggoodandevilandevendeath,inconfidence,thatmanwilleventuallyawakefrom thisdreamoflifetoonceagainknowthatheisGod.ThereisonlyGodintheuniverse, fragmentinghimselfashumanity,andGodplaysallthepartsinthistimespacedream. YourownwonderfulhumanimaginationisGodinaction.IamisChristinyou(your savior).AndChrististhePowerofGodandtheWisdomofGod. Godspeakstousthroughdesire,urgingustoreachhigherandhigherlevelsofawareness. Exercisinghisownwonderfulhumanimaginationtoachievethesedesires,manisactually experiencingGodinaction.Throughfaithinhisimagination,manwilleventuallyconclude thatChrist(thePowerandWisdomofGod)iswithinhimashisimagination.Attheendof thisfabulousjourneyordreamoflife,manwillawakentorememberthatheisGod,the Father,enhancedbytheexperiencesheputhimselfthroughwhenheforgotthathewas God.Manssolepurposeistoexperiencescripture(allofthestatesofconsciousness personifiedasmenintheBible). MansgoalistoreachthestatecalledJesusChrist.Thenhewillknowthathereallyisthe Father(Jesus)andthathissonisChrist(allofhumanityfusedintoonebeing).Manmay havemanygoalsinthemeantimetoaccumulatepossessions,tobecomepowerful,to becomefamous,ortoexpressanythingthathedesires.Eventuallythehungertoknow Godwillcomeuponhim,andhewillthenhavetheexperiencesthatarenecessarytobring tohisremembrancethathetrulyisGod,theFather.

CASEHISTORIES ThisStoryconcernsawoman(whowillbereferredtoasMrs.A.B).Sheknewthat imaginationcreatesrealityandhadtaughtthisprincipaltoherthreechildren,ages12, 10,and6.Shehadpracticedthisprincipalforyearstoobtainthethingsshedesired.

Althoughherhusbandhadalsoheardthisteaching,hehadnotputitintopracticeand actuallywasquiteskepticalaboutresults.OneSundayafternoon,thisfamilywentfora driveandcameuponanewtractofhomesforsale.Asthiswasalovelyruralarea,they stoppedtolookatthenewmodels.Theyalllovedthearea,andthehomeswerelargeand beautifulwithallsortsofmodernamenities.Onthewayhome,theytalkedabouthow wonderfulitwouldbetoownanewhomeinthistract.Theyalreadyownedahome however,theyhadborrowedmoneyonitandhadverylittleequitythatcouldbederived fromitssale.Thehusbandsaidthatalthoughhewouldliketobuythehome,itwasnot possibleastheycouldnotraisethemoneyrequiredforthedownpayment.Evenifthey soldtheirpresenthome,therealestateagentscommissionwouldequalthelittleequity theywouldrealize. Mrs.A.B.toldherhusbandthattheonlywaytheycouldobtainthedownpaymentwould betoselltheirhomeontheirown,therebykeepingthecommissionforthemselves.The husbandwasverypessimisticaboutthisbuttoldhiswifetogoaheadandplaceanadin thepaperalthoughheknewitwouldntdoanygood.Hewassurethattherewasno chanceofsellingthehouseinthisway.Thewifeplacedasmalladinthenewspaper advertisingtheirhouseforsale. Afewnightslaterwhenthehusbandhadgonetobedearly,sheandherchildrendroveto thetractofnewhomes.Shefeltthatifshecouldwalkthroughthenewhouseandcapture thefeelingofactuallylivingthere,shewouldobtainherdreamhome.Itwasdarkwhen theygotthere,buttheyfoundoneofthehousesunlocked.Sheandthethreechildren walkedthroughthehouse.Thechildrendecidedonwhichbedroomeachwouldoccupyif theyactuallylivedthere.Themotherinstructedthechildrentoactuallysleepinthenew houseintheirimaginationthatnight,andsheintendedtodothesame.Forthenextfew days,theyimaginedlivingintheirnewhomeandtakingwalksinthewoodsthatwere adjacenttothetract. Thatsameweek,amanansweredtheadinthepaper.Hedidnotseemveryenthusiastic aboutbuyingthehousebutreturnedlaterthatdaywithhiswife.HetoldMrs.A.B.that

