Lesson 253
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All the Same and Equally Untrue
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A COURSE IN MIRACLES
CH 23 THE WAR AGAINST YOURSELF
III. THE LAWS OF CHAOS

20 The first chaotic law is that the truth is different for everyone. Like all these principles, this one maintains that each is separate and has a different set of thoughts which sets him off from others. This principle evolves from the belief there is a hierarchy of illusions; some are more valuable and therefore true. Each one establishes this for himself and makes it true by his attack on what another values. And this is justified because the values differ and those who hold them seem to be unlike and therefore enemies.
 
21 Think how this seems to interfere with the first principle of miracles. For this establishes degrees of truth among illusions, making it appear that some of them are harder to overcome than others. If it were realized that they are all the same and equally untrue, it would be easy, then, to understand that miracles apply to all of them. Errors of any kind can be corrected because they are untrue. When brought to truth instead of to each other, they merely disappear. No part of nothing can be more resistant to the truth than can another.
 
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A COURSE IN MIRACLES
WORKBOOK for STUDENTS
What Is Sin
WHAT IS SIN?

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*IAMBIC PENTAMETER*
 
   Sin is insanity. It is the means
   by which the mind is driven mad, and seeks
   to let illusions take the place of truth.
   And being mad, it sees illusions where
   the truth should be, and where it really is.
   Sin gave the body eyes, for what is there
   the sinless would behold? What need have they
   of sights or sounds or touch? What would they hear
   or reach to touch? What would they sense at all?
   To sense is not to know. And truth can be
   but filled with knowledge, and with nothing else.
 
   The body is the instrument the mind
   made in its striving to deceive itself.
   Its purpose is to strive. Yet can the goal
   of striving change. And now the body serves
   a different aim for striving. What it seeks
   for now is chosen by the aim the mind
   has taken as replacement for the goal
   of self-deception. Truth can be its aim
   as well as lies. The senses then will seek
   instead the witnesses to what is true.
 
   Sin is the home of all illusions, which
   but stand for things imagined, issuing
   from thoughts which are untrue. They are the "proof"
   that what has no reality is real.
   Sin "proves" God's Son is evil; timelessness
   must have an end; Eternal Life must die.
   And God Himself has lost the Son He loves,
   with but corruption to complete Himself,
   His Will forever overcome by death,
   love slain by hate, and peace to be no more.
 
   A madman's dreams are frightening, and sin
   appears indeed to terrify. And yet
   what sin perceives is but a childish game.
   The Son of God may play be has become
   a body, prey to evil and to guilt,
   with but a little life that ends in death.
   But all the while his Father shines on him,
   and loves him with an Everlasting Love
   which his pretenses cannot change at all.
 
   How long, oh Son of God, would you maintain
   the game of sin? Shall we not put away
   these sharp-edged children's toys? How soon will you
   be ready to come home? Perhaps today?
   There is no sin. Creation is unchanged.
   Would you still hold return to Heaven back?
   How long, oh holy Son of God, how long?
  
    ~ Original Hand Script  
 
  
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DAILY LESSON
SonShip Workbook
 L e s s o n 253
My Self is ruler of the universe.


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   It is impossible that anything 
   should come to me unbidden by myself.
   Even in this world it is I who rule
   my destiny. What happens is what I
   desire. What does not occur is what
   I do not want to happen. This must I
   accept. For thus am I led past this world
   to my creations, children of my Will,
   in Heaven where my holy Self abides
   with them, and Him Who has created me.
 
    You are the Self Whom You created Son,
    creating like Yourself and one with You.
    My Self, Which rules the universe, is but
    Your Will in perfect union with my own,
    Which can but offer glad assent to Yours,
    that It may be extended to Itself.
 
     ~ Original Handscript of ACIM  
  
          
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ACIM Edmonton - Sarah's Reflections 
ACIM Edmonton, CA
LESSON 253

My Self is ruler of the universe.

Sarah's Commentary:   

This Lesson requires our understanding that the Self talked about as the ruler of the universe, is the Christ Self. The universe is that of the spirit, not the physical universe, but "Even in this world, it is I who rule my destiny." (W.253. 1.2) This is because the world reflects what I hold in my mind. What this looks like is everything happening in our lives, we have invited. It is all there for our learning and thus all helpful. We might wonder why we would invite abuse, betrayal or judgment in our dream? The reason is for us to see our own issues projected onto others. We project on them when we prefer to blame others instead of looking within our own minds. The only problem is projection never works. We think we are getting rid of our guilt, but what we are seeing are the judgments we hold against ourselves reflected back at us. By projecting them onto others, we think we can stay safe and protected. We think we can claim our innocence and instead hold others guilty.
 
