A reader asked….
I have a question that I’ve been pondering for some time… From my understanding of the Course, Jesus was fully awakened when he was in this dream world of time and space, and now is helping us/the Son of God, to awaken from the dream/illusion also. My understanding is also that we’re all One/One Mind and so when “one of us” awakens, we will all wake up, and the ego and the dream world we made will dissolve/disappear. My question us, if Jesus has already awoken and we are One Mind with him, why are we still “here”? Shouldn’t “his” awakening have resulted in all of our awakening and dissolution/disappearance of the Universe of illusion that our ego has made? I hope my question makes sense?! 🤔💙
Yes, your question makes beautiful sense—and it’s one that has been asked in many heartfelt ways by sincere students of A Course in Miracles. You’re not alone in pondering it, and it reflects a deepening trust in the truth of the Course. Let’s take a loving look at it together.
You’re absolutely right in your understanding that Jesus, within the dream, fully awakened and now serves as our elder brother and guide, helping the rest of the sleeping Sonship awaken from the illusion of separation. He tells us, “I am the manifestation of the Holy Spirit, and when you see me it will be because you have invited Him.” (T-5.I.3:11)
You are also right that we are One Mind. The Course teaches that there is no separation in truth: there is only One Son of God who seems to be dreaming of a fragmented world. From the perspective of eternity, the Sonship has already awakened, because the separation never truly occurred (T-6.II.10:7). But within the dream of time and space, awakening appears to happen in stages, as we each gradually undo the blocks to love and allow the Holy Spirit to guide us home.
So why are we “still here”? The key is understanding that time is part of the illusion. The Course says, “Time is a trick… a vast illusion in which figures seem to come and go as if by magic.” (L-158.4:1) Jesus’ awakening didn’t instantly dissolve the dream for all of us because we still seem to cling to it—we still believe in guilt, judgment, and fear. And because we believe it, we experience it.
But here’s the comforting truth: we are not alone in this. Jesus is in our minds, gently calling us to remember our innocence. “When I said, ‘I am with you always,’ I meant it literally. I am not absent to anyone in any situation.” (T-7.III.1:7) His awakening makes our awakening inevitable. The moment we sincerely invite his help, we accelerate the process—not through effort, but through willingness.
You are already awakening, beloved one. The fact that you’re asking this question shows that the light in your mind is growing brighter. In the dream, we still appear to walk a path—but the destination is certain. The dream will dissolve entirely when every part of the Sonship is ready to let it go. And thanks to the Love of God—and the help of our elder brother—it’s already done.
With gentle love and gratitude for your sincere question 💙
You’re doing beautifully. Keep going.
robert@dinojamesbooks.com
I also suggest the book “The Disappearance of the Universe” by Gary Renard. It is the first in a series of his books that accelerated my learning and understanding of the Course. His mentors became my own.