TLDR;
In this 1958 Infinite Way class, Joel S. Goldsmith discusses the nature of revelation, the illusion of mind power, and the importance of the "still small voice" as the true source of God's power. He emphasizes that spiritual healing awakens the soul faculties, allowing individuals to experience divine harmony and transcend material limitations. Goldsmith also addresses the world's reliance on material power and the need for a shift towards spiritual awareness and universal love. He guides listeners through a meditation to recognize that troublesome people or conditions are merely concepts within their own minds, and that everyone is an individual expression of God.
- Revelation often comes as a shock because it challenges our established beliefs.
- The belief in mind power is an illusion, similar to the belief in material power.
- The "still small voice" within is the true source of God's power and guidance.
- Spiritual healing awakens the soul faculties and allows individuals to experience divine harmony.
- Recognizing the divine essence in all people is crucial for transcending conflict and demonstrating universal love.
Introduction and a Shocking Revelation [0:00]
Joel welcomes the attendees to the 1958 Infinite Way class in New York, recalling a shocking lecture from two years prior at the Barbas and Plaza Theater. The message was so unexpected that he spent the night praying no one understood it, and the next day, people complimented the lecture without grasping its significance. This experience led to two years of unfolding and refining the message to make it less shocking for future audiences.
The Nature of Revelation and the Illusion of Mind Power [3:05]
Revelation is inherently shocking because it shatters our deeply held beliefs. Just as the revelation that the Earth was round led to persecution, new truths often face resistance. In 1934, Joel received a revelation that "thought isn't power," which contradicted the prevailing belief in mind power. This revelation caused inner turmoil as he grappled with its implications, especially given the era's emphasis on the power of thought.
Thought vs. Divine Mind [6:42]
Joel reflects on the revelation that thought is not power, contrasting it with the era's belief in the power of the mind. He recalls Jesus's words about the limitations of thought, questioning whether this disbelief applied to both good and evil thoughts or to all thought. This inner conflict continued until he realized that mind is not God, and God is not mind, challenging the common synonymity between the two.
Mind as a Faculty of Awareness [12:49]
There can only be one mind, and it is not synonymous with God. Mind is a faculty of awareness, not a creative force. While the mind can recognize the presence of others or understand truths, it cannot create or manifest them. The idea that the mind is creative must be abandoned, and the mind should be understood for its true function.
The Still Small Voice and Divine Flow [16:59]
The mind is a valuable tool for awareness, but it should not be mistaken for a source of creative power. Instead of straining the mind, one should become still and receptive, allowing the rhythm of God to flow through consciousness as music, poetry, or spiritual truth. Anything originating from the mind alone will be limited, while that which flows from God will be infinite and harmonious.
The World's Greatest Opportunity [20:17]
May 2nd, 1958, is presented as a pivotal date, offering mankind a significant opportunity. With the world nearing the zenith of material power, the need to place faith beyond material forces becomes critical. The question arises: where can we find safety and security when material power proves insufficient? The answer lies in recognizing God as a fortress and high tower, accessible through the "still small voice."
The Power of the Still Small Voice [25:40]
God's power is not found in material forces but in the "still small voice" within. By being still and knowing that God is ever-present, individuals can experience divine harmony and protection. This inner connection allows one to demonstrate that the evils of the world cannot touch their dwelling place, inspiring others to follow suit.
The Significance of Spiritual Healing [30:14]
Spiritual healing, though initially an "outlaw," has gained respect and is becoming increasingly integrated into mainstream religion. Its value lies not merely in physical cures but in awakening the soul faculties and connecting individuals to a spiritual power that transcends material limitations. This connection provides a sense of peace, safety, and abundance, setting one apart from the world's turmoil.
Mysticism and the Transcendental Presence [35:57]
The world has been gifted with mystics, but their teachings have often been ignored. The wisdom shared cannot be grasped by the mind alone; it requires the opening of soul faculties and spiritual discernment. Thoughts are material, and therefore cannot be God. To understand spiritual wisdom, one must awaken to the transcendental presence and power of God.
Prayer and the Still Small Voice [38:09]
Praying with the mind, using words and thoughts, is ineffective because these are not sources of power. True prayer involves being still and allowing the "still small voice" to express itself within. Material thinking, whether good or bad, is motivated by a desire to gain, while spiritual thinking is an outpouring from the center of one's being.
Spiritual Awareness and Universal Love [41:09]
Materialism, including mentalism, is a limitation. Spiritual awareness involves living from the center of one's being, encompassing the entire world with love and understanding. This awareness recognizes the divine essence in all individuals, leading to the realization of the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man.
The Importance of Unity and Demonstrating God [44:06]
The world seeks peace but will not find it soon. Those in the metaphysical world must set an example by agreeing on the oneness of God and demonstrating God in individual experience. This unity will break down barriers and foster a universal brotherhood, allowing for the demonstration of God as our abiding place, safety, and supply.
Mysticism and True Identity [48:09]
Joel expresses his hope to speak freely on mysticism, aiming to guide students further along the mystical path. The goal is for each individual to realize their true identity and the true identity of all mankind, fostering universal love.
Freeing Ourselves from Problems: Mind and Creation [49:15]
The first step to freeing ourselves from problems is recognizing that the mind is not a creative faculty. God already is, and our good already exists. We need no mind action to create or bring forth our good; instead, we must be still and allow God to come through.
The Creation of Our Own Mind [51:00]
The second step involves realizing that our human good and evil are creations of our own minds. We must dispel these concepts and focus on demonstrating our spiritual good, the gifts of God.
Meditation: Recognizing Concepts in the Mind [51:33]
Joel guides a meditation, instructing listeners to focus on a troublesome person or condition. The aim is to recognize that these are not actual entities but concepts within the mind. These concepts cause disturbance because they are not true representations of reality.
The Truth About Others and Conditions [56:37]
The person or condition causing trouble is not inherently negative but is a manifestation of God expressing itself individually. By holding a wrong concept of this person or condition, we are bearing false witness against God's own image and likeness. Spiritual healers recognize the divine essence in everyone, allowing them to witness the melting away of sin, disease, and dying.