A Course in Miracles is a modern spiritual classic that has been read by millions. Its language is poetic and a course in miracles book profound. Its thought system is both spiritual and intellectually sophisticated, and it draws upon the wisdom of every major religion. It consists of three books: the Text, which provides the theoretical foundation; the Workbook, with its 365 daily lessons; and the Manual for Teachers, which guides those who wish to extend the Course's teachings to others.
Text
A Course in Miracles was written by Helen Schucman, a Columbia University psychology professor, through a process she called "inner dictation." It is considered to be one of the most important spiritual thought systems of our time. Since its publication in 1976, it has sold more than three million copies, without any paid advertising, to people from every walk of life and every major religion. It has gained a kind of scriptural status for many readers, who often argue with it but grant it tremendous authority.
The Text is a comprehensive self-study curriculum of the principles of forgiveness and universal love. It is a restatement of the core wisdom found in all world religions. It emphasizes that it is not a new religion, but only one version of a universal spiritual teaching that will take many forms.
Its language is poetic and often written in blank verse, which has led some to compare it with some of the world's great literature. The thought system is intellectually sophisticated and combines spiritual inspiration with deep psychological understanding of belief and defense systems, perception and identity. The daily Workbook lessons are highly practical, with a step-by-step approach for applying the teachings of the Text. They require a willingness to question all our values as we look at them through God's eyes. The goal is to re-envision the world we live in as a place where there is no need for conflict, but only joy and peace.
Manual for Teachers
When A Course in Miracles was first published in 1976, it caused a major stir. Many people argued with the book, but also granted it tremendous authority and devoted themselves to its teachings. Since then it has sold millions of copies and become a modern spiritual classic. It is often referred to as the Bible of ACIM.
The Manual for Teachers is a companion to the Text and Workbook. It explains how to teach the Course and how to be taught it. It is written in conversational style, and many have found it a wonderful way to enter into a dialogue with the author of the Course. It was originally a separate appendix to the original edition of the Text, but Helen Schucman took it down a couple years after it was written.
It is designed to help the teacher understand his role in extending the thought system of the Course. It is meant as a supplement to the curriculum and answers the most likely questions that students might have. It is a very useful tool for those who wish to teach the Course, but it also provides valuable insights for any student of the Workbook lessons.
As a general rule, students are encouraged to read the entire introduction of the manual before beginning the Workbook lessons, and to reread it regularly thereafter. This will help to keep its central theme, that of forgiveness, present in one’s mind throughout the day. It is also helpful for reviewing the basic principles that underlie all of the workbook exercises.
There are two major themes that unify the entire Manual for Teachers. The first is that a teacher is called to be a healer of the body and of the soul. The second is that he comes to teach the truth of forgiveness, which is the basis of all healing. Both of these themes are emphasized in the five sections of the Manual that depict the teacher as essentially a faith healer.
As an added bonus, the Pathways of Light website has a free app that sends you the title of each ACIM Workbook lesson for each day of the year. You can get a daily reminder of the Course's message of forgiveness and the power of love, and receive practical insights into how to apply the lessons in your daily life.
Supplements
A Course in Miracles is a self-study spiritual thought system that offers a practical approach to healing. It is based on the principle that love and forgiveness are the way to peace and happiness. The Course is written in a language that blends spiritual inspiration with deep psychology. Its poetic structure and use of blank verse have led some to compare it with the world’s great literature. Its intellectually sophisticated theory of forgiveness is combined with a clear-minded teaching about the nature of God and of reality. It is both theoretical and highly practical, with a set of daily Workbook lessons designed to unwind the mind’s ego thought system and limiting beliefs. The Course includes three books: the 669-page Text, a 488-page Workbook for Students, and a 92-page Manual for Teachers.
Originally scribed by Helen Schucman, A Course in Miracles has sold over 3 million copies in 25+ languages. It is now considered a modern spiritual classic, and a teaching that has had profound influence on many people worldwide. It has been described as a “universal theology” because it is based on the belief that there is one Creator God who is all-loving and all-powerful.
The course contains 365 Workbook Lessons, but there is no pressure to complete the entire book in one year. In fact, many students find it more helpful to take a few lessons at a time over an extended period of time, as they need to be patient with the process and allow themselves to experience the miracles of the practice.
In addition to the 365 daily lessons, this volume also includes two Supplements: Psychotherapy: Purpose, Process and Practice, and The Song of Prayer. These sections provide extensions of the Course principles and are intended to complement a student’s study of the Text and the Workbook.
David Hoffmeister, an authorized teacher of A Course in Miracles, speaks from a place of awakening and clarity as he guides students through the lessons and their applications. Each lesson is followed by a brief meditation, and David’s commentary explains the meaning of the Lesson and its deeper application in your life.
