7/57 THE SEARCHLIGHT article THE BODY IS THE TEMPLE by Gladys
Davis Turner (a talk delivered at the A.R.E. Sunday Forum,
4/07/57).
KNOW YE NOT THAT YE ARE THE TEMPLE OF GOD, AND THAT THE
SPIRIT OF GOD DWELLETH IN YOU? (I Cor. 3:16)
Edgar Cayce said, in reading No.
470-22:
"Within the human body - the living, not the dead one -
within the LIVING human forces: we find every element, every
gas, every mineral, every influence that is outside of the
organism itself. Indeed it is one with the whole. For it is
not only a portion of, equal to, and able to overcome or meet
every influence within; but in the third dimensional force,
man hasn't the ability EVEN TO IMAGINE anything that isn't a
part of the living physical organism's activity!"
Nearly every one of the physical readings given by Edgar
Cayce was divided into five parts; as follows -
1. A general description of the condition to be met by that
body.
2. A description of the BLOOD SUPPLY.
3. A description of the NERVE SYSTEM.
4. A description of the ORGANS.
5. A description of methods for relief.
The material chosen for presentation to you today has been
collected for use as an introduction to a class in PHYSICAL
BALANCE, to be given at the June Congress. Extracts have
been taken from individual physical readings dealing in a
general way with physiology and anatomy, to illustrate all
five of the headings given above. Illustrations for Number
1, however, are implied throughout the others; and, as will
be seen, extracts illustrating Number 5 treat of the
physical-mental-spiritual entity as a whole.
First, then, let us consider information about the BLOOD
SUPPLY:
"There is no condition existent in a body, the reflection of
which may not be traced in the blood supply. The blood
stream not only carries the rebuilding forces to the body;
it takes the used forces and eliminates them through their
proper channels in the various portions of the system. We
find red blood, white blood and lymph all carried in the
veins. These are separated only by those very small portions
that act as builders, strainers, destroyers or resuscitating
portions of the system. For always in the blood stream there
is seen the reflection or evidence of that condition being
enacted in the physical body.
"THE DAY MAY YET ARRIVE WHEN ONE MAY TAKE A DROP OF BLOOD AND
DIAGNOSE THE CONDITION OF ANY PHYSICAL BODY." No.
283-2
Twenty years later, Dr. Laurence H. Snyder of Ohio
University, speaking at the New York Academy of Medicine,
told a large audience: "It would be possible for me to take
a drop of blood from each of you in the audience tonight;
then five years later I could return here, gather you
together and take another drop of blood. Without knowing the
source of the bloods, I could then assign the correct sample
to the proper person."
This was a striking statement at that medical meeting; it
gave some idea of the enormous gain in knowledge about human
blood. It was also brought out that more facts had been
gathered in the 48 months prior to that meeting than were
collected in the previous 48 years. Yet Edgar Cayce, twenty
years before, had predicted such a development.
Another reading (No.
108-1) stated: "The blood is the
CRITERION by which conditions existent in the system may be
found."
In regard to blood cells, this statement was made (1548-2):
"Opposite effects exist in a system, of course, with regard
to tuberculosis and cancer. For one is a separation, the
other is a segregation."
A man who asked if he should take injections for prevention
of colds was told: "Rather let there be created through
regular activities and those things we have given for
creating virile red blood, that which will combat and prevent
colds, than attain such a state in another way or manner."
No.
279-14
A woman recuperating from an operation was told that a
balance must be kept in the metabolism and catabolism, and
explained the balance thus: No.
564-1
"But what do these terms mean? That there is proper rhythmic
activity of the organs as they function for creating the
elements necessary for the body's resuscitation. That is:
there are certain forces in the divisions of the blood supply
- red blood cells, white blood cells, lymph or leucocyte -
that must increase if there is to be recuperation or building
up. Metabolism, therefore, means keeping that BALANCE
necessary for supplying same. Catabolism means keeping the
internal and external activity of the circulation, in and to
the organs, in harmony and rhythmical activity, in
relationships one to another. If that is done with this
body...then the improvements will be of a permanent nature."
A rather humorous remark was made to one man who asked if it
would be all right for him to make blood donations: "These
would not be very good for the one you gave them to, unless
there are some corrections made - although this would not
affect you much." No.
3629-1
THE NERVE SYSTEM
This general statement comes from No.
1447-1:
"Nearly all derangements, except those of mental forces,
result from some center being separated by pressures, so
that some other functioning portion of the body becomes
deranged either by lack of nutriment or by over-stimulation
and production of another character."
