Reading 254-93

TEXT OF READING 254-93

Text

Date: 2/15/1937 Sex: M ReadingID: 1231

This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 15th day of February, 1937, in accordance with request made by the Manager of the Ass”n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc.

[Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Hugh Lynn Cayce, Manager.]

Time of Reading 11:40 to 12:00 A. M.

1. GC: You will have before you the Ass’n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc., and the program prepared for 1937, discussed at the meeting of the Board of Trustees in New York City on February 2, 1937, and explained in a letter to go out to all members, a copy of which I hold in my hand. You will comment on this program and its explanation and advise the Manager, present in this room, regarding the work which will be asked. [See 1/37 A.R.E. Bulletin [under 254-93 Reports] presenting the program.]

2. EC: Yes, we have the Association for Research & Enlightenment, Inc.; its purposes, its aims, and the letter regarding the program. This as we find is very good.

3. As has been given, this coming year or this present year - as would be termed - must be a period, in the earlier and the central portion, of preparation for the larger opportunities of the Association.

4. The plan or the idea is very good. Just so there isn’t the stress or the feeling given that it is an exclusive organization but inclusive of those who honestly, sincerely, seek to know the better relationships of selves to Creative Forces and their fellow man.

5. It should be exclusive in this; that no one is included until there is a sincere seeking and not merely that of an excited curiosity or a feeling of expectancy of the unreal. For the reality of man should be a closer walk with his Maker.

6. To be sure, as in counsel for the Manager, with the program for the interested or subscribing Members, there is carried a greater obligation for the definite data. And this as we find has been only fairly well planned. Remember that those interested will seek more and more to know what the information or Reading has said upon any given subject.

7. In the Research Readings and Research Papers, make these of timely conditions. Make these of those problems that are a part of the economic conditions in the peoples’ experiences. Not as political, not as even local - that is, any given proposition - but of the broader sense; that is in harmony with the greater program which has been oft given, “I AM MY BROTHER’S KEEPER!”

8. USE that as given, refer to the various experiences that have presented this. For it is a program that will never grow old.

9. Not that the Association or any of its Members would seek to do any spectacular or out of even the ordinary that should be expected of a sincere seeker to know God’s ways with man. Not any field that has not been promised even by Jesus, who manifested the CHRIST-SPIRIT in the earth.

10. This should be kept as the character of data. To be sure, occasionally - two to three periods would be given to individual Case Reports, but the greater field is the spirituality that may be aroused in the hearts and minds of men everywhere.

11. Ready for questions.

12. (Q) Would it be advisable to enclose with this letter of explanation, signed by Mr. Johnston as Chairman of the Board, a brief personal letter from Mr. Edgar Cayce calling the attention of the Members to the importance of considering carefully the 1937 program? (A) This as we find would be quite advisable.

13. (Q) Please give such suggestions as may be helpful in preparing an effective letter of this character. (A) As this; though in the words of those who seek to send same:

As a personal favor you are asked to consider carefully the program as set forth in the enclosed from the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Association for Research & Enlightenment, Inc.; that there may be a united effort on the part of all Members who have had or who feel an interest in the undertaking. Yours truly, or Sincerely, or Affectionately.

14. (Q) Please comment on the action of the Board relative to the election of Messrs. Milton W. Harrison and Dale Parker as Trustees. (A) There is little comment to be made. The sincerity of the individuals in the undertaking will be spoken rather in the deeds they do. For more and more must it be known and felt by Trustees that there is WORK TO BE DONE, and not a mere sham or form!

15. (Q) It has been suggested that one or more periods during the summer be planned to allow members to attend a course for preparing Study Group Leaders and Regional Representatives. Several questions arise especially relative to the effect on the 1937 Congress of such a plan. (A) Rather would there be the referring to that which has already been given as to how Regional Representatives are to be chosen; also the manner and the character of presenting to those who would be Teachers the program and phases of activity of the Association.

We would not, at the present, suggest even that such periods be attempted - at this season or year; but rather that the program of the Association include the presenting of the work of the Association and let the speakers be either physicians, business men, those of the Management or those concerning the activities of the Association, so that it may be presented from that particular angle at this time.

IF this then arouses in the minds of those who are interested in this phase the desire for such a period, then there may be chosen a season in August or September for such a course to be presented.

But, as has been given, let such an approach come from rather those who seek. For unless they seek to be a channel, how much channel can you make them? Either a ditch or a trough or a rut; but these are not growing things. [See Source File Key #262 for Study Group Manual in re 262-100.]

16. (Q) Please comment on the plan to secure groups of Members sponsoring series of Readings on subjects in which they are personally interested, for which they submit questions and obtain copies; such Readings to be planned and scheduled ahead of time on subjects of general interest. (A) This has been commented upon rather at length. Again we would give, there are individuals who may be chosen by the knowledge of their interest in subjects that may be presented for suggestion or for enlightenment upon same. These may be grouped by the sending of material or questionnaires respecting same. This would be a very advisable move and would create gradually an interest that would be far-reaching; PROVIDED, as has been given, these subjects are such that those seeking when given information can do something about it!

