Edgar Cayce Readings, 1210-2

(Body and enquiring mind, on train between Springfield and N.Y., who seeks information, advice and guidance as to his life and work. Ques.)

TEXT

EC: We have the enquiring mind, [1210]; this in a manner we have had before.
Ready for questions.
(Q) On the MS that I have, is the proposed name "An Outline for Living" o.k., and should such a book be rewritten from the last part of present MS?
(A) An Outline for Living - yes, o.k. And as we find, this may be compiled from the present MS.
As has been indicated and as should be maintained by the body, it is not the proof, not the sensational, but the proof and the sensation should be in or a part of the experience of each individual.
From portions of this MS it may be gained in living any experience that may be called worth while at all, until there is the consciousness in the experience of the individual that the very act of living is the expression of the Creative Forces or God, and thus what the individual does with its opportunities of making that expression in line with his ideal or concept of the God he would worship - it isn't worth while.
(Q) If so, where should it be marketed - is Soskin the logical man?
(A) If this is properly presented, as we find Soskin is very good. Or it may be taken by Brice & Company - or published abroad.
(Q) Should I continue radio talks in Springfield?
(A) As indicated, if they are made popular or popularized. Not so much by that as may be history of individual experiences but popularize them as to how individuals may experience, if they are seeking constructively within themselves. We would continue.
(Q) Who are the seekers referred to and how reach them?
(A) Seekers are those, as referred to - so many hundreds that are discouraged from what they know not, in the dogmatisms of this or that doctrine, cism or ism, and will be reached if the popularizing of same is made to mean YOU - and YOU - and Y O U!
And from same there should be those abilities for the body, the entity, for [1210] to make more and more of a distribution of MS, pamphlets and such sold to those, the listeners, as well as to make same more worth while to others.
Insist on their seeking their own problems to be understood. [GD's note: Above definition of "seekers" noted in 254-91 Reports.]
(Q) Is the proposed connection with Sieber for lectures the proper thing?
(A) This may be or it may not be. This depends upon the very type, the very nature of the lectures themselves. As we find through this channel, though, proper connections would come - rather than these being the final or that as may be said to be the last in same.
Consequently in making the connection, do not let it tie self for too great a period but rather as to that of give and take in same.
(Q) Just how should it be handled?
(A) As just indicated, it should be - the success of the association depending upon the preparations for the presenting of that - and that be as equal basis, see, one dependent upon the other.
(Q) Is my thought regarding finances for Mind and Body-Clinic [under direction of Dr. E. S. Cowles, noted psychiatrist, a proper one, and how should it be handled?
(A) As we find in the present, this would rather need a great deal of cleansing or a great deal more of preparations, but the thought is well - but it would need working out a great deal and a great deal of consideration given to the effect that same would have upon others. The thought is good but it will need dressing up a great deal.
(Q) Is there any of my material marketable now, and if so where?
(A) As we would find, in the manner of the presentations from the programs, in references as may be made, these would be made for a great enlarged distribution that would mean a substantial income for the body.
Or these may be presented or prepared so that in the presenting of the lectures, much of the material may be ready for distribution through the agencies - as this presents itself at the various meetings.
(Q) What is the best bread and butter project for me at the moment?
(A) As has been indicated, through the inference from the radio presentations and preparations of leaflets, folders, data, booklets, for the lecture courses.
(Q) Any other advice?
(A) Keep more to constructive experiences, and not that the individual is to have such an one as Dick, Tom or Harry to be presented in this, that form or manner, but that as indeed was given, "My Spirit beareth witness with thy spirit." Then the concept that the very act of living and association is the expression of the Creative Force or Energy called God.
Keep these before self as well as others. For man may only sow, but the increase - materially, mentally - is the gift of the Creative Forces or God. Consequently, in the experience of each individual - as ye sow, so ye reap.
We are through.
Copy to Self
Copy to Ass'n file

BACKGROUND

See Life Rdg. on 6/29/36.

