“The world but demonstrates an ancient truth; you will believe that others do to you exactly what you think you did to them. But once deluded into blaming them you will not see the cause of what they do, because you want the guilt to rest on them. (T587)”
1 – Definition of Blaming
This passage sounds hard to understand at first glance. Do we, we ask ourselves, really want the guilt to rest on others? If we reflect a moment, we will realize that we do. This is what “blaming” is all about.
2 – The Problem with Blaming Others
Some of us almost make a career out of blaming others for our misfortunes. We automatically shift the blame to the outside, if we are outwardly directed. But does this make a friend of our brother or sister? We know not. Our brothers and sisters have a hard time, often, forgiving us when we have blamed them for our plight, even when we might objectively think that they had some part in bringing that plight upon us.
3 – We See a Projected World
The philosophical basis of the Course is hinted at in this passage. Our perceptions determine what we see, because what we see is a projected dream. This means that our brothers and sisters are not in any way to blame when something terrible happens (or more likely, when we perceive something terrible has happened). There are many bad things in this world, and Jesus in ACIM does not counsel that we close our eyes to the obvious. But our projections do determine how those bad things affect us. We are at home in God when we have a peaceful heart, mindful always that we are living in illusion. The real Self of another has not been hurt, however bad the outer circumstances may become (an interpretation, not stated in ACIM directly).
4 – The Wishes of Others
We believe that others do not always wish kindness upon us, and therefore we see that. And we think that we have been guilty of unkindness. The “we” comes first. We project the dream that we are bad people, guilty of much “sin,” and then we see others doing bad things to us. This is the way that we learn. This is a reason for the world’s existence in its present form. When we realize that we need this world to correct our own errors, we will be well on our way to our real home.
I would not rely on the false premise that others have harmed me and that I am right in blaming them for any misfortunes that come. I am projecting this dream, and I am responsible for what happens. I know that this does not mean that I myself am “to blame,” either. I would not see myself as a victim, either of myself or of others.
Be with me as I seek to understand these theological undertones of A Course in Miracles. There is much that we do not understand, but may I take the little that I do understand and make the most of it. Thank You for the blessing of A Course in Miracles. These volumes do explain much that previously could only be given over to sometimes blind faith. Thank You for knowing that we were ready for this knowledge.
May my own projections not create a difficult world for myself. It is up to me in some measure to choose the life that I would have. Help me to choose always to serve You without reserve.
Be with me as I go through this day. May no stress pique my temper, and may I be guided by the love that You would have me show not only to others, but also to myself.