We may choose even here as we find quite a new or different field or approach, and this IS one as we would find worthy of consideration - a ministerial group.

17. (Q) Please recommend a series of subjects on which general information may be given through this channel that would prove of interest and help.

(A) Consider just what has been given. Let the subjects be chosen rather by the varied characters of groups, you see. And let it be distinctly understood by the questionnaire that those choosing subjects are in the position, or feel they are at least, and will make an effort to do something ABOUT what is given; rather than just merely having information.

For as has been given, to have knowledge and not apply it, it becomes sin. What has thy lesson of Knowledge taught thee? What is the lesson of Wisdom to teach thee? These are principles. An in thy questionnaire these to be sure are understood to be questions whether this channel may offer even concrete data, but unless those who are seeking are first convinced and are willing to apply, do they go very far?

What brought healing of body or mind to those to whom the Master spoke?

The willingness to put into practice the counsel and truth given, did it not?

Ye cannot choose a better ensample.

18. We are through for the present.

Reports

Reports & Follow-up

R1. 5/29/37 See 165-22, Par. 17-A saying A.R.E. activities primarily are for teaching, training for individual service or soul development for individuals.

R2. 5/25/37 See HLC’s letter to Mrs. E. O. Brown, Sec’ty of N.Y. Research Group studying reincarnation, sending data, etc.

R3. 5/28/37 See HLC’s letter to Mrs. E. O. Brown sending data, etc.

R4. 7/13/37 See HLC’s letter to Mrs. E. O. Brown sending copies of EC reading 5753-2 on reincarnation secured by N.Y. Research Group.

R5. 1/37 Association Bulletin

VOL. V, No. 5

B U L L E T I N

ASSOCIATION FOR RESEARCH AND ENLIGHTENMENT, INC.,

Virginia Beach, Virginia

“Man’s search for Truth is his search for God.”

THE 1937 PROGRAM

The 1937 Program of the Association for Research and Enlightenment, Incorporated, adopted at a recent meeting of the Board of Trustees, represents a step forward in unifying and improving the services being rendered through studying and presenting the psychic work of Edgar Cayce. Recognizing that the central interest of the work is the readings given by Mr. Cayce, this program presents very simply the needs of the organization, and methods for meeting those needs that will give every individual who has a sincere interest in the work opportunities for sharing responsibility in achieving definite, practical goals.

Let us consider the major points of this program from your viewpoint as a member. You logically ask the question, “Just what will this unified program mean to me?”

Membership Privileges

There has been no change in the Associate Membership. This type of membership is offered to those who approach the work for the first time, who are seeking a reading for themselves or members of their families. Such individuals secure the regular first Physical Reading or Life Reading and the Monthly Bulletin for one year. After they have had some experience with the readings they are given the opportunity to become Active Members if they so desire.

You are not such an individual. You have had readings for yourself or members of your family. You may know Mr. Cayce personally, or perhaps you know him through his letters. You may know of a number of individuals who have been helped through following Mr. Cayce’s readings. Perhaps, you are reading some of the numerous books and magazine articles now being printed on psychic subjects, and recognize more clearly the deeper significance of Mr. Cayce’s psychic readings.

It is your cooperation that is needed in order to carry out the 1937 Program.

Under this program expansion will take place in two directions: (1) Readings; (2) Publications. Let us consider each of these in turn, observing how this expansion will affect you.

(1) There has been a growing need for more effective sponsorship of charity readings. No one is ever refused a reading because of inability to pay the membership fees. The same time and consideration is given the individual who is able to contribute the postage necessary to carry the reading as to the person contributing the full membership fee or more. Need not money is the measuring rod.

Through the general system of sponsorship that is proposed you will be able to render individual services of a most unique character, and at the same time contribute toward the whole program of the Association. You will receive copies of the individual case readings which you sponsor and will therefore be interested in the reports.

Besides the individual sponsored readings there is a pressing need for more general research readings. As has been pointed out the Association is largely dependent for its income, at present, upon readings. Though the need for and interest in the general readings are apparent a reasonable income must be assured.

Your sponsorship of readings on such subjects as the following will not only provide interesting material for publication but ultimately be of value to perhaps thousands, when at present we are reaching only hundreds each year: Studies of Serious Ailments of Mankind, such as, Tuberculosis, Cancer, Epilepsy, etc.; Historical Studies; Studies of Laws Governing Psychic Phenomena; Economic Studies; Etc.

As soon as the extent of the sponsorship of this type of reading has been indicated you will be given an opportunity to assist in planning the series in which you are interested and will receive copies of such readings.

