1. Know Thyself through True Standards, not Comparisons
“MEASURE then not BY self, for he that doeth such is not wise. Measure not by earthly standards, would ye know self; rather by that as has proven within self as a criterion, as an ensample, as a guide.” (262-6)
Key Idea: Self-knowledge doesn't come by comparing to others or worldly measures, but by applying inner, spiritual standards proven within.
2. Introspection: Stand Aside and Watch Self
“Being able to, as it were, LITERALLY, stand aside and watch self pass by!” (262-9)
“Take the time to occasionally be sufficiently introspective... to SEE the reactions of others as to that as was done by self.” (262-9)
Key Idea: Knowing oneself involves objective self-observation—stepping aside and seeing yourself in relation to others and their reactions.
3. The Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Bodies Must Be in Harmony
“There is... the PHYSICAL body, the MENTAL body, the SPIRITUAL body... all work in unison... as the organs of the physical body must ATTUNE themselves...” (262-8)
“Each as an entity is a miniature copy of the universe, possessing a physical body, a mental body and a spiritual body.” (262-10)
Key Idea: True self-knowledge includes understanding the integrated functioning of body, mind, and spirit.
4. Knowing Self Requires Application, Not Just Study
“In seeking understanding is well; in application of that ALREADY UNDERSTOOD is better.” (262-7)
“As self keeps self nearer in attune... the awakening is soon to come to the entity of the LIFE within.” (262-8)
Key Idea: Self-knowledge grows through lived experience, not theory alone.
5. Self is Known through Service and Relationships
“Each should learn... the LESSON as HAS been set by the GROUP as the LESSON of cooperation...” (262-7)
“In knowing self is knowing the other fellow also, for all are parts of one mind.” (262-10)
Key Idea: Serving others and cooperating within community are essential paths to self-knowledge.
6. Ideal as a Measure of Self
“That as is self's own ideal is the standard by which the will is controlled or measured. WHAT IS THY IDEAL?” (262-9)
“By measuring self by that standard that is thine own ideal.” (262-9)
Key Idea: Know yourself by your ideal—the highest standard you strive toward—and how your actions align with it.
7. Meditation, Prayer, and Purification Open the Path
“The price is a complete surrender of self with a purification and dedication that comes only through prayer, service and meditation.” (262-10)
“Let not will drive you from the path of understanding. The voice of the soul is seeking its creator.” (262-10)
Key Idea: Knowing self is a sacred task, requiring spiritual discipline and surrender.
8. Self as a Living Entity, Not a Passive Concept
“BE an entity! BE a LIVING entity!... not as something separated, inactive... but a living, acting example of that it is.” (262-10)
Key Idea: Self is dynamic and growing; to know self is to actively live truth and light.
9. Self-Knowledge Reflects God-Knowledge
“Then, in Him so let thy life be in Him... that 'Ye that have known me have known the Father also' may be truly said of self.” (262-9)
Key Idea: To know self truly is to recognize God’s presence within.
ASFG Lesson Guide: Know Thyself (Based on Edgar Cayce Readings 262-6 to 262-10)
1. Know by True Standards, Not by Comparison
“MEASURE then not BY self... Measure not by earthly standards, would ye know self; rather by that as has proven within self..." (262-6)
Discussion: Avoid judging yourself by others or material success. Use inner, spiritual truths as your guide.
2. Objective Introspection
“Being able to, as it were, LITERALLY, stand aside and watch self pass by!” (262-9)
Exercise: Take moments to observe your actions as if you were a neutral observer. Reflect on your impact on others.
3. Harmony of Body, Mind, and Spirit
“...PHYSICAL body, MENTAL body, SPIRITUAL body... must all work in unison..." (262-8)
Insight: True self-understanding comes from seeing how your body, mind, and spirit interact.
4. Apply What You Know
“Application of that ALREADY UNDERSTOOD is better.” (262-7)
Reflection: Don’t wait to be perfect to start. Begin living the truths you already know.
5. Service and Relationships as Mirrors
“In knowing self is knowing the other fellow also, for all are parts of one mind.” (262-10)
Practice: Engage in acts of kindness. See your shared humanity in others.
6. Let Your Ideal Be the Standard
“WHAT IS THY IDEAL?” (262-9)
Question: Who or what do you aspire to become? Measure yourself by that standard.
7. The Role of Meditation and Purity
“...a complete surrender of self with purification... through prayer, service and meditation.” (262-10)
Practice: Set regular times for spiritual stillness and service.
8. Be a Living Entity
“BE a LIVING entity!” (262-10)
Challenge: Be active in sharing love and truth. Don’t just think or talk about it—live it.
9. Self-Knowledge Reflects God-Knowledge
“Ye that have known me have known the Father also.” (262-9)
Understanding: As you come to know your true self, you understand more about God’s nature in you.
Rephrased Affirmation on the Lesson of Know Thyself
“Father, as we seek to see and know Thy face, may we as a group and as individuals come to know ourselves, even as we are known, that we – as lights in Thee – may give the better concept of Thy Spirit in this world.” (262-10)
"Father, as we seek a deeper awareness of You, help us—both together and individually—to truly know ourselves, just as You already know us. May we, as reflections of Your light, express Your Spirit more clearly in this world."
This affirmation touches on several spiritual principles, centered around self-awareness as a pathway to divine connection. Here's a breakdown:
"As we seek to see and know Thy face"
This symbolizes the desire to connect with the divine, not just through belief, but through direct inner experience—seeking God's presence in life.
"May we... come to know ourselves, even as we are known"
It suggests that to know God, we must also come to truly know ourselves—not just how we see ourselves, but how we are seen in divine truth. This reflects the idea that God already knows us completely, and our spiritual task is to reach that same clarity.
"As lights in Thee"
We are described as "lights" that are within God—a poetic way of saying that we carry divine essence, and are meant to shine with that inner spiritual light.
"May [we] give the better concept of Thy Spirit in this world"
The more we understand ourselves and align with the divine, the better we can represent God's spirit in our actions, relationships, and presence in the world.
This reading becomes a powerful affirmation for inner work:
"In seeking the Divine, I open myself to truly knowing who I am—just as the Divine knows me. In that self-knowledge, I become a clearer channel for light, love, and spirit to move through me into the world."
Daily Affirmation:
"Today, I open my heart to know myself as I am truly known by the Divine. In that knowing, I reflect light, love, and spirit into the world. I walk as a vessel of truth, guided by inner clarity and higher purpose."
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