The Nature of Mind in the Edgar Cayce Readings

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The Edgar Cayce readings present one of the most comprehensive and profound views of the nature of mind found in modern spiritual literature. Rather than viewing the mind as simply the product of the brain or a collection of thoughts, Cayce describes mind as a living, creative force that connects the physical body, the soul, and the spirit. Mind is the bridge between the seen and the unseen, the finite and the infinite, humanity and God. It is through the mind that the soul experiences physical life, learns its lessons, exercises free will, and ultimately returns to conscious oneness with its Creator. Throughout the readings, mind is never treated as a passive observer of life; it is the active principle that continually interprets, builds, chooses, remembers, and creates.

One of Cayce's earliest definitions establishes the extraordinary role of mind:

"That which is the active force in an animate object; that is the spark, or image of the Maker... Mind is the factor governing the contention... between the physical to the soul, and the soul to the spirit forces... Mind is that which reasons the impressions from the senses... the active principle that governs man." (3744-2)

This definition immediately distinguishes Cayce's philosophy from conventional psychology. Mind is not merely thought or intellect. It is the active force that governs the entire human experience. It continually mediates between body, soul, and spirit, receiving impressions from the physical world while simultaneously remaining capable of responding to higher spiritual realities. Mind is therefore the meeting place where the physical and spiritual dimensions of life become united.

Throughout the readings, Cayce consistently teaches that the brain should never be confused with the mind itself. The brain is only an instrument through which mind expresses itself during earthly life. In one striking statement he says:

"Thy BRAIN is not thy mind; it is that which is used by thy mind!" (826-11)

Elsewhere he explains that:

"Mind, then, may function without a form or body." (262-78)

This is a revolutionary concept. The mind does not originate in the brain, nor does it cease when the body dies. Instead, the brain serves as a physical instrument through which the mind operates while incarnate. The mind existed before birth, functions during earthly life, and continues after physical death because it belongs to a greater reality than the material organism.

Another remarkable statement summarizes the dual nature of mind in only a few words:

"Mind, as we have given, is both material AND spiritual." (792-2)

This single sentence explains much of Cayce's understanding of human nature. Mind participates simultaneously in both worlds. One aspect reaches downward into physical experience through the senses, while another reaches upward toward the soul and spirit. Human beings therefore live at the intersection of two realities. Every thought, decision, and attitude either strengthens the mind's relationship with the physical world or deepens its awareness of spiritual truth.

Mind is repeatedly described as the great builder. Cayce says:

"Mind, then, in God, the Father, is the builder." (262-78)

Just as Divine Mind is the creative force behind the universe, the individual mind becomes the creative force within human experience. The mind builds character, habits, personality, relationships, health, and ultimately the soul itself. Every repeated thought gradually becomes part of one's nature. Nothing remains merely mental. Thoughts eventually become emotions, emotions become actions, actions become habits, habits become character, and character shapes destiny. The mind is therefore continually constructing the life each soul experiences.

Cayce explains that the mind constantly receives impressions through the senses and intelligently organizes them for the development of the individual. He says that the mind "segregates, correlates or divides the impression to the portion needed" to develop the entity toward its divine source (3744-2). Every experience that enters consciousness is examined, interpreted, stored, and integrated according to its usefulness for the soul's growth. Mind is therefore much more than a thinking faculty; it is the organizing intelligence of human experience.

Another important function of mind is awareness itself. Cayce defines mind as:

"That active force that makes for the awareness or consciousness of the activity being in this, that or the other realm." (275-39)

Mind allows consciousness to become aware of whichever level of reality it is presently experiencing. During waking life, awareness is focused primarily through the physical senses. During dreams, meditation, deep prayer, or spiritual illumination, awareness may shift toward the subconscious or superconscious levels. Thus consciousness is not fixed; it moves according to the direction and development of the mind.

The readings divide the mind into three major expressions that together explain the whole range of human consciousness. The conscious mind is the aspect directly connected with earthly existence. Cayce defines it as:

"That that is able to be manifested in the physical plane through one of the senses." (3744-2)

The conscious mind is concerned with observation, reasoning, learning, and responding to the external world. It processes information received through sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. Yet Cayce repeatedly reminds us that this level of awareness represents only a small portion of the mind's total capacity. It is necessary for earthly living, but it cannot by itself comprehend spiritual reality.