It is believed that this program will make it possible to plan ahead for several months readings that may prove of great importance. It will interest many to know that the cooperation of outstanding psychologists and psychic research workers in this country has been secured in planning and arranging for many of these research readings.

(2) The second phase of the expansion under the 1937 program will be an important step forward in both the research and enlightenment activities. Our publication program has been seriously limited and while the steps being taken this year can not be considered in any sense ultimate goals they represent substantial progress.

For the moderate twelve dollar Active Membership fee you will receive the publications outlined on the Publication Program sheet, including, as you know, the new monthly Bulletin, Monthly Research papers and six printed booklets in 1937.

Besides these regular publications a number of pamphlets and papers explaining various phases of the work will be made available for general distribution. Most important of these are the two booklets now in the hands of printers: Experiences of Edgar Cayce, and The Program and Work of the Association. As an Active Member you will receive copies of such pamphlets and be given the opportunity to distribute copies to those whom you believe may be interested.

All of us can not give time and energy in the same proportion to the work of the Association. Each individual must contribute as he is able. Some can give time for group work, another may be in a position to collect clippings and books on psychic subjects for the library. Other individuals may find the time to carry on personal experiments. Many persons will want to take some part of their time to talk to others about the work, distribute literature, and secure readings for needy cases, each member may give of his time and means in proportion to his insight into the Ideal and Purposes of the work as a whole. Thus sharing the responsibilities we may accomplish much good.

As an organization we have an important work before us. Our contribution to the advancement of human knowledge is limited only by our will to cooperate. Our program is based upon facts and results. We are studying and presenting the work of a great psychic; with the readings we may indeed ask ourselves, “What will we do with this man?”

LIBRARY

With the increased activities of the Association it becomes more and more important that we have a well stocked library on psychic subjects. The responses to our request for donations to the library have been most gratifying but there are still large gaps on our shelves.

Many of you have intended stopping in a book store to look over the volumes on psychic subjects, but have just put it off. Let us remind you again that many books that would be of real value in our library for reference purposes may be secured very reasonably. Titles by James, Lodge, Doyle, Carrington, Myers would be most acceptable, as well as many of the later works on the general subject.

Of great importance are the Proceedings published by both the British and American Societies for Psychical Research. The Association has just recently been given the opportunity to purchase at a very moderate figure a good part of the volumes published by both of these Societies. At present we are not in a position to take advantage of this offer. Any individual who may be interested in assisting should address the Manager at once.

RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

During the coming year Active Members of the Association will be called upon to take part in and receive reports on a number of specific research activities. The following outline will furnish the basis for the first steps:

1. With the February Bulletin there will go out blanks requesting all Members to record and return to this office reports on personal psychic experiences. To be included among these will be examples of telepathy, unusual dreams, impressions of the dying, personal clairvoyance or clairaudience. It is hoped that each member will respond to this request and give attention to reporting their experiences in detail.

2. For the past few weeks there has been meeting in Norfolk, Virginia, a small group of Association members devoting time to simple psychic experiments. It is too early to make statements regarding the results, but we may say here that they have been highly satisfactory. A regular period is given over in each meeting to calling twenty-five cards marked with symbols similar to these used by Dr. J. B. Rhine of Duke University. Preliminary studies are being made of readings giving suggestions for such experiments. Later it is hoped to extend the experiments to distance telepathy, psychometry, and simple clairvoyance.

3. Within the next few months a series of case studies will be undertaken under the direction of several prominent psychologists in New York City. The results will be presented in future research papers.

4. Members of one of the Norfolk Study Groups have for several months been making a careful study of the Book of Revelation. A series of readings is now in progress in which numerous questions are being answered and helpful explanations given. Many consider the information being given in these readings the most interesting and helpful ever given by Mr. Cayce of a general nature. The material is being assembled for a research paper and for lecture notes.

5. The following quotation from a reading on the Association will give some indication of the direction of much of the research activity in the coming year.

“In the Research Readings and Research Papers, make these of timely conditions. Make these of those problems that are a part of the economic conditions in the peoples’ experiences. Not as political, not as even local…that is, any given proposition…but of the broader sense; that is in harmony with the greater program which has oft been given, ‘I AM MY BROTHER’S KEEPER!’” [254-93]

Background

Background

None.

Mentioned Entities

A.R.E. (Association for Research and Enlightenment), Jesus Christ, Purpose, Clairvoyance, Ideal, New York City, Reincarnation, Telepathy, Virginia Beach, Creative Forces, Dreams, England, Gertrude Cayce, Gladys Davis, Healing, Hugh Lynn Cayce, Milton Harrison, Revelation (Book), Search for God Study Groups, Soul

Source: The Complete Edgar Cayce Readings, A.R.E. CD-ROM (2006). Reading 254-93, ReadingID 1231.