The readings seemed always to lay great emphasis upon the
nerve system; and no condition was ever dismissed lightly
as "just nerves." For instance, we have these statements:
"Nerve force of the body is an attribute of the mental-man;
just as circulation is of the physical-man." No.
34-5
"A strain between the physical and mental and the spiritual
attributes of the individual finds expression not only in the
brain itself, but in the sympathetic system. FOR THE
SYMPATHETIC SYSTEM IS THE BRAIN-MANIFESTATION OF THE SOUL
FORCES IN THE BODY." No.
4566-1
"Activity of the mental or soul forces may entirely control
the whole physical body, by keeping a balance in the
sympathetic system. For the sympathetic nerve system is to
the soul and spirit forces, as the cerebro-spinal system is
to the physical forces of the entity." No.
5717-3
In nerve conditions, it was often recommended that rebuilding
properties be carried vibratorially into the body rather
than taken internally; for this would "aid in producing the
particular vibration necessary not only for coordination of
the glandular system, but for rejuvenation of the ability in
the nerve itself... This (vibration) works directly upon the
glandular system - the thyroid, the adrenals and the thymus
- all of the glands of the body. Thus it enables them to
react in their assimilating forces. FOR THAT IS THE PROCESS
OR THE ACTIVITY OF THE GLANDS: TO SECRETE THAT WHICH ENABLES
THE BODY, THROUGHOUT THE PHYSICAL, TO REPRODUCE ITSELF!"
No.
1475-1
In one woman's reading it was explained that the properties
of gold, when assimilated vibratorially, "feed directly to
the tissue of the brain itself and, when given properly,
silver and gold may almost lengthen life to double its
present span." No.
120-5
To Group One of the A.R.E. which was working on the fifth
lesson of A SEARCH FOR GOD, Book I, this information was
given: No.
262-20
"In the body, we find that which connects the pineal, the
pituitary, the Leydig may truly be called the Silver Cord;
or the Golden Cup which may be filled by a closer walk with
that which is the Creative Essence in physical, mental and
spiritual life. For the entire destruction of either gland
will cause disintegration of the soul from its house of
clay.
"From a purely material-minded standpoint: if an anatomical
or pathological study were made for a period of seven years
(which is a cycle of change in all the body-elements), in
respect to one acted upon through the third eye alone; we
would find that the individual fed upon spiritual things
would become a light that shines from and in the darkest
corner. One fed upon the purely-material would become a
Frankenstein - without a concept of any influence other than
material or mental."
THE ORGANS OF THE BODY
A man sixty-four years old, who complained of lack of energy,
was given this explanation:
"The batteries of the nervous system are running down. That
is, the activities of the heart, the lungs, the liver, the
kidneys may be called the batteries of the body. With
changes in the chemical forces of the system, these
activities may become so reduced as to cause stress to be
put upon one or the other; thus gradually building a
functional disturbance. With the distress or disturbance
thus produced, one or the other organ gradually becomes
organically dis- ordered." No.
4007-1
Another man was given this significant explanation of liver
and kidney functions in the body:
"We have two poles acting to the living body: the kidneys
and the liver. Their active principles are the same as two
poles of electricity in the body - those which give life to
the body. The liver is the stronger pole, being excretive
and secretive. The kidneys, secreting, take the impurities
from the system. Those are the uses of these organs."
No.
4909-1
Again, a woman with kidney trouble was told: "There are few
individuals who don't at some time or another have
indications of stones; just as there are few who don't at
almost all times have indications of infections or spots in
the lungs. These conditions come and go, depending upon the
method used to relieve or correct the causes producing
same." No.
1472-16
A young woman was told to use her imagination in visualizing
the healing force working in each part of her body to
accomplish what was desired, and to do so while she
proceeded to make practical application of the treatments
suggested.
"This requires the necessary knowledge of the body and of
the mind, in respect to what is desired by the body. With
that knowledge and with proper visualization, understanding
then comes. Knowledge is not power unless it is that which
may be applied by the body having the knowledge, see?...
"Then SEE THESE (parts of the body) FUNCTIONING in a way
which will bring about that desired...in circulation of the
blood supply through the throat, head and neck, as it passes
through those affected portions in the throat or tonsils.
The blood is carried immediately from these to those portions
of the system where eliminations must take place.
"How often does the blood pass through the lungs? Every
time it must be clarified...the liver does not take other
than that which may be acted upon by its secretions. The
lungs take that which will act upon same to heal...
"THEN SEE THAT BEING ACCOMPLISHED, as the heart pumps the
blood through the throat, the lungs, the liver, the heart,
to the extremities, to those parts affected. And you will
feel the pulsation - see - as in this body through which the
information comes (Edgar Cayce); for the increase of
circulation to the throat itself may be seen!" No.
