Who was Abdullah - The Ethiopian Rabbi?
Abdullah, was a great guru, often referred to as the Ethiopian Rabbi, was a mystical teacher who played a significant role in the life of Neville Goddard and Joseph Murphy, a prominent 20th-century spiritual teacher and author. Abdullah and Neville Goddard crossed paths in the 1930s, and their association became a pivotal part of Goddard's journey into the realms of mysticism and metaphysics.
Neville said: "If I were called upon to name a man that I would consider my teacher, I would name Abdullah. I studied with that gentleman for five years.".
Abdullah was known for his esoteric teachings, drawing from various spiritual traditions and emphasizing the power of the mind in shaping one's reality. Neville Goddard, born in Barbados 1905, encountered Abdullah in New York City during a period of personal struggle and uncertainty. Abdullah's teachings had a profound impact on Goddard's understanding of consciousness, manifestation and the nature of reality.
A very important teaching from Abdullah is the importance of firm faith in the imagination of oneself. Human beings are limitless possibilities and opportunities to do and be anything they want to imagine.
Abdullah reportedly shared with Neville Goddard a unique perspective on the Bible, interpreting its passages symbolically and metaphorically rather than as literal historical accounts. This approach encouraged Goddard to explore the depths of his own consciousness and to recognize the creative power of his thoughts and beliefs.
Under Abdullah's guidance, Neville delved into the concept that our inner mental state determines the events and circumstances of our outer world. Abdullah's teachings centered around the idea that individuals have the ability to shape their destinies through the conscious use of imagination and belief.
While there may be limited historical documentation about Abdullah, his influence on Neville Goddard's teachings is evident in Goddard's lectures and writings. Neville went on to become a widely respected figure in the New Thought and metaphysical movements, leaving a legacy of teachings that continue to inspire and influence individuals seeking a deeper understanding of the mind's creative power.
Three principles to always keep in mind from Abdullah:
1. Who we are beyond the physical?
When we know who we are, our physical circumstance doesn't matter. this is because we know that our physical circumstance will change based on our mental state. The physical state responds to our conviction, to our knowing.
Here is a short story of Abdullah: Abdullah lived it. For example, he used to attend an Opera Theater in a seat where black people were not allowed to at the time in New Your. Neville Goddard offered him to buy ticket, but he refused and did it himself.
Neville stated that Abdullah was proud to be a negro and didn't want anything about him to change one bit. The time Abdullah lived in the 1920s and 1930s was a time in America when blacks were heavily discriminated. Knowing himself, Abdullah, "never allowed anyone to refer to him as a colored man.". Abdullah never felt discriminated despite the fact that he lived in the 20s and 30s when blacks were extremely subject of all kinds of segregation. He would attend Opera show in the frond seat without any disturbance.
2. Don't settle for a mediocre life.
Don't settle for less of what you truly want. Abdullah taught that we can create our own reality regardless of any circumstances. He taught not to be mediocre. Human beings are potential for the best.
3. Close the Reasoning Mind.
Abdullah used to slam the door for things which requires logical answer. He repeatedly showed the power of slamming the door. It represents shutting down the logical reasoning mind. Abdullah taught to not worry about the how. Time is just an illusion. He taught the importance of firm faith without any compromise.
