COURSE IN MIRACLES: Based On The Original Handwritten Notes Of Helen Schucman--Complete & Annotated Edition
Product ID: 51945416
A Course in Miracles has become a contemporary spiritual classic. Since it was originally published in 1976, readers have recognized in its words truths that they had never heard before, yet somewhere inside seemed to have always known. However, in the process of editing for publication, roughly forty-five thousand words were edited out, mostly from the first seven chapters of the Text, and the wording of the first four chapters was edited to the point where only about a fifth of their sentences retained their original wording. The Complete and Annotated Edition aims to restore the material that was lost. It was created by going back to Helen's shorthand Notes and editing afresh, retaining the original words to the maximum degree possible. By going back to the words that Helen Schucman heard in her mind and wrote down in her notebooks, it attempts to bring the reader into a more direct encounter with the power of those words. It includes, either in its main body or in appendices, those approximately forty-five thousand words that had been removed in the original published edition. The teaching in this edition does not contradict the teaching found in other editions of A Course in Miracles. However, we believe that this edition will allow the Course's true meaning and character to shine through a little more clearly. And we hope that this will enable students to better see the Course for what it is, relate to it as it is, and apply its profound truths to their lives. Features of the Complete and Annotated Edition * The first four chapters of the Text are roughly twice as long as they are in the familiar Foundation for Inner Peace edition. * Material whose meaning had been changed by editing is now presented in its original form. For instance, we have restored the original statement "Prepare you not for the undoing of what never was," which had been changed in the FIP edition to "Prepare you now for the undoing of what never was." * Material that had been rearranged and placed in a different order by editing has, in almost all cases, been restored to its original order. * Extensive footnotes have been included to clarify difficult passages, identify unclear pronouns, define psychological terms, point out allusions to things in the general culture, and list Course references and Bible references. * Thirty-three cameo essays have been written. These essays comment on personal guidance given by the source of the material to the scribes (Helen Schucman and William Thetford). This guidance, while too personal for the Course proper, clarifies the application of Course principles to the lives of the scribes, and by extension, to the lives of all students. * Material that never made it out of Helen's notebooks is included, such as this passage: "Love him steadily, whatever he does, whatever he says, and he will see the miracle of God and you will learn of salvation. If this seems hard to do, remember it is what you want of me." * Dictation that is too personal for the Course proper but too short to be the subject of a cameo essay is commented on in the Editing Notes (available online). * All original emphasis of words is retained (either as italics or as gray underlines), as this helps illuminate the meaning. * Most of the Text section titles and many of the Text section divisions are new. * Documentation (and often explanation) of editing changes Review: Interesting study aid - I already know very well, the 3rd edition from the Foundation for Inner Peace. I have also knwon the urtext existed and had glanced at bits of it once. This version, which is closer to being an original before the many revisions into more formal and poetic language, is very interesting. The more I read it, the more different it seems from the 3rd edition. For instance, there are many notes inbetween the lines of the Course. These notes seem to be Helens imbedded notes, most of which seem to be Jesus adding his commentary on what is already his own dictation. There are also 30 essays in the back, that I dont think most ACIM students have ever read. These essays reveal more about Helen and her interactions with Jesus. And there footnotes on almost every page on what bible verses the lines in the Course is referring to. I find this also fascination, given that most students prefer to think of the ACIM as some sort of New Age text, rather than a christian text. The Course itself seems to teach that it is Jesus giving the correct interpretations on a religion that has been misinterpreted because of the ego. In this sense, the Course is "christian" and is correcting misinterpretations on christianity. I find this version to be more grounded in guiding us in this world in how to have miracles in our daily lives. The whole book feels more like a psychology workbook. I think this is good. For anyone thinking about reading the Course, or is struggling with the text, I highly recommend that you flip around to interesting titles and sections that appeal to you. The Course is a complete thought system, and understanding any chunk of it, will have you understand most of it. I think the Course should not be read in order, in fact I have always hated chapter one, and have always thought of it as an awkward chapter, when the real content seems to start in the section of the atonement and the undoing of fear. The Course says to