Edgar Cayce Readings, 256-4

Time and Place: 3:40 P. M. Eastern Standard Time. ..., Mass.

TEXT

GC: You will have before you the body end enquiring mind, associates and environment, of [256], present in this room, who seeks physical, mental and spiritual guidance in his personal enlightenment, and in preparing himself to become a STUDY GROUP leader of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc. Please outline the steps which will open the way for this development, and answer the questions which will be submitted.
EC: Yes, we have the body, the enquiring mind, the associations and the environs; also that work of the Association for Research & Enlightenment.
The preparations, as we find, are as has been outlined. First there must be the willingness on the part of an individual to be used by those forces, that the body and its activities may be a channel of blessings to others, accepting Him, the Master, as the guide, and relying upon the promises that were made by Him - that are LIVING in the lives of those who accept Him as their counsellor, their guide, their brother, in the love that the Father may show THROUGH the activities of self to the glory of the Son in the earth.
Using, then, that which has been prepared by such a group - who have consecrated their lives, their activities, to such a service - rather as a guide; yet knowing that as the applications in the daily life of self are lived in accordance with HIS will there is given to each, according to their own several abilities, to become laborers in HIS vineyard. The fields are white unto the harvest. Will ye enter in today? knowing that peace, that joy, that comes from those promises, that "My presence - My peace - will abide and guide thee in thine efforts day by day."
In this manner of consecration of self, self's abilities, in service to Him, may there come that joy, that peace, in that service.
Ready for questions
(Q) How should I approach individuals to interest them in study group work?
(A) As the spirit gives utterance, in the contacts that are made day by day. So approach those when the urge comes that they need, they may be interested in, that thou has found interest in; for all must be willing to be even thought light of at times for that which will, and does, bring contact with those that are to be called into service.
As to whom, then, would self - in its environs, its surroundings speak:
INTEREST self in the various groups of varied natures that are already studying or reading along lines that are similar, yet must of themselves show the differentiation or difference that may be in the approach; for here the leaders must be in accord with that as HE will guide, HE will call, for there will be added day by day such as WILL be interested IN that THOU hast found interest in, in Him. Knowing, then, that He will guide, He will lead the way.
When that impulse then arises, even to speak to the stranger, SPEAK - as the spirit gives thee utterance; for, as has been given, "Take no thought of what ye shall say, for know that in the selfsame hour will it be GIVEN thee that thou would say."
Know, then, the subject, the approach. Be ready ever to give an answer in self for the faith that is in thee, so that every question may be met. Not as of contention, not as of controversial, not as of impellation, but rather that of the seeking to be a channel of blessing to someone TODAY NOW - in His name, in the manner that the Father may be glorified in the earth, through the power of His name IN the earth.
(Q) Please give the names of my acquaintances who would be particularly interested in study group work.
