Kalani Retreat 2010. David goes into how the ego distorts the symbols of holiness.
Hierarchy
The Last Unanswered Question
The Atonement as referred to in “A Course in Miracles:” There is no hierarchy of illusions just as there is no order of difficulty in miracles. The power of God transcends any kind of belief in error or sickness. The Atonement is a different breed. Jesus speaks of it as being an unequivocal choice. The section in ACIM called “The Last Unanswered Question”gives four questions and points out that the fourth is different from the others. In order to experience who you really are, you have to be able to answer the last unanswered question.
“Do I want to see what I denied because it is the truth?” Spiritual vision was denied in order for this world to seem to arise. A shadow world, a world of images. The graven images referred to in the bible is the cosmos. God is Spirit, he creates in Spirit. The ego made all the images. The Vision of Christ is always available. It can seem to be a matter of time or a matter of readiness but what it comes down to is the willingness to see what has been denied to see with spiritual vision, which is what revelation is about.
2008 Kentucky Retreat
In this “A Course in Miracles” (ACIM) retreat at the end of summer of 2008, David discusses some of the deepest themes in the teachings and application of the principles of ACIM: judgment and guidance. What is judgment, and how does the Holy Spirit use discernment to lead the mind to its escape from specifics and back to Heaven?
A Trick Done with Mirrors
ACIM, like life, literally “tricks” one into seeing the truth. Together with double negatives, spectacular poetry and humor, “A Course in Miracles” pokes and prods the sleeping mind, which sometimes has to have a few jolts before it is ready to wake up to reality. No matter how familiar and convenient the illusion becomes, we know deep inside that something isn’t right.
Forgiveness Parables/Metaphysics
David Hoffmeister gives both a parable of forgiveness along with the metaphysics underneath the parable. “A Course in Miracles” ideas and applications are what living a life of joy is all about, and David serves as a living demonstration of Course principles in action. It is a peaceful state of Mind.
Am I Hearing Holy Spirit or Ego
David Hoffmeister shares on “tuning in” and listening to the Holy Spirit and Jesus, and shares examples from his own life. Listening to the Holy Spirit rather than the ego takes a lot of discernment. On the most basic level, it is asking yourself, “How do I feel?” The deeper you go into miracle-working, the more you start to see there is, in truth, no difference between major and minor decisions. “A Course in Miracles” is a tool to use to help the mind tune into inner guidance from the Holy Spirit.
How Do I Clear My Mind?
When darkness comes up we need a Spirit-focused function to help us through. Giving our whole being completely to listening and following allows no room for doubt. Before our focus becomes consistent, we may experience fear. But once we say yes to Spirit and our function, our fear vanishes. When we follow every day, even every moment, it feels like a vacation. There is rest. Through joy, Spirit teaches how to be in the flow of forgiveness. We refer to this as being “done through.” Spirit moving through us feels good: to give love, hugs, clean, and cook.
Modern Mysticism
David Hoffmeister shares on modern mysticism and the miracle of changed perception. “A Course in Miracles” is a pointer towards non-dual awareness. Once you taste the stillness of the mystical, non-dual experience, everything changes. In this teaching, David Hoffmeister reminds us that ACIM guides us towards bringing illusions in to truth, not the other way around. You can’t bring spirit into your workplace; you can’t spiritualize your relationships. If you try to use ACIM to make a better planet, you will fail. Once we have that one non-dual moment, that experience of Oneness, then we begin to apply it without exception. It is an experience of mind. You realize that you are perfect just as you are now.
Family Roles and Control
Family roles seem to involve hierarchy, but Jesus teaches equality through “A Course in Miracles.” With mind training, parents learn their role is completed. The hierarchy of control is over. Teenagers act out the private mind so you can see it. As you let go of seeing it as a personal attack, you can see it as a call for love.
Trying to Control My Behavior
When you feel addicted to something in the world, it feels like your actions are the problem. It seems that if you could stop or regulate the behavior, you’d be home free. You’re thoughts say, “I just need to control my behavior. But how?” The main addiction of the mind is judgment. But the mind wasn’t created to judge; it was created to “be.” So trying to control it, on any level, doesn’t work. At some point, you’ll have to do a major mind “overhaul,” and look at all thoughts about cause and effect.