CHAPTER I

VII. Answers – Can Hell be transformed into Heaven? YES

WORKBOOK

Who created the world? How do you know? If God created the world, what did it look like when He upon completion?
Why did God create the world? Did God change His mind about the world He created? What are the implications?
Is the world we live in today the world God created? What happened?
If God created the world perfect, how did it become imperfect? What caused us to want to change the world God created perfect?
Is the world today real or unreal? How is it that we find ourselves in an unreal world? If unreal, does that mean there is no world? Can we change the world? How? What must we do to experience the real world?
What does it mean that the world is a projection of your mind? How do we apply this teaching?

VII. Answers – Can Hell be transformed into Heaven? YES

Who created the world? God and in our right minds we created in the world with God. How do you know? Who but God could have created the real world - the Bible, Torah, ACIM and Sai Baba substantiate this conclusion. If God created the world, what did it look like upon completion? It was perfect, beautiful, good, and there was no lack.

Why did God create the world? So that God and man could enjoy it together - for our joy and as an expression of His love - so we could create in it with Him. Did God change His mind about the world He created? No. What are the implications? If God did not change His mind, then the real world, the world God created is available to us as soon as we change our minds about our purpose for the world we find ourselves in.

Is the world we live in today the world God created? No. What happened? We, allied with ego, turned the world into a place to hide from God, a place free of God. Allied with ego we turned the world into something unreal. All sickness, suffering, lack, death, corruption, violence, greed… that we witness in the world are due to alliance with ego and have nothing to do with God as Creator of the world.

What caused us to want to change the world God created perfect? When we made ego, we, listening to ego, thought God was angry, so we became afraid of God and wanted to hide from Him. Thus we turned the world into a hiding place, a place to escape God's wrath. As God is everywhere, the impossible did not happen, thus we did not succeed in hiding from God, however we have managed to make an experience very much devoid of God, and I don't think I'm too outrageous in observing that most of humanity is less than perfectly happy.

Is the world today real or unreal? The world we live in is unreal. How is it that we find ourselves in an unreal world? We have projected the world outside of our minds and given it a different purpose from the one God gave it when He created it. If unreal, does that mean there is no world? There is no world apart from our minds. I cannot say I have no mind, therefore I cannot say there is no world. To say there is no world leads to dissociation and an unreal relationship to the world, which does not heal the world, but rather perpetuates the suffering. Can we change the world? Yes. How? By changing our minds about our purpose for the world. How do we experience the real world? We transform the world back into the world God created by being real in an unreal world, by being good, noble, loving, kind and pure, by taking responsibility for the unreal world and believing it can be transformed back into the real world God created for us.

What does it mean that the world is a projection of your mind? God created the world as an idea in His mind. When He created us He give each of us His mind, complete with the world He had created for us, creating us to create in the world with Him. When we changed our minds about the purpose for the world, it became what we wanted it to be rather than what it was created to be. However since we are not more powerful than God, (thank God) nothing happened. The unreal had no effect upon the real. How do we apply this teaching? We can take responsibility for the world. We can admit that we made a mistake and ask God to show us how to restore the world to the one He created for us. We are responsible though not guilty. If we feel guilty, we make the unreal real.

How do we perpetuate the unreality of the world? By thinking the unreal world is real, by thinking that it does not matter what we do since none of it is real any way, by wanting to escape the world. Can we escape the unreal world? No, because the world is a projection of our minds and to escape it would be to escape our minds, but we are our minds. Can you escape your mind? No, but it can be transformed and when transformed, the world is transformed as well. What are examples of ways to escape the world? Drugs, alcohol, too much sleep, over indulgences, avoiding problems rather than facing them… Are ashrams and spiritual communities escape hatches? They can be if our intentions are not the purest. Wanting to ascend as a group is a form of escape. Some people use meditation to escape or to misapplying the teachings. Saying past is past without healing it is a form of escape through denial. What happens when we attempt to escape? We make the unreal real.