(A) Speak to all in such a manner that it leaves an opening for the approach. He that has been called will show his interest. Trust in Him and the power of His might to show, THROUGH the application of thine own sincerity of purpose in Him, and thou wilt indeed be shown the way - by the activities that will come in the experiences by day, by night.
(Q) How can I be of more effective assistance to members of my family?
(A) In the selfsame manner as is seen by the study and association of ideas and ideals, as in relationship to the work that will be done by self in this direction; for the way is open - and only needs the entering in.
(Q) In respect to my mother? [Mrs. [403]]
(A) Reason and speak often together regarding that which is before thee.
(Q) How can I be of more effective assistance to my school associates and students?
(A) As the lessons are put into practical usage day by day as they are gained, there will be shown the NEXT step; for the POWER and the might of His word, His promise, is a growth day by day. Falter not; neither be faint, that there may be spoken at times those of questioning; for he that is WORTHY will also be questioned; and forget not even that it was said to him that led among his brethren, "Satan hath desired thee, would sift thee as wheat; but when thou has been converted, or tried, give strength to thy brethren." So, in the contacts day by day, in the daily labors, let thy yeas be yea and thy nays be nay, that the GLORY of Him may find that little leaven that leaveneth the whole lump. So will the life, the purpose, the work that thous doest day by day, grow in interest in, interesting, and the approach will be here a little, there a little, line upon line, that HIS glory, His love, is set forth in thine acts day by day.
(Q) Please give a personal meditation which will aid in my development.
(A) HOW GRACIOUS, O LORD, ARE THY PROMISES TO HIM WHO SEEKS THY PRESENCE, EVEN AS I WOULD BECOME A CHANNEL OF BLESSING TO MY BROTHERS. BE THOU THE GUIDE, THAT I MAY REALIZE THY PRESENCE MORE AND MORE, THROUGH HIM THAT GAVE THE PROMISE I WOULD NOT BE LEFT ALONE BUT HIS SPIRIT WOULD BE WITH ME, AND MY GUIDE DAY BY DAY.
(Q) Please give the best time length and period to hold this.
(A) Early in the mornings and as the day goes to rest. The periods, or length, that as the SPIRIT shall show thee day by day.
(Q) Outline or suggest material for study and reading, names of books, subjects, etc.
(A) With the study first, to be sure, of HIS words - as He gave, as is recorded, those philosophical experiences of the writers - as James, as Ouspensky, as those who have followed in the lines of their studies - as Swedenborg, or the like; but weigh these all well with thine own, for - as HE has promised - "I will be your God, will ye [if ye will] be my people." Then He must become that as was given of old, "THIS day have I called thee by name", and such will be the experience of those that consecrate their lives, their purposes, their aims, to the service of Him who has CALLED thee INTO service; for "Today, will [if] ye [will] open your hearts, I will enter in and abide with thee."
(Q) Would marriage be an advisable step from the viewpoint of my development and possibility of service?
(A) As has been intimated, this will - or this state will come to thee and thy purpose in due season. There are those necessary developments that have come, and are coming, for the better understanding. Be not impatient, nor longing for those SETTLING of relationships; for much is to be accomplished, will self be [if self will be] set in that direction that is before thee at this time.
We are through for the present.
Copy to Self
Copy to File

