Three “worlds” emerge in the worldview of the Course, each one based on the level of the awakening of our awareness in the perceptual process.
- The world of illusions is that in which humanity currently finds itself. This is the default world based on the “time-space belief.” It results when we are certain that our perceptions report to us things that are objectively outside of and separate from us, and that these things or our perceptions of them have nothing to do with our own thoughts manifesting our power as the makers of this world. It is a world of illusions because the belief that it is outside of us is an illusion. We have chosen to believe this about the world because we fear our own power as creators.
- The “real world” is the same world as the world of illusions in that time and space still play a role in perception and experience. The difference is that the real world’s purpose has changed from one of self-deception to Truth—as the intentional ongoing decision to awaken and reunite with the Divine. Accordingly, its foundation has changed from fear to forgiveness, or the letting go of everything that isn’t Truth and that thus delays and distracts us from our journey Home. The real world is the world of miracles that we reside in as we learn the lessons of awakening and go through the process of undoing. The real world appears outwardly similar to the world of illusions in that they both involve perception, which is the projecting of thoughts onto the blank screen of the world. But the thoughts being projected that make up the real world are fundamentally different than those of the world of illusions, being based on the Voice of the Holy Spirit in us rather than the voice of the ego. And thus what is experienced of the real world, though this world may appear similar to the world of illusions especially at first, feels completely different.
Both worlds that aren’t Heaven – the world of illusions and the real world – must be dream worlds because they aren’t Heaven. The keynote of the world of illusions is that its dreams are nightmares, even when they have the appearance of being happy, because they are based on fear, reflecting the vast difference between this world and Reality. The keynote of the real world is that its dreams are genuinely happy, reflecting the increasing similarity between this world and Reality. From the happy dreams that Spirit gives us that are the hallmark of the real world we are not afraid to awaken completely from all dreams.
“The real world is the state of mind in which the only purpose of the world is seen to be forgiveness. Fear is not its goal, and the escape from guilt becomes its aim. The value of forgiveness is perceived and takes the place of idols, which are sought no longer, for their ‘gifts’ are not held dear. No rules are idly set, and no demands are made of anyone or anything to twist and fit into the dream of fear. Instead, there is a desire to understand all things created as they really are. And it is recognized that all things must be first forgiven, and then understood. In the world of illusions it is thought that understanding is acquired by judgment, which is a form of attack. In the real world it is clear that understanding is lost by attack of any kind.
“In the real world the folly of pursuing guilt as a goal is fully recognized. And idols are not wanted there, for guilt is recognized as the sole cause of pain in any form. No one there is tempted by guilt’s vain appeal, for suffering and death have been perceived as things not wanted, and therefore not striven for. The possibility of Freedom has been grasped and welcomed, and the means by which It can be gained can now be understood. The world becomes a place of Hope, because its only purpose is to be a place where Hope of Happiness can be fulfilled. And no one stands outside this Hope, because the real world is united in belief that the true purpose of the world is one that all must share if Hope be more than just a dream.
“Not yet is Heaven fully remembered, for the purpose of forgiveness still remains. Yet everyone in the real world is certain they will go beyond forgiveness, and they remain [on Earth, in the real world] only until forgiveness is made perfect in themselves. They have no desire for anything but this. And fear has dropped away, because they are united with themselves in their Purpose. There is a Hope of Happiness in them so sure and constant that they can barely stay and wait a little longer with their feet still touching Earth. Yet are they glad to wait until every hand is joined, and every heart made ready to arise and go with them.”
“This world of Light, this Circle of Brightness, is the real world, where guilt meets with forgiveness. Here the world that appears to be outside you is perceived anew, without the shadow of guilt upon it. Here are you forgiven, for here you have forgiven everyone and everything. Here is the new perception, where everything is bright and shining with innocence, washed in the waters of forgiveness, and cleansed of every “evil” thought you ever laid upon the world or yourself. Here there is no attack upon the Children of the Divine, and so here you are welcomed. Here is your Innocence, waiting to clothe you and protect you, and make you ready for the Final Step in the journey inward. Here are the dark and heavy garments of guilt removed, and gently replaced by Purity and Joy.”
“The transition to the real world itself is nothing more than a shift in your perspective of Reality. In the world of illusions everything you perceive is grossly distorted, and completely out of perspective because of the way each thing is framed. What is little and insignificant is magnified, and what is strong and powerful is cut down to littleness. In the transition to the real world there is a period of confusion, in which a sense of actual disorientation seems to occur. But fear it not, for it means nothing more than that you have been willing to let go your hold on your distorted frame of reference that seemed to hold your world together. This frame of reference has been built around the special relationship [discussed later in detail]. Without this illusion there can be no meaning you would still seek here.
“Fear not that you will be abruptly lifted up out of this world of illusions and hurled into Reality. Time is kind, and if you use it for Reality, it will keep gentle pace with you in your transition. The urgency is only in dislodging your mind from its fixed position in the world of illusions. This will not leave you without a home and without a frame of reference. The period of disorientation that precedes the actual transition is far shorter than the time it took to fix your mind so firmly on illusions. Delay will hurt you now more than before, only because you realize that it is delay, and that escape from pain and misery is really possible. Therefore find hope and comfort rather than despair in your current situation.”
- The Realm of Heaven (also referred to in the Course as Reality, the true Universe, and the Dimension of Creation) is listed here as one of three “worlds,” but it isn’t actually a world, which in the Course connotes the idea of dreams. The Realm of Heaven, like the process of true creation that takes place there, can’t be described by words, which are symbols. It can only be experienced. No dreams exist there, and no illusions are possible.
The “Holy Instant” – the Presence of Love, of the Eternal, and of the Divine – is the experience of the Realm of Heaven in our experience outside of Heaven, in the holy now. Whenever we experience the Holy Instant in our lives, we know that everything is perfect in that moment regardless of appearances – no matter how tragic things may seem to be – and that a happy outcome to all things is sure. We experience the bliss that comes from being in the Presence of Perfection. Thus, the Holy Instant brings a temporary experience of the Peace, Joy and Freedom that are keynotes of the Realm of Heaven. The Holy Instant is regularly experienced in the real world, and can also happen in the world of illusions, helping us to be aware of something beyond that world.
The journey through the real world to the Gate of Heaven is not an outward journey to a far-distant holy place, but a journey inward to what is closer to us than anything else, i.e., to our true Self, Which is One with the Divine and Its Creation. The Realm of Heaven, being within us, is always immediately present, and the journey of awakening is simply our removing the blocks to our awareness of this. “Everything around you is part of you. Behold it lovingly, and see the Light of Heaven in it. So will you come to understand all that is given you. In kind forgiveness will the world sparkle and shine, and everything you once thought separate and flawed now will be reinterpreted as Part of Heaven.”