Resources

Study, Use, and Extend the Ideas of the Course

The three volumes of A Course in Miracles represent three important components of its path, each to do with the ideas of the Course:

One: study the ideas

Two: apply or use the ideas

Three: extend or teach the ideas

The “Text” is the 1st volume of the Course, and it introduces us to its unique, valuable, and healing ideas — ideas that need to be carefully studied so they will be correctly understood. Some of these ideas include: Atonement, forgiveness, miracles, and miracle working. Students might initially think they know what these words or phrases mean, only to find they are given completely new meaning in the Course. It is this new meaning, found in old language, that imbues the words with their healing effect. Studying these words and allowing the new meaning to “sink in” increases the likelihood this healing will occur — transforming the student’s perception.

The Course also has a “Workbook for Students” (2nd volume) that consists of 365 lessons which instruct students in the application and use if its ideas, for “the ideas are mighty forces, to be used and not held idly by” [CE T-16.II.10:4]. For example, it is important that we actually apply and use the Course’s idea of forgiveness and not be content with a mere intellectual understanding it. Applying and using forgiveness is what makes forgiveness take root in our minds and become a natural and permanent part of our very being.

Finally, the “Manual for Teachers” is the 3rd volume primarily focused on those who are ready to embrace the role of miracle worker or teacher — to fulfill their function of extending and demonstrating to others the very ideas studied in the Text and used in the Workbook. Through extending and demonstrating forgiveness to others, it’s healing effect is reinforced in the mind of the teacher at the same time it brings healing to others.

The Center for Miraculous Living provides a number of resources designed to support students and teachers in all three of these components.

“Some of the ideas you will find difficult to believe, and others will seem quite startling. It does not matter. You are merely asked to apply them as you are directed to do. You are not asked to judge them or even to believe them. You are merely asked to use them. It is their use that will give them meaning to you, and show you they are true.” [CE W-In.7]