12 Disciplines of Mind (Disciples)

Twelve Disciples - not historical personages, but mental disciplines. IntroductionNeville’s explanation of the 12 Disciples as aspects of the mind occurs in Chapter 18 of Your Faith is Your Fortune. Our purpose is to offer an interpretation and commentary on this extraordinary self-training. Neville’s introductionThe disciples received the power against “unclean spirits, sickness and disease.” Understanding this psychologically, it means a series of mental practices to revolutionize the mental economy; i.e., leaving behind unworthy content and gaining new standpoints.“Discipleship” means to awaken and bring to consciousness, to distinct awareness, these qualities, and so to effect a reversal of mind, so that they are no longer harmful and chaotic, but harmonized and beneficial.1. Simon, later surnamed Peter. The foundational practice and concept is that of self-consciousness. Notice that Simon is, precisely, this aspect of the mind that “discovers the I AM [awareness of being]...”. 2. Andrew, or courage. When the “facts of the case”, the apparent conditions of life, do not accord with your concept of what is worthwhile and ideal, then you find yourself in direct opposition to what most people will say is “reality”.3. James the righteous judgeThis is the quality of accurate assessment or evaluation of others. 4. John the belovedIt is the continuation and intensification of the same quality we started with, of “hearing” only the good. 5. PhilipThis aspect of the mind understands experientially, not theoretically, how Man (human beings) and God (the creative principle) are related. 6. Bartholomew, the imaginative facultyThe name etymologically means “abounding in furrows” -- obviously, being very fecund or fertile -- an appropriate symbol for the imagination.7. Thomas, disciplined denial "You're in denial!" Yes -- in a good way.8. Matthew, gift of GodNeville gives a fresh view on the nature of desires. 9. James, son of AlphaeusThis capacity of discernment strikes me as a function of higher consciousness.  10. Thaddeus, quality of praise and gratitudeThankfulness can and must precede the receipt of the gifts prayed for. 11. Simon of CanaanThe human condition is in some respects dire. We can follow Neville’s instructions and put things right. 12. JudasEntirely reversed from the ordinary understanding. Here is the psychological death, making way for the new person.KEY QUOTE“The twelve disciples represent the twelve qualities of mind which can be controlled and disciplined by man.”(Neville, Your Faith is Your Fortune, Chapter 18)RESOURCESEssentialNeville GoddardYour Faith is Your Fortune, Chapter 18Freedom for All, Chapter 2Feeling is the SecretRepeatedNeville GoddardAt Your Command, Part 1MentionedRobert A. Russell, You Can Get What You Want If You Find it Within YourselfP.D. Ouspensky, In Search of the Miraculous