1048-3
Coordination of organs, for purification of the blood supply,
was also explained thus: "For the liver and the heart work
coordinantly. Lungs and kidneys, though coordinating, purify
the blood in different directions." No.
2091-3
A woman was told that her condition was the result "of the
body's inability to throw off poisons or accumulations that
have arisen from those conditions that have existed so long
in the body. As is understood - or should be understood -
by the physician as well as the body itself: there are
certain activities of each eliminative system. Some of
these (drosses) are carried off, naturally, in the
perspiratory and respiratory systems. Much is also carried
off in the alimentary canal. But other kinds - as from any
form of inflammation - produce an overtaxing condition in
the kidneys." No.
1472-16
A question was asked in reading No.
5016-1 about psoriasis:
"Is this always from the same cause?" The answer was, "No,
but it is more often from a lack of proper coordination in
the eliminative systems. At times, there may be pressures
in those areas disturbing the equilibrium between the heart
and liver; or between heart and lungs. But the cause is
always a condition of lack of lymph circulation through the
alimentary canal, and absorption of such activities through
the body."
"The solar plexus, being the brain of the torso, reflects to
all organs of the digestive system."
METHODS FOR RELIEF
The most detailed descriptions were given of methods of
treatment, ranging all the way from mud poultices to
extremely complicated medicinal compounds, depending upon
the need in each individual case. The following extracts
have been chosen because of their general nature and
possible application to everyone. They include, of course,
methods for relief of mental attitudes which may be
burdensome upon the body. And here again may be found
allusions to conditions to be met.
A young man dying of leukemia was urged to be expectant
while he followed the treatments - "not merely as one who
may manifest in this material plane in the present; but as
one who may be a helpful influence for others, rather than
to indulge or gratify self's own appetites." No.
2456-2
Another young lady with progressive muscular atrophy was
told, in addition to detailed directions for applications:
"But know you're only meeting yourself, and as you put more
and more trust in Him (for who healeth all thy diseases?),
the way may be shown thee. Then in Him look to the sources
for health." No.
5193-1
A woman recuperating from an operation and each day waiting
impatiently for her husband to come home from work was given
quite a sermon on the effect of impressions upon the body:
No.
564-1
"This body and its general attitude...is a good example of
this. From whatever viewpoint any activity is seen or
interpreted, the activity itself is the outstanding or more
important fact... So it is in regard to a body and its
impressions. For thoughts are deeds, and leave their
imprint upon whatever element in which and through which
the activity is carried - and thus may be interpreted...
"To some, the touch of the hand, the smell of the rose, the
look of the eye - all are showing forth an energy whose
activity is of the forces that are spirit itself, or a
manifestation of what men worship as God in the earth...
In every individual soul and every individual body, it is
apparent that we build into our system from cycle to cycle
those very changes necessary for the vibrations we may
create within - by our response to that which is without.
To be sure, it is true that we may not add one whit to our
stature, which has already been set by ourselves; but it is
also true that impulses may be set so that the body may
EXPAND in all its activities.
"For as the Mind is the Builder - or 'as a man thinketh so
is he' - so does that mind, that body, that soul expand to
meet the needs of same."
This same woman asked how she might assist her husband in
business, and was told: "Most of the time it would be
keeping quiet; but the greater help is to make things and
conditions in the mental atmosphere as pleasant as
possible; advising and counseling with him, but not
dictating."
The body's capacity to heal itself or recuperate was pointed
out to this woman: "Keep that attitude which has thus far
been a part of the entity's whole being, mien and manner.
Know that the body creates, or will revive itself. Then keep
the attitude of optimism and helpfulness to others, and this
will make the same environment for self. Worry more about
somebody else than about yourself and you'll be a lot better
off!" No.
540-11
A man who asked about moving to a farm for his health was
told: "Wherever the body may be more in the open is best
for it. Everyone should stay close to the earth."
No.
4007-1
A young man whose work was indoors and mostly mental was
told that he should arrange his activities so that he would
have a better balance: "Take more outdoor exercise, which
brings into play the muscular forces of the body. It isn't
that the mental should be numbed or cut off from activities;
but exercise would make for a more evenly and more perfectly
balanced body, both physically and mentally.
"Know how to apply the rules of metaphysical operations to a
corncob, or to a fence rail - to a hammer, an axe, a walking
cane - as well as to theories of this or that mind, which in
nine cases out of ten has become a a storehouse for mental
deficiencies of physical energies! Now understand the
difference. Mental unbalance is not the result; but a
mental body may be so over-used that the physical energies
are allowed to become detrimental forces in the physical
body. For each energy must expend itself in some direction,
even as a thought that takes form brings into being a mental
image. Is that image to be in the position of a BUILDING
FORCE, cooperative with the energies of the physical body?
