The Two Spiritual Goals
No matter a person’s spiritual path there are only two
possible goals: To spiritualize the self’s life in the world or to transcend
the self. The vast majority of people choose to spiritualize the self’s life in
the world. Even if they’ve had higher miracles in which they perceive that the
Truth is true and that the world is not they do not feel called to transcend
the self. Being aware of Truth improves their life in the world and this is
enough for them.
But a few feel called to transcend the self usually because
they’ve experienced the reality of Truth in either a direct Revelation (only
Truth) or a higher miracle. They feel called to Truth because It is the Truth and nothing else will satisfy them. They are willing to be wholly free from guilt.
Even those who feel called to transcend the self will go
through a stage of spiritualizing the self’s life in the world. It is an
inevitable stage when embarking on a spiritual path because when you start out
all you know is the self. But whether one is satisfied there or feels called to
go beyond only the individual can know.
A Course in Miracles
is a useful tool for both those seeking a “better way” and those called to
transcend the self. But your goal will determine how you read ACIM and which
teachers of it, if any, resonate with you. If what you want is a spiritualized
life in the world then you will probably spend your life studying ACIM and perhaps
other spiritual teachings. But if you are called to transcend the self then you
will understand that you are in a long process. You will recognize that the
passages in ACIM that are about spiritualizing the self describe a stage
through which you will pass. You will eventually reach a point where ACIM,
indeed all study, falls away naturally. So it is helpful to discern which goal
calls to you. Is a better life in the world because the Holy Spirit (Awareness
of Truth in your mind) is with you enough for you? Or are you drawn to Truth
like metal to a magnet?
Obviously, anyone I work with is
spiritualizing the self’s life. If they were past that point they would not
need to work with a mentor. But are they satisfied there or do they feel called
to go past the self? This question is always in my mind as I watch their
stories unfold. It can help determine how I answer their questions and help
them through their blocks. Some know the answer if I ask but unfortunately the
majority will say anyway that they want to transcend the self because in their
guilt they think that is “superior” to spiritualizing the self. (Of course it
is not. Both are temporary and fall away in the end).
Of course one’s goal can change.
One may begin by thinking they want to transcend the self but find in time that
they are quite satisfied with a better life in the world. And someone who
thinks that they are happy spiritualizing the self may have an experience of
Truth that then calls them to go beyond it.
If you are honest with yourself, putting
guilt aside and what you think you “should” answer, which is your goal? If you
have clarity on this, even if it turns out to be temporary, you can take a lot
of pressure off yourself now. If you want to spiritualize the self you don’t
have to pursue ideas or study that go beyond this. You do not have to try to
understand what does not call to you. And if you do feel called to drop the
self you can acknowledge that, for the time being, you are in the stage of
spiritualizing the self. You can enjoy it knowing that it will pass naturally.
You do not have to force yourself to be beyond it now.
>>>>>>
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Comments
Could you give an example of what you mean by spiritualizing the self?
I will probably write more about this next week.
As I mentioned in the article, even those who are called to transcend the self will go through a phase of spiritualizing the self. For them their relationship with the Holy Spirit is not so much about getting answers for a more harmonious life for the self. Yes, that happens, but that’s a nice side-effect, not the goal. Being aware of the Holy Spirit is the goal. For one whose goal is to spiritualize life for the self the Holy Spirit is the means to a more harmonious life. For one whose goal is to transcend the self, the self’s life is the means to be aware of the Holy Spirit.
The second comment above seemed to express my own idea on how this path plays out - "Over 20 years spiritualizing self and higher miracles over the past 3, now I am being called to transcend self. It never felt like a choice. Very natural." No choice, very natural. This comment seems consistent with what you say throughout your teaching - this path is a long one. First willingness, leading to trust which builds upon itself. For the life of me I can't imagine anyone who has fostered a consistent relationship with the Holy Spirit over the course of decades which in turn has brought about significant changes in their worldly affairs will choose not to go further. At the same time I recognize if there is one giant theme of the Course it is that of choice. Are you saying there is some kind of wall of fear, laziness, contentment, or weariness one chooses not to go beyond? Anyway maybe next week I'll get your point.
I would think that in my almost thirty years of doing my best to learn & practice course principles that stepping aside or releasing my attachment to the personal self is the ONLY way to be & stay peacefully happy here. (No matter what the circumstances). "A happy place to rest in for awhile where nothing need be feared, but only loved". In other words: Spiritualizing the ego is a lie & does not work. However, I recently watched a documentary on "cults" & I guess some can make the illusion game of idolatry last for many, many years. One reason (among many) that I celebrate the course is that it is a "self-study" curriculum.
And you are helpful in reminding us that since there is no sin, go ahead...it is only yourself you need to answer to since there is "nothing outside of you".
But still, I can not imagine a day when I no longer need to grab a peek at ACIM as a reminder of my goal & purpose, since I do not have the luxury of isolating myself at this time. The beautiful lesson #200, "There is no peace except the peace of God" is so helpful, "To ask for what you already have must succeed".
Ever gratefull for your insights,
Kristine Klug
Deb
there is a place in the acim text where a point in the journey is described as a plateau of peace, and characterized as one where the journeyer is often not as far along as they think. i have interpreted this as a description of an ego-negotiated peace, and a natural part of how the journey can unfold. i have long been interested in how to move swiftly beyond it - to have the HS's help in recognizing what is happening, and in turning an extended plateau into merely a cross road. this, out of the desire to have undone all identity with a personal self, so that God might take the final step and bring me home.
i look forward to your continued conversation with us on this subject, and any light you can shed on confusion i may have on this aspect of our journey to Truth. what moves me deeply when i read your postings is the Love that extends from them. i recognize in That what i am looking for.
endlessly grateful, nicci
I have to remember, even though I am going through this self induced isolation, I can see important personal changes taking place. Life changing things. Lay off the whining and stay positive.
BTW: The "self" is not the ego. The self is the body/personality. It is neutral. The ego is a thought system in your mind that tells you that the self is you.
Again, my next article will go into these questions...
If you are walking the path laid out in ACIM - grow your awareness of Truth and undo your obstacles to It as they come up - then you are on an accelerated path already. It is the "short cut".
ah. thank you. looking back on this path as it has unfolded and where i am this morning, i recognize your description. also, your distinction between the ego and the self is helpful.
endless L, n
Yes, it is all meaningless because it was over as soon as it was thought. Only in time does it seem to have begun long ago and as though it will end in some indefinite future.
Growing your awareness of Truth is all you can do. What else would be a shortcut?
Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage
And then is heard no more: it is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury
Signifying nothing.
Macbeth
I am not sure what "higher frequency vibration" means. The only time I've heard of that is from New Age-y types who seem to imply that only certain people can "tune in" to this vibration and have a higher consciousness. This implies it comes from something outside rather than It's right here in every mind.