Beneath ordinary consciousness lies the subconscious mind, which Cayce describes as:

"That lying between the soul and spirit forces within the entity." (3744-2)

When asked directly what the subconscious mind is, he replied simply:

"An attribute of the soul or mind of the soul." (3744-3)

The subconscious is therefore much more than unconscious memory. It is the mind of the soul itself. It preserves every thought, feeling, action, and experience throughout the soul's journey. Cayce states that the subconscious "never forgets" (5756-4). Every life experience becomes permanently recorded within it, influencing present attitudes and future development. Because of this, dreams, meditation, prayer, intuition, habits, and repeated thoughts become extremely significant, for they all shape the subconscious and gradually transform the soul.

The subconscious is also closely related to the universal consciousness. Cayce explains that suggestions reaching the subconscious receive "their reflection or reaction from the universal forces or mind or superconscious forces" (3744-3). Elsewhere he goes even further, stating that "when we speak of subconscious forces and universal forces we are speaking of one and the same" (900-359). This remarkable statement suggests that the deepest levels of the human mind are not isolated but participate in a universal field of consciousness shared with the Creative Forces themselves.

The highest level of mind is the superconscious. Cayce defines it as:

"The superconscious mind being that of the spiritual entity." (900-31)

He further explains:

"The super-conscious [is] the divide, that one-ness lying between the soul and the spirit force... Not of earth forces at all, only awakened with the spiritual indwelling." (900-21)

The superconscious represents direct contact with Divine reality. Inspiration, revelation, profound intuition, genuine spiritual guidance, and communion with God all arise from this level. It is not developed primarily through intellectual study but through spiritual living, meditation, prayer, and the continual application of divine ideals in daily life. The superconscious becomes increasingly active as the conscious and subconscious minds become harmonized with spiritual purpose.

One of the most misunderstood statements in the readings concerns the relationship between mind and will. Cayce says:

"Mind is the factor that is in direct opposition of will." (3744-2)

He later explains:

"The will [is] that active principle against which such manifestations respond." (900-21)

Mind and will are not enemies but complementary powers. Mind continually presents ideas, impressions, memories, emotions, and possibilities. Will determines which of these will be accepted, acted upon, or rejected. In other words, mind provides the possibilities while will chooses the direction. Human freedom lies not in creating thoughts but in deciding which thoughts will govern life. This explains why Cayce repeatedly emphasizes the importance of establishing a spiritual ideal. When will consistently directs the mind toward God, the entire individual gradually becomes transformed.

Throughout the readings Cayce continually emphasizes the creative power of thought. Thoughts are never considered temporary mental events. They are living creative forces that shape both the present life and the soul's future. One of his most famous statements declares:

"Thoughts are deeds."

He continues:

"What one thinks continually, they become; what one cherishes in their heart and mind they make a part of the pulsation of their heart, through their own blood cells, and build in their own physical, that which its spirit and soul must feed upon." (3744-5)

This teaching extends far beyond positive thinking. Every repeated thought gradually influences the nervous system, the glands, emotions, habits, physical health, and the permanent character of the soul. Thoughts eventually become part of the soul body itself. Cayce explains elsewhere that after death the soul body is "constituted with those atoms of thought (that are mind)" (5756-4). Thus thought literally builds the substance through which the soul continues its existence beyond earthly life.

For this reason, Cayce repeatedly urges the study of self. He says:

"The study of the subconscious, subliminal, psychic, soul forces, is and should be the great study for the human family... for through self man will understand its Maker." (3744-5)

He concludes with the biblical exhortation:

"In all thy getting, get understanding."

and

"Study those and KNOW THYSELF." (3744-5)

The purpose of understanding the mind is therefore not merely intellectual knowledge but spiritual transformation. As individuals understand the workings of their own mind, they begin to understand the relationship between body, soul, spirit, and God.

