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Five Lessons: A Clear, Definite, Lecture on Using The Power of Your Imagination!
"Five Lessons," is compilation of a lecture given over five days by Neville Goddard.
It includes:
Lesson 1 - CONSCIOUSNESS IS THE ONLY REALITY*
I need not remind you that you are now that which you have assumed that you are. Do not discuss it with anyone, not even self. You cannot take thought as to the HOW, when you know that you ARE already.
lesson 2 - ASSUMPTIONS HARDEN INTO FACT*
The minute you begin to discipline your mind by observing your thoughts and watching your thoughts throughout the day, you become the policeman of your thoughts. Refuse to enter into conversations that are unlovely, refuse to listen attentively to anything that tears down.
lesson 3 -THINKING FOURTH-DIMENSIONALLY
When you know exactly what you want, construct in your mind s eye a single, simple event which implies fulfillment of your desire, an event where in self predominates. Instead of sitting back and looking at yourself as though you were on the screen, you be the actor in the drama.
lesson 4 - NO ONE TO CHANGE BUT SELF
You simply let it into being by assuming that it is already visible in your world, and remaining faithful to your assumption. it will harden into fact. Your Father has unnumbered ways of revealing your assumption. Fix this in your mind and always remember, "An assumption, though false, if sustained will harden into fact."
lesson 5 - REMAIN FAITHFUL TO YOUR IDEA
Simply assume that it is done and suspend reason, suspend all the arguments of the conscious three-dimensional mind. Your desire is outside of the reach of the three-dimensional mind.
lessons Q & A
"Neville may eventually be recognized as one of the world's great mystics." -Joseph Murphy, author of The Power of Your Subconscious Mind
"A popular speaker on metaphysical themes from the late '30s until his death in 1972, Neville authored ten books in which he captured the sheer logic of creative mind principles. His work has impacted me in a very profound way; in fact, he's been a great mentor to me in the past few years." -Dr. Wayne Dyer in Wishes Fulfilled
"Neville may be the positive-thinking movement's most radical and subtly influential voice." -Mitch Horowitz, Time.com
"Of all the metaphysical systems with which I am acquainted, Neville's is the most magical." -Israel Regardie
"The words of spiritual teacher Neville Goddard retain their power to electrify... Neville captured the sheer logic of creative mind principles as perhaps no other figure of his era." -Science of Mind magazine
It includes:
Lesson 1 - CONSCIOUSNESS IS THE ONLY REALITY*
I need not remind you that you are now that which you have assumed that you are. Do not discuss it with anyone, not even self. You cannot take thought as to the HOW, when you know that you ARE already.
lesson 2 - ASSUMPTIONS HARDEN INTO FACT*
The minute you begin to discipline your mind by observing your thoughts and watching your thoughts throughout the day, you become the policeman of your thoughts. Refuse to enter into conversations that are unlovely, refuse to listen attentively to anything that tears down.
lesson 3 -THINKING FOURTH-DIMENSIONALLY
When you know exactly what you want, construct in your mind s eye a single, simple event which implies fulfillment of your desire, an event where in self predominates. Instead of sitting back and looking at yourself as though you were on the screen, you be the actor in the drama.
lesson 4 - NO ONE TO CHANGE BUT SELF
You simply let it into being by assuming that it is already visible in your world, and remaining faithful to your assumption. it will harden into fact. Your Father has unnumbered ways of revealing your assumption. Fix this in your mind and always remember, "An assumption, though false, if sustained will harden into fact."
lesson 5 - REMAIN FAITHFUL TO YOUR IDEA
Simply assume that it is done and suspend reason, suspend all the arguments of the conscious three-dimensional mind. Your desire is outside of the reach of the three-dimensional mind.
