What is Entering-In Principle?
Last updated: February 25, 2026
Troward's concept that one must "enter into the spirit" of a thing to reproduce it in experience.
Understanding Entering-In Principle in New Thought
A principle Troward develops in the Dore Lectures on Mental Science: "This is a universal principle; if we do not enter into the Spirit of a thing, it is dead so far as we are concerned; but if we do enter into it we reproduce in ourselves the original movement of that Spirit." The Entering-In Principle describes the shift from intellectual understanding to lived experience. One can study the laws of mind academically and gain nothing; one must "enter in" to the spirit of those laws by feeling, believing, and acting as though they are true. This principle explains why knowledge alone is insufficient for transformation. It is the difference between reading about swimming and getting into the water. Troward connects this to the recognition of one's unity with the Universal Spirit: to "enter in" is to cease thinking of oneself as separate from the creative power and to begin thinking from within it.
A principle Troward develops in the Dore Lectures on Mental Science: "This is a universal principle; if we do not enter into the Spirit of a thing, it is dead so far as we are concerned; but if we do enter into it we reproduce in ourselves the original movement of that Spirit." The Entering-In Principle describes the shift from intellectual understanding to lived experience. One can study the laws of mind academically and gain nothing; one must "enter in" to the spirit of those laws by feeling, believing, and acting as though they are true. This principle explains why knowledge alone is insufficient for transformation. It is the difference between reading about swimming and getting into the water. Troward connects this to the recognition of one's unity with the Universal Spirit: to "enter in" is to cease thinking of oneself as separate from the creative power and to begin thinking from within it.
What the Teachers Say
Entering-In Principle vs. Intellectual Understanding
The Entering-In Principle stands in stark contrast to mere intellectual understanding of spiritual truths. While intellectual knowledge involves studying concepts from a position of separation, entering-in requires complete identification with the principle itself.
| Aspect | Entering-In Principle | Intellectual Understanding |
|---|---|---|
| Mode of Engagement | Experiential embodiment through feeling and being | Mental analysis and conceptual comprehension |
| Position of Consciousness | Unity with the principle being engaged | Separation from the subject being studied |
| Practical Results | Transforms both practitioner and circumstances | Accumulates information without manifestation |
| Method of Application | Living as though the truth is already real | Analyzing how the truth might work theoretically |
| Source of Power | Direct connection to Universal Spirit | Personal mental effort and reasoning |
Etymology
The term "Entering-In Principle" is a direct English construction by Thomas Troward, reflecting a conceptual rather than a literal linguistic evolution. While it does not trace back to ancient Greek, Latin, or other classical languages, its components are rooted in common English usage. "Entering" derives from Old French "entrer" (to go in, come in) and Latin "intra" (within), while "principle" comes from Latin "principium" (beginning, origin, foundation). Troward combines these to denote a foundational concept of internal engagement.
How to Practice This
To apply the Entering-In Principle, one moves beyond mere intellectual assent to a concept, actively engaging with it through imagination and feeling. For instance, instead of just reading about abundance, a practitioner would visualize themselves experiencing abundance, feeling the emotions associated with it, and acting as if it is already present. This involves meditative practices, affirmative prayer, and conscious emotional alignment to embody the desired state. The goal is to internalize the principle so deeply that it becomes a lived reality, influencing one's actions and circumstances.
Connection to Manifestation
The Entering-In Principle is fundamental to effective manifestation because it transforms the practitioner's relationship with creative power from observer to participant. Rather than trying to manipulate Universal Law from a position of separation, one must enter into unity with the Law itself, thinking and feeling from within its creative movement. This principle explains why affirmations often fail when spoken from doubt or desperation, but succeed when the practitioner genuinely embodies the consciousness of already having what they desire. True manifestation occurs not through force or technique, but through entering into the spirit of the desired outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Practice the Entering-In Principle by shifting from thinking about spiritual truths to thinking from within them. Instead of affirming "I will be prosperous," enter into the spirit of prosperity by feeling, thinking, and acting as someone who is already prosperous. This requires releasing the sense of separation and identifying completely with the desired state of consciousness.
Intellectual knowledge alone doesn't work because it maintains the illusion of separation between the knower and the known. According to Troward's principle, spiritual laws remain "dead" until we enter into their spirit through direct experience. Knowledge must be transformed into being through feeling, faith, and embodied action.
While visualization is a technique that can support entering-in, the principle itself goes deeper than mental imagery. Entering-in involves complete identification with the desired state, thinking and feeling from within it rather than looking at it from outside. It's the difference between imagining being happy and actually being happy in the present moment.
Yes, you can enter into the spirit of something through feeling and faith even without complete intellectual understanding. In fact, Troward suggested that over-analysis can actually prevent entering-in by maintaining mental separation. The heart often understands what the mind cannot grasp, allowing direct spiritual communion with truth.
The Entering-In Principle transforms prayer from petition to communion and meditation from technique to being. Instead of asking for something from a position of lack, you enter into the spirit of already having it. Instead of trying to achieve a meditative state, you enter into the peace and stillness that you already are at the deepest level.
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Used by: Troward