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− | To the advanced teacher of God this question is meaningless. There is no | + | To the advanced [[teacher of God]] this question is meaningless. There is no |
− | program, for the lessons change each day. Yet the teacher of God is sure of | + | program, for the lessons [[change]] each day. Yet the teacher of God is sure of |
− | but one thing; they do not change at random. Seeing this and understanding | + | but one thing; they do not change at [[random]]. Seeing this and [[understanding]] |
| that it is true, he rests content. He will be told all that his role should be, this | | that it is true, he rests content. He will be told all that his role should be, this |
− | day and every day. And those who share that role with him will find him, so | + | day and every day. And those who [[share]] that role with him will find him, so |
| they can learn the lessons for the day together. Not one is absent whom he | | they can learn the lessons for the day together. Not one is absent whom he |
− | needs; not one is sent without a learning goal already set, and one which can | + | needs; not one is sent without a learning [[goal]] already set, and one which can |
| be learned that very day. For the advanced teacher of God, then, this | | be learned that very day. For the advanced teacher of God, then, this |
| question is superfluous. It has been asked and answered, and he keeps in | | question is superfluous. It has been asked and answered, and he keeps in |
− | constant contact with the Answer. He is set, and sees the road on which he | + | constant [[contact]] with the [[Answer]]. He is set, and sees the road on which he |
| walks stretch surely and smoothly before him. | | walks stretch surely and smoothly before him. |
| | | |
− | But what about those who have not reached his certainty? They are not yet | + | But what about those who have not reached his [[certainty]]? They are not yet |
− | ready for such lack of structuring on their own part. What must they do to | + | ready for such lack of [[structuring]] on their own part. What must they do to |
− | learn to give the day to God? There are some general rules which do apply, | + | [[learn]] to give the day to God? There are some general rules which do apply, |
− | although each one must use them as best he can in his own way. Routines as | + | although each one must use them as best he can in his own way. [[Routines]] as |
− | such are dangerous, because they easily become gods in their own right, | + | such are [[dangerous]], because they easily become gods in their own right, |
| threatening the very goals for which they were set up. Broadly speaking, | | threatening the very goals for which they were set up. Broadly speaking, |
| then, it can be said that it is well to start the day right. It is always possible | | then, it can be said that it is well to start the day right. It is always possible |
− | to begin again, should the day begin with error. Yet there are obvious | + | to begin again, should the day begin with [[error]]. Yet there are obvious |
− | advantages in terms of saving time. | + | [[advantages]] in terms of saving time. |
| | | |
− | At the beginning, it is wise to think in terms of time. This is by no means | + | At the beginning, it is [[wise]] to think in terms of time. This is by no means |
− | the ultimate criterion, but at the outset it is probably the simplest to observe. | + | the [[ultimate]] criterion, but at the outset it is probably the [[simplest]] to observe. |
| The saving of time is an essential early emphasis which, although it remains | | The saving of time is an essential early emphasis which, although it remains |
− | important throughout the learning process, becomes less and less | + | important throughout the learning [[process]], becomes less and less |
− | emphasized. At the outset, we can safely say that time devoted to starting | + | emphasized. At the outset, we can safely say that time [[devoted]] to starting |
| the day right does indeed save time. How much time should be so spent? | | the day right does indeed save time. How much time should be so spent? |
− | This must depend on the teacher of God himself. He cannot claim that title | + | This must depend on the [[teacher of God]] himself. He cannot claim that title |
− | until he has gone through the workbook, since we are learning within the | + | until he has gone through [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=A_Course_in_Miracles_-_Contents#Workbook_Part_I the workbook], since we are learning within the |
− | framework of our course. After completion of the more structured practice | + | framework of [[ACIM|our course]]. After completion of the more structured [[practice]] |
− | periods, which the workbook contains, individual need becomes the chief | + | periods, which the workbook contains, [[individual]] need becomes the chief |
| consideration. | | consideration. |
| | | |
− | This course is always practical. It may be that the teacher of God is not in a | + | [[ACIM|This course]] is always [[practical]]. It may be that the teacher of God is not in a |
− | situation that fosters quiet thought as he awakes. If this is so, let him but | + | situation that fosters [[quiet]] [[thought]] as he [[awakes]]. If this is so, let him but |
| remember that he chooses to spend time with God as soon as possible, and | | remember that he chooses to spend time with God as soon as possible, and |
| let him do so. Duration is not the major concern. One can easily sit still an | | let him do so. Duration is not the major concern. One can easily sit still an |
| hour with closed eyes and accomplish nothing. One can as easily give God | | hour with closed eyes and accomplish nothing. One can as easily give God |
| only an instant, and in that instant join with Him completely. Perhaps the | | only an instant, and in that instant join with Him completely. Perhaps the |
− | one generalization that can be made is this; as soon as possible after waking | + | one generalization that can be made is this; as soon as possible after [[waking]] |
