This is a commonly asked question by non-dual students on the topic of enlightenment. David’s answer is direct—that is a misperception; he says that there is no pain or suffering of any kind in Oneness. It is the deceived mind (the ego) that seems to experience emotions. If you perceive a world of separate images and seem to feel fluctuating emotions, that is the indicator that you want to ask for Help. It is the opportunity to question and enquire within; to forgive the very possibility of emotions, pain, and suffering, to use the language of “A Course in Miracles”. “Help me to see,” then an openness and humility can come in and you can choose again; to choose the joy of reality, of truth, of God instead of a false idea of pain.
Real Thoughts
Being with a Dying Person
Spirit can use these situations in which you are uncertain to bring you through to a sense of true forgiveness. You can face your feelings around death and expand your mind. Pray and ask to be used in the most helpful way. “Miracles enable you to heal the sick and raise the dead because you made sickness and death yourself, and can therefore abolish both.” (T-1.I.24:1)
The Debate on Morality
Right and wrong are the polarities of a dualistic mind. The ego will find numerous ways to keep the mind preoccupied with these kinds of external distractions. Arguing about “good and bad” ways of being can never bring about better behavior—personal or social. Whereas right thinking—or a peaceful mind—will lead towards knowing one’s true nature. The Atonement is the great undoing of all personal goals and behaviors.
An Inspired Life
Jesus led an inspired life, and that is what you are aiming for. Purpose is being guided, being inspired, and becoming aligned with God. And then that expresses. This is not about making distinctions in form, such as equating stillness with sitting in the lotus position.
Heaven’s Laws
The laws of this world are many, but in Heaven there is only one law: Love. In this world, this translates to the return to the full remembrance and true deep awareness of Spirit. What is, is what is, and is all there is. Just relax, go slow. You are already Home!
Non-Dualism
In this session, David Hoffmeister shares his experience that everything is mind. Projection makes perception. ACIM teaches that all is thought and unified awareness. We are not the victims of the world we perceive. If there is no inner or outer, nobody is doing anything to anyone. The world is forgiven. What we experience is an outside picture of an inward condition. When we go into hypotheticals is when we go into error. Scenarios of past or future take us out of the present moment. Trust would settle every problem now.
Practical Application of ACIM Principles
In “A Course in Miracles,” Jesus provides 365 Workbook lessons for mind training. Each lesson contains a specific thought to be used as instructed throughout the day. The ACIM daily lessons are replacement ideas for your ordinary, everyday, repetitive thoughts. Your thinking is generally stuck in the past or future. Disturbances can be approached differently through practical application of ACIM principles. As you advance in your mind training, you begin to use “The Rules for Decision” that Jesus presents in the Course (T-30.I) as a way of re-interpreting everyday occurrences.
Lack of Interest in the Body
With regards to the body, ACIM is very clear. “A Course in Miracles” teaches that the body is neutral. ACIM daily Lesson 249 carries the thought, “My body is a wholly neutral thing.” (W-294) It does not need special attention in any way. You are not a body, you are Spirit. As you give yourself over to this, there is a lack of interest in the body. It is all about your thoughts! You are working with Jesus and the Holy Spirit to clear your mind.
Giving up Attack Thoughts
The subtle definition of attack thoughts are any thoughts of the past or future. Real thoughts, on the other hand, are thoughts I share with God, i.e., “I am as God created me.” Jesus says in “A Course in Miracles” that these real thoughts will save the world!
Inner Peace = World Peace
The world is an outward picture of an inward condition. The world is a projection of trying to hold on to both love and fear. Everything emanates from consciousness. While we believe in the world we will seem to experience a world outside of ourselves. Perfect love casts out fear. If we come to find the peace in ourselves, the world we picture will be peace-full.
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