lessons Q & A
"Neville may eventually be recognized as one of the world's great mystics." -Joseph Murphy, author of The Power of Your Subconscious Mind
"A popular speaker on metaphysical themes from the late '30s until his death in 1972, Neville authored ten books in which he captured the sheer logic of creative mind principles. His work has impacted me in a very profound way; in fact, he's been a great mentor to me in the past few years." -Dr. Wayne Dyer in Wishes Fulfilled
"Neville may be the positive-thinking movement's most radical and subtly influential voice." -Mitch Horowitz, Time.com
"Of all the metaphysical systems with which I am acquainted, Neville's is the most magical." -Israel Regardie
"The words of spiritual teacher Neville Goddard retain their power to electrify... Neville captured the sheer logic of creative mind principles as perhaps no other figure of his era." -Science of Mind magazine
122 pages, Paperback
First published March 30, 2012
550 people are currently reading
708 people want to read
About the author
Neville Goddard
1,431 books1,696 followersNeville Goddard was a writer, speaker and mystic. He taught various self-help methods for testing his own claim that the human imagination is omnificent, therefore God. He achieved popularity by reinterpreting the Bible and the poetry of William Blake.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
August 20, 2022
This TarcherPerigee edition of Neville's 5-day lecture, also including occult historian Mitch Horowitz's write-up on the man and his teachings, is another addition to the number of books to learn Neville Goddard's philosophy of life.
Just like his other books, this book too is neither for the beginner student of metaphysics, not those hardened through years of searching following complicated rituals and philosophies.
Neville's teachings will, like many great teachings, call out to you only when you are ready for them. Only when you think there's more to power and life than depending on outside sources and elements for fulfilment. Throughout this book Neville gently guides you to the power that lies within. With clarity he repeats, without it getting repetitive, the method of manifestation that according to him and his students is foolproof.
This is another Neville book that was a pleasure to read.
Just like his other books, this book too is neither for the beginner student of metaphysics, not those hardened through years of searching following complicated rituals and philosophies.
Neville's teachings will, like many great teachings, call out to you only when you are ready for them. Only when you think there's more to power and life than depending on outside sources and elements for fulfilment. Throughout this book Neville gently guides you to the power that lies within. With clarity he repeats, without it getting repetitive, the method of manifestation that according to him and his students is foolproof.
This is another Neville book that was a pleasure to read.
June 6, 2020
Wow I didn't expect such an introduction with fascinating biblical stories. I'm not into biblical stuff, but it's mind blowing.
Neville's interpretations of those Allegories are brillant, they reveal hidden gems that can provoke a shift of paradigm.
It just made me thirsty for more.
God’s name was spelled YOD HEY VAV HEY.
It contains in itself the whole secret of creation:
- First we are aware (YOD),
- Out of this awareness comes our ability to imagine (HEY) something that isn't here yet
- VAV (nail) is our ability to feel what we desire. As we feel it, we become aware of it, and it becomes.
- The final (HEY) means the visible world constantly witness that of which I am aware of.
"The world constantly molds itself in harmony with what you are consciously being."
"Maybe you do not want to be other than what you are, But you have the capacity to feel what it would be like were you now other than what you are."
"As you assume that you are that which you want to be, you have completed the name of God or the YOD HEY VAV HEY."
The Son’s name is almost like the Father’s name. YOD HEY VAV SHIN AYIN.
you have the ability to conceive and to become that which you conceive. (power of creation)
The additional SHIN (tooth) is the ability to remove/cut/consume/devour that of which I brought to birth in my ignorance and now dislike. Or I would be condemned forever to live with all my mistakes.
For anything to be real in my world, I need to keep it alive in my consciousness.
The father doesn't have a "tooth" (THIN) because nothing can cease to be in the absolute world. His consciousness embraces it all.
Once I give expression to anything, it remains locked forever in the absolute world. But in the creator's infinite mercy, we are given this ability to become detached from the burden we created in our ignorance.
---
The story of genesis:
God is man’s consciousness, his awareness, his I AMness.
The cornerstone on which all things are based is man’s concept of himself.
The first creative act of man was symbolized in a profound sleep, which is the state the more akin to touch our imagination without getting distracted by our senses.
This very first creative act also shows that the only substance being used was man himself:
“And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; and the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman.”
An angel is a messenger of God. You are God, as you have just discovered, for your consciousness is God, and you have an idea, a message. You are wrestling with an idea you can contemplate but you don't believe you can become it.
"You would like to transform yourself and become that which reason and your senses deny."
"When you actually feel that you are it, something goes out of you."
You become for a moment, after a successful meditation, incapable of continuing in the act, as though it were a physical creative act.
If the hunger persists you did not explode the idea within you, you did not actually succeed in becoming conscious of being that which you wanted to be.
"If I can feel that I am that which but a few seconds ago I knew I was not, but desired to be, then I am no longer hungry to be it. I am no longer thirsty because I feel satisfied in that state. Then something shrinks within me, not physically but in my feeling, in my consciousness, for that is the creativeness of man."
That is so beautiful. I'm in awe.