What is real about the world we live in? Any acts of beauty, goodness, sacredness, kindness, courage, giving… What is unreal? Everything we see, as it changes and eventually dies, all evil, corruption, sickness, pain, lack… Is it possible to experience reality in an unreal world? Yes. How? By being real despite unreality, loving God and fellowman, forgiving the unreal by seeing nothing happened to the truth, being kind, good, noble, courageous, charitable…

How do we apply the teaching that the world is not real? We transform the unreal world into a real one through the transformation of our hearts and lives. As the world is a projection of our minds, when we change our minds about our purpose for the world, the world must change accordingly. We must invite God back into the world. We need to apply a perfect balance between the idea that its not real and that it can be used for a sacred purpose. How can this teaching be misapplied? We can conclude that since the world is not real it does not matter what we do. This conclusion perpetuates unreality. It matters very much what we do, though it does not matter what we have done in the past when we change our minds and act purely now.

If the suffering in the world is unreal, why care? Because its real for those who suffer, and as we are all connected, their suffering is my own. Only those who have forgotten the oneness of all life will be unmoved by all the suffering on this weary, war-torn planet. What is the difference between sympathy and compassion? Sympathy feels sorry for the suffering and thereby makes it real. Compassion acts to alleviate the suffering, thereby affirming its unreality. If it can be healed it's not real. Can you be content while there is suffering in the world? I cannot. That is why I am doing all I can toward planetary enlightenment. The suffering can be overcome by seeing it as a symptom whose cause is ego. The problem is ego and the solution is ego's nothingness.

How have worldly acquisitions and pleasures been used to distract us from our true reality? They promise a false sense of security, pride of ownership, independence… We have aspired to them and depended on them for our happiness. We have not been successful for only loving and trusting God for everything can give us true happiness. What can the world offer you? It has nothing to offer as it is not the world God created. What can you offer it? I can love the world and wish for its salvation. I can offer the world hope.

Is it ok to love the world? Yes, the world is within me, and when I love it, I love myself. Is it ok to hate the world? You can be anguished by the injustices in the world, and yearn for something better, but if you hate the world, you only hate yourself, for the world is a projection of your mind. What is meant by ‘forget the world'? It means to forget about it as a place to find happiness. Don't be distracted by the world's lures and glitter. Go for the real gold and leave the fool's gold behind.

Should you be content with the world as it is? The world is in my mind. Until there is peace in the world I am dishonest to claim to be at peace. My yearning for better opens the door to better. This is not the world God created. The unreal world is sustained by the power of our belief in a world that could possibly be devoid of God. The world is a mess, there is starvation, corruption, terror, jealousy, competition, separation, conflict… Is the world perfect just the way it is? No way! It is in seeing clearly that this is not the world we want or deserve, that we open the door to a different world, a world of peace and harmony instead of war and conflict. As soon as enough of us are willing to transform ourselves, and relinquish our egos and expect the healing of the world, the world will be transformed for everyone. We must lead lives of exemplary character to see a perfect world.

How would you like to see the world differently if you had a choice? I would like to see peace, love, harmony, abundance, kindness, joy for all humanity. I would like everyone to know they are God. Some so called spiritual people think that not caring about the world is equanimity or contentment. I call that dissociation. I don't know how to be content while even one person is suffering. Do you have a choice? Yes, we transform the world by transforming our lives and inspiring others to transform theirs into lives of goodness and sacredness. As soon as enough of us have understood who we are as Divine beings of love and light, the whole world will know and then we will experience a peaceful world, free of suffering of any kind. It can happen so very quickly.

What in this world is of value? Any act of love toward God or fellowman is of value. Can anything real be found here? Yes, integrity, goodness, peace, sacredness, truth, God… Why have people killed to possess the things of the world since the beginning of time? Because allied with ego we have taught ourselves that nothing (the things of the world) has value, and that everything (heaven's treasure) is valueless.

If the world is a mess, how is that the same as nothing happened? God did not change His mind about the world therefore the mess has nothing to do with God. If it has nothing to do with God it is not real. If it is not real, nothing happened. We are not more powerful than God. Should we forgive ourselves for the state of the world? When we know the mess is unreal, we will not have a problem being responsible for it and acting to heal the world without feeling guilty. What does forgiveness mean? It means forgiving ourselves for what did not happen in truth. It means not making an error real by thinking anything unloving really happened. None of the unreal had any real effect, as we are not more powerful than God, and God only wills our happiness.

