Jesus Calming the Storm: Neville Goddard’s Parable Interpretation
The Biblical Parable
A source-grounded study of Neville Goddard’s psychological interpretation of Jesus Calming the Storm, consolidated from 2 original lectures and books.
And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!
Neville’s Interpretation
This is an "acted parable" where "He" (God, our own awareness) is both the cause of the storm (confusion in life) and the one who calms it. The "boat" represents humanity where God sleeps. Awakening "Him" means realizing one's own creative power to resolve inner and outer disturbances.
— Freedom
This parable is an 'acted parable' demonstrating that Christ (man's imagination) is the sole cause of both the 'storms' (undesirable external circumstances) and the 'calm' (desired reality) in life. The 'sleep' represents unawareness of one's imaginal activity, while 'awakening' signifies conscious control and discipline of the mind.
— I Am The Lord
Characters as States
Jesus: God, our own awareness, the 'I AM' within, who is both the cause and resolver of life's storms.
Disciples: The aspects of our consciousness that are fearful and perceive external threats.
Boat/Ship: Humanity, the physical body and state of consciousness where God (awareness) resides and 'falls asleep'.
Storm: Confusion, distress, or undesirable circumstances in one's life, caused by the 'sleeping' imagination.
Jesus: Christ, which is the individual's own wonderful human imagination.
Disciples: Disciplined aspects of the mind, specifically the five senses.
Boat: Man, the vessel in which Christ (imagination) resides.
Storm: External woes, confusions, depressions, and horrors caused by Christ's (imagination's) 'dreams' or unawareness.
Calm: Peace, happiness, wealth, and joy that result from Christ's (imagination's) awakening and conscious direction.
Practical Meaning
- When experiencing a "storm" (confusion or trouble), one must recognize that their own consciousness is the cause. By "waking up" (assuming responsibility and consciously imagining a resolution), one can "rebuke the wind and the sea" and bring about a great calm in their life.
- To resolve external problems ('storms'), one must awaken to and discipline their own imaginal activity. By consciously directing the imagination and senses to perceive only the desired state, the 'storm' will subside and a 'calm' will manifest.
Complete Sources
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