Description

The Journey: From the Ego Self to the True SelfKenneth Wapnick, Ph.D.This four-day class, held in Atlanta in July 2003, presents an overview of the metaphysics of A Course in Miracles, and explains why our lives are set up as a maladaptive solution to a non-existent problem. Orson Welles’ 1938 radio broadcast of The War of the Worlds, and the panic it inadvertently engendered is the backdrop for part of this discussion. Further, our made-up self-concept, the result of taking the “tiny, mad idea” seriously, is discussed in the context of Jesus’ role in guiding us through the “dark night of the soul” on our journey Home. Application of these concepts to our everyday lives, and our response to problems is presented as well. Included is an in-depth discussion of Jesus: who he is and who he is not, and what it means to ask his help on the journey. Throughout the class, questions from the audience allowed the expansion of many of these themes, as did readings from A Course in Miracles and related material.CONTENTSDisc 1: Self-Concept; The Face of Innocence1. Introduction2. Early Memories3. Original Memory4. Purpose of the World5. Self-Concept vs. Self (T31.V.1-5)6. QuestionDisc 2: The Face of Innocence1. Questions2. The Face of Innocence: The Choice for Completion (T-16.V.4)3. The Secret Wish4. Questions5. “One or the Other”6. QuestionsDisc 3: Taking the Tiny, Mad Idea Seriously1. Orson Welles: War of the Worlds2. Resistance and Secondary Gain3. Seriousness: The Hero of the Dream (T-27.VIII.8)4. What It Means to Ask for Help5. Questions6. What It Means to Ask for Help (cont.)7. Self Concept vs. Self (T-31.V.17)8. QuestionsDisc 4: Questions1. Questions 2. Question: “I need do nothing”3. Question: Ego’s Peace vs. Jesus’ Peace4. QuestionDisc 5: metaphysical Context1. Questions2. Chart3. Language of A Course in MiraclesDisc 6: metaphysical Context (cont.)1. Questions2. Chart: Decision Maker3. Chart: Ego’s StrategyDisc 7: metaphysical Context (cont.)1. Chart: Sin, Guilt, and Fear2-3. QuestionsDisc 8: Retracing the Steps Up the Ladder Separation Led Us Down1. metaphysical Context2. The Happy Learner (T-14.II.1)3. An Outside Picture of an Inward Condition (T.21.in.1)4. The “Royal Road”5. Learning to Smile: The Hero of the Dream (T-27.VIII.9)5. QuestionsDisc 9: The Problem and the Answer1-4.Questions5. The Problem: The Hero of the Dream (T-27.VIII.6)6. The Answer: The Dreamer of the Dream (T-27.VII.2)Disc 10: The Process of Returning Home1-3. Questions4. The “Dynamics” of the Ego (T-11.V.1)5. Question6. The “Dynamics” of the Ego (T-11.V.2)Disc 11: Jesus1. Question2. Introduction: I feel the love of God within me now. (W-pI.189.7)3. Bringing Fantasy to Truth (T-17.I.5)4. Who Jesus Is Not5. Who Jesus Is6. A Course in Miracles7. Asking Jesus for Help: The Song of Prayer8. Jesus and Specialness9. The True JesusDisc 12: Jesus (cont.)1-2. Questions3-4. Jesus as a Symbol5-13. Questions14. “A Jesus Prayer” (introduction and commentary)15. “A Jesus Prayer” (meditation)Disc 13: Dark Night of the Soul1. Introduction2-7. Questions8. Dark Night of the SoulDisc 14: Helping in the World1. Introduction2. The Function of the Teacher of God (M-5.III.2:1)3. The Function of the Teacher of God (M-5.III.2:1-2)4. The Power of Holiness (T-16.II.1)5.The Function of the Teacher of God (M-5.III.2:3-10)Disc 15: Helping in the World (cont.)1. Question2. The Function of the Teacher of God (M-5.III.2:11-12)3. Question4. How Can Perception of Order of Difficulties be Avoided? (M-8.6)5. The Shift in Perception (M-5.II.1)6. How Can Perception of Order of Difficulties be Avoided? (M-8.6)7. QuestionDisc 16: Conclusion1-2. Questions3-5. Question: The Holy Spirit’s “Plan”6. Exchanging the Ego’s Gifts for Jesus’ Gifts: “The Gifts of God”7. Conclusion: As for the Rest … (M-29.7)8. Meditation: As for the Rest … (M-29.8)