REPORTS

11/09/36 Letter from Miss [954] who was acting as Dr. [1210]'s volunteer secretary, New York City: "My dear Teacher [EC]: You must wonder that we have made no move to welcome you - but indeed you have been much in our talk and in our thoughts -
"I, especially - perhaps more than these others feel the pressure of time - time which fills up with bread and butter earning duties and with housekeeping chores - and with consulting and helping others with their work - instead of doing my own. And so pressure has kept me away - both from you and from the work I should be doing. Sometimes I get thick throated - in the tiny minute in which it creeps in. Yet human demands are so great. Women know these things better than men.
"But I do want to see you. I want so especially to tell you what the rdgs. have meant to Dr. [1210] - and perhaps they have meant more to me than to him. It so often is easier for somebody else to remind us as things work out - isn't it? His readings are working out with a perfect certainty. I do not refer to the smaller items - where to go with this - what to do about that - although even these are working in the full stream that leads to the open sea. But he will tell you all these things."
1/04/37 Miss [954]'s note: "Today [1210] is taking his book to a publisher he has there a truly great message. It has been a great education to work at it with him."
6/29/37 See general rdg. on reincarnation, by NY Research Group, 5753-2, Par. 27-A, indicating that Dr. [1210] should be used as an example in studying early American incarnations.
7/27/37 See 954-4, Par. 23-A, advising her responsibility and attitude toward Dr. [1210]. See 954-4, Par. 36-A, in re helping [1210]'s daughter. See 954-4, Par. 38-A, in re Dr. [1210]'s and [954]'s past associations and present responsibilities toward one another.
8/10/37 Dr. [1210] sent the N.Y. Research Group's check for subsequent rdg. on reincarnation based on [1210]'s life, and Miss [954] submitted the questions the Group had prepared.
8/24/37 See 1210-3.
5/02/38 HLC's letter from N.Y. to EC: "[1210]'s daughter killed in accident in ... last night. [954] and [1210] both away for funeral. You might write him. Understand he took it very well."
5/12/38 EC's letter to Dr. [1210]: Dear Dr. [1210]-
Have heard from Hugh Lynn and others of the loss you have sustained in the death of you Daughter [See referred to in 954-4, Par. 36-A] - suddenly - while know there is nothing I can say to ease the hurt, just wanted you to know you have our sympathies, and know you realize death is only another phase of God's consciousness - and it is because HE has other work for her to do, is why she is taken so suddenly, let not your mind then dwell on your loss but her gain. For am sure your experiences have taught you this. And know we are praying with you that the comfort of His presence, may keep you at this time. And your job is to keep in that way that you may know that presence at all times. Dwelling then on the thought of the Living Word - for God is God of the living - and now she is clothed in the good done here.
Thanks for all the kindness shown Hugh Lynn, and the advise and council you will give him as he goes about his humble undertakings.
We are counting on your being with us again next month for the congress if possible.
And wishing you all the Peace and Grace possible from living in His presence day by day.
With all good wishes and God's blessings
Sincerely, [signed] Edgar Cayce
5/14/38 Dr. [1210]'s letter to EC:
Dear friend;
Thank you for your wonderful letter. I know and am content.
As for as any help it may be my privilege to render Hugh Lynn - please do not forget that through a chance Life Reading by you - my entire existence was altered and a fuller life made possible.
Am planning to be with you all for conference. Hope to bring my son [1637] and his wife along.
Give my kindest regards to Mrs. Cayce and the good friends at Virginia Beach.
That boy of yours is doing a great work.
Yours [1210]
6/28/38 See personal message in 254-101, Par. 36-A.
7/12/38 He obtained first Life Reading for son, Mr. [1637].
8/10/38 Dr. [1210]'s letter to Hugh Lynn:
... St., New York, N.Y.
Dear Hugh Lynn:
I have gone over the entire set of lessons [A SEARCH FOR GOD lessons - see [262] series, etc.] and am enclosing herewith a suggestion for possible organization. There will be a variable involved in the time necessary element - depending as it does upon the amount of real enthusiasm stirred up in the various district leaders.
It is by no means a new or original method but a combination of Grange organization and life insurance company procedure.
Concerning income have made some tentative suggestions. A dollar of income would have to be broken down somewhat as follows:
50 per cent to Research & Enlightenment 25 per cent to group leaders 15 per cent to district organizers 10 per cent to group supervisor (sectional)
I will be waiting to hear from you regarding the enclosed and sincerely hope that my desire to cooperate with you will meet the approval of the readings.
With kindest regards to your Father and Mother.
Yours sincerely, [1210]
[Esther Wynne's handwriting: Quoting from a reading - The Association should never look to the groups for financial assistance, etc.]
Suggestions for Group Organization for
ASSOCIATION FOR RESEARCH & ENLIGHTENMENT, INC.,
Virginia Beach, Va.
Presented by Dr. [1210] New York City August 10, 1938
LESSONS FROM A HIGHER SOURCE
These lessons are derived from high spiritual sources through psychic or soul contact. As times change, conditions alter. Our requirements expand. We are forced to alter our viewpoints and concepts to meet these moving conditions.
A source of benign intelligence would seem to have foreseen this necessity and furnished us from time to time with a channel of direct communications. Thus the expanding desires and purposes of directing intelligence has found a channel of expression in the psychic, Edgar Cayce, through whom this information comes. It has been tested and found NOT LACKING. For the last 35 years it has proved its value.
The only way the laws can find a source of manifestation is through MAN - through YOU. The whole purpose of psychic development is that man may come to an ever increasing knowledge and realization of the God force within.
PURPOSE FOR OR REASON WHY OF GROUPS
To help the individual to develop the ability of cooperation with his fellow men. In the association in the group the individual is offered an opportunity to clarify his own ideas and reduce them to a workable plan applicable to everyday living.
This opportunity is given in learning how to cooperate with and help others.
Death does not free an entity from the material plane. Life continues in a body composed of matter of a finer substance. While laws that applied to the dense material body no longer are governing factors we cannot say that the entity has thrown off all material law. As the laws of gasses differ from the laws of solids so the astral body laws differ from physical body laws. It, therefore, behooves you to become familiar with the laws in both phases of existence.
Do you desire to be on speaking terms with the cosmic forces - those influences which intensify, magnify, and explain the spiritual life? If individuals saw the visions that are recorded by men of old who walked close with God why cannot YOU develop the same ability? If your soul is to be made one with the Creator it can only be done through knowledge of spiritual laws. You must know the laws which make contentment possible in any realm.
Those qualities which you will carry with you when you leave the earth expression will consist entirely of the mental patterns you are building here and now TODAY. You and you alone can make them constructive.
METHOD OF PROCEDURE OF THE GROUP UNIT
Each group shall be comprised of from three to twelve members with twelve the limit. Each group shall become an individual unit meeting its surroundings and conditions in its own way. The cooperation with other groups being voluntary and for purposes of mutual help. A group is organized for the benefit of its members and their wishes as to manner of organization is the guiding principle. But for the purposes of organizing and launching the group a definite outline of procedure should be presented to the leader until the members have acquired the feeling and purpose of their meetings.
To become a class member $.00 Registration Fee shall be paid. [EW handwriting: No - Group dues shall be 25 cents each member each meeting.] [EW handwriting: No Let all offerings be voluntary.]
Meeting once a week for study gives a present understanding which becomes clouded with the lapse of time between that meeting and the next. Therefore we suggest breaking lessons down into 28 parts - again breaking these into four sections of seven each. This would enable each student to take a 28th part of the material EACH DAY for morning and evening mediation periods. Simple exercises should precede each mediation period.
The student's purpose is to: Perceive truth contained in the presentation. Conceive of its meaning to him - or her. Express that conception in the actions of that day. Check results at the close of that day.
[EW handwriting: One sows another reaps - Results may never be correctly checked by any one individual.]
Each group meeting is to be broken into two periods -
First period - presenting the lesson by the leader.
Second period - personal reports and conclusions on application of lesson principles in personal experiences during the past week.
Each student must try to realize that the three stages of learning are taking in information - digesting it - giving it out. Nothing is yours in knowledge until you can express or give it out. [EW handwriting: Good.]
THE CENTRAL IDEA OF GROUP STUDY
The central idea of group study is to bring to the individual member a realization of the Divine Force. The source of the member's ability to express - mental, spiritual, physical. This can be done by awakening each individual's soul faculties. The stimulation resulting in broadening mental horizons - becoming truly conscious of purpose, pattern, and design. The application of spiritual laws born of a new understanding of psychic (soul) information will bring to each individual a closer relationship with Creative Force.
In this way YOU obtain a practical workable philosophy for everyday living.
The physical is a house or home for the soul during the sojourn of the soul in this physical world.
What a soul does with or to the opportunities that are presented to it in its varied experiences - its associations with others - is but giving expression of those things that are lent to each soul, each mind, each body in its passages through experiences of the earth.