− | take your quiet time, continuing a minute or two after you begin to find it | + | take your [[quiet]] time, continuing a minute or two after you begin to find it |
− | difficult. You may find that the difficulty will diminish and drop away. If | + | [[difficult]]. You may find that the difficulty will diminish and drop away. If |
| not, that is the time to stop. | | not, that is the time to stop. |
| | | |
− | The same procedures should be followed at night. Perhaps your quiet time | + | The same [[procedures]] should be followed at night. Perhaps your [[quiet time]] |
| should be fairly early in the evening, if it is not feasible for you to take it | | should be fairly early in the evening, if it is not feasible for you to take it |
− | just before going to sleep. It is not wise to lie down for it. It is better to sit | + | just before going to [[sleep]]. It is not wise to lie down for it. It is better to sit |
− | up, in whatever position you prefer. Having gone through the workbook, | + | up, in whatever position you prefer. Having gone through [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=A_Course_in_Miracles_-_Contents#Workbook_Part_I the workbook], |
− | you must have come to some conclusions in this respect. If possible, | + | you must have come to some [[conclusions]] in this respect. If possible, |
− | however, just before going to sleep is a desirable time to devote to God. It | + | however, just before going to sleep is a desirable time to [[devote]] to God. It |
− | sets your mind into a pattern of rest, and orients you away from fear. If it is | + | sets your mind into a [[pattern]] of [[rest]], and orients you away from [[fear]]. If it is |
| expedient to spend this time earlier, at least be sure that you do not forget a | | expedient to spend this time earlier, at least be sure that you do not forget a |
| brief period,--not more than a moment will do,--in which you close your | | brief period,--not more than a moment will do,--in which you close your |
− | eyes and think of God. | + | eyes and think of [[God]]. |
| | | |
− | There is one thought in particular that should be remembered throughout the | + | There is one thought in particular that should be [[remembered]] throughout the |
− | day. It is a thought of pure joy; a thought of peace, a thought of limitless | + | day. It is a thought of pure [[joy]]; a thought of [[peace]], a thought of limitless |
− | release, limitless because all things are freed within it. You think you made | + | release, limitless because [[all things]] are freed within it. You think you made |
− | a place of safety for yourself. You think you made a power that can save | + | a place of [[safety]] for yourself. You think you made a [[power]] that can save |
− | you from all the fearful things you see in dreams. It is not so. Your safety | + | you from all the fearful things you see in [[dreams]]. It is not so. Your safety |
− | lies not there. What you give up is merely the illusion of protecting | + | lies not there. What you give up is merely the [[illusion]] of protecting |
− | illusions. And it is this you fear, and only this. How foolish to be so afraid | + | illusions. And it is this you fear, and only this. How [[foolish]] to be so afraid |
− | of nothing! Nothing at all! Your defenses will not work, but you are not in | + | of nothing! Nothing at all! Your [[defenses]] will not work, but you are not in |
− | danger. You have no need of them. Recognize this, and they will disappear. | + | [[danger]]. You have no need of them. Recognize this, and they will disappear. |
− | And only then will you accept your real protection. | + | And only then will you [[accept]] your real protection. |
| | | |
− | How simply and how easily does time slip by for the teacher of God who | + | How simply and how easily does time slip by for the [[teacher of God]] who |
− | has accepted His protection! All that he did before in the name of safety no | + | has [[accepted]] His protection! All that he did before in the name of [[safety]] no |
− | longer interests him. For he is safe, and knows it to be so. He has a Guide | + | longer interests him. For he is safe, and knows it to be so. He has a [[Ta|Guide |
− | Who will not fail. He need make no distinctions among the problems he | + | Who will not fail]]. He need make no distinctions among the [[problems]] he |
− | perceives, for He to Whom he turns with all of them recognizes no order of | + | [[perceives]], for He to Whom he turns with all of them recognizes no order of |
− | difficulty in resolving them. He is as safe in the present as he was before | + | difficulty in resolving them. He is as safe in the [[present]] as he was before |
− | illusions were accepted into his mind, and as he will be when he has let | + | [[illusions]] were [[accepted]] into his [[mind]], and as he will be when he has let |
| them go. There is no difference in his state at different times and different | | them go. There is no difference in his state at different times and different |
| places, because they are all one to God. This is his safety. And he has no | | places, because they are all one to God. This is his safety. And he has no |
| need for more than this. | | need for more than this. |
| | | |
− | Yet there will be temptations along the way the teacher of God has yet to | + | Yet there will be [[temptations]] along the way the [[teacher of God]] has yet to |
− | travel, and he has need of reminding himself throughout the day of his | + | [[travel]], and he has need of reminding himself throughout the day of his |
− | protection. How can he do this, particularly during the time when his mind | + | [[protection]]. How can he do this, particularly during the time when his mind |
| is occupied with external things? He can but try, and his success depends on | | is occupied with external things? He can but try, and his success depends on |
− | his conviction that he will succeed. He must be sure success is not of him, | + | his [[conviction]] that he will succeed. He must be sure success is not of him, |
