Early Life and Background
Neville Lancelot Goddard was born on February 19, 1905, in St. Michael, Barbados, in the British West Indies. He was the fourth child in a family of nine boys and one girl. His early life in Barbados provided a foundation of cultural diversity and religious exposure that would later influence his spiritual teachings.
In 1922, at the age of 17, Goddard moved to New York City to study drama. He initially pursued a career in the theater but soon became more interested in the metaphysical and mystical traditions. His encounter with a Scotsman named Abdullah, who introduced him to the esoteric teachings of Kabbalah and other mystical traditions, marked a significant turning point in his life.
Spiritual Awakening and Teachings
Under Abdullah’s mentorship, Goddard began to delve deeply into the power of imagination, consciousness, and the nature of reality. He learned that the human imagination is the key to manifesting desires and that thoughts and feelings create experiences.
In the 1930s, Goddard started to share his insights through lectures, books, and personal guidance. He developed a unique interpretation of Christian scripture, viewing the Bible not as a historical account but as a psychological allegory that reveals the secrets of the human mind and its creative power.
Key Teachings and Books
Neville Goddard’s teachings emphasize the creative power of imagination and the importance of living from the end, or feeling the reality of the fulfilled desire. He taught that by assuming the feeling of the wish fulfilled, individuals could manifest their desires into reality.
Some of his most notable works include:
- “Your Faith Is Your Fortune” (1941) – This book explores the idea that faith and imagination are the keys to creating one’s reality.
- “Feeling Is the Secret” (1944) – In this concise work, Goddard explains the importance of feelings in the manifestation process.
- “The Power of Awareness” (1952) – This book focuses on the role of consciousness in shaping reality and how awareness can be directed to create desired outcomes.
- “Awakened Imagination” (1954) – A guide to harnessing the power of imagination to achieve personal goals and spiritual awakening.
- “The Law and The Promise” (1961) – This work contains personal stories and testimonies from Goddard’s students, illustrating the practical application of his teachings.
Views on Spirituality
Neville Goddard’s views on spirituality are centered on the belief that the human imagination is divine. He taught that every individual is an extension of God, with the power to shape their reality through thought and feeling. Goddard’s interpretation of spirituality is deeply practical, focusing on the application of metaphysical principles to everyday life.
He believed that the imagination is the true essence of God within each person, and by aligning one’s thoughts and feelings with their desires, they could manifest those desires into physical reality. This perspective places a significant emphasis on personal responsibility and the power of consciousness.
Goddard also viewed the Bible as a symbolic representation of the journey of human consciousness. He interpreted biblical stories as metaphors for the process of spiritual awakening and the realization of one’s creative power. According to Goddard, Jesus Christ symbolizes the human imagination, and the stories in the Bible provide insights into the nature of reality and the mind.
Legacy and Influence
Neville Goddard’s teachings have continued to influence many in the fields of self-help, spirituality, and metaphysics. His works have inspired countless individuals to explore the power of their imagination and the potential of their consciousness.
Though he passed away on October 1, 1972, in Los Angeles, California, Goddard’s legacy lives on through his books, recorded lectures, and the ongoing interest in his unique approach to spiritual growth and manifestation. His teachings offer a timeless and empowering message that encourages individuals to recognize and harness their innate creative power.
