A Course in Miracles: Based On The Original Handwritten Notes Of Helen Schucman--Complete & Annotated Edition [paperback] Helen Schucman [Jun 17, 2021] Paperback – June 17, 2021

I already know very well, the 3rd edition from the Foundation for Inner Peace. I have also knwon the urtext existed and had glanced at bits of it once.This version, which is closer to being an original before the many revisions into more formal and poetic language, is very interesting. The more I read it, the more different it seems from the 3rd edition. For instance, there are many notes inbetween the lines of the Course. These notes seem to be Helens imbedded notes, most of which seem to be Jesus adding his commentary on what is already his own dictation. There are also 30 essays in the back, that I dont think most ACIM students have ever read. These essays reveal more about Helen and her interactions with Jesus. And there footnotes on almost every page on what bible verses the lines in the Course is referring to. I find this also fascination, given that most students prefer to think of the ACIM as some sort of New Age text, rather than a christian text. The Course itself seems to teach that it is Jesus giving the correct interpretations on a religion that has been misinterpreted because of the ego. In this sense, the Course is "christian" and is correcting misinterpretations on christianity.I find this version to be more grounded in guiding us in this world in how to have miracles in our daily lives. The whole book feels more like a psychology workbook. I think this is good.For anyone thinking about reading the Course, or is struggling with the text, I highly recommend that you flip around to interesting titles and sections that appeal to you. The Course is a complete thought system, and understanding any chunk of it, will have you understand most of it. I think the Course should not be read in order, in fact I have always hated chapter one, and have always thought of it as an awkward chapter, when the real content seems to start in the section of the atonement and the undoing of fear. The Course says to read the book in a certain order, and do the lessons once a day. I completely dont do this. I read multiple lessons in one reading, especially the prayers and affirmations in the workbook. I read different titles and sections. Again, some part are easier to read than others, and the book doesn't necessary start of easy or get harder as you progress. Many sections towards the end of the main text or just as easy to understand as some chapters near the beginning. The more you flip around, the smaller the book will seem to you.I think most student s would benefit from reading the 3rd edition first, as this addition seems to be more of notes and commentary on the Course. since its a Course on the Course, it could technically be deemed as a "meta-course" on A Course In Miracles.

Though this book has almost 2000 pages, it is not too heavy. Thin bible-like paper. Using a pencil for underlining or notes is fine. Book includes cameos and ample of footnotes. Based on the handwritten notes of Helen Schucman.

February 2, 2018 I bought the hardcover edition of A Course In Miracles – Complete & Annotated Edition (C&A) from Amazon early in 2017 soon after its launch and, having just completed a 12 month’s study program covering its Text, it seemed to me that it was now appropriate to update my original review of the book.The Complete & Annotated Edition of this spiritual masterpiece is the result of nearly 10 years work by Robert Perry and his team at the Circle of Atonement. Helen Schucman’s original shorthand notes have been studiously translated and checked; dictation previously excluded or edited out has been inserted; editing errors corrected etc. resulting in about 45,000 words being added, compared to the earlier editions.The underlying principle of Perry and his team in creating the C&A Edition, was total fidelity to Helen’s original notesI have been struggling with the Course for over 25 years, mainly due to my own resistance to its teachings and application, but also because I have had great difficulty in understanding the Text, especially the early chapters.For example, Chapter 1, Section 1, the Principles of Miracles, seemed to me to be as unfathomable as Egyptian hieroglyphics. For whatever reasons, much of Helen’s dictation for this section (and for other early chapters) was never published in the earlier editions. This has been rectified in the C&A Edition, and what a difference it has made to my understanding of the Course! Indeed, it is now clear that the Principles of Miracles is absolutely foundational to all else that follows in the Course.As well as the addition of previously excluded material and correction of errors etc. Perry and team have included extensive explanatory Footnotes. I found these very helpful in enhancing my understanding of the Text.Also included are 33 essays (Cameos), primarily about personal messages dictated to Helen Schucman and Bill Thetford (her associate who originally typed up her notes) to assist them with understanding and applying the Course’s teachings. These are fascinating and it is surprising how many obstacles Helen and Bill placed in the way of practising the Course that are similar to those confronting me.So where am I after 12 month’s study of the C&A Edition? It seems to me that my understanding of the Course has increased exponentially.Course Companions (coursecompanions.com), which came into existence around the time the new hardcover edition was published in the USA/UK, has provided me with invaluable support. Perry’s daily commentaries there on the Text and Workbook lessons have enhanced my understanding and practice considerably. Also his weekly recordings with Emily Bennington are invaluable.So, for those of you who are experienced Course students, or for newcomers to A Course In Miracles, I suggest you do yourself a favour and get a copy of the A Course In Miracles - Complete & Annotated Edition. I don’t think you will be disappointed.Five Stars Are Not Enough!