BACKGROUND

8/14/29 He obtained Life Rdg. 256-1; on 1/10/30 Ck. Life 256-2, and on 8/16/32 a Physical Rdg. 256-3.
On 8/19/32 he was present, seeking advice on physical, mental and spiritual guidance, and in preparing himself to become A STUDY GROUP LEADER OF A.R.E. [262] series.

REPORTS

11/12/32 He wrote: "I feel somewhat of a delinquent in not having anything constructive to report. Getting this letter started is going to be the hardest part for me, for if I could start right off by telling you how splendidly I had been doing with my reading material, my contacts, meditations, etc., it would be so much easier, but alas, I must confess my utter inefficiency, waste of time (seemingly at least, as I look back over the past two months), lost opportunity, and failure to carry out my good resolutions. And so, I ask, what would you do with this helpless creature if you were he? I think a sound thrashing would help, don't you? But let me go back a bit, and let me explain just how I happened to get sidetracked, for I feel that an explanation might help my conscience if nothing more. I am telling this in the hope that you can possible explain to me just what was taking place, as I did not know and wasn't sure just what to do. I held morning meditation after getting home and back to school, and during the period from 6:30 on, I would get sort of a pronounced burning sensation in the forehead which would not immediately leave. In fact it seemed to have the effect of my not being able to think very clearly or definitely for some time after. While teaching, it was difficult for me to concentrate on the material, I was discussing, and once or twice during the day I would get that burning sensation in the forehead. Well, I decided to discontinue the meditation periods and wait until I could determine whether my work would be interfered with or not. I felt that I was contacting a powerful force that it might be well for me to work up to gradually, and yet the meditation periods were to me a very happy thought to contemplate.
"I sometimes lecture, discuss, or demonstrate at school for a period of 2-3 hrs. at a time, and you know how essential it is to be able to think clearly and not to lose the trend of thought. I have, since then, meditated somewhat irregularly, that is, not usually at the time you and the group at the Beach do. Let me know what you suggest, as any help you can give me will be much appreciated. I have lost none of my enthusiasm or intentions but it does seem, at present at least, that this problem of earning a living must first be met. My failure to do what I wanted, for which I assume I am somewhat responsible, has resulted in sort of a lack of mental harmony which I hope to regain. Please understand that I am writing this as though I were talking to you, and perhaps, through necessity for making it a brief story, writing so that it may sound abrupt or critical. I hope you will understand."
11/19/32 EC gave rdg. 281-13 on how an individual might meditate or pray without the effort disturbing the mental or physical body, and sent it to Mr. [256].
11/30/32 EC's letter: "Knowing you have experienced some unpleasant physical reaction from your attempts at meditation, and that I was not competent to answer as you deserved to be answered, I felt there was only One Source to which I might go for an answer that would in all probability be more satisfactory to you, and also to me, than any other. I have waited to do this. Now, since getting the information, I have been trying to digest it; although we asked for it in detail and in very simple words, and I am sure it is all there. It seems that we have so long associated this, that or the other ritualistic program with certain groups or individuals that have not been wholly in accord with our way of thinking, until we have builded in our mental selves barriers which the Higher Sources do not recognize. That the information give has a great deal of oriental color should not be surprising to us, when we consider that as a whole we in America are practical while we say of them that they are visionary, mystic and impractical; yet we know all force and power emanates from One Source. That there are in the material world elements outside of ourselves conducive to definite changes within the active forces of our beings, is not denied by anyone. Then, that these may be turned toward those things which would induce us to be more spiritual-minded should not be questioned either; and we should not and must not let ourselves become upset at such suggestions. Many, many times, as I have read over this information, I have felt that it might be better for me to try and explain it to you, rather than sending the entire dissertation as it was given. More and more I am persuaded, however, that since YOU were first and foremost in my mind when the information was sought from the Higher Sources, YOU are the one to interpret it to ME! That it IS necessary for the first and foremost requirement to be the image of that which represents to us the saving grace in this world of ours, raised through the physical organisms of our beings, is the most satisfying thing of all. I am believing, then, as I have said above, you will be able to not only get that required for your understanding but WILL interpret it to me in such a way that I will be able to give it out to our friends, associates and loved ones, so as to make prayer and meditation mean more in our lives and experiences than ever in the past. So, we will be waiting for the next letter from you.
1/14/33 Mr. [256] wrote: "The rdg. on meditation and prayer [281-13] was most interesting to me. My thought is that there are so many things to learn regarding the relationship between the spiritual, physical, and mental, that the suggestions contained therein should be accepted as a means of achieving that fuller expression of the inner self necessary for the development of the individual understanding. The physical shell is difficult to submerge because of our material activities, and the spiritual within does not actively control without special outward preparation or cleansing, it would seem.
"I have read that the spiritual being reacts to such activity as certain sounds, certain odors, and symbolic ceremony. We think of odors as being fragrant or pleasing to the senses, but apparently the vibrations of certain odors have a certain reaction or effect on the inner self. The same is apparently true in respect to sound vibrations, as certain sounds, vocal or instrumental, either result in a cleansing or counteracting of other surrounding vibrations or have a direct influence on the physical (to submerge) or the spiritual (to manifest), I know not which. If we were more familiar with or could determine the nature of existence on the spiritual plane, we might better determine the things in this plane that would best influence the spiritual, or be more pleasing thereto, or strengthen the influence thereof. There is so much that could be determined in respect to the effect on the individual of color, sound, odor, surrounding conditions, foods, thought, etc., all vibrations of different manifestation.
"Much of the natural questioning on the significance of life and our purposes has been somewhat answered by the article on 'The Coming of Man' [364-1 through 364-13]. I can see a purpose now whereas before I wondered and sometimes questioned. Accept my sincere appreciation of and thanks for that article. Another thing I try to understand is why 'thoughts are deeds' and what becomes of the spoken word that we should be conscious or careful of, in expression, as has been mentioned in certain rdgs."