Who is responsible for the state of the world? We are all responsible. Can the world be fixed? Yes, when enough of us want it fixed for the sake of the whole. Why is it our responsibility to clean up the mess if nothing happened? Because we allied with ego, and though ego is nothing, our experience is very real to us, and we must not use the teachings to be callous or disinterested, or we misapply them. If we feel overwhelmed about being responsible we are making the error real. When we know it is unreal, we will not find ourselves feeling guilty or burdened. We will simply be willing to do all we can to transform the world, through miracle-mindedness, by knowing that with God ALL things are possible.

What is right relationship with the world? To strive to our maximum capacity for excellence in everything we do. To see God in everyone and everything. To hold all things sacred and always act with love and kindness toward all. What contribution can you make toward the salvation of the world? The world is a projection of our minds – when we change our mind about who we are the whole world must change accordingly. When enough of us are willing to be who we are, the world will be transformed for everyone.

Is it ok with you that God has a plan for the salvation of the world? I'm so grateful. Do you have a role in that plan? Yes, and as long as I choose with God in every action that I undertake, I can know my part in His plan. A pure heart will be shown God's plan. How can you know and fulfill your function? By being willing to go anywhere and do whatever it takes. By choosing with God instead of with ego, being willing to stop running after the things of the world, striving to my maximum capacity for excellence and purity in thought, word and deed, knowing who I am. As soon as we know who we are, we simultaneously know our function.

What is hell? A state of mind. What is heaven? Also a state of mind. Where can they be found? Heaven is within and is experienced when we choose with God. Hell is also within and is experienced in choosing with ego. If heaven is within why do we look for it without? Allied with ego we convince ourselves to seek where we cannot find, so that our efforts get frustrated and ego wins at our expense. As soon as we realize heaven to be within, ego's days are numbered.

Was the world ever heaven? Yes, before ego. Can that world be our experience? Yes. How and when? Only when we invite God back into the world. Only when everyone is free of ego. As soon as a critical mass holds the truth for everyone, everyone will readily see the obvious and change instantly and the unreal world will be transformed back into the real world.

Why do some religions teach heaven is attained only after death? It keeps you locked in time, making heaven attainable only at some time in the future and death attractive, thereby real. To think heaven can only be attained in the future is to keep from transforming the world into heaven now, thereby keeping the unreal real. There are many ego-oriented teachers who distort the teachings of their particular religions founders. Each religion is true, but misinterpretations abound.

What caused the world to become hell? We made ego to replace God, then listened to ego tell us that God would come after us to punish us for replacing Him, so we turned the world into a place where we cannot find God. Fortunately God had nothing to do with this mad idea and is always available when we look for Him within our own hearts. We also thought we were guilty and deserved punishment and those thoughts made us think ourselves unworthy to be in God's holy presence and pushed God away.

What are the teachings about hell and heaven? God created the world to be heaven. Heaven and hell are choices/states of mind. The world can be saved because God created a real world and the unreal world can be transformed back into the real world through a transformation of our hearts and lives and miracle-mindedness. The world is a projection of our minds. The world's unreality comes from choices we made and it is our responsibility to restore it to reality by changing our minds about who we are.

What are the life applications? Leading a life of goodness, holiness, loving kindness and relinquishing ego to the light of the soul will restore us to the heavenly world God created for us.

What are the pitfalls to guard against? Getting distracted by the lures of the world, feeling guilty for the state of the world, feeling helpless to do anything to restore the world to the heavenly world that is our birthright, thinking that since the world is unreal there's nothing we need do to save it, wanting to escape instead of transform the world.

"There is only one religion, the religion of LOVE." Sai Baba

Questions – Can hell be transformed into heaven?

Suggested reading – Ch. 6 of NG

Who created the world? How do you know? If God created the world, what did it look like when He upon completion?

Why did God create the world? Did God change His mind about the world He created? What are the implications?

Is the world we live in today the world God created? What happened?

If God created the world perfect, how did it become imperfect? What caused us to want to change the world God created perfect?

Is the world today real or unreal? How is it that we find ourselves in an unreal world? If unreal, does that mean there is no world? Can we change the world? How? What must we do to experience the real world?

What does it mean that the world is a projection of your mind? How do we apply this teaching?

7. How do we perpetuate the unreality of the world? Can we escape the unreal world? Can you escape your mind? What are examples of ways to try to escape the world? Are ashrams and spiritual communities escape hatches? What happens when we attempt to escape?

8. What is real about the world we live in? What is unreal? Is it possible to experience reality in an unreal world? How?