We have chosen everything that seems to be happening to us. When we refuse to take responsibility, we conveniently blame everyone and everything outside of ourselves. The problem with this is, we are now helpless in the face of what seems to be done to us. When we accept responsibility, we realize we are the ones who are the doers and therefore we have the power within us to change the way we see things. When we are willing to take responsibility for our own judgments, our own unworthiness, and our lack of trust and acceptance of ourselves, the healing process can start. It is very empowering to come to recognize, we are the creators of our world. We resist this idea only because we have falsely learned we are the victims of outside circumstances. The fact is, no one but ourselves is responsible for our happiness or unhappiness. It all comes from the choice we make in our own minds to perceive with the ego or the Holy Spirit. Will I choose to see what seems to be happening as an opportunity for healing my mind or a decision to blame and to crucify? This is always the choice in front of us.
 
Our minds are the cause and the world is the effect, not the other way around. A good beginning to understanding this Lesson is provided to us in Chapter 21.II.2.3-5 (ACIM OE CH. 21.III.15) "Responsibility for Sight." Jesus tells us we need to see: "I am responsible for what I see. I choose the feelings I experience, and I decide upon the goal I would achieve. And everything that seems to happen to me I ask for, and receive as I have asked." This reflects what he tells us in this Lesson, "What happens is what I desire." (W.253.1.3) How can this be we may wonder? Is it really possible I have brought about everything that seems to be happening to me?
 
It is not an easy concept for us to embrace. It is because the idea of victimhood is so firmly held in our minds. Jesus says, "Deceive yourself no longer that you are helpless in the face of what is done to you." (T.21.II.2.6) (ACIM OE T.21. III.16) "It is impossible the Son of God be merely driven by events outside of him. It is impossible that happenings that come to him were not his choice. His power of decision is the determiner of every situation in which he seems to find himself by chance or accident. No accident nor chance is possible within the universe as God created it, outside of which is nothing. Suffer, and you decided sin was your goal. Be happy and you gave the power of decision to Him Who must decide for God for you." (T.21.II.3.1-6) (ACIM OE T.21.III.17)
 
It is all about our choice, and clearly, most of those choices were made before we even came to this world. It is our script. Now our only choice is to ask, "Which teacher will I follow today?" "Will I let the ego be my guide today or will I choose the Holy Spirit Who knows how to exchange separation for salvation?" What we see depends on our interpretation, and our interpretation depends on which teacher we choose, the ego or the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit shows us every brother is all brothers. We are all the same. He shows us everything we see in the world is love or a call for love. When we fight what we perceive in the world, we suffer. With acceptance and appreciation of the fact we are dreaming this dream, and all of it is coming from our own consciousness, the dream can now be given another interpretation.
 
I am one with my brother. If I look to prove otherwise, I am denying my own reality. We do this constantly when we prefer to see differences and see ourselves as innocent while seeing our brothers as the guilty ones. I am not, nor is my brother, independent of our Source. The Self that is the ruler of the universe is the Self I am in truth, one with my Creator, and sharing His Will. It has nothing to do with the little self I identify with as a body living in this world.
 
Our minds are powerful, and we can indeed manifest what we think we want in the world. However, manifesting anything from the ego will not bring us true peace and happiness. Yes, we may achieve temporary happiness, but because we don't know our own best interests, we can't know what we truly want. Connecting to the power of the mind through this kind of manifesting as discussed in 'The Secret' can be an important stepping-stone in bringing to our awareness the power of our own minds. As Jesus says, "Why is it strange to you that faith can move mountains? This is indeed a little feat for such a power." (T.21.III.3) (ACIM OE T.21.IV.31)
 
Only by choosing with the Holy Spirit will any real and lasting happiness be available to us. To choose with the Holy Spirit is to ask in everything, "How would you have me see this situation?" "What would you have me do?" "What would you have me say and to whom?" Today, instead of seeking that which continues to keep us bound to the world, we can choose to turn to the truth within. This is where we can hear the loving and gentle Voice for God remind us of His Love. We make a decision for Heaven or for hell in every moment, in every decision, and in every circumstance.
 
When I have a disagreement with anyone, I notice how I go through a process in my own mind as to whether I will choose to join with my brother or to punish him for his indiscretions, as I perceive them. When I think he "deserves" punishment and my anger is justified, I find it challenging to choose forgiveness. Only by doing so can I know the truth of who I am. As long as I am choosing the ego, I stay stuck in my anger and grievances.
 
