Who Inspired Neville Goddard Revealing The Mystic’s Greatest Influences

Neville Goddard, the influential teacher and writer known for his work on the power of the imagination and the law of assumption, was inspired by various sources, including biblical teachings, mysticism, and metaphysical literature. In today’s article we will highlight some of his key influences that helped shape the mystics teachings. These influences also, heavily influenced Neville ‘s unique approach to spirituality and personal development, which continues to resonate with many people today.

William Blake

I know the truth of that statement for although Blake was born in 1757 and died in 1827, we are closely woven in the tapestry of thought” Neville Goddard – The Ultimate Sense Neville was profoundly influenced by William Blake’s mystical interpretations of Christianity, particularly his emphasis on the power of the imagination and the concept of the human imagination as the divine creative power. In particular Neville resonated with Blake’s visionary experiences and interpretations of states of consciousness. William Blake a spiritual mystic known for his teachings on the power of the mind. The following are key ideas from Blake’s writings that align with Neville Goddard’s teachings:

1. Imagination as the Creative Power:

Both Blake and Neville emphasise the creative power of the imagination. Blake saw imagination as the key to perceiving divine truths and understanding the deeper realities beyond the physical world. Similarly, Neville taught that the imagination is the creative force through which individuals can manifest their desires and shape their reality. ii. Visionary Experiences: (h3)In many of his poems and also in his artwork Blake would express his visionary experiences, such as his encounters with historical figures like William Cowper, inspired his belief in the eternal nature of existence and the reality of spiritual realms. Likewise, Neville’s teachings are rooted in his own experiences of profound realisation and experiences in the spiritual realms iii.

Spiritual Insights:

Blake’s interpretation of biblical texts and his mystical understanding of religious concepts deeply influenced his poetry and artwork. Similarly, Neville reinterpreted biblical teachings through the lens of psychological and metaphysical principles, Neville posits the idea that the Bible is not an historical text, emphasising the importance of understanding scripture as symbolic representations of universal truths.iv. Rejection of Materialism: (h3) Both Blake and Neville rejected materialism and emphasised the primacy of spiritual realities over materialistic pursuits. They encouraged individuals to cultivate a deeper understanding of themselves and the universe. recognising that true fulfilment comes from aligning with higher spiritual principles rather than chasing external possessions or status. Both mystics spoke of the Law but it’s the Promise that is man true destiny and purpose for his earthly experience. Overall, William Blake’s visionary insights into the nature of reality and the power of imagination served as a foundational inspiration for Neville Goddard’s teachings on conscious creation and the transformative potential of the human mind. Through their shared emphasis on imagination, spiritual insight, and the pursuit of higher truths, both William Blake and Neville Goddard offered profound wisdom for individuals seeking to understand and harness the creative power within themselves.

2. Frederick Bailes

Frederick Bailes and Neville Goddard were both influential figures in the New Thought and metaphysical movements of the 20th century. Bailes was a prominent figure in the Unity Church, while Neville Goddard gained fame for his lectures and books on the power of imagination and the law of assumption. Bailes and Goddard shared similar teachings regarding the power of the mind to shape reality. Bailes emphasised the importance of understanding one’s inner self and the power of affirmations and visualisations to manifest desires. His teachings often cantered around the idea that individuals can transform their lives by changing their thoughts and beliefs. While Bailes alignment with Goddard’s teachings is evident in their shared emphasis on the power of the mind and the importance of imagination, each also brought their own unique perspectives and interpretations to these teachings. Bailes would reference the scriptures in historical sense his many lectures. Neville on the other hand put emphasis on the power of imagination and the role of consciousness in creating one’s reality. He would expand on these ideas in his own lectures and writings, often using Biblical allegories to illustrate his points.

3. The Bible:

“When the Bible is read in this light you will find it to be the greatest scientific book ever written. Instead of looking at the Bible as the historical record of an ancient civilisation or the unusual life of Jesus, see it as a great psychological drama taking place in the consciousness of man” Neville Goddard

Neville Goddard, often referenced biblical passages in his teachings on manifestation and the power of the mind. He interpreted biblical stories allegorically, seeing them as symbolic representations of psychological and spiritual truths rather than literal historical events. One of the key concepts Neville Goddard drew from the Bible is the idea of ;”divine imagination”. He believed that the human imagination is the creative power of God within each individual, and that by harnessing and directing this power through focused visualisation and belief, one could manifest their desires into reality. This concept is reflected in biblical verses such as ;”With God, all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26) and “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). Many of the authors of the books in the old and new testament are anonymous. Yet still Neville was heavily influenced by the concepts that these individuals depicted in their biblical allegories. Additionally, Neville often cited the story of Jesus Christ as a symbolic representation of the human psyche not an historical account of one individual. He interpreted Jesus’ miracles and teachings as metaphors for the transformational journey of consciousness and the predestined spiritual awakening within each person. This he referred to as the Promise, man’s realisation of his own divinity. Overall, Neville Goddard saw the Bible as a rich source of wisdom and insight into the power of the imagination and its ability to shape reality. By interpreting biblical passages through a metaphysical lens, he sought to empower individuals to realise their divine potential and manifest their desires through the creative power of imagination and faith.