9. How do we apply the teaching that the world is not real? How can that teaching be misapplied?

10. If the suffering in the world is unreal, why care? What is the difference between sympathy and compassion? Can you be content while there is suffering in the world?

11. How have worldly acquisitions and pleasures been used to distract us from our true reality? What can the world offer you? What can you offer it?

12. Is it ok to love the world? Is it ok to hate the world? What is meant by ‘forget the world'?

13.Should you be content with the world as it is? Is the world perfect just the way it is?

14. How would you like to see the world differently if you had a choice? Do you have a choice? What can you do to change the world?

15. What in this world is of value? Can anything real be found here? Why have people killed to possess the things of the world since the beginning of time?

16. If the world is a mess, how is that the same as nothing happened? Should we forgive ourselves for the state of the world? What does forgiveness mean?

17. Who is responsible for the state of the world? Can the world be fixed? Why is it our responsibility to clean up the mess if nothing happened?

18. What is right relationship with the world? What contribution can you make toward the salvation of the world?

19. Is it ok with you that God has a plan for the salvation of the world? Do you have a role in that plan? How can you know and fulfill your function?

20. What is hell? What is heaven? Where can they be found? If heaven is within why do we look for it without?

21. Was the world ever heaven? Can that world be our experience? How and When?

22. Why do some religions teach heaven is attained only after death?

23. What caused the world to become hell?

24. What are the teachings about hell and heaven?

25. What are the life applications?

26. What are the pitfalls to guard against?

VII. Answers – Can Hell be transformed into Heaven? YES

Who created the world? God and in our right minds we created in the world with God. How do you know? Who but God could have created the real world - the Bible, Torah, ACIM and Sai Baba substantiate this conclusion. If God created the world, what did it look like upon completion? It was perfect, beautiful, good, and there was no lack.

Why did God create the world? So that God and man could enjoy it together - for our joy and as an expression of His love - so we could create in it with Him. Did God change His mind about the world He created? No. What are the implications? If God did not change His mind, then the real world, the world God created is available to us as soon as we change our minds about our purpose for the world we find ourselves in.

Is the world we live in today the world God created? No. What happened? We, allied with ego, turned the world into a place to hide from God, a place free of God. Allied with ego we turned the world into something unreal. All sickness, suffering, lack, death, corruption, violence, greed… that we witness in the world are due to alliance with ego and have nothing to do with God as Creator of the world.

What caused us to want to change the world God created perfect? When we made ego, we, listening to ego, thought God was angry, so we became afraid of God and wanted to hide from Him. Thus we turned the world into a hiding place, a place to escape God's wrath. As God is everywhere, the impossible did not happen, thus we did not succeed in hiding from God, however we have managed to make an experience very much devoid of God, and I don't think I'm too outrageous in observing that most of humanity is less than perfectly happy.

Is the world today real or unreal? The world we live in is unreal. How is it that we find ourselves in an unreal world? We have projected the world outside of our minds and given it a different purpose from the one God gave it when He created it. If unreal, does that mean there is no world? There is no world apart from our minds. I cannot say I have no mind, therefore I cannot say there is no world. To say there is no world leads to dissociation and an unreal relationship to the world, which does not heal the world, but rather perpetuates the suffering. Can we change the world? Yes. How? By changing our minds about our purpose for the world. How do we experience the real world? We transform the world back into the world God created by being real in an unreal world, by being good, noble, loving, kind and pure, by taking responsibility for the unreal world and believing it can be transformed back into the real world God created for us.

What does it mean that the world is a projection of your mind? God created the world as an idea in His mind. When He created us He give each of us His mind, complete with the world He had created for us, creating us to create in the world with Him. When we changed our minds about the purpose for the world, it became what we wanted it to be rather than what it was created to be. However since we are not more powerful than God, (thank God) nothing happened. The unreal had no effect upon the real. How do we apply this teaching? We can take responsibility for the world. We can admit that we made a mistake and ask God to show us how to restore the world to the one He created for us. We are responsible though not guilty. If we feel guilty, we make the unreal real.

