inner/Outer Light Science: The Official Study Program of the NEW FRIENDS Of The TRUE COURSE.

UNIT ONE: Introduction to the True Course

Congratulations are in order, for you are about to begin an exciting new journey! This is a path that few are willing and even fewer are able to traverse. Even starting such a journey is a sign of the rare strength that you possess. So we, the NEW FRIENDS Of The TRUE COURSE again wish to congratulate you for your perspicacity and mettle in feeling the warmth and brightness of the outer light shining forth upon the path of the True Course. No one of us begin this journey lightly, but those of us who will pursue the Course are blessed with a life full of the brilliance of the society of New Friends.

To mark this occasion, let us think through what it is to begin this journey. Close your eyes and imagine what it is like to prepare for a long hike or automobile ride. What are you thinking about? What will you bring? What are things that you notice in the room? What do you feel inside? What do you perceive outside? Perhaps you are considering the weather for the day. Will it be warm or cold? Sunny or dark? How can you prepare for any such contingency? Or perhaps you are considering the supplies you should bring. Do you have enough provisions? Do you need something to read? Have you procured the proper tickets? What about gasoline?

Yes, there are many difficulties at the onset of a journey. But perhaps something about this thought exercise has struck you as odd. Do you know what it is? Try to think back to the moment that you noticed a word or phrase that seemed amiss. What was it?

Maybe you aren't sure what it is yet, but as you continue learning the revolutionary techniques of our proprietary method of Science, these issues will come into focus. Here's a hint to help you along in this preliminary lesson: What did you perceive when the prompt asked you to feel inside? Did you notice that the room of your mind's-eye became imperceptibly dimmer? Did the warmth and brilliance of the light became just a little fainter? Of course it did! This is the inevitable effect of the turning one's face from the outer light. The outer light is obviously not within. And that should of course go without saying!

Now you have learned this central tenet of inner/Outer Light Science, the revolutionary set of techniques discovered and refined by the New Friends. Observe your instructor. Do you notice the way in which your instructor always perceives what is before them? This is a result of the training instilled in this official study program: the training that will soon be yours! Pay close attention as you read and advance upon the path of knowledge, but refrain from turning inward. The outer light is the source of all that is True, as we shall see in the following pages.

Hold your strength, NEW FRIEND, your journey along the TRUE COURSE has only just begun!

**Review and Refraction for Part 1**

At the end of each section (or Part) of the inner/Outer Light Science (i/OLS), you will be asked to look without to review the progress you have made along the path, and also to consider your next stops of movement as you pursue the brilliance of the outer light. Spend time with your instructor, network leader, or study group to discuss your responses to the prompts. If you are studying alone, please visit the Web Home of the NEW FRIENDS Of The TRUE COURSE to be assigned to a virtual study group with other Online students.

(Spend 5-10 per prompt)

1. What is the difference between the inner light and the outer light? How can you be sure?
2. How are warmth and light best experienced? Through perception, feeling, or both? Explain.
3. Where do you hope that your course will lead? Discuss with your network leader.