theyhaddecidedtobuythehouseforthepriceshewasasking.WhenMs.A.B.expressed concernastohowtheywouldgoaboutplacingthehomeinescrow,hetoldherthathe wasarealestateagentandwouldgothroughthecompanyheworkedfor.Thisfamily receivedtheexactamountofmoneynecessaryforadownpaymentontheirnewhome. Theescrowwasveryshort,andthefamilymovedintotheirnewhomeamonthlater. Mrs.A.B.knewthatifsheimaginedherselfsleepinginhernewhome,shewould eventuallysleepthereintheflesh.Herchildrenalsolearnedhowtoobtaintheirhearts desirethroughtheuseofimagination. ******************** Mrs.C.D.hadrecentlybeendivorcedandneededtoworktosupportherchildrenasher husbandrefusedtopaychildsupport.Althoughherlawyersuggestedtakinghimtocourt fornonpayment,thewomandidnotwishtodothis.Aspartofthedivorcesettlement, shewasawardedaveryoldandnotveryreliablecar.OneFridaynightasshewasdriving homefromwork,itwasrainingveryhardandmostintersectionswereflooded.Shewas aboutamilefromherhomewhenshestoppedataStopsign.Atruckcomingtowardher fromtheoppositedirectionwentthroughtheintersection,sprayingagreatdealofwater ashedrovepast.Theengineofthewomanscardiedandshewasunabletostartitagain. Sheremovedhershoesbeforesteppingoutofhercarasthewaterwasmorethanankle deep.Sheraisedthehoodandbegantodryoffthedistributorcapwithherhandkerchief. Shewascryingatthispointandhertearsmingledwiththerain.Shefinallygothercar startedandmanagedtogethometoherchildren.Sherealizedthatitwasnecessaryto haveadependablecarifshewastoworkandsupportherchildren.Shehadnomoneyfor adownpaymentonanewercarandshedidnotearnenoughtomakecarpayments. ShewenttoworkthefollowingMondayandacoworkeraskedhertogotolunch.The coworkerhadjustpurchasedanewPontiacTempestandinsistedthatMrs.C.D.drive hernewcarbacktotheoffice.AlthoughMrs.C.D.protestedthatshedidnotwishto drivesomeonesnewcar,shedidgetbehindthewheelanddrovebacktowork.Whileshe

wasdrivingthenewcar,shecapturedthefeelingthatthiswashercarandshefeltthethrill ofowningit.Fortherestoftheweek,whileshedrovebackandforthtoworkinherold car.Mrs.C.D.imaginedthatshewasdrivingabrandnewcarofherown. ThenextFriday,Mrs.C.D.sexhusbandcalledandaskedifshewouldliketohaveanew car.Thiswasthefirsttimesincetheirdivorceseveralmonthsearlierthathehadofferedto doanythingforher,includingpayingchildsupport.Theexhusbandwasnowworkingfor anewcardealershipandtoldherthat,asasalesman,hewaseligibletobuyacertainmake ofcarfornomoneydownandwithverylowmonthlypayments.Hesaidhewaswillingto makethemonthlypaymentsinlieuofchildsupportandaskedhertocometothe dealershiptopickoutthecolorshewanted.Itjustsohappenedthatthemakeofcar eligibleforthisspecialdealwasaPontiacTempest,thesamemakeandmodelasthecar shehaddriventhatbelongedtohercoworker. Mrs.C.D.wasabletoobtain,throughheruseofimagination,whatshecouldneverhave obtainedthroughherowneffortsatthattime.Herexhusband,whohadofferedherno monetarysupportformonths,wastheavenuechosentoprovideherwiththecarshe needed. ******************** ThisisthestoryofMrs.E.F.,whohadadesiretoliveneartheoceanandusedher imaginationtofulfillherdesire.Shedidnotwishtosellherpresenthomebutwantedto leaseitforayearbeforemakingthedecisiontomovetothebeachpermanently.Mrs.E.F. toldtwoofherfriendsaboutherwish.Onefriend,whohadusedtheprincipleof imagination,toldMrs.E.F.thatshewouldimaginevisitingheratthebeachinhernew home.Oneweeklater,Mrs.E.F.traveledtoHawaiiforascheduledvacation.Whilethere, shereceivedacallfromafriendwholivednSanDiego.ThisfriendtoldMrs.E.F.thata perfectlittlehousehadjustcomeonthemarketasayeararoundrentalandshethought thishousewouldbeperfectforMrs.E.F.Herfriendalsosaidthatthiswasavery desirablerentalandthatMr.E.F.wouldneedtomakeadecisionimmediatelyastherental

