The real world is the state of mind in which the only purpose of the world is seen to be forgiveness. ²Fear is not its goal, for the escape from guilt becomes its aim. ³The value of forgiveness is perceived and takes the place of idols, which are sought no longer, for their “gifts” are not held dear. ⁴No rules are idly set, and no demands are made of anyone or anything to twist and fit into the dream of fear. ⁵Instead, there is a wish to understand all things created as they really are. ⁶And it is recognized that all things must be first forgiven, and then understood.
Here [in this world], it is thought that understanding is acquired by attack. ²There [in the real world], it is clear that by attack is understanding lost. ³The folly of pursuing guilt as goal is fully recognized. ⁴And idols are not wanted there, for guilt is understood as the sole cause of pain in any form. ⁵No one is tempted by its vain appeal, for suffering and death have been perceived as things not wanted and not striven for. ⁶The possibility of freedom has been grasped and welcomed, and the means by which it can be gained can now be understood. ⁷The world becomes a place of hope, because its only purpose is to be a place where hope of happiness can be fulfilled. ⁸And no one stands outside this hope, because the world has been united in belief the purpose of the world is one which all must share, if hope be more than just a dream.
Not yet is Heaven quite remembered, for the purpose of forgiveness still remains. ²Yet everyone is certain he will go beyond forgiveness, and he but remains until it is made perfect in himself. ³He has no wish for anything but this. ⁴And fear has dropped away, because he is united in his purpose with himself. ⁵There is a hope of happiness in him so sure and constant he can barely stay and wait a little longer, with his feet still touching earth. ⁶Yet is he glad to wait till every hand is joined, and every heart made ready to arise and go with him. ⁷For thus is he made ready for the step in which is all forgiveness left behind. (A Course in Miracles, T-30.V.1:1–3:7. See also ACIM Text Made Simple.)
The reward for complete forgiveness is awakening to Heaven. Heaven has always been our Home but perception of separation and guilt stand as a barrier to our awareness of our inheritance. Having accepted the idea of a world where separation seems real and guilt justified, the world now has only one meaningful purpose. We need to forgive the world for all we have thought it was. No dark corners can be left unforgiven. Any unforgiving thought, any reservation that there may still be value in this world worth keeping, blocks attainment of the real world.
Achieving complete forgiveness seems like a daunting task. This perception comes from the ego’s need to maintain its dominance of our thoughts. But each unloving thought forgiven and released makes the next forgiveness opportunity easier. As we progress on our forgiving journey, we discover that many issues share a common thread. When that thread is dispelled through forgiveness, many corollary fears and guilts are dispelled. Our life experience is increasingly peaceful and happy. We more frequently answer calls for love with love and we receive the Love we give. The practice of forgiveness is a journey to the joy and peace of the real world.
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