How do we perpetuate the unreality of the world? By thinking the unreal world is real, by thinking that it does not matter what we do since none of it is real any way, by wanting to escape the world. Can we escape the unreal world? No, because the world is a projection of our minds and to escape it would be to escape our minds, but we are our minds. Can you escape your mind? No, but it can be transformed and when transformed, the world is transformed as well. What are examples of ways to escape the world? Drugs, alcohol, too much sleep, over indulgences, avoiding problems rather than facing them… Are ashrams and spiritual communities escape hatches? They can be if our intentions are not the purest. Wanting to ascend as a group is a form of escape. Some people use meditation to escape or to misapplying the teachings. Saying past is past without healing it is a form of escape through denial. What happens when we attempt to escape? We make the unreal real.

What is real about the world we live in? Any acts of beauty, goodness, sacredness, kindness, courage, giving… What is unreal? Everything we see, as it changes and eventually dies, all evil, corruption, sickness, pain, lack… Is it possible to experience reality in an unreal world? Yes. How? By being real despite unreality, loving God and fellowman, forgiving the unreal by seeing nothing happened to the truth, being kind, good, noble, courageous, charitable…

How do we apply the teaching that the world is not real? We transform the unreal world into a real one through the transformation of our hearts and lives. As the world is a projection of our minds, when we change our minds about our purpose for the world, the world must change accordingly. We must invite God back into the world. We need to apply a perfect balance between the idea that its not real and that it can be used for a sacred purpose. How can this teaching be misapplied? We can conclude that since the world is not real it does not matter what we do. This conclusion perpetuates unreality. It matters very much what we do, though it does not matter what we have done in the past when we change our minds and act purely now.

If the suffering in the world is unreal, why care? Because its real for those who suffer, and as we are all connected, their suffering is my own. Only those who have forgotten the oneness of all life will be unmoved by all the suffering on this weary, war-torn planet. What is the difference between sympathy and compassion? Sympathy feels sorry for the suffering and thereby makes it real. Compassion acts to alleviate the suffering, thereby affirming its unreality. If it can be healed it's not real. Can you be content while there is suffering in the world? I cannot. That is why I am doing all I can toward planetary enlightenment. The suffering can be overcome by seeing it as a symptom whose cause is ego. The problem is ego and the solution is ego's nothingness.

How have worldly acquisitions and pleasures been used to distract us from our true reality? They promise a false sense of security, pride of ownership, independence… We have aspired to them and depended on them for our happiness. We have not been successful for only loving and trusting God for everything can give us true happiness. What can the world offer you? It has nothing to offer as it is not the world God created. What can you offer it? I can love the world and wish for its salvation. I can offer the world hope.

Is it ok to love the world? Yes, the world is within me, and when I love it, I love myself. Is it ok to hate the world? You can be anguished by the injustices in the world, and yearn for something better, but if you hate the world, you only hate yourself, for the world is a projection of your mind. What is meant by ‘forget the world'? It means to forget about it as a place to find happiness. Don't be distracted by the world's lures and glitter. Go for the real gold and leave the fool's gold behind.

Should you be content with the world as it is? The world is in my mind. Until there is peace in the world I am dishonest to claim to be at peace. My yearning for better opens the door to better. This is not the world God created. The unreal world is sustained by the power of our belief in a world that could possibly be devoid of God. The world is a mess, there is starvation, corruption, terror, jealousy, competition, separation, conflict… Is the world perfect just the way it is? No way! It is in seeing clearly that this is not the world we want or deserve, that we open the door to a different world, a world of peace and harmony instead of war and conflict. As soon as enough of us are willing to transform ourselves, and relinquish our egos and expect the healing of the world, the world will be transformed for everyone. We must lead lives of exemplary character to see a perfect world.

How would you like to see the world differently if you had a choice? I would like to see peace, love, harmony, abundance, kindness, joy for all humanity. I would like everyone to know they are God. Some so called spiritual people think that not caring about the world is equanimity or contentment. I call that dissociation. I don't know how to be content while even one person is suffering. Do you have a choice? Yes, we transform the world by transforming our lives and inspiring others to transform theirs into lives of goodness and sacredness. As soon as enough of us have understood who we are as Divine beings of love and light, the whole world will know and then we will experience a peaceful world, free of suffering of any kind. It can happen so very quickly.

What in this world is of value? Any act of love toward God or fellowman is of value. Can anything real be found here? Yes, integrity, goodness, peace, sacredness, truth, God… Why have people killed to possess the things of the world since the beginning of time? Because allied with ego we have taught ourselves that nothing (the things of the world) has value, and that everything (heaven's treasure) is valueless.