wouldverylikelynotbeavailablewhenshereturnedfromHawaii.Mrs.E.F.toldher friendtotelltheownersthatshewouldtakeit,trustingherfriendsrecommendation. UponMrs.E.F.sreturnfromHawaii,shetoldhergrowndaughterthatshehaddecided torentahouseatthebeachinSanDiego.Herdaughtercalledherlaterthatdayandsaid thatthemotherofafriendofherswantedtoleaseahouse.Thewomancamebythenext day,saidshelovedthehouse,andwouldliketoleaseitforayear.Mrs.E.F.gavenotice atworkandwasabletomovewithinamonth.Sinceshewasanurse,shehadnotrouble findingawonderfulnewjobatanearbyhospital.Mrs.E.F.hassinceboughtahousenear theoceanandhasspent17happyyearslivingatthebeach. Mrs.E.F.imaginedthatshewaslivingatthebeach,andherfriendimaginedthatshewas visitingherthere.Theydidthisforoneweek.Itisinterestingthatwhileshewason vacationinHawaii,eventsmovedswiftlytobringaboutherdesire.Shedidnothingtofind anewhomenordidshedoanythingtorentherpresenthome.Imaginationwasableto drawthenecessarypeopleintoherlifesothatherwishcouldbefulfilled. Whatshouldbedoneafterwehaveimaginedourwishfulfilled?Nothing.Youthink youcandosomething,youwanttodosomething,butactuallyyoucandonothingto bringitabout.God,ourownwonderfulhumanimagination,knowswhatthingsare necessarytobringaboutourdesires.Itisonlynecessarytogototheend,toliveinthe end.Mywaysarepastfindingout.Mywaysarehigherthanyourways.Ifwetrust ourimagination,itwillaccomplishallthatweaskofit.Imaginationcandoallthings havefaithinit,andnothingshallbeimpossibletoyou. ******************** Thisstoryconcernsayoungman(referredtoasE.P)whowasawonderfulathleteand wasgoodatmanydifferentsports.Duringthisparticulartimeinhislife,hebecame interestedinpaddlingoutriggercanoes.Hejoinedateamandwassooncompetinginlocal races.Inhissecondyearofpursuingthissport,hewasonateamthatcompetedinthe50 mileracefromMolokaitoHonolulu.TheHawaiianoutriggerteamsusuallytookfirst

