A.R.E. Meeting for 6/25/12

Leader: Eric
Reader: Eric

We completed the first chapter in the SFG book on Meditation. Next week we will begin the chapter on Cooperation.

The experiment for the following week is:

Use what we learned from the John Van Auken Meditation Techniques DVD to improve upon our own techniques during the week.

Who is the Author of your Beliefs?

Throughout the Cayce readings, he tells us that we need to be not only aware of what our beliefs are, but where they came from. It appears that most of the time this question is asked in relation to an ideal.

As we decide what our opinions are on societal issues like the death penalty, abortion, gay marriage, or justifying our religious faith, we are advised to understand whether our beliefs are spiritually-based or ego-based (simply to make us feel good or important). If the basis is spiritual, they are constructive.

 This advice on knowing the source of beliefs is in many of the readings, but here are a few:

Reading 2002-1:

21. Study then thine own self, in relationship to that thou dost set as thine ideal. Know in WHOM as well as in what ye believe. When ye say, when ye give expression as to a belief or a conviction, know WHO is the author of same and as to whether that author has in his own experience made same practical in a material world, - and if it is constructive.

Reading 2995-1:

6. Hence the first injunction to the entity is to analyze self. What does the mind of this entity hold as its ideal in the spiritual world? What is the source of the entity's information? Who is the author of same? Is the author of thy faith, of thy belief, able to keep that ye commit unto it against any experience, be it spiritual, mental or material? Whoever is the author must himself have experienced spiritual, mental and material life. This must of itself, then, be the author of life, it must be the builder of mind as well as of material things.

Reading 254-101:

3. As has been so oft indicated for all, first know in what and in Whom you have believed. When you say you believe this or that, know Who is the author, Who is the finisher of same.
4. And unless its source is of such a nature that it is in keeping with Him that is the Author of Life itself, reject same! For these must be as the principles of Life itself!

Reading 303-39:

5. This does not necessarily mean to become indifferent, but in the physical and in the mental and in the spiritual, there is required first the SURETY within self. Know not only what ye believe but Who is the author of same; not because, merely, this or that may have been said by this or that person, but - according to the true spiritual law - because "My Spirit beareth witness with thy spirit - where two shall agree as concerning anything, they shall ask my Father in heaven and He will do it, that I may be glorified."

Reading 1499-1:

13. Hence all the more there is the necessity that the entity within self find what is its ideal. Not only in what it may believe, as for moral, religious, social or business associations and activities, but as to WHO is the author of such a choice. Is it founded in a growth from within as of a spiritual nature, or is it founded in self-indulgence or self-gratification, or self-glorification?

Reading 1523-1:

12. This does not indicate, then, that the entity is to become long-faced, morose or goody-goody as might be termed. But know in what and in WHOM ye believe; and then act, in thy associations with others, in such a way and manner that thy good purpose, thy desires, thy goodness may not be evilspoken of - or that there is never a question within thy own individuality, thy own conscience, as to whether the choice thou hast taken in thy activities is a thing to be questioned.
13. For if ye know in Whom and in what ye believe, then ye may give - in thy manifested activity - a constructive influence ever.
22. The entity being grounded and founded, though, in that which must be the criterion of the entity - Know in Whom and in what ye have believed, and that it, the belief, is founded in a spiritual import - then the strength of the promises in the Creative Forces, or God, will be able to keep thee in thy disturbing periods.
65. Hence turmoils were caused; and all the more reason why it is necessary in the present to hold to that which has been indicated: Know in what ye believe and WHO is the author of same!

A.R.E. Meeting for 6/18/12

Leader: Eric
Reader: Greg

In the Search for God Book 1 Meditation chapter, we read from section "C. The Spirtual Body" up to "V. Methods of Meditation." (Page 15 in the old-style books.)

The experiment for the following week is:

"At the beginning of each meditation period take a few moments to become aware that there is consciousness within each cell of your body. Suggest to or ask your body to join the mind and spirit in this period of seeking."

Next week, if everyone is willing, we can watch part of the John Van Auken DVD "Meditation Techniques to Boost Soul Growth." The section where John goes into meditation is 1 hour and 13 minutes long, but we may be able to speed it up during certain parts.

Asking for Healing

The question comes up occasionally in our study group as to whether we need the approval or the request of someone we wish to send healing energy. Sending healing energy is different than surrounding a person in light and love, which we typically do after a meditation. Here is a conversation that Edgar Cayce had with a member (2112) of the original Glad Helpers on December 3, 1931:

From Reading 281-3:

20. (Q) [2112]: Could Carrie Everett, Colonial Ave., Norfolk, be healed through me? and in what way?

(A) By gaining first that sincere desire on the part OF Carrie Everett TO be, WANT to BE, healed! Then there may be raised within self that that will overcome those destructive forces that are EATING at the vitals of the physical body.

21. (Q) In what way?

(A) By first - there MUST be the DESIRE, that can only come within self.

22. (Q) I have four ways of healing. Which shall I use?

(A) There must first be the DESIRE on the part OF Carrie Everett to be healed! You cannot create them, no matter what thou hast! GOD cannot save a man that would NOT be saved!

A.R.E. Meeting for 06/11/12

Leader: Eric
Reader: Eric

In the Meditation chapter, we read from section "B. The Mental Body" up to "C. The Spirtual Body."

You have your choice of two experiments this week, depending on which you are drawn to:

Experiment 1 (page 11): As an activity separate from your meditation period, each day have a period of prayer (thanksgiving, confessional, petitionary, or whatever form you find meaningful that day).

Experiment 2 (page 13): For your daily meditation period choose a specific aid for attunement or approach to preparation. Let it be something that you have not used in a regular fashion before (e.g., a specific chant, incense, exercise, music, method of cleansing, or abstinence from a particular activity). Complete this activity each day as part of your meditation period and keep a record of your experience in using it.

A.R.E Meeting for 06/04/12

Leader: Eric
Readers: Eric and Greg

We started at the beginning of the Search for God, Book 1, with the topic of meditation. A definition was given, and we covered how to prepare the physical body. Next week we will start on page 11 (of the small book) with the preparation of the mental body.

The experiment for the week is: "Take time at the end of each day to write down that which you thought, did or experienced during the past 24 hours which you feel was especially valuable."

Welcome to Lawrence who joined the group tonight.