[to be continued]
Neville's interpretations of those Allegories are brillant, they reveal hidden gems that can provoke a shift of paradigm.
It just made me thirsty for more.
God’s name was spelled YOD HEY VAV HEY.
It contains in itself the whole secret of creation:
- First we are aware (YOD),
- Out of this awareness comes our ability to imagine (HEY) something that isn't here yet
- VAV (nail) is our ability to feel what we desire. As we feel it, we become aware of it, and it becomes.
- The final (HEY) means the visible world constantly witness that of which I am aware of.
"The world constantly molds itself in harmony with what you are consciously being."
"Maybe you do not want to be other than what you are, But you have the capacity to feel what it would be like were you now other than what you are."
"As you assume that you are that which you want to be, you have completed the name of God or the YOD HEY VAV HEY."
The Son’s name is almost like the Father’s name. YOD HEY VAV SHIN AYIN.
you have the ability to conceive and to become that which you conceive. (power of creation)
The additional SHIN (tooth) is the ability to remove/cut/consume/devour that of which I brought to birth in my ignorance and now dislike. Or I would be condemned forever to live with all my mistakes.
For anything to be real in my world, I need to keep it alive in my consciousness.
The father doesn't have a "tooth" (THIN) because nothing can cease to be in the absolute world. His consciousness embraces it all.
Once I give expression to anything, it remains locked forever in the absolute world. But in the creator's infinite mercy, we are given this ability to become detached from the burden we created in our ignorance.
---
The story of genesis:
God is man’s consciousness, his awareness, his I AMness.
The cornerstone on which all things are based is man’s concept of himself.
The first creative act of man was symbolized in a profound sleep, which is the state the more akin to touch our imagination without getting distracted by our senses.
This very first creative act also shows that the only substance being used was man himself:
“And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; and the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman.”
An angel is a messenger of God. You are God, as you have just discovered, for your consciousness is God, and you have an idea, a message. You are wrestling with an idea you can contemplate but you don't believe you can become it.
"You would like to transform yourself and become that which reason and your senses deny."
"When you actually feel that you are it, something goes out of you."
You become for a moment, after a successful meditation, incapable of continuing in the act, as though it were a physical creative act.
If the hunger persists you did not explode the idea within you, you did not actually succeed in becoming conscious of being that which you wanted to be.
"If I can feel that I am that which but a few seconds ago I knew I was not, but desired to be, then I am no longer hungry to be it. I am no longer thirsty because I feel satisfied in that state. Then something shrinks within me, not physically but in my feeling, in my consciousness, for that is the creativeness of man."
That is so beautiful. I'm in awe.
[to be continued]
July 4, 2019
I came across Neville Goddard teachings on YouTube, and have been curious about his perspective on Law of Attraction. I completed the entire book today, and I have to say, that he clarified a lot of how I felt about Christianity since I was a child, but was unable to be an effective communicator as to the reasons why some of the teachings were not for me.
I've always had self-confidence and esteem and believed that if I felt in my mind and my soul that I can achieve it, there's a possibility that I could achieve it. His teachings are understandable and easy to put to use.
I've always had self-confidence and esteem and believed that if I felt in my mind and my soul that I can achieve it, there's a possibility that I could achieve it. His teachings are understandable and easy to put to use.
July 1, 2024
The fundamental premise that the Bible is 100% allegory, but 100% to be believed as an instruction manual for life, is hard to swallow. Of course, he's clever enough to acknowledge that there are folks like me who just don't get it. Maybe, but I can only go by what seems right to me. As a metaphor, visualization and meditation certainly work, so maybe it's a "if it works, who cares why?" but given that almost all the evidence is based on the central premise, it falls apart quite a bit if you don't buy that.
April 9, 2024
This is the one of the most pop-psych inundated, post-hoc justification riddled, awful pieces of bullshit I've read in ages. The whole idea that one wishes for something and that makes it happen is toxic and trite.
February 14, 2019
LOVED! Definitely not for you if you're new to metaphysics and it definitely calls you when its time to find it. I have no idea how I found Neville but his works has been a life changer
Read
June 12, 2025Five Lessons: A Master Class offers a concise yet profound exploration into the art of manifestation. Delivered in 1948, these lectures present Goddard's core teachings on the power of consciousness and imagination. The five lessons delve into concepts such as the supremacy of consciousness, the transformative nature of assumptions, and the importance of remaining faithful to one's ideas.