placeandwereconsideredunbeatable.E.P.steamcamein7thandthatwasconsidered quiteremarkableconsideringthegreatnumberofteamsthatcompetedfromalloverthe worldalongwiththeHawaiinparticipants.Afterthisrace,E.P.beganimaginingthathis teamhadwontherace.Hespentthenextyearforminganewteam,practicing,and buildinghisownoutriggercanoe.Hewasconvincedthatifheimaginedhimselfwinning therace,histeamwouldcomeinfirst. He,nextyear,histeamandatleastadozenothersflewtoHawaiifromSouthern Californiatocompeteintheannualrace.Therewereseveralteamswithmuchmore experiencewhowereconsideredlikelytoplaceinthetopten,althoughtheHawaiians werestillconsideredthefavorites.Attheendoftherace,E.P.steamfinishedfirst,ahead oftheHawaiiansandalltheotherteams.E.P.nowholdsapaddleengravedwiththe wordsWorldChampionwhichwasgiventohimuponhisteamtakingfirstplace. Afterwinningthiscovetedtitle,thisyoungmanwentontocoachotherteams.Healso beganmanufacturingpaddlesforoutriggercanoes.Hispaddlesareknownthroughoutthe worldandareusedbyoutriggerteamswhoareamongthetopteamsintheworld. E.P.nowmakeshishomeinHawaiiandenjoyscoachingteams,manufacturingpaddles, fishingandsailinghisownboat.Healsouseshisboatasanescortcraftfortheannual outriggerraces. ******************** Mrs.J.K.waslivinginhertwinsistershomeafterhavingbeendivorced.Mrs.J.K.had threechildren,asonandgirlandboytwins.Hersisterandherhusbandhadthreeboys. Needlesstosay,thiswasacrowdedhousehold.Mrs.J.K.wasverydesirousofgetting marriedandlivinginherownhome.Shehadbeendatingamanbutdecidedthatshedid notwishtocontinuetherelationshipandbrokeitoff.Manyofherfriendsattemptedto fixMrs.J.K.upwitheligiblementheyknew,butshewasnotinterestedingoingon blinddates.Severalofherfriendscommentedthatifshewishedtomeetaneligibleman,

shewouldneedtogetoutandgoplaces.Thetwinsbelievedinthecreativepowerof imagination,andtheyhadafriendwhoalsoknewofthepowerofimagining.Thethree womendeterminedthattheywouldimaginearingonMrs.J.K.sfinger,whichwould implythatshewasmarried.Theydidthisforseveralweeks.Duringthistime,Mrs.J.K. alsoimaginedherselflivinginherownhome.However,whensheattemptedtodoso,she foundherselfimaginingahomeexactlylikehersisters. Oneday,Mrs.J.K.receivedacallfromafriendwhoaskedhertocometoherhomeand helpherwallpaperherkitchen.Mrs.J.K.agreedtohelpherfriendwholivedafewblocks awayinthesametractofhomes.Whileshewasthere,amaleneighborcametovisither friend.ThefriendintroducedMrs.J.K.toherneighbor.HelatercalledMrs.J.K.andthey begantodate.Fivemonthslater,Mrs.J.K.marriedthisman.Theinterestingpartofthis storyisthatallofthesepeoplelivedinthesamelargetractofhomes.Therewereonly fourhomesinthetractof1200thathadthesamefloorplan.Yes,thiswomanshusband ownedoneofthehomesthathadthesamefloorplanasMrs.J.K.stwinsister.Even thoughMrs.J.K.imaginedherselflivinginherownhome,shehadonlybeenableto imagineherselflivinginahouseidenticaltohersisters. ******************** Thisisastoryaboutthefriend,Mrs.L.M.,whohadintroducedMrs.J.K.tohernew husband.Duringtheirfriendship,Mrs.J.K.hadtriedtoexplaintheprincipleof imaginationtoherfriendwhowasverydoubtfulthatitwouldwork.Oneday,Mrs.J.K. askedherfriendtocometooneofNevilleslectures.Mrs.L.M.agreedtoattendbutwas notatallconvincedthatimaginingshehadwhatshewantedwouldresultinobtainingit. But,shedecidedtoimagineaverysimplethingthereceiptofahandkerchief.She imaginedthatsomeonehadgivenheroneandthendroppedthewholeidea.Muchtoher surprise,shereceivedahandkerchiefinthemailfromthemotherofafriendwhocameto herhouseforlunchwhileshewasintownforavisit.ThiswomansentMrs.L.M.a handkerchiefwithathankyounote.Mrs.L.M.wasnotonlysurprisedwhenshereceived thegift,shebecameveryfrightenedasshethoughttherewassomethingsupernatural aboutit.Mrs.L.M.hadattemptedtodisprovethatimaginationproducesthethingdesired.

