A Course in Miracles REVEALS Who REALLY Created This World (ACIM) | Gary Renard

Who Were You Before Your Awakening?

The Journey to Spirituality

• The speaker reflects on their past, questioning who they were before their spiritual awakening and what internal struggles led them to this point.

• They mention the influence of "A Course in Miracles," emphasizing that true awakening involves realizing that the world is shaped by one's own perceptions rather than external forces.

• Acknowledging those who have lost faith, the speaker stresses the importance of seeking genuine experiences and returning to a sense of home or truth.

Introduction and Context

• The host expresses gratitude for viewers' support, noting that many are not subscribed and encouraging them to engage with the content.

• Gary Renard is introduced as a guest, highlighting his significance in discussions about spirituality and personal growth.

Early Career Reflections

• Gary shares his background as a musician, recalling how he struggled initially to get his book published but eventually found success through local bookstores in Austin.

• He recounts a pivotal moment when he reached out to Book People in Austin, which became instrumental in promoting his work.

Cultural Insights from Austin

• The conversation shifts to Austin's unique culture, with references to its motto "Keep Austin weird" and its vibrant artistic community.

• Gary compares Austin's cultural landscape to other cities, noting its distinctiveness within Texas.

Personal Transformation

• Reflecting on his life before awakening, Gary describes himself as an artist who played guitar until around age 40.

• He recalls a significant event called the harmonic convergence that prompted him to reconsider his life's direction towards spirituality.

• During this period of introspection, he decided against continuing solely as a musician and sought deeper spiritual connections instead.

Signs of Change

• After moving back from Maine due to cultural differences, Gary experienced an unusual sensation while playing guitar—feeling an unseen hand guiding him downwards.

• This experience was interpreted by him as a sign indicating it was time for change; he felt compelled not just to return to music but also explore new spiritual paths.

The Journey of Spiritual Awakening

Encountering the Holy Spirit

• The speaker reflects on a realization about not being meant to communicate with spirits, prompting a search for guidance on what they should do instead.

• After two months, during meditation, the speaker experiences an unexpected encounter with two individuals who turn out to be manifestations of the Holy Spirit.

Learning from Divine Teachers

• This experience is detailed in the speaker's first book, "The Disparity Universe," which has gained international recognition and is available in 25 languages.

• The entities introduced themselves as disciples of Jesus from 2000 years ago and aimed to impart knowledge about "A Course in Miracles."

Understanding A Course in Miracles

• Over nine years, the speaker received teachings through 17 visits from these divine beings, focusing on applying their lessons before receiving more insights.

• The course emphasizes that many misunderstand its true message; thus, clarification was necessary for deeper understanding.

Key Teachings and Concepts

• The essence of A Course in Miracles revolves around a unique form of forgiveness that can expedite spiritual learning significantly.

• It posits that this miracle can replace thousands of years of learning by cutting through distractions and revealing fundamental truths.

Non-Dualistic Perspective

• The course teaches that only God is real; everything else is an illusion. This radical idea challenges conventional beliefs about reality.

• It asserts that nothing real can be threatened, emphasizing our eternal nature as divine creations unaffected by worldly illusions.

Ego and Separation

• The concept of ego represents the belief in separation from God and manifests as individual identities perceived through physical bodies.

• According to the course, our perception creates an illusion where we see billions of people when there is fundamentally only one consciousness.

Understanding the Illusion of Separation

The Concept of Ego and Separation

• The speaker discusses the idea that there is one ego that perceives itself as separate from its creator, emphasizing that at an unconscious level, there is only one true self.

• They highlight the tension between scientific perspectives and spiritual teachings, noting that while physicists may describe reality as an illusion, they still acknowledge its existence to maintain funding.

• The speaker reflects on their commitment to a consistent message about separation being an illusion, which was reinforced by their teachers and their own published works.