Ultimately, the Edgar Cayce readings present the mind as far more than a faculty of thought. It is the active, creative principle through which the soul experiences existence. It connects the physical body with the spiritual world, receives impressions through the conscious mind, preserves experience within the subconscious, and opens the individual to Divine guidance through the superconscious. Mind continually builds character, shapes the body, records every experience, and participates in the unfolding development of the soul. Directed by free will and inspired by a spiritual ideal, the mind becomes the instrument through which the image of the Creator is gradually restored within every individual. In Cayce's philosophy, understanding the nature of mind is therefore essential to understanding human nature itself, for mind is the bridge by which the soul fulfills its eternal journey back to conscious oneness with God.

Soul Development Through Love

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The Edgar Cayce readings consistently teach that love is the highest expression of the soul and the greatest force in spiritual development.

Love is not presented merely as an emotion, an attraction, or a feeling of affection toward others. Rather, it is the very nature of God working through the soul. According to Cayce, the purpose of every lifetime is to gradually learn how to express this divine love in thought, word, and deed. Every relationship, every difficulty, every disappointment, and every opportunity becomes part of the soul's education in learning to love more perfectly. Spiritual growth, therefore, is measured not by how much knowledge we possess, nor by unusual spiritual experiences, but by the degree to which love governs our lives.

One reading beautifully summarizes this principle with remarkable simplicity: "In love's influence, then, will the entity gain the more." (2856-1) Every gain of the soul ultimately comes through love. Intelligence may increase, abilities may develop, and circumstances may change, but unless these are directed by love, they contribute little to the soul's eternal progress. Love is the atmosphere in which the soul grows.

Cayce explains that humanity was never created merely to seek personal success, power, or self-glorification. Instead, every soul was created to become consciously one with its Creator. He says we were made "that they might be one with Him in the whole scheme of universal... Not to be moved as powers for self's aggrandizement, but as for self's understanding." (2856-1) As the soul grows in love, it gradually awakens to this unity with God. Love dissolves the illusion of separation and reveals that our true purpose is not simply to live for ourselves but to participate in God's creative work through lives of service.

The readings also teach that love naturally produces every other spiritual virtue. Cayce declares with great emphasis, "Love—LOVE—as manifested in hope, faith, charity, kindness, patience—THESE be the fruit of the Spirit of God!" (2156-2) Hope, faith, kindness, patience, charity, forgiveness, compassion, and gentleness are not isolated virtues to be pursued separately. They are all different expressions of one divine force. As love deepens within the soul, these qualities begin to appear naturally in daily life. Spiritual maturity is therefore not measured by religious activity but by the increasing presence of these fruits in our character.

Throughout the readings, Cayce repeatedly asks us to examine what real love actually is. Quoting almost directly from the Apostle Paul, he asks, "Have ye either of you analyzed what real love is? It vaunteth not itself; it thinketh no evil; it endureth ALL things!" (1650-2; 1523-6) This is a love that is humble rather than proud, forgiving rather than resentful, patient rather than demanding. Cayce explains that whenever material interests, selfish ambitions, or personal pride become barriers between people, the greatest injury is often done to the soul itself. Condemning another ultimately becomes "condemnation upon SELF," and therefore forgiveness becomes one of the greatest expressions of spiritual maturity.

Love also transforms the one who gives it. Cayce writes, "Love others, not merely because they love thee but because it brings harmony and hope into thy own experience." (1562-1) This reveals an important spiritual law. Loving others is not simply for their benefit; it changes us. Every act of kindness softens the heart. Every expression of patience strengthens character. Every act of forgiveness removes another layer of bitterness. In serving others through love, we ourselves become more like the Creator whose nature is love.

Many of Cayce's life readings describe love as the soul's greatest protection during difficult experiences. Speaking of one individual, he says, "The love expressed in the Creative Force has so oft been the saving grace... Hence tolerance and patience have been and are those influences that are as ruling forces." (1032-1) Even when surrounded by doubts, fears, disappointments, and hardships, love preserves the inner life of the soul. It enables ordinary duties to become opportunities for joyful service rather than burdens to be endured. Instead of asking, "What must I do?" the loving soul begins asking, "How may I reveal God's love through what I do?"