Or will it destroy some motive force, in the physical,
without allowing an outlet for its activity?
Then be a well-rounded body. Take specific, definite
exercises morning and evening. Make the body tired
physically as well as mentally; and those things which have
been producing conditions of inertia - poisons in the system
from non-eliminations - will disappear. And so the body
will respond to the diets.
"Now, in the matter of diets: one activity is necessary
if there is to be a mental diet; another if the diet is
to be or a well-rounded physically-useful, mentally-useful,
spiritually-useful body. But in this body there is the lack
of vitamins B and C. One, the C, is stamina for mental
energies that are carried in the white tissue in nerve
energy and plexus. The other, B, is as of calcium, silicon,
iron. These would be well-balanced if foods carrying same
are taken. But unless the physical activities of the body
are such as to put these to use, they become drosses; and
they set themselves to become operative, regardless of other
conditions.
"Vitamins in a body are elements combative with - or in
opposition to - the various activities of a living organism.
They may be termed - and well termed - like bacilli of any
nature within a physical organism... When they are taken
into the system they become destructive tissue if they are
not put to work by the activities of the system. For they
affect the plasma of the blood supply - or the emunctory and
lymph, which is another name for a portion of a blood supply
in a system.
"Then in the diet, be sure that the physical and mental
activities are in keeping; and do not do the physical
spasmodically. Be consistent. For the physical body,
the mental body and the spiritual body grow in grace, in
knowledge, in understanding.
"As to what you eat: SEE IT DOING WHAT YOU WOULD HAVE IT
DO. Now the question is often considered as to why there
are different effects under different conditions, from use
of vegetable, mineral or combination compounds. The
difference is in the consciousness of the individual body!
Give one a dose of clear water, with the impression that it
will act as salts - and how often will the water act in that
manner? It is the same with impressions to the whole
organism. For each cell of the blood stream, each corpuscle,
IS A WHOLE UNIVERSE IN ITSELF!
"One who fills the mind, the very being, with an expectancy
of God will see His movement, His manifestation, in the wind
and sun, the earth and flowers - the inhabitants of the
earth.
"And so as the body is built, is the food taken just to
gratify an appetite or to fulfill a purpose: make it better
and better able to magnify what the body-mind-soul has
chosen to stand for? Thus it will not matter so much what
is eaten, or where or when; but just knowing it is
consistent with what is desired to be accomplished through
the body - that does matter!
"As has been given of old (Daniel 1:5-17), the children of
Israel stood with the sons of the heathen, and all ate from
the king's table; and that which was taken exercised the
imagination of the body in physical desires: strong drink,
strong meats, condiments that magnify desires within the
body. And these, as Daniel well understood, built not for
God's service. He chose, rather, that the everyday common
food would be given, so that the bodies and the minds might
be a more perfect channel for the manifestations of God.
For the Creator's forces are in every force made manifest in
the earth.
"It is just as great a sin to overeat as to over-drink; to
over-think as to over-act! In what thou dost build, do even
as He. Make thy body and thy mind ready for every occasion
which may arise in thy life. Think well on what was given
when they asked Him, 'Why could we not cast him out?' (Mark
9:28, 29) For such might be done ONLY through fasting and
prayer. When thou prayest, enter into thy closet - that is,
within self; not shutting oneself away from the world, but
closing self within God's presence, and pray in secret.
And the reward will be in the open...
"So, in conducting thine own life: make the physical
corrections necessary, yes; but also make thy mind and thy
body, thy going in and thy coming out, thy activities day by
day, consistent. The reward will be an exemplary life, a
goodly body, an open mind, a loving spirit!
Few may even show forth that which is felt in the heart, if
the liver is bad! For twice does the blood pass through the
liver, to once in the heart. The liver is the clearing house
for the blood, both in and out of the heart and lungs. So,
in the conduct of thy life and thy study, think twice before
you speak once - for there's only one tongue, but two eyes.
There is only one heart, but seven lobes in the liver. And
as for thy hands, use what thou hast and thine eye will be
single in service, thy tongue will be loosened in the right
direction." No.
341-31
"DESTROY THIS TEMPLE, AND IN THREE DAYS I WILL RAISE IT
UP...HE SPAKE OF THE TEMPLE OF HIS BODY." St. John 2:
19-21
"THE LORD IS IN HIS HOLY TEMPLE: LET ALL THE EARTH KEEP
SILENCE BEFORE HIM." Heb. 2:20
Edgar Cayce Readings © 1971, 1993, 1994, 1995 by the Edgar Cayce Foundation