read the book in a certain order, and do the lessons once a day. I completely dont do this. I read multiple lessons in one reading, especially the prayers and affirmations in the workbook. I read different titles and sections. Again, some part are easier to read than others, and the book doesn't necessary start of easy or get harder as you progress. Many sections towards the end of the main text or just as easy to understand as some chapters near the beginning. The more you flip around, the smaller the book will seem to you. I think most student s would benefit from reading the 3rd edition first, as this addition seems to be more of notes and commentary on the Course. since its a Course on the Course, it could technically be deemed as a "meta-course" on A Course In Miracles. Review: Excellent - For students of ACIM, one frequent question is “Which edition should I read?”. The “complete and annotated edition” is excellent due to: 1) addition of cameos that help show the principles unfolding in everyday life (mainly specific examples from the lives of Helen Schucman and Bill Thetford); 2) Many useful explanations,elaborations and references in yhe numerous footnotes; 3) Closer adherence to the words as originally transcribed in Helen Schucman’s dictations from Jesus (as contrasted with later editorial decisions to delete sections and change wording). The chief editor brings around 40 years of acim study to the task. The only drawback is the thinness/fragility of the paper. Thicker paper would be hardier. However, the book is already heavy and close the 2000 pages, and a book with “sturdy” paper would probably require a professional weight-lifter to move it. So, can see why the publishers chose parchment-thin paper.
| Customer Reviews | 4.7 out of 5 stars 1,433 Reviews |
N**S
Interesting study aid
I already know very well, the 3rd edition from the Foundation for Inner Peace. I have also knwon the urtext existed and had glanced at bits of it once. This version, which is closer to being an original before the many revisions into more formal and poetic language, is very interesting. The more I read it, the more different it seems from the 3rd edition. For instance, there are many notes inbetween the lines of the Course. These notes seem to be Helens imbedded notes, most of which seem to be Jesus adding his commentary on what is already his own dictation. There are also 30 essays in the back, that I dont think most ACIM students have ever read. These essays reveal more about Helen and her interactions with Jesus. And there footnotes on almost every page on what bible verses the lines in the Course is referring to. I find this also fascination, given that most students prefer to think of the ACIM as some sort of New Age text, rather than a christian text. The Course itself seems to teach that it is Jesus giving the correct interpretations on a religion that has been misinterpreted because of the ego. In this sense, the Course is "christian" and is correcting misinterpretations on christianity. I find this version to be more grounded in guiding us in this world in how to have miracles in our daily lives. The whole book feels more like a psychology workbook. I think this is good. For anyone thinking about reading the Course, or is struggling with the text, I highly recommend that you flip around to interesting titles and sections that appeal to you. The Course is a complete thought system, and understanding any chunk of it, will have you understand most of it. I think the Course should not be read in order, in fact I have always hated chapter one, and have always thought of it as an awkward chapter, when the real content seems to start in the section of the atonement and the undoing of fear. The Course says to read the book in a certain order, and do the lessons once a day. I completely dont do this. I read multiple lessons in one reading, especially the prayers and affirmations in the workbook. I read different titles and sections. Again, some part are easier to read than others, and the book doesn't necessary start of easy or get harder as you progress. Many sections towards the end of the main text or just as easy to understand as some chapters near the beginning. The more you flip around, the smaller the book will seem to you. I think most student s would benefit from reading the 3rd edition first, as this addition seems to be more of notes and commentary on the Course. since its a Course on the Course, it could technically be deemed as a "meta-course" on A Course In Miracles.
H**N
Excellent
For students of ACIM, one frequent question is “Which edition should I read?”. The “complete and annotated edition” is excellent due to: 1) addition of cameos that help show the principles unfolding in everyday life (mainly specific examples from the lives of Helen Schucman and Bill Thetford); 2) Many useful explanations,elaborations and references in yhe numerous footnotes; 3) Closer adherence to the words as originally transcribed in Helen Schucman’s dictations from Jesus (as contrasted with later editorial decisions to delete sections and change wording). The chief editor brings around 40 years of acim study to the task. The only drawback is the thinness/fragility of the paper. Thicker paper would be hardier. However, the book is already heavy and close the 2000 pages, and a book with “sturdy” paper would probably require a professional weight-lifter to move it. So, can see why the publishers chose parchment-thin paper.