| but will be given him at any time, in any place and circumstance he calls for | | but will be given him at any time, in any place and circumstance he calls for |
− | it. There are times his certainty will waver, and the instant this occurs he | + | it. There are times his [[certainty]] will waver, and the instant this occurs he |
| will return to earlier attempts to place reliance on himself alone. Forget not | | will return to earlier attempts to place reliance on himself alone. Forget not |
− | this is magic, and magic is a sorry substitute for true assistance. It is not | + | this is [[magic]], and magic is a sorry [[substitute]] for true assistance. It is not |
| good enough for God's teacher, because it is not enough for God's Son. | | good enough for God's teacher, because it is not enough for God's Son. |
| | | |
− | The avoidance of magic is the avoidance of temptation. For all temptation is | + | The avoidance of [[magic]] is the avoidance of [[temptation]]. For all temptation is |
| nothing more than the attempt to substitute another will for God's. These | | nothing more than the attempt to substitute another will for God's. These |
| attempts may indeed seem frightening, but they are merely pathetic. They | | attempts may indeed seem frightening, but they are merely pathetic. They |
− | can have no effects; neither good nor bad, neither rewarding nor demanding | + | can have no [[effects]]; neither good nor bad, neither rewarding nor demanding |
− | sacrifice, healing nor destructive, quieting nor fearful. When all magic is | + | [[sacrifice]], [[healing]] nor destructive, quieting nor fearful. When all magic is |
− | recognized as merely nothing, the teacher of God has reached the most | + | recognized as merely nothing, the [[teacher of God]] has reached the most |
| advanced state. All intermediate lessons will but lead to this, and bring this | | advanced state. All intermediate lessons will but lead to this, and bring this |
− | goal nearer to recognition. For magic of any kind, in all its forms, simply | + | goal nearer to [[recognition]]. For magic of any kind, in all its [[forms]], simply |
− | does nothing. Its powerlessness is the reason it can be so easily escaped. | + | does nothing. Its powerlessness is the reason it can be so easily [[escaped]]. |
| What has no effects can hardly terrify. | | What has no effects can hardly terrify. |
| | | |
− | There is no substitute for the Will of God. In simple statement, it is to this | + | There is no substitute for the [[Will of God]]. In simple statement, it is to this |
− | fact that the teacher of God devotes his day. Each substitute he may accept | + | fact that the [[teacher of God]] devotes his day. Each substitute he may [[accept]] |
− | as real can but deceive him. But he is safe from all deception if he so | + | as real can but [[deceive]] him. But he is safe from all deception if he so |
− | decides. Perhaps he needs to remember, "God is with me. I cannot be | + | [[decides]]. Perhaps he needs to remember, "God is with me. I cannot be |
− | deceived." Perhaps he prefers other words, or only one, or none at all. Yet | + | deceived." Perhaps he prefers other [[words]], or only one, or none at all. Yet |
− | each temptation to accept magic as true must be abandoned through his | + | each temptation to accept magic as true must be [[abandoned]] through his |
| recognition, not that it is fearful, not that it is sinful, not that it is dangerous, | | recognition, not that it is fearful, not that it is sinful, not that it is dangerous, |
− | but merely that it is meaningless. Rooted in sacrifice and separation, two | + | but merely that it is meaningless. Rooted in [[sacrifice]] and [[separation]], two |
− | aspects of one error and no more, he merely chooses to give up all that he | + | aspects of one [[error]] and no more, he merely chooses to give up all that he |
− | never had. And for this "sacrifice" is Heaven restored to his awareness. | + | never had. And for this "sacrifice" is [[Heaven]] restored to his [[awareness]]. |
| | | |
| Is not this an exchange that you would want? The world would gladly make | | Is not this an exchange that you would want? The world would gladly make |
− | it, if it knew it could be made. It is God's teachers who must teach it that it | + | it, if it knew it could be made. It is [[God's teachers]] who must teach it that it |
− | can. And so it is their function to make sure that they have learned it. No | + | can. And so it is their [[function]] to make sure that they have learned it. No |
− | risk is possible throughout the day except to put your trust in magic, for it is | + | [[risk]] is possible throughout the day except to put your [[trust]] in [[magic]], for it is |
− | only this that leads to pain. "There is no will but God's." His teachers know | + | only this that leads to [[pain]]. "There is no will but God's." His teachers know |
− | that this is so, and have learned that everything but this is magic. All belief | + | that this is so, and have learned that [[everything]] but this is magic. All [[belief]] |
| in magic is maintained by just one simple-minded illusion;--that it works. | | in magic is maintained by just one simple-minded illusion;--that it works. |
− | All through their training, every day and every hour, and even every minute | + | All through their [[training]], every day and every hour, and even every minute |
| and second, must God's teachers learn to recognize the forms of magic and | | and second, must God's teachers learn to recognize the forms of magic and |
− | perceive their meaninglessness. Fear is withdrawn from them, and so they | + | [[perceive]] their meaninglessness. [[Fear]] is withdrawn from them, and so they |
− | go. And thus the gate of Heaven is reopened, and its light can shine again | + | go. And thus the gate of [[Heaven]] is reopened, and its light can [[shine]] again |
− | on an untroubled mind | + | on an untroubled mind. |
| | | |
| [[Category:Manual for Teachers]] | | [[Category:Manual for Teachers]] |
| + | [[Category: Practice]] |
| + | [[Category: Discipline]] |
| + | [[Category: Teachers]] |