Undoing Separation Through Spirituality

• According to "A Course in Miracles," the goal is to undo the belief in separation from God, leading individuals back to a state of oneness with their source.

• The course asserts that nothing real can be threatened and nothing unreal exists; this distinction underlines the peace found in recognizing one's true nature aligned with God.

Key Teachings of A Course in Miracles

• One significant teaching is "I am not a body. I’m free," indicating that our essence transcends physical form and aligns with divine creation.

• The concept of spirit is discussed as being whole rather than partial; true spirit embodies all aspects of divinity without division.

Historical Context and Understanding

• The speaker notes that Jesus' teachings have remained unchanged but are now presented in ways more comprehensible due to advancements in understanding through quantum physics and psychology.

• They emphasize the importance of love and forgiveness within these teachings, suggesting our current capacity for understanding has evolved significantly over time.

Humor in Spirituality

• To lighten heavy topics, the speaker shares a joke about misinterpretation within religious texts, illustrating how humor can coexist with profound spiritual lessons.

Forgiveness as a Pathway

• A Course in Miracles promotes a specific type of forgiveness aimed at recognizing illusions rather than making them real; this approach helps release attachments to false identities tied to ego.

• The emphasis lies on replacing illusions with truth through forgiveness, reinforcing that we are perfect creations of God beyond our perceived separateness.

Understanding the Concept of One Mind

The Nature of Consciousness

• The complexity of the mind suggests that if we delve deep enough, we discover there is only one mind, representing a singular ego manifesting as many.

Collective Unconscious

• Carl Jung's idea of the collective unconscious posits that beneath individual consciousness lies a shared mind, indicating that ultimately, there is just one essence among us.

Projection and Perception

• Our perception acts like a projection in a theater; while we see various forms and individuals, they originate from our deeper self or the larger aspect of our being.

Judgment and Separation

• The illusion of separation leads to judgment. When we judge others negatively, it reflects back on ourselves due to our interconnected unconscious understanding.

Impact of Thoughts on Self

• Any negative thoughts or judgments about others are interpreted by our unconscious as reflections on ourselves. This realization should encourage mindfulness in how we perceive others.

Importance of Forgiveness

• A Course in Miracles emphasizes that seeing others through judgment keeps us trapped in separation. True forgiveness helps dissolve this illusion and promotes unity.

Transformative Spirituality

Embracing Change

• Spiritual growth does not require sacrificing joy; rather, it involves transforming negative experiences into positive ones without losing life's pleasures.

Gradual Awakening Process

• Transformation is gradual—like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly—allowing for adaptation to new realities over time instead of abrupt changes that could be overwhelming.

Illusion vs. Reality

• While often referred to as an illusion, this experience can be viewed as a dream from which we awaken. Enlightenment signifies realizing this truth about existence.

Power Over Perception

• Recognizing that the world is shaped by our perceptions empowers us; shifting from victimhood to agency allows for greater control over life experiences.

Love's Presence and Natural Inheritance

Removing Blocks to Awareness

• A Course in Miracles aims not to teach love but to remove barriers preventing awareness of love’s presence within us—a fundamental aspect of our true nature.

The Kingdom of Heaven: A Gift from God

Understanding the Nature of Heaven

• The Kingdom of Heaven is described as a gift from God, which does not require earning through suffering or sacrifice. It is inherently ours.

• Awakening to the presence of heaven is essential; it exists here and now, but many fail to see it due to lack of awareness.

The Teachings of Jesus on Awareness

• Reference to the Gospel of Thomas highlights that the Kingdom will not come through external observation; it is already present on Earth, unnoticed by many.

• The Course aims to remove blocks preventing awareness of this kingdom, emphasizing that heaven's truth has always been accessible.

Transformation Through Spiritual Practice

• Over time, individuals may experience a shift in identity from physicality to spirituality, leading to a lighter sense of being.

• Central to this transformation is the idea that one is not merely a body but spirit; this realization helps undo feelings of separation.