What keeps me there and keeps me from my happiness? Only my own decision! In that moment, I am literally refusing to accept the healing power of the Holy Spirit in my mind. It is up to me whether I choose to suffer or choose happiness. Is that really a choice? Every step we take in joining and every decision we make with the Holy Spirit is a decision against our exile as separate egos, separate personalities, and separate selves. This seeming existence is not the truth about ourselves. We are an extension of God. "My Self is holy beyond all thoughts of holiness of which I now conceive." (W.PII.252.1) In other words, any idea of holiness does not match the shimmering, perfect purity, far beyond brilliant light, and limitless love we are. Yet this can only be experienced, and the experience will come when forgiveness is complete.
 
These ideas, "What happens is what I desire. What does not occur is what I do not want to happen," (W.253.1.3-4) can bring about self-recrimination, where we blame ourselves for the state of our lives. Yet this is just another way to keep us trapped in the ego identity. When we recognize it is the interpretation we put on any event, rather than the event itself, we will not judge anything happening as good or bad but recognize the Holy Spirit will use all events and circumstances in our lives for healing when we let Him. With our willingness, we can be ". . . led past the world." (W.253.1.6) In this process, we need to have compassion for ourselves. It is important to accept ourselves regardless of what is currently happening in our lives. It is not helpful to use Lessons such as this to judge ourselves because we are experiencing divorce, financial lack, loneliness, or sickness. We don't know what gift of healing is being presented in every circumstance. The important thing is to be gentle and compassionate with ourselves in this human journey back to the love we are.
 
We continue to read these Lessons in the context of the teaching, "What is Sin?" We are reminded in this section, we have come to think of ourselves as sinful, evil, and corrupted beings, who have taken the perfection of our creation and made a mockery of it. We feel so guilty about what we have done to hide from God in this illusory world. We are now afraid of God and afraid of our true Self as an extension of God. And while we identify ourselves as these separate beings, living in the world of illusions, we will look for substitutes for our happiness, including special relationships, power, prestige, money, and status. Finally, when we realize our happiness is not found in any of these things and disillusionment sets in, we begin this awakening process offered through the Course. In this journey is the recognition that nothing real has happened. We are still one with God, experiencing a dream of this world. Now we are committed to waking up from this dream, using the experiences of the world to assist us in this process. Thus, nothing is wrong with anything that seems to be happening since we have called it all forth for the purpose of awakening.
 
What we are seeing in the world is a projection of what is in the mind. Thus, our lives are a perfect reflection of our relationship with ourselves. If we are experiencing a lack in our external world, we are feeling a lack in ourselves. If our relationships are distant, we have a distant relationship with ourselves. Anything that is less than satisfactory in the external experience is another opportunity to look within. There is no need to change anything, only to recognize the power within to transform ourselves with the help of the Holy Spirit.

Love and Blessings, Sarah
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ACIM Original Edition
III. The Laws of Chaos  
 
19 The "laws" of chaos can be brought to light, though never understood. Chaotic laws are hardly meaningful and therefore out of reason's sphere. Yet they appear to constitute an obstacle to reason and to truth. Let us, then, look upon them calmly, that we may look beyond them, understanding what they are, not what they would maintain. It is essential it be understood what they are for, because it is their purpose to make meaningless and to attack the truth. Here are the laws that rule the world you made. And yet they govern nothing and need not be broken; merely looked upon and gone beyond.
 
20 The first chaotic law is that the truth is different for everyone. Like all these principles, this one maintains that each is separate and has a different set of thoughts which sets him off from others. This principle evolves from the belief there is a hierarchy of illusions; some are more valuable and therefore true. Each one establishes this for himself and makes it true by his attack on what another values. And this is justified because the values differ and those who hold them seem to be unlike and therefore enemies.
 
21 Think how this seems to interfere with the first principle of miracles. For this establishes degrees of truth among illusions, making it appear that some of them are harder to overcome than others. If it were realized that they are all the same and equally untrue, it would be easy, then, to understand that miracles apply to all of them. Errors of any kind can be corrected because they are untrue. When brought to truth instead of to each other, they merely disappear. No part of nothing can be more resistant to the truth than can another.
 
22 The second law of chaos, dear indeed to every worshiper of sin, is that each one must sin and therefore deserves attack and death. This principle, closely related to the first, is the demand that errors call for punishment and not correction. For the destruction of the one who makes the error places him beyond correction and beyond forgiveness. What he has done is thus interpreted as an irrevocable sentence upon himself, which God Himself is powerless to overcome. Sin cannot be remitted, being the belief the Son of God can make mistakes for which his own destruction becomes inevitable.
 