If the world is a mess, how is that the same as nothing happened? God did not change His mind about the world therefore the mess has nothing to do with God. If it has nothing to do with God it is not real. If it is not real, nothing happened. We are not more powerful than God. Should we forgive ourselves for the state of the world? When we know the mess is unreal, we will not have a problem being responsible for it and acting to heal the world without feeling guilty. What does forgiveness mean? It means forgiving ourselves for what did not happen in truth. It means not making an error real by thinking anything unloving really happened. None of the unreal had any real effect, as we are not more powerful than God, and God only wills our happiness.

Who is responsible for the state of the world? We are all responsible. Can the world be fixed? Yes, when enough of us want it fixed for the sake of the whole. Why is it our responsibility to clean up the mess if nothing happened? Because we allied with ego, and though ego is nothing, our experience is very real to us, and we must not use the teachings to be callous or disinterested, or we misapply them. If we feel overwhelmed about being responsible we are making the error real. When we know it is unreal, we will not find ourselves feeling guilty or burdened. We will simply be willing to do all we can to transform the world, through miracle-mindedness, by knowing that with God ALL things are possible.

What is right relationship with the world? To strive to our maximum capacity for excellence in everything we do. To see God in everyone and everything. To hold all things sacred and always act with love and kindness toward all. What contribution can you make toward the salvation of the world? The world is a projection of our minds – when we change our mind about who we are the whole world must change accordingly. When enough of us are willing to be who we are, the world will be transformed for everyone.

Is it ok with you that God has a plan for the salvation of the world? I'm so grateful. Do you have a role in that plan? Yes, and as long as I choose with God in every action that I undertake, I can know my part in His plan. A pure heart will be shown God's plan. How can you know and fulfill your function? By being willing to go anywhere and do whatever it takes. By choosing with God instead of with ego, being willing to stop running after the things of the world, striving to my maximum capacity for excellence and purity in thought, word and deed, knowing who I am. As soon as we know who we are, we simultaneously know our function.

What is hell? A state of mind. What is heaven? Also a state of mind. Where can they be found? Heaven is within and is experienced when we choose with God. Hell is also within and is experienced in choosing with ego. If heaven is within why do we look for it without? Allied with ego we convince ourselves to seek where we cannot find, so that our efforts get frustrated and ego wins at our expense. As soon as we realize heaven to be within, ego's days are numbered.

Was the world ever heaven? Yes, before ego. Can that world be our experience? Yes. How and when? Only when we invite God back into the world. Only when everyone is free of ego. As soon as a critical mass holds the truth for everyone, everyone will readily see the obvious and change instantly and the unreal world will be transformed back into the real world.

Why do some religions teach heaven is attained only after death? It keeps you locked in time, making heaven attainable only at some time in the future and death attractive, thereby real. To think heaven can only be attained in the future is to keep from transforming the world into heaven now, thereby keeping the unreal real. There are many ego-oriented teachers who distort the teachings of their particular religions founders. Each religion is true, but misinterpretations abound.

What caused the world to become hell? We made ego to replace God, then listened to ego tell us that God would come after us to punish us for replacing Him, so we turned the world into a place where we cannot find God. Fortunately God had nothing to do with this mad idea and is always available when we look for Him within our own hearts. We also thought we were guilty and deserved punishment and those thoughts made us think ourselves unworthy to be in God's holy presence and pushed God away.

What are the teachings about hell and heaven? God created the world to be heaven. Heaven and hell are choices/states of mind. The world can be saved because God created a real world and the unreal world can be transformed back into the real world through a transformation of our hearts and lives and miracle-mindedness. The world is a projection of our minds. The world's unreality comes from choices we made and it is our responsibility to restore it to reality by changing our minds about who we are.

What are the life applications? Leading a life of goodness, holiness, loving kindness and relinquishing ego to the light of the soul will restore us to the heavenly world God created for us.

What are the pitfalls to guard against? Getting distracted by the lures of the world, feeling guilty for the state of the world, feeling helpless to do anything to restore the world to the heavenly world that is our birthright, thinking that since the world is unreal there's nothing we need do to save it, wanting to escape instead of transform the world.

"There is only one religion, the religion of LOVE." Sai Baba