The Role of Forgiveness and Mind Training

• To achieve spiritual growth, one must refrain from judgment since ego thrives on it. Forgiveness becomes crucial for mental clarity.

• "A Course in Miracles" provides exercises designed to train the mind towards right-minded thinking with guidance from the Holy Spirit.

Empowerment Through Self-Study

• This training occurs silently within one's mind without needing external validation or acknowledgment from others.

• An untrained mind achieves little; thus, self-discipline in thought processes is necessary for spiritual advancement.

Non-Dualistic Thought System

• The course promotes non-dualism, asserting that there exists only one reality—God and His Kingdom—while using dualistic language for comprehension.

• Historical manifestations (e.g., Saint Germain, Mary Magdalene) are seen as expressions of the Holy Spirit communicating in relatable forms.

Understanding the Concept of Oneness and Ego in Spirituality

The Nature of Teachers and Spiritual Guidance

• The concept of "teachers of teachers" is introduced, emphasizing that these spiritual guides are no longer physically present but can still be called upon for assistance.

• It is stated that Jesus has returned to God and will not come back, urging followers to seek unity with the divine rather than longing for his physical presence.

Perception of Time and Space

• Time is described as non-linear and an illusion, suggesting that concepts like separation (e.g., geographical locations) are fabricated ideas.

• The speaker emphasizes the need to return to our true essence by undoing the ego, which thrives on bodily identity.

Temptation and Bodily Identity

• Temptation is redefined beyond common vices; it represents a lesson about identifying with the body, which leads to feelings of frailty and mortality.

• The idea that we are immortal spirits is presented, highlighting that our true nature cannot be threatened or harmed by worldly experiences.

Direct Experience with God

• A direct experience with God, referred to as "revelation," allows individuals to feel their perfect Oneness with the divine while still existing in a physical form.

• Knowledge in this context refers not to intellectual understanding but rather a profound experiential connection with God.

Steps Toward Awakening

• To awaken spiritually, one must move past bodily identification. This involves forgiving others without judgment and recognizing their divine essence.

• Engaging in "vision" or spiritual sight helps overlook illusions such as bodily appearances, allowing one to see others as perfect creations of God.

Reality vs. Illusion

• While living normal lives, individuals should maintain awareness of each other's divine nature instead of focusing solely on physical forms.

• Reality is characterized as changeless and constant compared to the shifting nature of worldly experiences; this distinction underscores the importance of building one's foundation on eternal truths rather than temporary circumstances.

Understanding Eternity and the Nature of God

The Concept of Eternity

• The speaker discusses the metaphorical choice between what changes and what remains eternal, emphasizing that God and heaven are unchanging.

• Eternality is described as existing "without time," meaning there is no past guilt or future worry, allowing for a profound experience beyond worldly limitations.

Experiencing Oneness with God

• A comparison is made between eternal bliss and a never-ending perfect orgasm, illustrating the intensity of oneness with God.

• Human relationships, including sexual ones, are seen as attempts to replicate this divine connection that has been perceived as lost.

The Pursuit of True Fulfillment

• Wealthy individuals often express feelings of incompleteness despite material success; the speaker asserts that what’s missing is a relationship with God.

• The realization that true satisfaction comes from spiritual fulfillment rather than material possessions is highlighted.

Misconceptions About Reality

• The speaker emphasizes that real experiences transcend external circumstances; true fulfillment exists within us through our connection to God.

• A Course in Miracles aims to undo false perceptions about reality, suggesting that many negative experiences are not truly reflective of our essence.

Non-Dualistic Perspective on Creation

• It’s stated that the world we perceive does not reflect God's creation; only God's world is deemed true while human constructs are labeled as miscreations.

• This perspective challenges conventional beliefs about God's involvement in the world, proposing instead a return to an ideal state of existence with Him.

Returning Home to God

• The notion arises that perhaps God's desire is for humanity to return home rather than engage deeply in worldly matters.

