A Course in Miracles, or The Course as it is also referred, is considered a channeled text and labor of love of two Professors of Medical Psychology at Columbia’s University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City, Helen Schulman and William Thetford, published in 1976. It was channeled through Helen,
“three startling months preceded the actual writing, during which time Bill suggested that [Helen] write down the highly symbolic dreams and descriptions of the strange images that were coming to [her]. Although [she] had grown more accustomed to the unexpected by that time, [she] was still very surprised when [she] wrote, ‘This is a course in miracles.’ That was [her] introduction to the Voice. (ACIM Preface vii-viii)”
The Voice began to dictate what would become the three books known as A Course in Miracles: the Text, Workbook for Students, and a Manual for Teachers. Jesus is the known transmitter with the use of the Judeo-Christian terms. It is also interesting to note that Jesus transmitted much of the text in Iambic Pentameter, the same rhythmic meter as used by William Shakespeare.
In more current times, The Course has gained popularity from authors such as Mirianne Williamson with her book A Return To Love and Gary Renard’s Disappearance of the Universe. Both authors highlighting the Course’s main theme of choosing love over fear; forgiveness over judgement. Both authors also help to simplify some of the language used in the Course as although it is a beautiful text it can considered rather “heady” at times and difficult to understand. This is no surprise at it was written by two professors. But overall, like the poems of William Shakespeare, the words are utterly beautiful and poetic; creating such a stir in one’s own body that it could be considered “spiritual porn.”
Since A Course in Miracles was dictated to a professor, of medical psychology no less, this course is meant to be experienced as an experiment and not just understood as fact. The center focus is the students experience with the words and her out-picturing world, known as perception. Thus, the words Jesus transmitted to Helen provide the proof that Heaven is here on Earth and that there is no such thing as sin. This is our walk together, witnessing the truth that is eternally true, always.
As this is an introduction to A Course in Miracles, the following pages are to be a daily walk with those miracles using the lessons given in The Course and applying them to our daily lives. As it is not merely about intellectualizing spirituality but about embodying it to live as one’s best Self. And that is the goal of our walk together. It is the walk in remembering Who and What we truly are, the walk in love, and the walk home, a home we never left but only dreamt we did.
“Forgiveness is the means by which we will remember (A Course in Miracles Preface xiii).”
True, this text uses typical Judeo-Christian terms but it is a universal text that focuses on forgiveness and love. It is not a religion but just another means to help one recognize the light within and to live as such. Thus, these pages will reflect the universalism of the Course with also applying various other spiritual teachings from other Masters and Teachers. Jesus was not the only one. He is just the one we popularized, and even crucified, the most.
The Workbook is laid out as a peaceful walk building on various teachings to undo the mistaken thinking of the mind over a years time period. The Course tests the waters of the mind by first undoing current perception then inviting in a new way of perceiving.
“Nothing real can be threatened.
Nothing unreal exists.
Herein lies the peace of God (A Course in Miracles Preface x).”
This walk is a gentle way to reclaim the mind from the ego, the shadow side, and to begin to live as a fully realized being. As walking is an paced, methodical action, so is the mastery of the mind, no longer being the slave to the ego, you become the master of mind, as it was always intended to be. Application and integration of the lessons is the directive of these pages and is the directive for this time in history; to live as fully conscious beings and create positive, sustainable change and choices that impact our world for good.
When love is the only goal, who can fault that? Let us walk together.