One of the clearest statements concerning the purpose of earthly life appears in Reading 499-2. Cayce says, "To express love in thine activities to thy neighbor is the greater service that a soul may give in this mundane sphere." (499-2) This is a profound definition of spiritual success. Our greatest achievement is not measured by wealth, influence, education, or recognition, but by how much divine love flows through our ordinary daily relationships. Every conversation, every decision, every act of service becomes part of the soul's eternal development.

The readings also remind us that genuine love respects freedom. When asked how others could best help someone spiritually, Cayce replied that they should show patience, compassion, and loving kindness, "For, each soul must find its Maker... and may not be told by outside influences." (452-7) Love never forces another person's spiritual growth. It encourages, supports, and inspires, but it never dominates or controls. Every soul must freely choose its own relationship with God.

Again and again Cayce returns to Paul's great declaration: "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not love, I am nothing." (443-1) Spiritual knowledge, psychic ability, intellectual brilliance, or even religious devotion have little eternal value unless they are inspired by love. Cayce simply concludes, "Love, then, is the greater blessing." (443-1)

One reading describes an advanced soul whose judgement is always "tempered by mercy and the love influence," possessing "love, beauty, patience" as enduring qualities of character. (441-1) This presents a beautiful picture of spiritual maturity. Love does not weaken wisdom; rather, it perfects it. Judgement becomes balanced by mercy, truth by compassion, and strength by gentleness. Such a soul reflects the very character of Christ.

Perhaps the greatest summary of Cayce's teaching on love appears in Reading 349-1. After describing the soul's journey through many experiences, he declares, "LOVE is the key of earth and Heaven; for though there be many lands, many joys, many blessings, without love these are as nothing... Love suffereth long, is kind; believeth all things, endureth all things... and maketh the soul One with Him." (349-1) This single statement captures the entire purpose of soul development. Love unlocks both earthly happiness and heavenly life. It is the force that brings peace instead of conflict, harmony instead of division, and ultimately unites the individual soul with its Creator.

Even when discussing human sexuality, Cayce places love at the center. He teaches that intimate relationships should never exist merely for physical satisfaction but should arise naturally from two souls responding to one another. "The relations in sexual life should be the outcome... of the answering of soul to soul." (272-7) He further states, "Love and God are One." (272-7) Every human relationship reaches its highest purpose when it reflects this divine reality.

Finally, someone asked one of the simplest and most profound questions found anywhere in the readings: "How can I know about love?" Cayce answered, "As one knows God... feeding upon the fruits of the spirit come to know that which is love." (272-7) Love cannot simply be studied intellectually. It is discovered through knowing God personally and allowing His Spirit to reshape the heart. As we grow closer to God, we naturally become more patient, more forgiving, more compassionate, more humble, and more willing to serve others.

Taken together, these readings present a remarkably consistent picture of soul development. Love is both the path and the destination of spiritual growth. It is the highest expression of the soul because it is the very nature of God. Every incarnation provides new opportunities to replace selfishness with selflessness, judgement with mercy, fear with trust, and pride with humility. The soul that learns to love increasingly reflects the character of Christ, and in doing so fulfills its eternal purpose. As Cayce so beautifully declares, "LOVE is the key of earth and Heaven," and through that love the soul is gradually made "One with Him." (349-1)

EDGAR CAYCE READINGS

EDGAR CAYCE READING 4038-1

The entity gained, though, for it controlled by love and by might; but remember vengeance belongeth to the Lord and not to an individual human. For individuals in the earth are prone to allow selfishness to control.

EDGAR CAYCE READING 2856-1

Keep self in attunement with that that will lift up, direct to the understanding of the relationships of the created to the Creator; that, not as pawns were they made, but that they might be one with Him in the whole scheme of universal and the universal forces in THEIR application. Not to be moved as powers for self's aggrandizement, but as for self's UNDERSTANDING.

In love's influence, then, will the entity gain the more.

EDGAR CAYCE READING 2713-5

One, we find, that in Venus finds that in love much may be accomplished, and THIS the developing influence in the life, for in all the experiences - as we find - these have come, or will come to a culmination in this present experience, and the entity finds self capable - through the love as may be manifested in an individual life - to express self, even through the occult - as is termed - to know the self-consciousness of the presence of divine aid and help in this present experience. Seek ye to know that.