• A Course in Miracles offers a pathway back to this divine connection by encouraging individuals to overlook miscreation and focus on reality—God's kingdom.

Understanding the Nature of Reality and Existence

The Illusion of the World

• The speaker suggests that exploring deeper truths can lead to a fulfilling life, contrasting it with the notion that this world is not the "happy dream" but rather a "dream of death."

• This world is described as an inferior creation, akin to a beautiful painting made with poor materials that eventually deteriorates.

• The speaker emphasizes that while life has its challenges, there are moments of beauty and joy amidst the decay.

Questions on Creation and Purpose

• A question arises about who created the universe if God did not. The speaker acknowledges this complexity and highlights personal experiences of beauty in life despite its difficulties.

• The discussion reflects on Shakespeare's idea of life as a play where individuals are actors, prompting inquiries about the purpose behind human existence.

Projection and Separation

• The speaker explains that what we perceive as reality is merely a projection stemming from a collective thought of separation among beings.

• It’s clarified that time and space do not have inherent reality; they exist only as projections influenced by individual egos.

Existence and Awareness

• A challenge is posed regarding the origin of this thought of separation. The response indicates that since separation itself does not truly exist, questioning its origin becomes complex.

• The concept emerges that everything perceived in existence may be an illusion, leading to discomfort for many who struggle with their own non-existence as separate entities.

Dreaming vs. Reality

• Ultimately, it’s suggested that individuals remain at home in God while dreaming of exile; thus, awakening to reality is possible despite appearances.

• Events within dreams seem real but do not hold true existence; they are part of an overarching illusion referred to in various spiritual traditions (e.g., Maya).

This structured overview captures key discussions from the transcript regarding existential questions, perceptions of reality, and philosophical insights into creation and purpose.

Miracles and Awakening

The Role of Miracles in Spiritual Awakening

• Miracles accelerate our awakening from the illusion of life, potentially allowing us to transcend multiple lifetimes.

• While some may view the concept of miracles as radical, others see it as a natural progression towards enlightenment shared across various spiritual paths.

Common Goals Across Spiritual Traditions

• Many spiritual traditions aim to connect individuals back to their source, emphasizing the universal pursuit of awakening.

• The teachings of different religions can diverge significantly from their original messages due to human interpretation and cultural influences.

A Course in Miracles: A Fast Track to Enlightenment

• "A Course in Miracles" is likened to a bullet train for spiritual awakening, offering a direct path compared to other methods that may take longer.

• Each individual's journey is unique; what resonates with one person may not resonate with another, but all paths ultimately lead toward the same truth.

Understanding Forgiveness and Reality

• The course teaches that everything in this world is equally unreal; thus, forgiveness becomes essential because nothing has truly been done against us.

• True forgiveness stems from recognizing that we are the creators of our perceptions and illusions rather than reacting based on false beliefs.

Spiritual Sight and Oneness with God

• Choosing the right teacher (the Holy Spirit) allows individuals to overlook illusions and recognize true identity beyond worldly appearances.

• Realizing one's unity with God leads to embodying love; teaching only love aligns with our true nature as divine beings.

Vision Beyond Illusion

• Achieving spiritual sight involves seeing beyond physical limitations into an expansive light representing unity and continuity among all beings.

• The vision described in "A Course in Miracles" emphasizes interconnectedness, where everything exists within a boundless light without separation or limits.

Giving Love Without Exceptions

• To attain the kingdom of heaven, one must embrace giving all love freely without exceptions—seeing everyone as spirit created by God.

Experience of God and the Journey to Awakening

The Nature of Divine Experience

• The speaker discusses the transformative experience of realizing one's true nature as created by God, emphasizing that this is a central theme in the course being referenced.

• A momentary glimpse can occur where worldly concerns fade away, revealing a profound abstraction representing God, free from doubt and fear.

