In Neville Goddard’s teachings, the Bible is not a historical record but a profound map for spiritual awakening and personal transformation. Every figure and symbol in the Bible represents a state of consciousness—a key to unlocking the divine potential within. Two such symbols that stand out are the lion and the beast, which Neville often associates with our higher self and lower nature respectively.
The Higher Self: The Awakened Imagination and the Lion
In Neville Goddard’s framework, the higher self is the awakened imagination—the part of us that has realised its true creative power. The lion is the symbol of this awakened self, embodying sovereignty, courage, and assertiveness.
The I AM state—Neville’s central concept—aligns with the lion’s nature. It is through the I AM that we claim our divine power and become the conscious creators of our world. Just as the lion reigns over the savannah, the awakened imagination dominates and directs the flow of life, asserting dominion over external circumstances and embodying the essence of divine identity.
The Lower Nature: The Beast of Ego and Desire
In contrast, the beast represents our lower nature—the ego, instinct, and desires that keep us attached to the material world. Neville often speaks of the beast as the aspect of consciousness that operates from fear, doubt, and external influences. It is the unconscious mind that reacts to external stimuli rather than consciously creating through the imagination.
This part of us, the beast, is driven by worldly desires, seeking validation and security outside of ourselves. The beast is not inherently negative; rather, it represents the part of us that has not yet been awakened to the power of the imagination.
Nebuchadnezzar’s Transformation: The Struggle Between the Higher and Lower Self
In the Bible, Nebuchadnezzar—the King of Babylon—undergoes a profound transformation that perfectly illustrates the battle between the higher self and the lower nature.
In Daniel 4, we read that Nebuchadnezzar is struck with insanity and is forced to live like a beast for seven years:
“Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven, and let him live with the beasts of the field.” — Daniel 4:23
During this time, he loses all sense of his sovereign authority and becomes enslaved to the primal instincts of the beast. His consciousness is overwhelmed by the lower self, driven by instinct and ego rather than the enlightened power of the higher mind.
However, when Nebuchadnezzar recognises the Most High, his mind is restored:
“At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored.” — Daniel 4:34
This marks a symbolic return to his higher self. The seven years of transformation reflect the seven stages of spiritual awakening, each representing a shift from the domination of the lower nature (the beast) to the full restoration of the higher mind.
Restoration: The Return of the Higher Mind
When Nebuchadnezzar is restored to his throne, it signifies that the higher mind—the awakened imagination—has regained control. His consciousness, once overtaken by the beast, has now ascended to its rightful position as sovereign over his thoughts and experiences.
In Neville Goddard’s view, this mirrors the process of personal transformation: the shift from identifying with limiting beliefs and external influences (the beast) to embodying the divine power of the higher self (the lion). Through this awakening, we learn that manifestation happens when we reclaim control over our inner world, consciously assuming the I AM state and shaping our reality from the inside out.
The Beast in Service to the Higher Mind
The fascinating truth about Nebuchadnezzar’s journey is that his time as a beast wasn’t an end—it was a necessary phase. The beast represents the lower consciousness, but when under the guidance of the higher mind, it can serve a vital purpose. It is the beast in service to the higher mind that ultimately brings the king to a greater understanding of his divine sovereignty.
In Neville’s terms, this process shows us that the lower self (the beast) is not inherently evil but a part of the human experience that must be reintegrated into the divine plan. When we come to recognise and master our lower nature, we use it to channel the creative power of the higher self.
Your Own Journey: From Beast to Lion
In your own journey of spiritual awakening, you may encounter moments where the beast—the unrefined, ego-driven part of your consciousness—appears to take control. However, this is simply a phase of transformation. Just as Nebuchadnezzar’s time as a beast eventually gave way to his return to the throne, your higher mind will regain control over your lower nature.
The key is recognising that the beast is not to be feared or rejected but understood. As Neville teaches, we transform by recognising our true identity as imaginative creators. This allows us to bring our lives into alignment with our divine purpose and move beyond the limitations of ego and external influence.
Conclusion: Reclaiming Sovereignty
The story of Nebuchadnezzar is a powerful reminder that the battle between the higher self and the lower self is one of integration, not domination. The beast and the lion are two sides of the same coin, and it is through the mastery of the lower nature that we unlock the full potential of the higher self.
As Neville Goddard teaches, we are not bound by external circumstances. By aligning with the awakened imagination, we step into our sovereign power—like the lion—and direct our lives according to divine will. Through this process, we are restored to our true identity and live the life we were always meant to create.
Comments
Post a Comment
Thanks for your comment! Comments are reviewed before publishing.