J**H
A Course in Miracles Done Right!
I am grateful to Robert Perry and the team at Circle of Atonement for several reasons. 1. A complete and faithfully restored version of ACIM - The Purple Book - which restores 40,000 words that were left out of the original 1976 publication. It is THE definitive version to get for serious Course students, in my opinion. 2. Robert’s tendency to NOT interpret the Course. When a question arises, he invariably says, “Well, let’s see what the Course says about this…” and doesn’t make stuff up that isn’t word-for-word in the Course. That’s a rare quality in teachers I don’t often see. 3. The wonderful ACIM CE App, which includes the entire book and audiobook for free, but I would highly recommend donating whatever you can to support this magnificent effort. 4. The many great articles you can find on circleofa.org that adds clarity to one’s study of the Course. Whenever I have a question about a point in the Course I don’t understand, I google the question, adding circleofa.org to the search box, and there’s usually a well-thought-out article written on the subject. 5. A great podcast that points out the many mistakes that Course students make, and how to correct these, as well as thought-provoking discussions and Course history that further enriches one’s personal study. 6. The Cameos included in the Purple Book, which provide relatable case studies of how Helen and Bill personally struggled with this material as they were getting it all down on paper. It adds a personal dimension not included in the Blue Book that is incredibly helpful for students, and they are very enjoyable as well. 7. Did I leave anything out? Oh yeah, you guys ROCK! Thank you so much, with much love and gratitude, from a long-time student of the Course. I simply can’t thank you enough for all your hard work.
A**E
I Love A Course in Miracles!
It has helped me heal my life in ways I never thought possible, and it continues to teach me each and every day. I have all the different editions and, without a doubt, the new A Course in Miracles Complete & Annotated Edition, published earlier this year by Circle of Atonement, is the easiest of all the different editions to study and understand. It is based on Helen Schucman’s handwritten notes. • The other editions of A Course in Miracles (ACIM) have been edited to various degrees and the Complete & Annotated Edition gets you back to what was originally in Helen’s notes. It is organized extremely well. • It begins with a 28-page, easy-to-read, Table of Contents. • The page numbering goes through the entire book. It doesn’t start over at the Workbook or Manual for Teachers. This is so helpful, I can’t even begin to tell you! • The Workbook Lessons are formatted so that you can effortlessly glance at the current lesson throughout the day and see the main exercises and applications. Many days, I keep my book open to the lesson to take a quick peak whenever I pass by. I can do this so easily because of the formatting. • The Text contains innumerable, valuable footnotes that help to put it into context with the Bible and other historical references as well as clarify potentially confusing content. • The formatting of both the Manual for Teachers and Clarification of Terms make them extremely user-friendly. These two documents also include countless, useful footnotes. There are a number of introductory sections that are beneficial to the new ACIM student.For, example, the section “What is ‘A Course in Miracles?’” provides a concise and easy-to-follow history of how it came to be, how it is organized, and briefly what it teaches. Appendix I is delightful with its 33 Cameo Essays covering general topics found in ACIM. Written by the editor Robert Perry, these come together to create a book within the book. They bring Helen and William Thetford to life and, to me, make ACIM in its entirety more real. Appendix II presents an exploration of the history of the many ACIM editions and this brings everything into perspective as to why this new edition was necessary and what all went into its creation. Also included is a straightforward and complete glossary. If you are new to ACIM or have struggled to get into it in the past, I would highly recommend you give this new edition a try!
