A Note on Language

Throughout this book I use words such as soul, mind, self-awareness, and consciousness. These terms overlap at times but are not identical. Different spiritual traditions define them in different ways. Unless otherwise indicated, I use mind to refer to our thoughts and perceptions, self-awareness to our capacity for self-observation, and consciousness to the field of awareness in which experience arises.

By soul, I mean the deeper spiritual essence of our being — who we are beneath the identities and masks we acquire throughout life. I understand the soul as an individualized expression of the Creator that continues beyond physical death. I realize this may be a challenging idea for some readers, but it is one I will explore more fully as the book unfolds. Occasionally, I use the term lifestream to emphasize the continuing journey of that spiritual being through successive lifetimes, with the potential for growth and self-transcendence.

I also use related expressions such as Christ awareness, Christ consciousness, Christ discernment, and Christhood. These terms are related but not interchangeable. Each highlights a different dimension of spiritual awakening.

These definitions are intended only as guideposts. Words can point us toward an understanding, but some things must ultimately be experienced rather than explained. Nevertheless, I will do my best to explore their fuller meaning in the chapters that follow.

Unless otherwise indicated, biblical quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

If you wish to step deeper into the architecture of this work, Chapter One — The Birth of Duality — offers the first movement.