A Course in Miracles

For more than 30 years, A Course in Miracles has been a source of spiritual inspiration to thousands, and a challenge to many others. Considered by some to be the "esoteric bible that has gone mainstream," ACIM is a major influence on the rapidly growing number of people who say they are "spiritual but not religious."

The three-volume course consists of the 650-page Text, which lays out its thought system; the 500-page Workbook, which prescribes a daily transformative discipline; and the 90-page Manual for Teachers, adding a variety of insights useful to advanced practitioners. The Course is intellectually sophisticated and combines spiritual inspiration with deep psychological understanding of such phenomena as belief systems, defense systems, and perception. It also offers a unique emphasis on forgiveness as a way to undo separation and heal the world.

As a self-study A course in miracles spiritual thought system, the Course is primarily a curriculum for inner transformation and healing. It teaches that the true function of the mind is to remember its oneness with God. This is accomplished through a constant practice of forgiveness, which the course defines as the means for salvation and peace. It emphasizes that forgiveness is not just a one-time event, but a moment-by-moment practice that retrains the mind to perceive reality differently.

ACIM draws on a wide range of spiritual traditions to reach its profound message. It uses Christian terminology and evokes Eastern spirituality, especially the Hindu and Buddhist notions of maya and samsara. But it is ecumenical in its philosophy, stating that it is only one of thousands of paths to God and that all religions are equally valid.

While it does not claim to be superior to any other path, it is unique in its emphasis on forgiveness and in its unique focus on the unity of all life. It urges us to remember that the goal of all paths is the same: a return to enlightened awareness, or as the course puts it, "the return to love."

For those unfamiliar with the Course, it can seem daunting to read. It is easy to get bogged down by the volume and lose interest or be confused by its ideas. It is helpful to find a study group or an instructor to help with the process. The most important thing is to start reading the Book, which can be done at a pace that feels right to you. Some people choose to read a chapter or section a day, while others prefer to read the whole thing in one sitting. There are also online versions of the Book available, but it is recommended to have an actual copy of it for reference and so that you can follow the suggested page numbers. Also, it is helpful to have a pencil and paper so that you can take notes as you go. There are also audio recordings of the Course available, as well as classes at various locations around the country that are taught by qualified instructors.