Will we all awaken once a critical number of individuals question their ego?
by Greg Mackie
Question: Will we all awaken once a critical number of individuals question their ego?
Answer: This sounds a lot like the "hundredth monkey" idea, which claims that once a certain number of people learn something, the learning automatically and immediately transfers to everyone else. There is one sense in which I think the Course supports that idea: its claim that one awakened teacher is enough to save the world (see M-12 and M-23.2). In its view, when Jesus woke up, all of us woke up with him in a place deep in our minds, because our minds are joined. In this sense, then, the critical number is one, and we've already reached it. We just aren't conscious yet of the awakening that has already happened.
But does this mean that when a certain critical number of people on earth become conscious of that awakening, this learning will immediately leap to everyone else and cause them to consciously awaken as well? The Course never says this. It certainly suggests, though, that as more and more people see truly (or become miracle-minded, or join with each other), true perception is strengthened in the world, and the end of time is brought nearer. A few examples:
Just as the separation occurred over millions of years, the Last Judgment will extend over a similarly long period, and perhaps an even longer one. Its length can, however, be greatly shortened by miracles, the device for shortening but not abolishing time. If a sufficient number become truly miracle-minded, this shortening process can be virtually immeasurable. It is essential, however, that you free yourself from fear quickly, because you must emerge from the conflict if you are to bring peace to other minds. (T-2.VIII.2:5-8)
Thoughts increase by being given away. The more who believe in them the stronger they become. (T-5.I.2:2-3)
So do the parts of God's Son gradually join in time, and with each joining is the end of time brought nearer. (T-20.V.1:5)
These passages suggest a gradual process that moves faster and faster as more and more people awaken. I'm not sure whether there is a "critical number" or not, but our role is clear: to free ourselves from fear as quickly as we can, so that we can bring peace to other minds. Freeing ourselves from the bondage of our ego and helping others do the same is the truly critical thing.
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