EDGAR CAYCE READING 2156-2

Love - LOVE - as manifested in hope, faith, charity, kindness, patience, - THESE be the fruit of the Spirit of God!

EDGAR CAYCE READING 1650-2

For, have ye either of you analyzed what real love is?

It vaunteth not itself; it thinketh no evil; it endureth ALL things!

And this IS the purpose, this IS the basis for that attraction one to another.

If material things then are allowed to become barriers, in the manners of expressing this influence, then the condemning of either by the other is condemnation upon SELF - and must be MET in self!

Study then to show thyself approved unto GOD! Be forgiving as ye would be forgiven.

EDGAR CAYCE READING 1562-1

Love others, not merely because they love thee but because it brings harmony and hope into thy own experience.

EDGAR CAYCE READING 1523-6

For, have ye either of you analyzed what real love is?

It vaunteth not itself; it thinketh no evil; it endureth ALL things!

And this IS the purpose, this IS the basis for that attraction one to another.

If material things then are allowed to become barriers, in the manners of expressing this influence, then the condemning of either by the other is condemnation upon SELF - and must be MET in self!

Study then to show thyself approved unto GOD!

EDGAR CAYCE READING 1032-1

In the expressions then from the astrological aspects in the experience of the entity, we will find these are rather a variation from that which would ordinarily be as the interpretation of same. For not only in those influences about the earth, about the earth has the entity resided - but in Venus; the love influence that has made, does make for the beauty and strength and harmony in the inmost recesses of the entity's experience - even under trials and tribulations from without, even from those expressions where there were given those activities that made for doubts and fears in the purposes of individuals' activities, there has ever been the love for the fellow man. For that love expressed in the Creative Force has so oft been the saving grace, as it were, in the experience of the entity.

Hence tolerance and patience have been and are those influences that are as ruling forces in the activities of the entity in the present. Also those influences may be said to have been and to be an expression in activities when brought to materiality; as holding an expression in activities when brought to materiality; as holding ever to an ideal that has been and is as a guiding star in the innate influences of the entity's inner being.

And when there have arisen and do arise those things that to others become duties and obligations from the moral experiences of the earth, the ENTITY has turned and does turn to same rather with the attitude or the purpose that the love of the Creative Forces - through the expressions of same - might be made manifest. Then, this makes the obligations or duties (as considered in the minds of some) become rather as a loving experience; as the expression of self in relationships to individuals, causes, purposes that influence groups and even masses of peoples.

EDGAR CAYCE READING 499-2

(Q) Why do I react so strongly and am so disturbed by anything which is artificial, whether concrete or otherwise?

(A) As described, this is from the experiences in the earth where the falsifying - or the activities with those in the individual's experience - brought innately the dread of finding that it thinks the most of with feet of clay.

May the entity then in its own development find, and know through those things that have been given here, that in the study and in the application of same in the present experience may the entity come to know self better and in whom and in what it may believe. Seek; for only the seeker may find. Do not lose confidence in self. Know in what thou hast believed, and if it does not answer to that thou hast set as thine ideal - know it will turn to but clay, and thus only reach the satisfying of cravings. But let thine heart, thine mind, thine soul, be joyous in that thou hast gained in thine experience, that to express love in thine activities to thy neighbor is the greater service that a soul may give in this mundane sphere.

EDGAR CAYCE READING 452-7

(Q) How can those associated with the body be of the most help to him?

(A) In meeting every association, those things that bear the fruits of the spirit; being patient, being compassionate, and being loving, being in the ability or position that there is ever the readiness to assist when asked; but not impelling self upon that which must be found in self. For, each soul must find its Maker, as each soul must find its mate - and may not be told by outside influences; only that which is aidful in keeping in sincerity and in consistency.

EDGAR CAYCE READING 443-1

(Q) What is meant by the title being written clearly?

(A) That many of those things necessary have been completed in earth's experiences in the entity's soul development. Has it not been given that the entity has learned tolerance and love? And it has been well said, "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not love, I am nothing." Love, then, is the greater blessing. TRULY may it be said in the experience of any soul in the earth. The entity, then, is both tolerant and LOVELY in the expression of self.