The book is clear and practical and integrating Goddard's principles into daily life has led to tangible changes, particularly in areas like career and relationships. The teachings emphasize the significance of feeling and imagination in shaping reality, resonating with those seeking personal transformation.
However, there is a heavy reliance on biblical allegory that might not resonate with everyone. While Goddard's interpretations offer deep insights, they may not align with all readers' perspectives. Additionally, a few have mentioned that certain sections can feel repetitive.
Despite these considerations, Five Lessons remains a valuable resource for those interested in metaphysical teachings and the power of the mind. Its straightforward approach and timeless wisdom make it a noteworthy read for anyone exploring the principles of manifestation.
The book is clear and practical and integrating Goddard's principles into daily life has led to tangible changes, particularly in areas like career and relationships. The teachings emphasize the significance of feeling and imagination in shaping reality, resonating with those seeking personal transformation.
However, there is a heavy reliance on biblical allegory that might not resonate with everyone. While Goddard's interpretations offer deep insights, they may not align with all readers' perspectives. Additionally, a few have mentioned that certain sections can feel repetitive.
Despite these considerations, Five Lessons remains a valuable resource for those interested in metaphysical teachings and the power of the mind. Its straightforward approach and timeless wisdom make it a noteworthy read for anyone exploring the principles of manifestation.
November 25, 2023
The book presents compelling insights that are directly applicable to one's life. I firmly advocate for the potency of positive thinking and articulating one's desires in the present tense for future manifestation.
Nevertheless, I find it unnecessary to tether these principles to the teachings of the Bible. Personally not aligned with Christianity, my critique isn't rooted in religious perspectives. These guiding principles can stand independently without biblical references. Perhaps the author could have derived insights from the Bible to shape the book's teachings without explicitly attributing them to religious sources. There may be a discrepancy between what the Bible espouses and what the author purports.
Despite this, I rate the book four stars due to its potential to positively impact my life if I integrate these principles. Cultivating the habit of envisioning and emotionally connecting with desired outcomes has proven efficacious in manifesting those aspirations.
Nevertheless, I find it unnecessary to tether these principles to the teachings of the Bible. Personally not aligned with Christianity, my critique isn't rooted in religious perspectives. These guiding principles can stand independently without biblical references. Perhaps the author could have derived insights from the Bible to shape the book's teachings without explicitly attributing them to religious sources. There may be a discrepancy between what the Bible espouses and what the author purports.
Despite this, I rate the book four stars due to its potential to positively impact my life if I integrate these principles. Cultivating the habit of envisioning and emotionally connecting with desired outcomes has proven efficacious in manifesting those aspirations.
December 1, 2024
Very easy reading
This book surmised some of Neville Goddard 'a lectures. I have read so many books on manifesting and most end up quoting Neville's books. I am glad I read it. I have his whole collection yet this broke down everything in a few chapters.
I like how well be breaks down Bible verses to their meaning and how it is misinterpreted.
I like how easy the process can be and a faithfulness will manifest anything fairly quickly for true believers.
I cannot say there was something to dislike in this book
I have experienced so many assumptions that have come to pass.
We don't manifest what we want, we manifest what we are! So true!
Read this book heavyweights a game changer.
This book surmised some of Neville Goddard 'a lectures. I have read so many books on manifesting and most end up quoting Neville's books. I am glad I read it. I have his whole collection yet this broke down everything in a few chapters.
I like how well be breaks down Bible verses to their meaning and how it is misinterpreted.
I like how easy the process can be and a faithfulness will manifest anything fairly quickly for true believers.
I cannot say there was something to dislike in this book
I have experienced so many assumptions that have come to pass.
We don't manifest what we want, we manifest what we are! So true!
Read this book heavyweights a game changer.
May 2, 2025
An excellent and concise guide to manifesting your dreams. Neville uses passages from the Bible to illustrate his points and then proceeds to give easy directions for achieving success.
He is a precursor to José Sìlva and decades before the Secret but the idea is the same.
He also says that the Bible is not historical fact but is intended as metaphor and should be used and understood in that way.
Really good info here.
He is a precursor to José Sìlva and decades before the Secret but the idea is the same.
He also says that the Bible is not historical fact but is intended as metaphor and should be used and understood in that way.
Really good info here.
January 16, 2020
I think it was a great book, and I will definitely read other Neville books. However, I feel like this book could’ve been condensed a little bit because some parts did become a bit repetitive. Feeling is the key, period.
