A Course in Miracles: Lesson 135 - Defenselessness and Trust
Lesson 135 of A Course in Miracles revolves around the central theme of defense, attack, and the illusion of the self that we believe needs defending. The lesson presents an exploration of the nature of the self, the role of the body, and the needlessness of defense.
The lesson begins by questioning the inherent rationale behind the act of defense. It argues that if we feel the need to defend ourselves, it’s because we believe we are under attack and that this attack is real. This is problematic because it essentially gives credence to illusions, in this case, the illusion of threat or attack.
The attempt to defend against these illusions only compounds them, making the task of dispelling them twice as difficult. This defense mechanism, according to the lesson, is the reason why we try to control or manipulate the future, past, and present.
The text also explores the concept of the body as the target of defense. It suggests that the body is seen as weak, frail, and in constant need of protection. However, this perspective is flawed as the body itself cannot feel fear; it is only susceptible to the fears that we project onto it.
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The lesson further highlights the distinction between the mind and the body. The body is merely an instrument through which the mind operates, and thus it is not the body but the mind that needs healing. It is the mind that imbues the body with functions and attributes value to it. Defense of the body is thus an attack on the mind as it perpetuates the notion of a fragile and limited mind.
In the same vein, the lesson criticizes the act of planning as a form of defense. When the mind engages in planning, it is trying to control future events based on past experiences and existing beliefs, thereby refusing to allow for change. This tendency to plan, according to the lesson, is a defense mechanism against the truth.
The lesson introduces the concept of a healed mind, one that doesn’t plan but carries out plans that it receives through wisdom. A healed mind doesn’t rely on itself for everything but trusts that it can fulfill the plans assigned to it. Such a mind also understands that the body’s only real defense is the correction and replacement of harmful thoughts with truth.
The lesson culminates in the idea that defenses are plans made against the truth. They serve to protect our perceived reality and crucify the actual reality. It posits that if we truly understood that everything that happens is planned for our good, we wouldn’t feel the need to defend ourselves.
In essence, ACIM Lesson 135 advocates for a state of defenselessness where we trust in the plan set out for us and relinquish our own defenses. By doing so, we become a beacon of light, leading others to lay down their defenses as well.
The lesson encourages us to embrace this state of defenselessness, reminding us that we are not separate from other minds or from our source. Lastly, the lesson emphasizes the importance of not trying to shape the day as we believe would benefit us most and instead trusting in the happiness that comes without our planning.
We are encouraged to view every day as a special day for learning and to remind ourselves of our true reality, which needs no defense against the truth.
To sum up, Lesson 135 presents a profound exploration of defense mechanisms and their roots in fear and illusion. It encourages us to embrace defenselessness, trust in the inherent plan for our good, and recognize the distinction between the mind and the body. By doing so, we can achieve a healed mind and experience increasing joy and peace.
