Neville Goddard Word Study: Desire

Executive Summary

In Neville's teachings, desire is the fundamental engine of all creative action. It is not a passive wish but an active awareness of a need that serves as the 'mainspring of action,' compelling an individual to move. Desire is the necessary first step for any transformation, initiating the process of rising in consciousness to a new state. The purpose of the creative act is to use imagination to feel the reality of the desired state so completely that the initial desire is neutralized by a feeling of satisfaction, indicating the wish has been fulfilled.

Key Concepts

• Desire is the mainspring of all action; without it, no movement is possible.
• It is the essential first step in the process of transformation or the 'renewing of the mind.'
• A desire is defined as an awareness of something you lack or need.
• A controlled imagination is governed by desire, which directs its creative activity.
• The goal is to assume the consciousness of the desired state until the desire itself is fulfilled and shrinks away.

Detailed Explanation

Desire is presented as the fundamental cause and 'mainspring of action.' No action, not even the movement of a finger, can occur without a desire to initiate it. The desires that hold our attention are the ones that impel us to act. A desire is fundamentally an awareness of something that is lacked or needed to make life more enjoyable. This awareness is not passive; it is the governing force behind a controlled imagination, directing it toward a specific outcome.

All transformation begins with an 'intense, burning desire to be transformed.' This is the first and most crucial step in changing oneself and one's world. To change your life expression, you must first possess a desire to be different. This desire then motivates you to rise in consciousness from your current state to the state you wish to embody. The process involves rearranging your thoughts so they travel consistently in one direction: toward the fulfillment of your desire.

The practical application of desire involves a specific imaginative process. Once you determine what you desire to experience, you must use your imagination to feel the end result as a present reality. By assuming the consciousness of already being or possessing your desire, you draw its manifestation to you. This is the true nature of prayer. The imaginative act is successful when you feel so satisfied in the assumed state that the initial desire shrinks and disappears. This loss of desire signifies that you have successfully impressed your subconscious mind with the feeling of the wish fulfilled.

Important Quotes

Desire is the mainspring of action. We could not move a single finger unless we had a desire to move it.

— Out Of This World

All transformation begins with an intense, burning desire to be transformed. The first step in the "ren ewing of the mind" is desire.

— The Power Of Awareness

If I be lifted up in consciousness to the naturalness of the thing desired I will draw the manifestation of that desire unto me.

— At Your Command

Related Concepts

Desire is inextricably linked to several other key concepts:

• Imagination: A controlled imagination is governed by desire. You use your imagination to experience your heart's desire until it feels real.
• Consciousness: Desire impels you to rise in consciousness to the state you wish to express. The only way to realize a desire is to assume the consciousness of already having it.
• Assumption: Though the specific term 'Law of Assumption' is not used, the principle is central. You must assume the consciousness of possessing the thing you desire to bring it into your world.

Common Misunderstandings

• Desire is passive wishing: The source material clarifies that desire is the active 'mainspring of action.' It is the force that impels you to rearrange your mind and assume a new state of being.
• You must maintain the feeling of desire: The goal is the opposite. You use imagination to achieve a state of satisfaction where the desire itself shrinks and disappears, which indicates the creative act is complete in consciousness.

Practical Applications

To apply this teaching, you must first clearly determine what it is you desire to experience. Then, in a relaxed state, use your imagination to experience the end result. This is not about thinking of your desire, but thinking from the state of its fulfillment. You must persist in this imaginative act until you have actually obtained your objective in the outer world. If physical action is necessary, you will be led to perform it in a natural way after successfully assuming the feeling of the wish fulfilled.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of desire in Neville's teachings?

Desire is the mainspring of all action and the essential first step for any transformation. It is an awareness of a need that directs your controlled imagination toward its fulfillment.

Should I feel my desire all the time?

No. The goal is to use your imagination to feel the satisfaction of the wish fulfilled. When this is achieved, the feeling of desire shrinks or disappears, which signals that the creative act is complete within consciousness.

How does desire relate to prayer?

Prayer is not petitioning an external God, but rather recognizing yourself to be that which you desire to be. It is the act of assuming the consciousness of your wish already being a fact.