January 27, 2024
This is a good remainder of the fact that only genuine desire leads us to action; so if there's something we want to see come true in our lives, we must build the desire for its fulfillment and have confidence that there will be provision for that which we desire to come true.
February 19, 2024
5 stars
I love love love Neville Goddard and this book is epic. Absolutely brilliant!
Especially the questions at the end.
I'll say one thing though, should I have not been listening to Sara Landon and The Council, I would have missed 90% of its message.
I love love love Neville Goddard and this book is epic. Absolutely brilliant!
Especially the questions at the end.
I'll say one thing though, should I have not been listening to Sara Landon and The Council, I would have missed 90% of its message.
March 7, 2025
This may be his best
I read an anthology of Neville Goddard, about 12 books in all, and I think this book may be the best he has given to the public. This book condenses his main ideas into an easily doable size for practice. This is the heart of his work and philosophy.
I read an anthology of Neville Goddard, about 12 books in all, and I think this book may be the best he has given to the public. This book condenses his main ideas into an easily doable size for practice. This is the heart of his work and philosophy.
August 1, 2025
Not really for me, but good intro to Neville's mysticism / philosophy / biblical interpretations / etc. I honestly only read it as I had a free copy on Audible that expires next month. This is a transcript of a class he gave so there are some q and a that might be interesting, but he has much better books.
June 21, 2021
I have known Neville for decades. This one book, the 5 lessons, explains it all. If you want one book to Nevillize your life, this is it! Wish I would have read this one long ago.
July 12, 2022
As within so without
September 9, 2022
Very Interesting Perspective
I really like the way Neville Goddard breaks down concepts of the conscienceness. I am excited to read more of his works.
I really like the way Neville Goddard breaks down concepts of the conscienceness. I am excited to read more of his works.
October 3, 2022
Excellent. Like a capstone project.
April 18, 2023
another great one by neville. i find it really pleasant to read because it encourages you to think about happy thoughts before bed, and what a great way to fall asleep.
June 3, 2025
Interesting but I think he just made it all up and missed the simple message of the Bible. I don’t think we are our own God.
November 9, 2025
"Guess who's goin' to jail tonight?
God gon' post my bail tonight"
neville is very repetitive but i like it cuz its like listening to a sutra.
God gon' post my bail tonight"
neville is very repetitive but i like it cuz its like listening to a sutra.
December 29, 2025
The best of Neville Goddard.
January 11, 2026
Insightful
February 7, 2024
Phenomenal book. I’ve read a lot of books about manifesting but this is the only one you need in my opinion. Definitely my new favorite. I can’t recommend it enough.
April 12, 2024
If you have very strong belief systems in a faith, bound to the rules prescribed to your faith, and live accordingly, this book may not be for you. The author presents his interpretation of the Bible and his own beliefs. It precepts are that if one aspires and desires an outcome in life, that you can make it happen and make it your own reality. Though I was open to thinking about some of his interpretations, most of his philosophical presentation, is just that, interpretation. But hey, isn’t that what philosophy is all about? Investing ideas, thinking, and understanding? However, that doesn’t make him right, he just has an interesting, yet different, perspective.
March 31, 2025
This was a re-read I annotated along the way which is why it took way longer than if I had just read it through. Neville Goddard is one of my favorite spiritual writers and has made an inexplicable positive impact on my life!! I highly recommend to anyone with a curiosity for how to completely change your life. The biblical references ground me in realizing the Bible is just a spiritual handbook on how to manifest✨
December 24, 2019
Wisdom for the Times
Each of Neville books focuses our unbounded power to change our reality if that is our desire. The process is broken down in simple steps and he reinforces his teachings with Biblical interpretations that most of us never stopped to think about. If you are ready, the truth will harmonize with you.
Each of Neville books focuses our unbounded power to change our reality if that is our desire. The process is broken down in simple steps and he reinforces his teachings with Biblical interpretations that most of us never stopped to think about. If you are ready, the truth will harmonize with you.
June 19, 2020
Thank you Neville Godard
If only we really comprehend, understand what he tells us we become Gods and together we are God. One of the most magnificent presents given to human beings, in fact to all creations. May we all reach that understanding and our life will change forever.THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU
If only we really comprehend, understand what he tells us we become Gods and together we are God. One of the most magnificent presents given to human beings, in fact to all creations. May we all reach that understanding and our life will change forever.THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews