This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Virginia, this 5th day of May, 1934, in accordance with request made by Miss Esther Wynne, Active Member of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc.

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Mildred Davis, Esther Wynne, L. B. Cayce, Hugh Lynn Cayce.

TEXT

1. GC: You will have before you the place of Group Work in the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc., considering each group as a unit and also the whole program and purpose of group activity, also the various group leaders and teachers, especially Esther Wynne, present in this room. You will give at this time information which will help in better organizing and carrying on this work. You will answer the questions which will be asked on this subject, as I ask them.
2. EC: Yes, we have the work that is to be filled by the activities of the group in the study lessons.
3. Much has been given as to the place of such lessons in an association organized for the work research and enlightenment. That there has not wholly been the comprehension of what is to be accomplished by such groups is evidenced by the manner in which these activities have proceeded.
4. Not that there is fault to be found, or any condition that could under the existent circumstances be altered. But those that function in the capacity of the Research and Enlightenment should set forth more the purposes and the place that each study group has in such a work.
5. For, as is seen, unless there is a more definite outline, there will continue to be thought and expressed that the purpose of such is to propagate some kind of special cult or tenet or thought, that to some must eventually - or from the beginning - take the ideas of a cult. And this should be the farthest from the thought of any leader or teacher of such lessons.
6. For, they are founded rather in the ideal set in the manner of each of the meditations for each lesson is presented; that the individual development is sought, or enlightenment respecting the approach of individual to a thought or a fact that exists in the character of the lessons that may be presented through such channels.
7. To some at present, as we find, this presentation thus far is rather hazy, rather indefinite as to what is being given; but there should be considered more of that given in the beginnings, as to how, why and when these should be presented, and how this should be the basis and the purpose of the research - then from such research the natural arising of the presentations found applicable in the experiences of all seeking to make of themselves channels through which the activities of those influences or forces that direct that given from period to period may be presented.
8. That's a little more clarification. Now we'll approach it from a different angle:
9. As should be understood by all leaders, students or those interested in the lessons presented, the LESSONS are only a portion of the work of a research organization. This research organization has presented those things that are from or through psychic sources, though PSYCHIC does not appear in the words - and this itself makes confusion. But psychic, as given, should be considered rather as of the soul; and if the information is of that nature then those that are in attune (as given in the direction about attunement) will be influenced in their study and application of this character of information. For, no stream of thought may be greater than the source from which it rises. If it arises from superstition, or from the purposes of an individual as for the presentation of some peculiar thought or pet idea or ideal of an individual as related to any circumstance or condition in the experience of human affairs, it will never be larger than the individual. If it arises from the higher sources from which it emanates, it must increase the perspective of the consciousness of those that make application of same. As tenets, never. For, such as presented in the lessons - and that may be presented from time to time - may never be called tenets, but should EVER as outlined; that which has been applied in the experience of individuals as PRODUCING something in their experience. And when so used, so presented, so used in the presenting of same from period to period, these may then become those very things that have had their influence in the earth in the ages throughout.
10. For a moment, review that which most of you have considered as the basis of thought pertaining to the ideals of the spiritual life in thine own experience.
11. From whence arose the purpose of idea or ideal that ye hold so close in thine experience. YE say that there were those periods when for four hundred years little or nothing had happened in the experience of man as a revelation from the Father, or from God, or from the sources of light. WHAT was it, then, that made the setting for the place and for the entering in of that consciousness into the earth that YE know as the Son of man, the Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ on the Cross? Did the darkness bring the light? Did the wandering away from the thought of such bring the Christ into the earth? Is this idea not rather refuting the common law that is present in spirit, mind and body that "Like begets like?" As was asked oft, "Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?" Isn't it rather that there were those, that ye hear little or nothing of in thine studies of same, that dedicated their lives, their minds, their bodies, to a purpose, to a SEEKING for that which had been to them a promise of old? Were there not individuals, men and women, who dedicated their bodies that they might be channels through which such an influence, such a BODY might come? [GD's note: Essenes, School of Prophets started by Elijah. Mal. 3,4.] Is it not rather that which ye seek? For, that is what ye look for in this; that ye present in those lessons, that they may build in the hearts, minds, bodies and lives of those that APPLY them - not learn, not simply have knowledge of, but APPLY them - that which may be presented from lesson to lesson in their daily experience - that there may again come the greater influences in the activity of individuals that may save a world, may save a nation, may save the peoples. And be truly said of that service, that work ye do, that if fills this place, that there is being builded in the hearts, minds and bodies of individuals that longing for - yea, that activity such as will bring into the earth, into the environs of people - such as has been and is the saving influence in the lives, hearts and minds of thy people. Such should be the place, first. In such a way and manner should this being given in thy lessons be presented.
12. Then, necessity demands that there be rather first the school of teachers, for the preparation of individuals in various groups. Not chosen because they may be popular, well spoken of, or ones of influence in their individual groups, - or of affluence, or the like - but rather those in such groups that have been moved to dedicate, consecrate their lives to such a service. In this way and manner may the groups and the LESSONS in same be presented.
13. The first principles, then, are these:
14. Are the lessons as presented things worth while in the experience of individuals, sufficient to carry forward that thought, that idea? That is what is required. Art thou meeting same? Answer in thine own selves. In thy life, thy activity, such as that, though it took from thee all that is near and dear to thy EARTHLY environ, ye would present rather that as the Father would present to a waiting world?
15. So live, then, each of YOU, in such a manner. Thinkest thou rather of what others will say? Thinkest thou as to whether it will be popular here or popular there? Was He? In no land in which JESUS presented Himself was He accepted; for was it not said, truly He came unto His own and His own received Him not? Have ye received Him? Know ye Him, day by day?
16. This is the manner of the approach, then.
17. Ready for questions.
18. (Q) Questions of Group #2: Please give suggestions for the leaders and members in becoming more helpful and efficient.
    (A) Applying. Do not the truths presented in the lessons, when lived, fulfill the same in their experience? If they do not, they are NOT for those individuals.
19. (Q) How can this group best meet the conditions that have arisen in relation to the the Church?
    (A) Do the lessons not make the individuals that are members of individual churches BETTER Christians, better or nearer Christ-like; thus filling their lives with such love that dogmatic principles (as in some churches) must be taboo? But present them to those that are weak, LIVING them before those that STUMBLE - but do not cram them down anyone's throat! Neither argue with them! Did thy Master ever argue, even when there were the greater railings or abuses? He presented that which each HAS found, did find, convicted them. What said He respecting that? "I do not condemn thee, for thou art condemned already in thine own self." So, in the approach to those influences, the truths and lessons as presented - and LIVED by individuals - should fill the needs, even in the greater or higher places in any individual organization; and may fill some with awe - and they may speak evil. So did the High Priest condemn thine Lord! So did those of the Sanhedrin wreak their own purposes upon Him. Yea, art thou willing to live that which has proved and does prove in thine experience that which makes thee closer with thy God? If these lessons are not founded in such, have nothing to do with them.
20. (Q) What was the meaning of the dream had by [540] regarding seeing the Sunday School Teacher, Mrs. Bell, teaching lessons on the Pyramid?
    (A) This is rather confusing, but we may find it from this source here. (Pause) Yes. The consciousness in [540] of the tenets held by some, and the truths that are experienced in her own understanding. It becomes necessary that those truths are only applicable in the experience of those that have experienced same. So will these eventually become as truths to that one seen teaching, see?
21. (Q) Should she be invited to group meetings and how should she be approached?
    (A) She may be told of them, and let her seek herself to know more of what is being presented.
22. (Q) Questions on Group #3: [See 473-1 and 473-2.]
    (A) Here we have many sincere individuals seeking from many varied angles, and here almost the great necessity (as in and among those who prepare, present and experience the lessons) for the basis as to why and where the lessons are founded. And if those members do not find in the APPLICATION of same in their experience the answering for the faith that is within, then move on.
23. (Q) Any special advice for this group, considering their individual situation?
    (A) As just given, the purposes and desires should be presented; not a as tenets, but as living experiences that may be applied in the daily lives of those that use same. And the individual presentation by those that present same as teachers or as exhorters from time to time should be ever: Take this idea presented in this, that or the other lesson and give the invitation, "Will ye apply this in thine experience today and give that reaction it makes, irrespective of what thy thought or connection has been or is?" Then we'll get somewhere!
24. (Q) How can Mr. [478] better serve this group as a leader?
    (A) In offering such a manner of presenting, and in APPLYING first in his own experience.
25. (Q) Was this group properly organized and is it being conducted correctly?
    (A) The fruits will tell. NOT from the purpose (get that given first). Not any group should be organized for any special purpose for the ASSOCIATION. The Association presents that it has found worth while, asking individuals to apply same in their experience form day to day. And what is the purpose and ideal? That again there may be that saving grace that comes from the Father, the Maker of the universe, in the experiences of those individuals in such groups that may be a channel of blessings to their neighbor today. In such a way and manner may they always be organized and always presented.
26. (Q) Questions on Group #4: Considering this group's individual situation, give such counsel and advice for carrying it on that will aid its members at this time.
    (A) Here we see rather a confusion of tongues rather than ideas. The more and more of the first lesson, that may be made applicable in the experiences of those that may present the lessons or those truths found in same; and more and more may the invitation be given that the individuals will apply that lesson they may gain from a paragraph, a line, a word as the experience of another in their experience. What taught thy Master? Any new tenet: "Love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and thine mind, and thine body, and thy neighbor as thyself." OLDER than man himself, for this thought in its inception brought the world and man into being. So, in the group and its lessons, let them each in their expressions of themselves find first some one thing as a standard, and no better may be found than: Does this thought make for constructive influence in the experience of the presenter, and is it applicable in the experience of thy neighbor? And this will bring a more UNIFIED purpose and ideal.
27. (Q) Questions on Group #5: Please advice [333] as to the proper way to develop and handle this group?
    (A) It has been experienced by this leader, rather than teacher, that it behooves him to first find himself, and as to how and in what manner he may present same in his experience to those questions and tenets that arise in the minds of those that have been or may be interested in the thought or presentation of such lessons. Then, let him live the lines, the ideas, the thoughts in his OWN experience. And it will not only attract, but will build on a SURE foundation.
28. (Q) What are the causes of its inactivity and how can he meet the seeming lack of interest?
    (A) In first preparing self.
29. (Q) Questions on Group #6: Advise [642] as to the proper manner to develop and handle this group.
    (A) By the unifying of the thought, the ideas that are presented; in making them as practical lessons in the experiences of those that are studying or seeking for an understanding. Knowledge of itself is worth little. Unless it is applicable or is a practical thing in the experience of any seeker, it goes very, very little way. But apply it; it will build and grow and serve its purpose. This is rather the scientific group, but added in a manner as to how, why, the sources, the natures of those that present same, are applicable and worth while.
30. (Q) Questions on Group #7: [See 792-1 and 792-2.] Should the meeting place for Group #7 be in Fairmont Park or in Colonial Place?
    (A) As we find, the better would be in Fairmont Park; for the surroundings and the natural tenons of environs would be the better.
31. (Q) General questions on Group Work: Any suggestions for organizing a group in Virginia Beach, and who would be a proper teacher?
    (A) There are many in Virginia Beach that are known, through one channel or another, to be interested in various phases of psychic phenomena. It would be well that there be an invitation by any one of a group, or member of a group, that is well grounded in the purposes and aims, to meet at some particular place, and the purposes and desires and the aims of the presenting of the lessons be presented. And you'll have a group! It'll surprise you, too!
32. (Q) Who would be the proper teacher for this group?
    (A) Mrs. Edgar Cayce would be a very good teacher! [Group #8's number was left open for VB. Groups 9, 10, 11 were formed [See 262-9 Reports]. 4/13/38 Group #8 was formed.]¹
33. (Q) Please give Esther Wynne advice regarding her future activities in this department.
    (A) Keep that thou hast purposed in thine self, to be used as a channel of blessings to thy fellow man. Be not discouraged, nor be afraid; for art thou basing thine activities on the promises He has made from the beginning, that as ye sow so shall ye reap? Though the harvest at present seems scant, though many discouraging things come into thine experience, with work and labor and prayer the harvest will be great.
34. We are through for the present.

    Copy to Esther Wynne
    Copy to Ass'n file
    Copy to Work book

BACKGROUND

1. Subject of Reading 262-61 - "Work:EC".
2. 4/30/34 See 254-73, Par. 11-A re. securing full reading on SFG groups.

REPORTS

1. See Source File Key #262 for all current reports, supplements and professional commentaries re 262-61.
2. The following letter is filed in the Minute Book of the A.R.E., year 1935:
   August 19, 1935
   Miss Esther Wynne 2709 Lafayette Blvd., Norfolk, Virginia
   Dear Miss Wynne:
   One of the principal and continuing objectives of the Association for Research and Enlightenment, Inc., is the enlargement of its realm of activities and usefulness, and by so doing, the making available of the benefits of the work of Mr. Edgar Cayce to an ever increasing number of people.
   At the June meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Association the matter was discussed at length. Many of the members of the Association have evidenced a desire to give of their own time in serving the Association. It was felt that if a way could be evolved of utilizing these proffered services and thus complimenting the work performed by the staff of the Association substantial progress toward the objective would result.
   Accordingly, it was decided to form a number of committees each to be identified with one of the main activities of the Association, and each to have as its chairman one of the active members of the Association.
   One of the committees so decided upon is the Committee of Study Groups. I believe that you are particularly qualified to act as chairman of this committee and sincerely hope that nothing will prevent your accepting such appointment.
   Mr. Hugh Lynn Cayce will advise you in detail of the work of the Committee and what it is hoped will be accomplished by it. He will also advise you of the selection of the other members of the Committee who will be available to assist you.
   Very cordially yours,
   Douglas T. Johnston Chairman of the Board of Trustees

Edgar Cayce Readings © 1971, 1993, 1994, 1995 by the Edgar Cayce Foundation