C**S
AN APPRECIATION OF COA'S NEW EDITION OF ACIM
The Circle of Atonement has recently released a fantastic new resource for lovers of A Course in Miracles, an edition based on the original handwritten notes of Helen Schucman. Robert Perry, editor, and Greg Mackie, assistant editor, assembled a team of experts who worked over ten years on this edition. It is truly a labor of love on their part. Masterfully done, it restores some 45,000 words to the second edition published by the Foundation for Inner Peace in 1992 (and republished, with Helen’s supplements, in 2007). I came to know of this edition from Lisa Natoli of the Teachers of God Foundation, a foundation supporting the work of those who love A Course in Miracles. I was surprised when I read that this new edition is the one that she will now use, even though she had earlier felt that the FIP edition was sufficient. On the strength of this recommendation, I purchased the new edition by the Circle of Atonement, billed as a “complete & annotated edition,” and since reading it obsessively for several days, I have become completely enthralled with what I find. First and foremost are the 45,000 restored words to A Course in Miracles. Several chapters in the beginning part of the Text, particularly, were at issue. One’s understanding of miracles as expressions of love will be much enhanced. Throughout the new edition (almost 2,000 pages) there are substantive footnotes on almost every page, well-written, cogent, respectful to the original. In going back to notes of Helen, we can even now see what words Jesus emphasized when he was speaking as an internal voice. These words are faintly underlined, making me feel that I were listening to Jesus himself. Cameo essays are in the back of the volume, cameos that highlight the very personal nature of some of Jesus’s words to Helen and to Bill Thetford. In keeping with Jesus’s professed intentions, the personal words to Helen and Bill were not included in the Course proper, but are described in some detail in 33 cameos. Why this new edition seemed necessary is covered in detail in an appendix. I read this with great interest, and concluded that Robert, Greg, and their team were right: A complete and annotated edition is needed. The new edition is available for $48 from the Circle of Atonement; also available from Amazon. This is simply a fantastic editorial feat. Recommended most enthusiastically by a long-time lover of A Course in Miracles. --- Celia Hales, Ph.D., has studied A Course in Miracles since 1981. She is the author of the long-running, almost-daily, blog entitled, “Miracles Each Day.”
D**E
5 STARS ARE NOT ENOUGH!
February 2, 2018 I bought the hardcover edition of A Course In Miracles – Complete & Annotated Edition (C&A) from Amazon early in 2017 soon after its launch and, having just completed a 12 month’s study program covering its Text, it seemed to me that it was now appropriate to update my original review of the book. The Complete & Annotated Edition of this spiritual masterpiece is the result of nearly 10 years work by Robert Perry and his team at the Circle of Atonement. Helen Schucman’s original shorthand notes have been studiously translated and checked; dictation previously excluded or edited out has been inserted; editing errors corrected etc. resulting in about 45,000 words being added, compared to the earlier editions. The underlying principle of Perry and his team in creating the C&A Edition, was total fidelity to Helen’s original notes I have been struggling with the Course for over 25 years, mainly due to my own resistance to its teachings and application, but also because I have had great difficulty in understanding the Text, especially the early chapters. For example, Chapter 1, Section 1, the Principles of Miracles, seemed to me to be as unfathomable as Egyptian hieroglyphics. For whatever reasons, much of Helen’s dictation for this section (and for other early chapters) was never published in the earlier editions. This has been rectified in the C&A Edition, and what a difference it has made to my understanding of the Course! Indeed, it is now clear that the Principles of Miracles is absolutely foundational to all else that follows in the Course. As well as the addition of previously excluded material and correction of errors etc. Perry and team have included extensive explanatory Footnotes. I found these very helpful in enhancing my understanding of the Text. Also included are 33 essays (Cameos), primarily about personal messages dictated to Helen Schucman and Bill Thetford (her associate who originally typed up her notes) to assist them with understanding and applying the Course’s teachings. These are fascinating and it is surprising how many obstacles Helen and Bill placed in the way of practising the Course that are similar to those confronting me. So where am I after 12 month’s study of the C&A Edition? It seems to me that my understanding of the Course has increased exponentially. Course Companions (coursecompanions.com), which came into existence around the time the new hardcover edition was published in the USA/UK, has provided me with invaluable support. Perry’s daily commentaries there on the Text and Workbook lessons have enhanced my understanding and practice considerably. Also his weekly recordings with Emily Bennington are invaluable. So, for those of you who are experienced Course students, or for newcomers to A Course In Miracles, I suggest you do yourself a favour and get a copy of the A Course In Miracles - Complete & Annotated Edition. I don’t think you will be disappointed. Five Stars Are Not Enough!
