What is Sin?
Since we have been with this special theme, we have replaced the word “sin” with “insanity,” with “My ideas of right and wrong, good and bad, what should be and what should not be,” with “judgment,” and with “duality.” As we read our special theme today, let’s replace the word sin with “ignorance.” In this case, “ignorance” is defined as ignoring the truth.
For example, “Ignorance is insanity.” Or, “Ignoring the truth is insanity. It is the means by which the mind is driven mad, and seeks to let illusions take the place of truth.”
After you have read the special theme using “ignorance” or “ignoring truth,” please return to my tip for today.
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Ignorance is accomplished through outward focus. We ignore truth when we give all of our attention to thoughts and to the world.
Let’s read the special theme again. This time, replace the word “sin” with “outward focus.”
For example, “Outward focus gave the body eyes, …” and “Outward focus is the home of all illusions, which but stand for things imagined, issuing from thoughts that are untrue.”
After you have read the special theme using “outward focus” in place of “sin,” please return to my tip, and we will look at today’s lesson.
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God is the only goal I have today.
Today’s lesson also uses the word, “sin.”
If sin had not been cherished by the mind, what need would there have been to find the way to where you are?
If insanity had not been cherished by the mind, what need would there have been to find the way to where you are?
If ideas of right and wrong, good and bad, what should be and what should not be had not been cherished by the mind, what need would there have been to find the way to where you are?
If judgment had not been cherished by the mind, what need would there have been to find the way to where you are?
If duality had not been cherished by the mind, what need would there have been to find the way to where you are?
If ignorance had not been cherished by the mind, what need would there have been to find the way to where you are?
If ignoring truth had not been cherished by the mind, what need would there have been to find the way to where you are?
If outward focus had not been cherished by the mind, what need would there have been to find the way to where you are?
It’s important to look at all of these alternative terms, because “sin” typically implies guilt to most people. It reinforces the false idea that something is inherently wrong with me, which reinforces the idea of separation.
However, as we consider alternative terms, we see that there is a habit that has been formed. It is the habit of ignoring our true Self, focusing outward, and believing our thoughts’ judgments regarding everything the body senses. We also see that the body, as the sensing organ, reinforces this habit of looking outward, a habit that has been cherished by the mind.
When we see the problem clearly, we can also see the solution.
If ignoring the truth, focusing outward and believing the mind’s judgments is the problem, then paying attention to truth, focusing inward and ignoring the mind’s judgments is the solution.
Said another way, awareness-watching-awareness meditation, surrendering to intuition and the Loving All Method are the solutions to insanity.
Today is a day to put special attention on changing our goal. The mind has cherished ignorance. Today, we direct the mind to cherish truth instead. The mind is capable of cherishing truth, but we need to take the lead by teaching the mind new habits and by reminding the mind to attend to those new habits.
If you have 30 minutes for meditation today, I recommend this meditation:
If you have time for two meditations today, and you would like to try a different meditation the second time you meditate, I recommend this meditation for later in the day:
