A Course in Miracles

 

A Course in Miracles is a spiritual thought system that was received through "inner dictation" by Columbia University psychologist Helen Schucman. Its three books--The Text, the Workbook for Students and the Manual--explain its concepts and offer a curriculum of 365 daily lessons. The Course is not a religion, but rather a path of forgiveness that leads to peace.

The Text

A Course in Miracles is a book of profoundly new ideas and teachings. Its premise is that everything that happens in the world is nothing more than a result of our thoughts. Thus, when we change our thinking, the outcome changes too.

Book 1 is largely theoretical, setting forth the concepts on which the Course’s thought system is based. Without the application that Book 2 provides, it would be difficult to bring about the shift in perception that the Course aims at.

Despite using Christian terminology, ACIM surprisingly offers the opposite of Christian doctrine and gives different meaning to many common Christian terms. It is a spiritual and psychological path, not a religious one. Its goal is undoing the illusion of separation in all its forms. This is accomplished by learning how to forgive, which is the means for finding peace. In its simplest form, happiness is the result of choosing forgiveness over all fear.

The Workbook

A Course in Miracles is a universal Is acim dangerous curriculum designed to guide students to spiritual transformation. The seven-volume set was first published in 1976 and has since been distributed without compensation to men and women of every religious background, claiming that the greatest "miracle" is simply gaining a full awareness of love's presence in your life.

The workbook offers a practical application of the ideas presented in the text. Some of the ideas may be difficult to grasp, while others may seem startling. These are not important, however, because it is the application of the ideas that is significant.

By consistently doing the exercises in the workbook, you will learn to transfer your training in true perception to everyone and everything you see. The result will be a joyous life free of conflict, where you can truly love your brothers as yourself. In this eternal happiness, you will be one with God. This is the true miracle of A Course in Miracles.

The Manual

A Course in Miracles presents a curriculum for spiritual transformation. It is both profound and practical, addressing topics such as forgiveness, love, peace, oneness, and God. It is a restatement of the core wisdom found in every major world religion. It is not a faith but rather a path that leads to an experience of God.

In keeping with its educational theme, A Course in Miracles is divided into three volumes: The Text, The Workbook for Students and The Manual for Teachers. The textbook is a curriculum to be studied, the workbook is designed for self-study and the manual describes how to teach the course.

It explains that anyone who is ready to learn can become a teacher of the course. This teaching is a form of demonstration that takes many forms, but is generally described as a healing ministry or a "miracles practitioner." It involves going to people who are suffering and helping them heal with the power of forgiveness.

The Teachings

The Course is a self-study curriculum consisting of a 669-page Text, a 488-page Workbook for Students, and a 92-page Manual for Teachers. It teaches that God is everywhere, and that love is the only answer. It teaches that forgiveness is the way to freedom and healing.

The course says that "As you learn to forgive, the doors to reality will open." It is about remembering the truth about yourself, others, and God – about experiencing perfect peace, freedom, joy, and oneness. It is about changing your perceptions, beliefs, and emotions - waking up from the dream of separation to reality.

Though the Course uses Christian vocabulary and tries to sound like Christianity, it is not a religion. It is ecumenical and emphasizes that it is only a means to an experience of God. It is not the only way to salvation, but it points to the path that many believe is best for them. It has affected people of every faith, and is used as a spiritual tool in psychotherapy.