Neville Goddard on Consciousness

Executive Summary

Neville teaches that consciousness is the fundamental and sole reality. It is not just a part of reality; it is the cause and substance of the entire world. All that you observe and experience is your own conditioned consciousness objectified. Therefore, to change any aspect of your life, you must first bring about a change within your own consciousness, for manifestation is only an effect.

Key Concepts

• Consciousness is the one and only reality, not figuratively but actually.
• It is the cause, and the manifested world is the effect.
• The world and everything within it is man’s conditioned consciousness objectified.
• You automatically and effortlessly express that which you are conscious of being.
• While consciousness is one and indivisible, it manifests in an infinite series of levels or states of awareness.
• Consciousness has a dual nature, often described as the conscious and the subconscious.

Detailed Explanation

The central pillar of this teaching is that consciousness is the only reality. It is the cause and substance of everything in existence. The world you experience is not separate from you but is a direct reflection, an out-picturing, of the contents of your own consciousness. Man is incapable of seeing or experiencing anything other than what his current state of consciousness permits.

While consciousness is one singular reality, it expresses itself in a multitude of forms or levels. Humanity can be understood as an infinite series of levels of awareness. Your personal identity and the circumstances of your life are determined by where you are psychologically located within this series. Though you may identify with being rich or poor, the center of your being—your fundamental awareness of being, or "I AM"—remains undivided and unchanged.

This single reality of consciousness has a dual nature, which can be understood as conscious and subconscious parts. A change of consciousness is the essential prerequisite for any change in your outer world. This is achieved by assuming the state of consciousness of your desire fulfilled. When you successfully impress this new state upon the subconscious part of your awareness, it will automatically be objectified in your world.

The Bible is presented not as a historical record, but as a great psychological drama taking place within human consciousness. Its characters and stories are personifications of the qualities and attributes of your own consciousness. Understanding this reveals the symbolic light of the scriptures, which teach that your awareness of being is the power that resurrects and makes manifest all that you are conscious of being.

Important Quotes

Consciousness is the one and only reality, not figuratively but actually.

— Feeling Is The Secret

Briefly, the book states that consciousness is the one and only reality, that consciousness is the cause and manifestation is the effect.

— Freedom For All

Man is incapable of seeing other than the contents of his own consciousness.

— How To Manifest Your Desires

Consciousness is one , manifesting in legions of forms or levels of consciousness.

— The Power Of Awareness

Related Concepts

• I AM: This is your unconditioned consciousness, the pure awareness of being that exists apart from any state you may occupy. It is the center of your being and the one reality, God.
• States: Your life is determined by the state, or level of awareness, you occupy. All conditioned states exist within the one unconditioned consciousness. You can become detached from a state by turning your attention away from it.
• Law of Assumption: Since consciousness objectifies itself, you must assume the consciousness of being what you desire to be. This assumption, if persisted in, will automatically bring forth its own fulfillment.
• Imagination: Imagination is described as being born of consciousness. It is the creative expression of the Son, which is you.

Common Misunderstandings

• Manifestation is caused by words or affirmations: The teaching clarifies that decreeing is not done through loud words or vain repetition. It is done silently in consciousness. You are always decreeing yourself to be that which you are conscious of being.
• The Bible is literal history: The source material corrects the view of the Bible as a historical record of ancient people. Instead, it should be seen as a psychological drama taking place in the consciousness of man, with its characters representing attributes of your own consciousness.

Practical Applications

To apply this teaching, you must focus on changing your consciousness rather than the external world. A change of expression requires a change of consciousness. This is accomplished by assuming the feeling or state of consciousness of your wish already being a fact. You must become conscious of being the person you want to be. By turning your attention away from your current circumstances and embodying the new state of awareness, you allow that new state to become objectified as your reality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the relationship between consciousness and the physical world?

The physical world is consciousness objectified. Consciousness is both the cause and the substance of the entire world. The world is a mirror reflecting the state you occupy in consciousness.

Is consciousness different for each person?

Consciousness itself is one and indivisible. However, it manifests in an infinite series of levels or states of awareness. While you experience a specific, personal state, the underlying consciousness, or 'I AM', is the one universal reality.

How do I use consciousness to change my life?

To change your life, you must bring about a change of consciousness. This is done by assuming the feeling or the state of awareness of your wish already being fulfilled. As you become conscious of being what you desire to be, that new state will automatically become your physical reality.