Neville Goddard Word Study: Consciousness

Executive Summary

In these teachings, consciousness is presented as the foundational, singular reality from which all things emerge. It is not simply awareness, but the very cause and substance of the entire world. All of creation is understood as conditioned consciousness made visible, or objectified. Therefore, to change any aspect of one's life, one must first bring about a change in their own consciousness, as manifestation is merely the effect that follows this inner cause.

Key Concepts

• Consciousness is the one and only reality, not figuratively, but actually.
• It is the cause, and manifestation is the effect; the world is consciousness objectified.
• A person automatically expresses and experiences that which they are conscious of being.
• While consciousness is a single, indivisible whole, it manifests in an infinite series of levels or states.
• For clarity, it can be understood as having a dual nature, often described as conscious and subconscious parts.
• Unconditioned consciousness is God, the fundamental awareness of being, or 'I AM'.

Detailed Explanation

The central principle presented is that consciousness is the sole reality. It is not one of many forces, but the fundamental cause and substance of everything that exists. The entire world, with all its conditions and circumstances, is seen as man's own consciousness objectified. To discover the secret of creation, one must turn to consciousness itself.

A person's life is determined by where they are psychologically in an infinite series of levels of awareness. Man is incapable of seeing or experiencing anything other than the contents of his own consciousness. He automatically and constantly out-pictures and expresses that which he is conscious of being. This is not achieved through loud affirmations or words, but by the state of being one occupies. Therefore, a change of expression requires an essential change of consciousness.

While consciousness is one, indivisible reality, it can be understood in a few ways. It manifests in countless forms or levels, yet there is no true separation or division within it. The core of one's being, the 'I AM', remains constant regardless of the concept or state one holds of oneself (such as rich man or poor man). For practical understanding, it is also described as having a dual nature, comprising conscious and subconscious aspects.

At its most fundamental level is 'unconditioned consciousness'. This is defined as a pure sense of awareness, the knowledge that 'I AM' apart from knowing who or what I am. This unconditioned awareness is equated with God, the one and only reality. The Bible itself is interpreted not as a historical record, but as a great psychological drama taking place within the consciousness of man, with its characters representing the personified qualities and attributes of that consciousness.

Important Quotes

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

— Feeling Is The Secret

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

Unconditioned consciousness is God, the one and only reality.

— Freedom For All

Consciousness is the resurrecting power – resurrecting that which man is conscious of being.

— At Your Command

Related Concepts

• I AM: The source material directly equates unconditioned consciousness with God and the fundamental awareness of 'I AM'. This 'I AM' is the center of being that is constant, even as one moves through different states of consciousness.
• States: Consciousness is described as an infinite series of levels or states of awareness. A person's life circumstances are determined by the particular state they are conscious of occupying.
• Law of Assumption: The practical application of these principles involves the Law of Assumption. To realize a desire, one must assume the consciousness of already being or having it. The objectification of this assumption will then follow automatically.
• Desire: Prayer is the art of assuming the feeling, or state of consciousness, of the desire already being fulfilled. This state of consciousness is the cause that must produce the desired effect.

Common Misunderstandings

• Decreeing is not about words: The source material clarifies that decreeing one's reality is not done through loud affirmations or vain repetition. Instead, 'Decreeing is ever done in consciousness', meaning one is simply conscious of being that which they have decreed.
• The Bible is not literal history: A common misunderstanding corrected is the view of the Bible as a historical record. It is presented instead as a 'great psychological drama' whose characters and stories represent personified qualities and attributes within human consciousness.

Practical Applications

To apply this teaching, one must focus on changing their own consciousness rather than attempting to alter external circumstances. The method is to identify your desire and then assume the consciousness of being the person who has already achieved it. This involves assuming the feeling of the wish fulfilled. By maintaining this new state of consciousness, the external world will automatically reshape itself to reflect this inner change. The key is to operate the law of consciousness by changing your conception of yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the relationship between consciousness and the physical world?

The physical world is the objectification of consciousness. Consciousness is both the cause and the substance of the entire world; the world is simply the effect of what you are conscious of being.

How do I use consciousness to change my life?

You must change what you are conscious of being. By assuming the feeling or state of consciousness of your desired reality, that reality will automatically come into view as your external world changes to match your inner state.

Is consciousness different for each person?

Consciousness is described as one and indivisible, but it expresses itself in an infinite series of levels or forms. While you experience your own particular level of consciousness, the underlying reality of 'I AM' is a single, universal power.