Abdullah The Ethiopian Mystic:

“When I first met my friend Abdullah back in 1931 I entered a room where he was speaking and when the speech was over, he came extended his hand and said “Neville , you are six months late. I had never seen the man before, so I said six months late? “How do you know me?” and he replied : “the brothers told me you are coming and you are six months late” NEVILLE GODDARD A LESSON IN SCRIPTURE

Abdullah was a mysterious figure whom Neville Goddard encountered during his time in New York City in the 1930’s. Abdullah, who was believed to be a black Ethiopian Jew and a mystic, shared teachings with Goddard that greatly influenced his understanding of the law of consciousness and the power of imagination. In fact, Neville it is believed that Neville studied the Cabbala under the tutor ledge of Abdullah for six years. He was often cited by Neville himself as playing a significant role is shaping his understanding of the power of imagination and the concept of manifestation.He encouraged Neville to believe in the creative power of his own mind and to imagine vividly the life he desired, as if it were already a reality. Abdullah’s lessons revolved around the idea that the outer world is a reflection of one’s inner state and that by controlling one’s thoughts and beliefs, one can shape their circumstances. Neville often recounted anecdotes of his interactions with Abdullah, highlighting the lessons he learned from him. One particular one of note was the famous “Barbados Story”. It’s a marvellous account where we not only get a deeper insight into Goddard’s most influential teacher. We see the mystic demonstrate to his student the most fantastic lesson ever. in applying this super powerful concept of manifestation. Abdullah’s teachings served as a foundation for Goddard’s later work on manifestation and the law of assumption. His teachings on the power of the human imagination became a central theme in many of Neville’s lectures and books.

5. Esoteric and Occult Teachings:

Goddard was also influenced by various esoteric and occult teachings, including Hermeticism, Kabbalah, and Rosicrucianism. These traditions provided him with additional insights into the nature of consciousness and reality. In particular those related to the power of the mind and the concept of “imagination creates reality”. Here are some key influences :

i. Hermeticism:

Hermeticism, an ancient philosophical and esoteric tradition, emphasises the principle of mentalism, which suggests that the universe is mental in nature and that thoughts have creative power.This idea is central to Neville Goddard’s teachings, as he often spoke about the power of imagination and how one’s inner thoughts and beliefs shape their external reality. Hermes Trismegistus, the founder of Hermeticism is shrouded in mystery. Revered as a mystic and ancient prophet his works have been frequently referenced by Neville in his books and lectures. Hermes the author of the Hermetica, which detailed knowledge of magic, the universe and the mind has a philosophy that closely aligns with Neville’s interpretation of biblical scriptures.

ii. Kabbalah:

Kabbalah, a mystical tradition within Judaism, provides a framework for understanding the nature of reality and the relationship between the material and spiritual worlds. Essentially Kabbalah is the spiritual study of unseen laws governing the universe Neville Goddard drew upon Kabbalistic concepts such as the power of divine imagination and the idea that the entire universe is a manifestation of the mind of God. In his 6 years of study under the great mystic Abdullah he learnt the Kabballistic principles to look beyond the surface of whatever was presented to them. Both teachings unravelled the hidden secrets contained in the Bible.

iii. New Thought:

It’s a misconception that Neville Goddard was part of the New Thought movement, which emerged in the 19th century. However, because New Thoughts teachings emphasised the power of positive thinking, visualisation, and the law of attraction this explains the misapprehension. New Thought teachings, heavily influenced by various esoteric and mystical traditions, posited the creative power of the mind, and controlling one’s inner dialogue which also became a central theme in Goddard’s teachings

iv. Theosophy:

Theosophy, a spiritual and philosophical movement founded in the late 19th century, explores the interconnectedness of all life and the hidden laws governing the universe. While Neville Goddard may not have directly referenced Theosophical teachings, his emphasis on the unity of all existence and the power of consciousness reflects similar ideas found within Theosophy. Christian Mysticism: Although not traditionally considered esoteric or occult, certain strands of Christian mysticism, such as those found in the writings of figures like William Blake, emphasise the importance of inner spiritual experience and the transformative power of faith and imagination. Neville Goddard’s interpretation of biblical allegories and his emphasis on the role of faith and imagination in manifesting desires bear resemblance to Christian mystical teachings.

Conclusion

Overall, Neville Goddard’s teachings represent a melding of various esoteric and occult traditions, filtered through the lens of his own experiences and insights. He adopted and expanded upon many metaphysical concepts in his own teachings, in fact the concept of the Law of Assumption which he popularised, has its origin in the Bibles Old Testament. One of the fundamental concepts that Goddard drew from all his influences was the idea that the outer world is a reflection of one’s inner state of consciousness. He taught that by changing one’s beliefs and assumptions about oneself and the world, one could manifest desired outcomes into reality. This idea of mental imagery and assumption as the creative force behind reality is central to the mystic’s philosophy His work is more popular than ever and continues to inspire many individuals interested in the power of the mind and the principles of manifestation.