Customer Reviews

Accept This Gift: Selections from A Course in Miracles (Tarcher Cornerstone Editions)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is a compilation of quotes from A COURSE IN MIRACLES. The "Course" is a three volume set of books that comprise a curriculum of self-study psychotherapy.

Interspersed with the beautiful quotes from the Course are equally beautiful black-and-white photographs of inspiring nature scenes. This book also includes a forward by Marianne Williamson, author of A RETURN TO LOVE.

The reason I give this book only four stars is because I have a personal "qualm" about taking quotes from the Course out of context. My opinion is that the Course is a completely integrated thought system, and it is a thought system that often says things that we do not want to hear (for example, the teaching that God did not make the world, but that the world was made by the ego "as an attack on God" [Workbook, p. 403]). What often results from taking passages from the Course out of context is that the true meaning is lost and the Course can be turned into a "dual" thought system, whereas it is truly a non-dual thought system.

Almost fifteen years ago I read and reread this book several times. When a particular line jumped off the page at me, I put a little check by that thought. Later I listed these extra special thoughts on paper and memorized them. I repeat them out loud every day, sometimes more than once. I learned that these particular truths enter my mind when life-events occur, and my decisions are based on the new ideas rather than the ego-centered old stuff that confused me for so many years. Yes indeed, this book can change the life of any willing, persistent person who genuinely wants to change.

25 years ago, shortly after moving to northern California, I took my first drive south on Hwy 1. Between Santa Cruz and Monterey, among the most beautiful scenery one can imagine, we noticed a large building akin to a castle. Curious, we parked and entered the mansion. It was the headquarters behind "A Course in Miracles'" philosophy. I remember vividly feeling I had arrived at heaven on Earth. I never forgot the experience, but moved on with the business of "life." Recently, I saw Tom Arnold interviewed by William Shatner on Shatner's talk show. Arnold discussed how practicing "A Course in Miracles," program changed his life. Remembering the visit to the mansion years ago, and seeing Arnold's inner peace, I decided to look for "Miracles" books on Amazon. I ordered five books with "Miracles" principles. "Accept this Gift" was the gem of them all. So simple, yet so profound. Reading about these moral teachings and practicing them are two different realities. I recommend this book to anyone wanting to grow in compassion, grace and forgiveness of their fellow humans and themselves.

Flip this book open to any page and you find beautiful prose which reveals spiritual truths, taken from A Course in Miracles. Want to know what ACIM has to say about a specific topic (like ego) just flip to that section for a substantial snippet which captures the message.

I like to keep this on on my desk and just pick it up a few times of day to real a little. Like those who get a caffeine pick-me-up every couple of hours, I get a spiritual wisdom pick-me up.

It's a nice feature that the book contains an extensive reference list, so that ACIM readers can find the quotes later and read them in full-context.

Wow! This just knocked my socks off. What wonderful words to help you to open up and look deep inside. I don't have the words to say what this book meant to me.

I have been on the fence regarding whether or not to jump into the "A Course in Miracles" study programs. I like this book because it introduces me to the material and the artful language it was written in. It also offers quick bites of inspiration when needed. I think it is an excellent way to tell you if you wish to go further into the full study; but if not, you have a great little gift to yourself.

Better watch out right here. I have read a whole bunch of books in my life, and this one can Change Your Life! Read it, mark the particular lines that speak to you, type those out and MEMORIZE them. Then repeat your list aloud every day until they become part of who you are. Then, my friend, you will be well on the way to becoming who your were designed to be. Overstated? Exaggerated? You just try it and see...