Whenshereceivedthehandkerchiefshehadimagined,sheinterpretedittobesomesort ofBlackMagicanddidntwanttoknowanymoreaboutthisteaching. ******************** Icouldrelatehundredsofincidentsinvolvingdozensofpeopleinwhichimaginationwas usedtobringaboutthedesiredresults.Ihavechosenjustafewstoriestoillustratethat imaginationcanbeusedtosolveallmannerofproblemsandbringintoyourexperience youreveryheartsdesire.

(FromINTABulletin,NewThoughtsummer1953)

FUNDAMENTALS ByNEVILLE

WITHsovastasubject,itisindeedadifficulttasktosummarizeinafewhundredwords whatIconsiderthemostbasicideasonwhichthosewhoseekatrueunderstandingof metaphysicsshouldnowconcentrate.IshalldowhatIcanintheshapeofthree fundamentals.Thesefundamentalsare:SelfObservation,DefinitionofAim,and Detachment. Thepurposeoftruemetaphysicsistobringaboutarebirthorradicalpsychological changeintheindividual.Suchachangecannottakeplaceuntiltheindividualfirst discoverstheselfthathewouldchange.Thisdiscoverycanbemadeonlythroughan uncriticalobservationofhisreactionstolife.Thesumtotalofthesereactionsdefinesthe individual'sstateofconsciousness,anditistheindividual'sstateofconsciousnessthat attractsthesituationsandcircumstancesofhislife. Sothestartingpointoftruemetaphysics,onitspracticalside,isselfobservationinorder todiscoverone'sreactionstolife,reactionswhichformone'ssecretselfthecauseofthe phenomenaoflife. WithEmerson,IacceptthefactthatMansurroundshimselfwiththetrueimageof himself...whatweare,thatonlycanwesee." Thereisadefiniteconnectionbetweenwhatisouterandwhatisinnerinman,anditis everourinnerstatesthatattractourouterlife.Therefore,theindividualmustalwaysstart withhimself.

Itisone'sselfthatmustbechanged. Man,inhisblindness,isquitesatisfiedwithhimself,butheartilydislikesthecircumstances andsituationsofhislife.Hefeelsthisway,notknowingthatthecauseofhisdispleasure liesnotintheconditionnorthepersonwithwhomheisdispleased,butintheveryselfhe likessomuch.Notrealizingthat"hesurroundshimselfwiththetrueimageofhimself"and that"whatheis,thatonlycanhesee,"heisshockedwhenhediscoversthatithasalways beenhisowndeceitfulnessthatmadehimsuspiciousofothers. Selfobservationwouldrevealthisdeceitfuloneinallofusandthisonemustbeaccepted beforetherecanbeanytransformationofourselves. Atthismoment,trytonoticeyourinnerstate.Towhatthoughtsareyouconsenting?With whatfeelingsareyouidentified?Youmustbeevercarefulwhereyouarewithinyourself. Mostofitsthinkthatwearekindandloving,generousandtolerant,forgivingandnoble butanuncriticalobservationofourreactionstolifewillrevealaselfthatisnotatallkind andloving,generousandtolerant,forgivingandnoble.Anditisthisselfthatwemustfirst acceptandthensetabouttochange. Rebirthdependsoninnerworkonone'sself.Noonecanberebornwithoutchangingthis self.Anytimethatanentirelynewsetofreactionsentersintoaperson'slife,achangeof consciousnesshastakenplace,aspiritualrebirthhasoccurred. Havingdiscovered,throughanuncriticalobservationofyourreactionstolife,aselfthat mustbechanged,youmustnowformulateanaim.Thatis,youmustdefinetheoneyou wouldliketobeinsteadoftheoneyoutrulyareinsecret.Withthisaimclearlydefined, youmust,throughoutyourconsciouswakingday,noticeyoureveryreactioninregardto thisaim. Thereasonforthisisthateveryonelivesinadefinitestateofconsciousness,whichstate