• This experience offers a preview of eternal reality, prompting individuals to reflect on their readiness to leave behind worldly attachments for spiritual fulfillment.

Insights on Jesus and Buddha

• The speaker introduces their book about the historical connections between Jesus and Buddha, suggesting they encountered each other in previous lifetimes.

• They explain that both figures underwent similar paths before achieving enlightenment, highlighting their shared experiences across different cultures and eras.

• Information about these past lives was conveyed through teachers rather than directly from Jesus or Buddha themselves.

Understanding Illusion and Reality

• The discussion emphasizes that physical existence is an illusion; both Jesus and Buddha recognized this early on, which contributed to their spiritual awakening.

• Their ability to see beyond the illusion provided them with an advantage in understanding deeper truths compared to most people.

Writing Process and Personal Reflection

• The speaker reflects on their writing journey, noting that it has been eight years since their last book but feels inspired again due to insights received from teachers.

• Readers often feel a personal connection with the author due to detailed storytelling intertwined with personal narratives throughout the books.

Core Teachings of Jesus

• The speaker asserts that core teachings attributed to Jesus have remained consistent over time despite misinterpretations by religious institutions.

• They highlight how "A Course in Miracles" allows for deeper understanding of these teachings as one progresses spiritually.

Overcoming Doubts in Faith

• When addressing those who have lost faith in God or life itself, the speaker expresses empathy towards their struggles while encouraging perseverance toward spiritual awakening.

Understanding God's Love and Inner Peace

The Nature of God’s Love

• Miracle emphasizes that if God were to impose suffering as a price for salvation, it would contradict the essence of love. True love is unconditional and cannot be cruel.

• The concept of being one's true self while existing in the world is discussed, highlighting that even amidst challenges, one can embody love and kindness.

• A reflective question is posed: "Am I becoming more kind? Am I becoming more loving?" This serves as a measure of personal growth in alignment with spiritual teachings.

Ego vs. Spiritual Identity

• The discussion contrasts the ego's thought system, which fosters separation and fear, against a higher understanding of oneself as invulnerable and immortal.

• It suggests that true strength comes from recognizing one's eternal nature rather than projecting toughness as a defense against fear.

Illusion of Death and Self-Concept

• A lesson from the workbook states that what dies was never truly alive; thus, physical death does not affect our real selves.

• The body is described as an illusion that distracts from our true identity. Accepting this truth involves disowning false self-concepts.

Developing Spiritual Habits

• Emphasizes the importance of habitual thinking aligned with the Holy Spirit rather than the ego. Over time, these practices become second nature.

• As individuals cultivate these habits, they progress towards embodying love consistently in their interactions with others.

Inner Peace Leading to World Peace

• A critical insight shared is that global peace cannot exist without individual inner peace; external conditions reflect internal states.

• The Course teaches that changing collective inner conditions will ultimately transform outer realities; hence, focus should be on personal spiritual development.

Conclusion and Further Exploration

• Gary Renard expresses gratitude for the conversation about love and light. He invites listeners to explore his work further at his website garyrenard.com.

Insights on Spiritual Application and Upcoming Works

Overview of Upcoming Website and Books

• The speaker mentions a new website launching alongside their upcoming book, emphasizing that the existing website will remain unchanged.

• All previous books are available on Amazon and in various bookstores, translated into multiple languages.

• The first book serves as an introduction to "A Course in Miracles," with the speaker suggesting that reading all four prior books prepares readers for the fifth.

Final Thoughts on Life Lessons

• In response to a question about leaving behind a truth not covered in books, the speaker references an old Chinese saying about knowledge without action being ineffective.

• They stress the importance of applying spiritual teachings to everyday life for true understanding and growth.

Importance of Consistent Application

• The speaker highlights that actively applying learned concepts leads to significant personal progress ("hitting home runs").

• They encourage developing a habit of consistent application to enhance life experiences and outcomes.