Seek, then through self, that the angels that have been given charge concerning thine activities may guard, guide and keep thee well.

EDGAR CAYCE READING 441-1

First, the greater influence is from Venus, with Mercury, making for a peculiar type of reaction in many of the mental influences in the astrological aspects of an entity. For, this double influence as much as may be given from that accredited to such planetary influences makes for the mental equipment or experience of an entity. There are the abilities in the entity of a high mental development with judgements - though the judgements are good, they are often tempered by mercy and the love influence; that is, the essence of love, in patience, and making for those associations in friendships that become as ones well chosen by the mental abilities, the mental attributes of the associates of the entity. For, the entity rather chooses its friends than friends choosing the entity. Not that the entity appears, acts, or is offish in activity, but rather that there is the tempering of judgement in associations of business acumen; and that in self there is the love, beauty, patience, or those attributes that go to make up beauty in its holiness. For, Beauty IS that as it should be in its associations with the minds or mental abilities of the entity. In the sojourns much was gained in the temperament of self.

EDGAR CAYCE READING 349-1

In the one before this we find in the Egyptian country, when the rule was changed from that of the service to the physical to the spiritual. The entity then among those of the maidens to the temple service, [Ra-Ta period] and the entity gained and lost in that period, through that achievement to the inner courts of the attendants. Then in the name Csopia, and the urge as is seen - the inner feeling of the supremacy of the Spirit, should the entity gain a consciousness or knowledge of same. This being, then, that so often the entity drowns in the earthly urges. The entity needs, then, gain the better control of self, through the will's forces, knowing first that the desires of the heart, when made in keeping with the Giver of all good and perfect gifts, give peace, quiet and contentment, which brings happiness; finding self then in that way, for, as has been given, "Seek ye first the ways of the Lord. THEN, all these things shall be added unto you." In the service then, as has been given, will this be found to be the greater work, the greater ability, of the entity. Then keep that first and foremost, and the joy, the blessings, the peace, that passeth all understanding, will be in that way, that manner, that gives joy in earth, satisfaction in life, the home in the hereafter; for in Him is Light, and the Light shineth and giveth peace and harmony in the life in the earth's plane, and to be in ANY position contrary-wise with those laws brings distrust, selfishness, unsatisfactory relations, unsatisfactory conditions; for LOVE is the key of earth and Heaven; for though there be many lands, many joys, many blessings, without love these are as nothing, for "Love suffereth long, is kind; believeth all things, endureth all things; vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up," and endureth through the entire life in earth and maketh the soul One with Him.

EDGAR CAYCE READING 272-7

(Q) How should love and the sexual life properly function?

(A) This, to give even a summary dissertation, would require a great deal of time and space.

In a few words, as we have indicated, the material things (or those in a three-dimensional world) are the shadow or the reflection of those in the spiritual life. Then, as God or the Creative Influence is the source of all things, the second law in spiritual life, in mental life, in material life, is preservation of self and the continuation of likes, or propagation, in sexual intercourse or life.

Hence, in their very basic forces, the relations in sexual life should be the outcome - not the purpose of, but the outcome of the answering of soul to soul in their associations and relations. And the act, or the associations in this nature, should be the result.

Hence these questions should be often weighed well, remembering that God, or Love (for it is One), looketh on the heart rather than the outward appearances. And that there having been set laws, by associations and relations in the material life (which are again shadows of the associations for which man in a material form was brought into being, to become a companion of the Father), and that morality, virtue, understanding, truth, love, are those influences that make for judgements of those that view the activities of individuals in the material life and judge according to those rules that govern such relationships, then it behooves - and becomes necessary - that there be the adherence to such regulations, that thy good be not evil-spoken of.

For, in the understandings, know that Love and God are One; that relations in the sexual life are the manifestations in the mental attributes of each as to an expression of that that becomes manifested in the experience of each so concerned.

For, unless such associations become on such a basis, they become vile in the experience of those that join in such relations.

...

(Q) How can I know about love?

(A) As one knows God and His associations with man (and this means woman [EC pronounced this wo-man]), so may one feeding upon the fruits of the spirit come to know that which is love.