B**A
Not your Mother's ACIM
Likes: Well-researched. And I mean WELL. Attention to detail and the completion of its mission are spectacular. The return to Helen's original notes was a long-time coming. In this form, ACIM becomes a much more personal and intimate experience. The background research and documentation place it above simply a how-to of raising our Spiritual level to its Truth. ACIM, from its origins as mimeograph to three-volume set to it's more familiar one-volume form released by the dedicated folks at Foundation for Inner Peace, has made its mark as a sensible, logical exploration into the reality of Who We Are as God Created Us. Now we are taken to the next level of understanding by the remarkable scholarship of Robert Perry and his team at Circle of Atonement. The copious footnotes bring insight to those who wish to gather more on the story told, especially the notes about how the addition of content originally not included in the FIP version rounds out our understanding. The "cameos", essays which gather background and place them in context at certain points in the gathering of The Course by Helen and Bill, bring events together for the first time, providing more points of reference. Dislikes: It's big and heavy. The page numbers don't match up. All those years I spent memorizing beautifully poetic passages. And it doesn't fit the wonderful book caddy I have carried the Blue Book for all those aforementioned years. And I wouldn't trade any of that for a dream in which this amazing piece of scholarship didn't exist. And I found another zipper bag to carry Purple around in, so I have eluded tragedy's dark shadow. Mr. Perry's accomplishment under Spirit's guidance has given us a gift we were 50 years in preparation for. Clearer paths can bring no more blessing than this.
M**S
Gods unconditional love for us and our complete lack of guilt
A superb contribution to the Course community and for those considering exploring this fulfilling spiritual path. I was raised in a Baptist family and have deep roots in the Christian faith. Through the years I've had trouble resolving some fundamental elements of what the centuries of human tinkering may have done to alter or obscure Jesus and his true message. Years of existentialist reading, the Buddha and countless Christian apologetics left me uncertain. Quite a while ago I looked into the Jesus Seminar and books by Marcus Borg. After completing the Course I really believe I now understand how to look at the resurrection, Gods unconditional love for us and our complete lack of guilt. We're free to waste as much time as we want, but in the end we are all (and that's everyone) the universe path to the same destination. Our function is to learn to really love and forgive others, and in so doing learn to love and forgive ourselves. If you have serious questions, feel deep guilt and sort of a spiritual depression and lack of peace then you might find this Course transformative. There's nothing wrong with the original edition but the painstaking research and faithfulness to the original message from the Voice to Helen is awesome. The NIV bible has always been a fave of mine due to the footnotes and references. This version is fantastic in linking many aspects of the teachings to the Bible and other sources. The cameos are also great teaching stories we can learn from. I'm not exactly a poet or easily moved, but I can say I've never read a more beautiful or meaningful work in my life - in part evidenced by a number of times being brought to tears. Literally. That's all I wanted to say to those out there thinking about checking the Course and this version out, for me at least a life changer.
K**T
Inzicht in de onzichtbare wereld, en weg van liefde terug naarde bron van ons bestaan.
Het is een cursus met theorie, oefeningen en handleiding voor leraren. Het geeft een nieuw inzicht in de werkelijke lessen van Jezus, op een moderne manier gebracht, zonder de veranderingen, misinterpertaties uit hetverleden. Het is de weg naar en moderne vorm van Gnosis, het weten, een weg terug naar het Godelijke, of het Universele Bewustzijn. Omdat het geschreven is in de Chistelijke vorm, was het lastig om de gebruikte termen in voor mij meer universele namen en begrippen te vertalen. Ik kan het boek aanbevelen aan iedereen met een welgemeende interesse in spiritualiteit, maar vooral aan mensen die bewust de stap willen nemen naar een weg van liefde terug naar de zuivere bron. Na lang zoeken is dit boek, deze cursus, en doel en een manier van leven.