23 Think what this seems to do to the relationship between the Father and the Son. Now it appears that they can never be one again. For one must always be condemned and by the other. Now are they different and enemies. And their relationship is one of opposition, just as the separate aspects of the Son meet only to conflict but not to join. One becomes weak, the other strong by his defeat. And fear of God and of each other now appears as sensible, made real by what the Son of God has done both to himself and his Creator. The arrogance on which the laws of chaos stand could not be more apparent than emerges here.
 
24 Here is a principle which would define what the Creator of reality must be; what He must think and what He must believe; and how He must respond, believing it. It is not seen as even necessary that He be asked about the truth of what has been established for His belief. His Son can tell Him this, and He has but the choice whether to take his word for it or be mistaken. This leads directly to the third preposterous belief that seems to make chaos eternal. For if God cannot be mistaken, then He must accept his Son's belief in what he is and hate him for it.
 
25 See how the fear of God is reinforced by this third principle. Now it becomes impossible to turn to Him for help in misery. For now He has become the "enemy" Who caused it and to Whom appeal is useless. Nor can salvation lie within the Son, whose every aspect seems to be at war with Him and justified in its attack. And now is conflict made inevitable and beyond the help of God. And now salvation must remain impossible because the savior has become the enemy.
 
26 There can be no release and no escape. Atonement thus becomes a myth, and vengeance, not forgiveness, is the Will of God. From where all this begins, there is no sight of help that can succeed. Only destruction can be the outcome. And God Himself seems to be siding with it to overcome His Son. Think not the ego will enable you to find escape from what it wants. That is the function of this course, which does not value what the ego cherishes.
 
27 The ego values only what it takes. This leads to the fourth law of chaos, which, if the others are accepted, must be true. This seeming law is the belief you have what you have taken. By this, another's loss becomes your gain, and thus it fails to recognize that you can never take away save from yourself. Yet all the other laws must lead to this. For enemies do not give willingly to one another, nor would they seek to share the things they value. And what your enemies would keep from you must be worth having, just because they keep it hidden from your sight.
 
28 All of the mechanisms of madness are seen emerging here: the "enemy," made strong by keeping hidden the valuable inheritance which should be yours; your justified position and attack for what has been withheld; and the inevitable loss the enemy must suffer to save yourself. Thus do the guilty ones protest their "innocence." Were they not forced into this foul attack by the unscrupulous behavior of the enemy, they would respond with only kindness. But in a savage world, the kind cannot survive, so they must take or else be taken from.
 
29 And now there is a vague unanswered question, not yet "explained." What is this precious thing, this priceless pearl, this hidden secret treasure, to be wrested in righteous wrath from this most treacherous and cunning enemy? It must be what you want but never found. And now you "understand" the reason why you found it not. For it was taken from you by this enemy and hidden where you would not think to look. He hid it in his body, making it the cover for his guilt, the hiding place for what belongs to you. Now must his body be destroyed and sacrificed that you may have that which belongs to you. His treachery demands his death that you may live. And you attack only in self defense.
 
30 But what is it you want that needs his death? Can you be sure your murderous attack is justified unless you know what it is for? And here a final principle of chaos comes to the rescue. It holds there is a substitute for love. This is the "magic" that will cure all of your pain; the missing factor in your madness that makes it "sane." This is the reason why you must attack. Here is what makes your vengeance justified. Behold, unveiled, the ego's secret gift, torn from your brother's body, hidden there in malice and in hatred for the one to whom the gift belongs. He would deprive you of the secret ingredient which would give meaning to your life. The substitute for love, born of your enmity to one another, must be salvation. It has no substitute, and there is only one. And all your relationships have but the purpose of seizing it and making it your own.
 
31 Never is your possession made complete. And never will your brother cease his attack on you for what you stole. Nor will God end His vengeance upon both, for in His madness He must have this substitute for love and kill you both. You who believe you walk in sanity, with feet on solid ground and through a world where meaning can be found, consider this: [These are the laws on which your "sanity" appears to rest.] These are the principles which make the ground beneath your feet seem solid. And it is here you look for meaning. These are the laws you made for your salvation. They hold in place the substitute for Heaven which you prefer. This is their purpose; they were made for this. There is no point in asking what they mean. That is apparent. The means of madness must be insane. Are you as certain that you realize the goal is madness?
 
 

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