Neville Goddard on Mark 5:8

Executive Summary

Neville Goddard explains the story of the insane man in the cemetery as a psychological drama, not a literal event. The key to understanding the chapter is to substitute the name 'Jesus' with 'enlightened reason.' This enlightened reason confronts the tormented man and commands the 'unclean spirit' to depart, thereby restoring the man to sanity and his 'right mind.'

Key Concepts

The source material presents the following key ideas for interpreting Mark 5:8:

• Jesus as Enlightened Reason: The character of Jesus in this story should be understood psychologically as the principle of enlightened reason.
• Devils as Unwanted States: The 'devils' and the 'unclean spirit' that torment the man symbolize unwanted or negative states of mind.
• Casting Out as a Mental Act: The act of casting out the spirit is an internal, psychological process of removing a destructive state of consciousness.
• Restoration to Sanity: The result of this inner act is a return to a desirable state, described as being 'clothed and in his right mind.'

Detailed Explanation

Neville Goddard interprets the story from the fifth chapter of Mark as a psychological lesson rather than a historical account. The narrative describes Jesus encountering a naked, insane man who lived among the tombs, tormented by 'devils.'

To unlock the psychological meaning, Neville instructs that we should replace the name 'Jesus' with the concept of 'enlightened reason.' From this perspective, the story is not about an external savior but about the power of one's own disciplined mind. It is this enlightened reason that confronts the chaotic, unwanted state of consciousness—symbolized by the insane man and his 'unclean spirit.'

By the command, 'Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit,' enlightened reason asserts its authority over the undesirable state. This act of internal command effectively casts out the 'devils,' or the destructive patterns of thought and feeling. The story concludes with the man transformed: he is found 'clothed and in his right mind,' sitting at the feet of the 'Master' (enlightened reason). This signifies a successful change in consciousness, where a destructive state has been replaced by a sane and orderly one.

Important Quotes

But Jesus said unto him, "Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit." Mark 5:8.

— Thinking Fourth-Dimensionally

We will get the psychological sense of this chapter by changing the name Jesus to that of enlightened reason...

— Thinking Fourth-Dimensionally

Related Concepts

This interpretation directly relates to Neville's teachings on States and Consciousness.

• States: The 'unclean spirit' and the 'devils' are symbols for undesirable states of consciousness. The man living among the tombs is a personification of someone dwelling in a negative, destructive state. The goal is to move from this state to a new one, represented by being 'in his right mind.'
• Consciousness: The entire drama unfolds within consciousness. 'Enlightened reason' is a faculty of consciousness used to consciously and deliberately change one's inner state. The story illustrates the power within one's own consciousness to overcome any undesirable mental condition.

Common Misunderstandings

The primary misunderstanding this interpretation corrects is viewing the story as a literal, historical event involving a man named Jesus performing an exorcism. Neville's teaching shifts the focus entirely inward, presenting the narrative as a psychological allegory. The characters are not external people but personifications of principles and states within every individual's consciousness.

Practical Applications

A student can apply this teaching by recognizing that their own 'enlightened reason' has the power to cast out any unwanted mental state. When you find yourself dwelling in a negative or destructive mood or assumption (your 'unclean spirit'), you can use your focused reason to command it to leave. The goal is to consciously reject the undesirable state and, by doing so, restore yourself to a more productive and harmonious state of mind, symbolized by being 'clothed and in your right mind.'

Frequently Asked Questions

In Neville's interpretation of Mark 5:8, what does Jesus symbolize?

Jesus symbolizes 'enlightened reason,' a faculty within every person.

What are the 'devils' or the 'unclean spirit' mentioned in the story?

They are psychological symbols for unwanted states of mind or destructive thought patterns that torment an individual.

What is the psychological meaning of the man being found 'clothed and in his right mind'?

It symbolizes the successful transformation of consciousness, where a chaotic and destructive inner state has been replaced by an orderly and sane one through the power of enlightened reason.