The manner of using these in relationships and activities with his fellow man shows the concept, the awareness of the soul of its relationship to its Maker. "For as ye do it unto these - ye do it unto Me."
REQUIREMENTS FOR GROUP MEMBERSHIP
An earnest desire to know more about life and its purpose - freedom from set opinions - a willingness to test and try the information gained through group study in everyday contact with situations, people, and conditions.
To be worthwhile a system for living must stand the acid test of daily trials and prove itself not wanting.
Each member should therefore gradually obtain a full set of the lessons for personal study as he meets the requirements of each lesson and is fitted to receive the next.
RESULTS THAT HAVE BEEN OBTAINED FROM GROUP WORK
These truths have been found to make you a better Presbyterian, a better Methodist, a better Baptist, Catholic, or Jew - because they are of the essence upon which all doctrinal beliefs have been based.
They are not to be taken with the idea of forcing them on others or to reinforce your argument in their favor. They are to be taken so that your life will become a living demonstration of their basic principles and have so been demonstrated.
They are to be taken so that you may learn to allow (LET) the saving knowledge of Creative Force flowing from the Maker of the Universe to express in your individual experience so that you may become a channel of blessing to your neighbor TODAY.
Not to know only - but to use is our purpose. With the ability to use - to apply - what you have in hand today - here a little, there a little - line upon line, precept upon precept, there will be added to self that which will bring more and more awareness of your true purpose and direction in life at this time.
It is said that by taking thought you cannot add one cubit to your physical stature. But you CAN expand your consciousness, enter into closer communion with Him who promised to meet all those who seek the inner recesses of their hearts. In this inner chamber of your body temple will He meet thee. There may you hear His voice.
Then learn now to hear the inner voice. Let the inner voice direct thy ways - thy coming in and thy going out. If you accept the fact that your body is the temple of the living soul, here then within this temple may you meet your Make and thus become aware of His consciousness.
NATIONAL GROUP ORGANIZATION
The Association for Research & Enlightenment is the source of this information. To distribute this information and organize functioning groups - to extend the work to a national scope - a group supervisor should be appointed.
The supervisor's first duty would be to divide the country into an even number of district areas on the basis of population. Over each of these areas he would secure and train some one interested in the work as a district director.
The district director's purpose would be to organize individual groups in his district of not more than twelve each. To arrange for semi-annual district conventions held in various locations in the district so that all members will find them accessible in rotation.
SECTIONAL CONVENTION - EVERY SIX MONTHS
Reports of group work
Reports of individual experiences
Talks to stimulate interest in the work
Plans for cooperation with existing organizations tending toward broader fields of unification and spiritual education.
[EW handwriting: Too often]
INTER-DISTRICT CONVENTIONS - ONCE A YEAR
Once a year Inter District conventions held in various parts of the country each inter district convention caring for twelve districts. Date not to conflict with any other interdistrict convention. Program similar in pattern to sectional conventions but will include more social contact.
NATIONAL CONVENTION - ONCE EVERY TWO YEARS
To be held at Virginia Beach, Va.
SOURCES OF INCOME
GROUP DUES
LESSON SALES
SPEAKERS' BUREAU
The National organization acting as agent on usual 25 per cent commission
The inter-district sectional or group meeting caring for all expenses including costs of lecture
CIRCULATING LIBRARY
To furnish sectional library with books and material at monthly rental
MONTHLY BULLETIN
To the groups - distributed through district supervisors at a set cost.
BOOKLETS, PAMPHLETS, AND REPORTS
Sold through district supervisors at a set cost.
10/17/38 EC's letter to Dr. [1210]:
Dear Dr. [1210]-
Suspect from your vast experience with things Psychic you know what it means for thirty or forty people to be praying about the same thing at once - or had you ever felt that prayer had any thing to do with the psychic of a body?? well just want you to know I appreciate your cooperation in this direction in meeting with me on Mon, Fri. and Sat. AM and Mon, Tues-Fri and Sat. P.M. Don't think I ever understood before just what it meant in the scripture when it was said "They all came together in ONE accord" some very unusual things are happening it was the unusual for persons to have experiences at time of reading - now it is rather the usual it seems.
Can only say thank you - and it may be possible you would like to have the records of a few of these happenings - would you??
With all good wishes
Sincerely, [signed] Edgar Cayce
12/20/38 His son obtained second Life Reading - 1637-2.
4/21/39 Emergency Physical was requested for Dr. [1210] by Miss [954] - See 1210-5.