ofconsciousnesswehavealreadydescribedasthesumtotalofhisreactionstolife. Therefore,indefininganaim,youaredefiningastateofconsciousness,which,likeall statesofconsciousness,musthaveitsreactionstolife.Forexample:ifarumororanidle remarkcouldcauseananxiousreactioninonepersonandnoreactioninanother,thisis positiveproofthatthetwopeoplearelivingintwodifferentstatesofconsciousness. Ifyoudefineyouraimasanoble,generous,secure,kindlyindividualknowingthatall thingsarestatesofconsciousnessyoucaneasilytellwhetheryouarefaithfultoyouraim inlifebywatchingyourreactionstothedailyeventsoflife.Ifyouarefaithfultoyour ideal,yourreactionswillconformtoyouraim,foryouwillbeidentifiedwithyouraim and,therefore,willbethinkingfromyouraim.Ifyourreactionsarenotinharmonywith yourideal,itisasuresignthatyouareseparatedfromyouridealandareonlythinkingof it.Assumethatyouarethelovingoneyouwanttobe,andnoticeyourreactions throughoutthedayinregardtothatassumptionforyourreactionswilltellyouthestate fromwhichyouareoperating. ThisiswherethethirdfundamentalDetachmententersin.Havingdiscoveredthat everythingisastateconsciousnessmadevisibleandhavingdefinedthatparticularstate whichwewanttomakevisible,wenowsetaboutthetaskofenteringsuchastate,forwe mustmovepsychologicallyfromwherewearetowherewedesiretobe. Thepurposeofpracticingdetachmentistoseparateusfromourpresentreactionstolife andattachustoouraiminlife.Thisinnerseparationmustbedevelopedbypractice.At firstweseemtohavenopowertoseparateourselvesfromundesirableinnerstates,simply becausewehavealwaystakeneverymood,everyreaction,asnaturalandhavebecome identifiedwiththem.Whenwehavenoideathatourreactionsareonlystatesof consciousnessfromwhichitispossibletoseparateourselves,wegoroundandroundin thesamecircleofproblemsnotseeingthemasinnerstatesbutasoutersituations.We practicedetachment,orinnerseparation,thatwemayescapefromthecircleofour habitualreactionstolife.Thatiswhywemustformulateanaimandconstantlynotice ourselvesinregardtothataim.

Thisteachingbeginswithselfobservation.Secondlyitasks,"Whatdoyouwant?"And thenitteachesdetachmentfromallnegativestatesandattachmenttoyouraim.Thislast stateattachmenttoyouraimisaccomplishedbyfrequentlyassumingthefeelingofyour wishfulfilled. Wemustpracticeseparatingourselvesfromournegativemoodsandthoughtsinthemidst ofallthetroublesanddisastersofdailylife.Noonecanbedifferentfromwhatheisnow unlesshebeginstoseparatehimselffromhispresentreactionsandtoidentifyhimselfwith hisaim.Detachmentfromnegativestatesandassumptionofthewishfulfilledmustbe practicedinthemidstofalltheblessingsandcursingsoflife. Thewayoftruemetaphysicsliesinthemidstofallthatisgoingoninlife.Wemust constantlypracticeselfobservation,thinkingfromouraim,anddetachmentfromnegative moodsandthoughtsifwewouldbedoersoftruthinsteadofmerehearers. Practicethesethreefundamentalsandyouwillrisetohigherandhigherlevelsof consciousness.Remember,always,itisyourstateofconsciousnessthatattractsyourlife. Startclimbing! Neville