L**E
Really thankful for this edition
I've only just discovered the Course in Miracles, but I'm very happy to have found very quickly that there were large pieces omitted in the original edition, and I have great admiration and gratitude for the work that went into this new edition, which aspires to give the text as close as possible to the original. The cameo essays are a great addition and help in understanding the context of the original text. Thanks!
L**A
Lo amo
Mejor que la edición de FIP
H**N
High quality book
The materials used for making this book have a quality out of ordinary. The content is, in my opinion, another point of view of the Law of One, but presented from the perspective of Christianity. The book is valuable for a person that comes from a Bible centred religious system. It tries to clarify the Christian fundamental religious concepts, from the point of view of a loving Jesus and a loving God. It explains why the concepts like fear, anger, sin and judgment day, all central to Christian faith (Fear God which is angry with you, because you were born sinful and, if you do not embrace Christ, judgment day will send you to hell) are wrong and impossible if God is loving and we are His children. Interestingly enough the devil which is central to Christianity is never mentioned in the book and is replaced by the Ego. It implies that the evil part of the creation is the result of our Ego free will, that hate fear and anger are all human inventions. The fundamental idea is that God, our Father loves us, He will always love us and the only pain we feel in this life or another is the pain we create for ourselves with our actions, our fears and out thinking. When we awaken and see the truth, that we are the most beloved sons and daughters of God, the pain we impose in our lives will disappear instantly even if it is of physical nature. I did not have the patience to go through the exercises at the end of the book which provide an exercise per day, for an year, which according to some people can change the way we think and feel in this incarnation. The exercises are intended as a way to awaken and see that we live a painful illusion and that the reality is everlasting and painless.
B**N
5 STARS ARE NOT ENOUGH!
I bought the hardcover edition of A Course In Miracles – Complete & Annotated Edition (CA) from Amazon USA early in 2017, soon after its launch and have just completed a 12 month’s study program covering its Text. I was pleased to see that Amazon Australia now has an E-book version. This facilitates taking the Course with me wherever I go. The hardcover book weighs nearly a kilogram! The Complete & Annotated Edition of this spiritual masterpiece is the result of nearly 10 years work by Robert Perry and his team at the Circle of Atonement. Helen Schucman’s original shorthand notes have been studiously translated and checked; dictation previously excluded or edited out has been inserted; editing errors corrected etc. resulting in about 45,000 words being added, compared to the earlier editions. The underlying principle of Perry and his team in creating the CA Edition, was total fidelity to Helen’s original notes I have been struggling with the Course for over 25 years, mainly due to my own resistance to its teachings and application, but also because I have had great difficulty in understanding the Text, especially the early chapters. For example, Chapter 1, Section 1, the Principles of Miracles, seemed to me to be as unfathomable as Egyptian hieroglyphics. For whatever reasons, much of Helen’s dictation for this section (and for other early chapters) was never published in the earlier editions. This has been rectified in the CA Edition, and what a difference it has made to my understanding of the Course! Indeed, it is now clear that the Principles of Miracles is absolutely foundational to all else that follows in the Course. As well as the addition of previously excluded material and correction of errors etc. Perry and team have included extensive explanatory Footnotes. I found these very helpful in enhancing my understanding of the Text. Also included are 33 essays (Cameos), primarily about personal messages dictated to Helen Schucman and Bill Thetford (her associate who originally typed up her notes) to assist them with understanding and applying the Course’s teachings. These are fascinating and it is surprising how many obstacles Helen and Bill placed in the way of practising the Course that are similar to those confronting me. So where am I after 12 month’s study of the CA Edition? It seems to me that my understanding of the Course has increased exponentially. Course Companions (coursecompanions.com), which came into existence around the time the new hardcover edition was published in the USA/UK, has provided me with invaluable support. Perry’s daily commentaries there on the Text and Workbook lessons have enhanced my understanding and practice considerably. Also his weekly recordings with Emily Bennington are invaluable. So, for those of you who are experienced Course students, or for newcomers to A Course In Miracles, I suggest you do yourself a favour and get a copy of the A Course In Miracles - Complete & Annotated Edition. I don’t think you will be disappointed. Five Stars Are Not Enough!
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