"Walking Through Illusion" by Betsy Otter Thompson...

This is a review of the book by Betsy Otter Thompson.. The book consists of a series of questions and answers between Betsy and Jesus..At the end of each chapter, there are a few questions for self examination and understanding of the chapter.. The characters in the book are the people that Jesus knew and the learning that they achieved by "Looking into mirrors", These mirrors are the other people within the illusion that we call "Life".. These mirrors are the actions that are received from the actions that are given, be they mental or physical.. This is really speaking of the "Law of Karma".. There are many instances of learning within the characters, but, the learning seems to concentrate upon this one premise of Karma for all problems.. The book also teaches rightly, that Love is the Answer to All Problems..As you give Love, You will receive Love and the abundance that comes from being in the "State of Love".. The "State of Love" is non-ego, as You cannot give or feel Love if you are in the "State of Ego".. The writing relates that we are not separate from Love and only selfishness(ego) keeps us from this Knowledge.. So, Betsy is really speaking of Non-Duality.. Which is why Jesus said;" I and the Father are One".. The "Mirrors of Learning" is really the mental state of "Awareness".. This is the mental state that all great spiritual teachers say, must start with "Awakeness".. Becoming Awake to the Truth that you are not Your thoughts, You are the watcher of the thoughts of Your mind.. The lessons learned by the characters within the book could more easily be accomplished by the Realization that You are not the ego, You are Consciousness.. This Divine Consciousness is called by many names, but we often use the names of "Unselfish Love" or "God" to simplify the meaning.. Once, You Realize that you are not the illusion of the ego living within the illusion of the World, the lessons are not needed, as You Realize that You are not the needy and selfish desires called ego.. This State of unselfishness called Love is our natural state and automatically sees through the illusions created by the false ego.. This is why Jesus taught this path of Knowledge,as it is the most simple manner to eliminate the illusion of ego.. The Realization of Oneness with God is accomplished when the ego is eliminated, usually by surrendering this illusion to Reality during Meditation or deep Contemplation.. Many of the occurances that happen to the people in the book, occur, because of their ability to manifest by means of thought.. although, most did not know of this ability.. Therefore, We are the Creators of this illusion and we enjoy or we suffer according to our thoughts, desires, and illusions.. A Saint was once asked:" How should we conduct our lives?", He answered," Love, and do as You Will".. These simple words exemplify the teachings within this book, but, do so in only One Breath.. I enjoyed this book and encourage all to read and learn about the famous characters,their problems and their lives, and in the process, you will learn about your own.........namaste, thomas