The Holy Relationship in A Course in Miracles

A holy relationship, as defined in "A Course in Miracles", is a relationship where two individuals share a common purpose guided by the Holy Spirit, transcending ego-driven desires. It's not limited to romantic relationships, but can include friendships or mentorships. The core of a holy relationship is mutual forgiveness and a shared desire for healing and awakening, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of Oneness.

What is a Holy Relationship?

A Holy Relationship in A Course in Miracles is fundamentally a transformed relationship that serves God's purpose rather than the ego's goals. It represents a radical shift from an "unholy relationship" - one based on separation, specialness, and the pursuit of individual happiness at others' expense - to one that recognizes the shared identity and unity of all beings in God.

Key Characteristics:

Transformation, Not Creation: The Holy Relationship is described as "the old unholy relationship transformed and seen anew" - it's not an entirely new relationship but rather the same relationship perceived through the lens of truth rather than illusion.

Expression of the Holy Instant: It serves as "the expression of the holy instant in living in this world" - making the timeless experience of unity tangible and practical in daily life.

Shared Purpose: Unlike unholy relationships that aim to "make happy" through getting something from another, Holy Relationships "share God's purpose" of extending love and recognizing truth.

Recognition of Unity: They are founded on recognizing that "what is born into a holy relationship can never end" because they acknowledge the eternal nature of our true identity as God's Son.

How Holy Relationships Function in Salvation

Primary Functions:

Teaching Mechanism: Holy Relationships are described as "a phenomenal teaching accomplishment" that demonstrate truth through experience rather than concepts alone.

Healing Vehicle: They serve as "a means for undoing guilt in everyone blessed through your holy relationship" - extending healing beyond just the two people involved.

Time-Saving Device: The Course states that "a holy relationship is a means of saving time" because it accelerates spiritual awakening through shared purpose.

Communication Restoration: In each Holy Relationship is "the ability to communicate instead of separate reborn" - restoring true communication that transcends physical form.

The Salvation Process:

Forgiveness Laboratory: Holy Relationships provide the perfect context for practicing true forgiveness, as they bring up everything that needs to be healed while providing the love and safety to heal it.

Mirror of Truth: They "reflect the true relationship the Son of God shares with his Father" - serving as earthly examples of divine love.

Gateway to Universal Love: Through healing one relationship completely, the Course teaches that all relationships are healed, as there is ultimately only one relationship - with our true Self.

Christ's Presence: The Course emphasizes that "I am within your holy relationship" - meaning Christ's presence is automatically invoked when two people join in holy purpose.

Is This a New Mechanism for Spiritual Seekers?

The Course presents Holy Relationships as both ancient truth and revolutionary application:

Ancient Truth:

• The underlying principle of unity and love is eternal
• The recognition of our shared identity in God is timeless
• True relationship has always been the natural state

Revolutionary Application:

• Practical Method: The Course makes relationship work a systematic spiritual practice
• Specific Process: It provides detailed guidance on how to transform relationships from ego-based to spirit-based
• Universal Accessibility: Unlike traditional mystical paths that might require withdrawal from the world, this path uses our closest relationships as the primary spiritual classroom

The Course's Unique Contribution:

Integration of Psychology and Spirituality: The Course uniquely addresses the psychological dynamics of relationships while maintaining focus on ultimate spiritual truth.

Relationship as Primary Path: While other spiritual traditions may see relationships as potentially distracting from spiritual growth, the Course positions them as the most effective means of awakening.

Practical Mysticism: It bridges the gap between mystical experience and daily life, making the "holy instant" accessible through ordinary relationships.

The Transformative Power

The Course emphasizes that Holy Relationships have extraordinary power:

• "The power to heal all pain, regardless of its form"
• "The power to hold the unity of the Son of God"
• The ability to make "another world" visible

This power comes not from the individuals involved, but from their willingness to let the Holy Spirit use their relationship for His purpose of healing and awakening.

Conclusion

The Holy Relationship in A Course in Miracles represents both a return to truth and a practical method for experiencing that truth. It's not entirely new in essence - love and unity are eternal - but it is revolutionary in its systematic approach to using our most challenging and intimate relationships as the primary vehicle for spiritual awakening. The Course suggests that through one truly healed relationship, we can remember our true nature and extend that healing to the entire world.