The Untrained Mind

ACIM Workbook Lesson 9 – for Sunday, January 9, 2011

Affirmation:  “I see nothing as it is now.”

Selected Passage:

“It is difficult for the untrained mind to believe that what it seems to picture is not there.  This idea can be quite disturbing, and may meet with active resistance in any number of forms.  (WB15)”

Reflections:

This passage, as well as the lesson in which it is embedded, is a sound statement that what we are seeing is maya, or illusion.  What we project from within, we see outwardly by our perception.

This tenet of A Course in Miracles is explained succinctly in the introduction to the Text, much of which was scribed by Helen Schucman in the same manner as the rest of A Course in Miracles.  “Projection makes perception,” is the succinct statement.

Perception is not, importantly, the whole picture.  God Himself grants us “knowledge,” which is not related to perception except in the truth that as we perceive more and more truly, we can ascend to knowledge.  Knowledge is the inner knowing that becomes ours when Awakening has dawned upon our sight (our inward sight).  A Course of Love calls this Awakening “Christ-consciousness.”  Either way, the thrust of where we are heading is clear.  We are not meant to be lost in illusion, in dreams that have only the meaning that our little selves subscribe to them.

Prayer:

Dear Father/Mother,

May I not be lost in illusions today.  May I move ever closer to the knowledge that God grants.  When I project, and this makes for perception that is informed by the ego, I am lost in dreams.  Whether these are happy dreams sent by the Holy Spirit (to prepare us for Awakening), or whether they are nightmares, is not ultimately important.  The most important part of salvation is to awaken, and in the Text, the means to awaken are being explained to us.  Thank You.

May I study diligently today all the parts of ACIM that call to me.  May the comforting words found therein lead me ever closer to a new beginning, the kind of new beginning that is explained in the Text.  Thank You for this blessing.

Amen.