The Attitude for Meditation

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THE ATTITUDE FOR MEDITATION

Edgar Cayce taught that the true power of meditation does not come from posture, breathing techniques, or how long a person sits in silence. Instead, it comes from the attitude carried into meditation. Meditation is described as entering a sacred inner space—a place of deep honesty and spiritual connection. Because of this, how a person approaches meditation matters greatly. Cayce asked, “When ye enter into the inner self and approach the throne of grace… is there within self that which would hinder from offering the best or seeking the best?” (257-123). In simple terms, meditation works best when a person comes with a sincere heart, a clear conscience, and a willingness to grow.

Cayce emphasized that before meditating, a person should look honestly at their thoughts, emotions, and behavior toward others. Unresolved anger, resentment, jealousy, or guilt can block inner awareness and prevent meaningful meditation. He asked directly, “Hast thou shown mercy? hast thou shown love? hast thou shown consideration… whether friend or foe?” (257-123). This shows that meditation is not just about calming the mind—it is about living with compassion. A loving and forgiving attitude creates the inner conditions needed for spiritual insight.

Cayce also warned against using meditation as a way to escape problems or avoid responsibility. When emotional unrest comes from conflict with another person, he advised resolving the issue first. “Best—when the disturbance is from an incident in the experience as of association with another—to make all aright before meditation” (281-18). Meditation is not meant to hide emotional wounds or bypass difficult situations. Instead, it supports personal growth—and growth often begins by facing mistakes, apologizing, or choosing forgiveness.

Another essential part of attitude is purposefulness. Cayce explained that meditation should never be casual, careless, or done without intention. “Begin with the mental attitude… there must be more purposefulness, more general planning in the hopes and desires of the mental and physical body” (3624-1). This means meditation should be entered with a clear reason—such as seeking guidance, strength, balance, or understanding—rather than simply following a habit or trend.

Cayce also taught that meditation nourishes the inner self just as food nourishes the body. He stated, “It is just as necessary that there be food for the spiritual and mental man as for the physical man” (3624-1). Without proper inner nourishment, the mind and spirit weaken. A healthy attitude recognizes meditation as essential—not optional—for emotional and spiritual well-being.

Cayce repeatedly stressed that spiritual life, mental life, and physical life are not separate parts of a person. “The mental and spiritual and material life should run more coordinantly together. They are not separate” (3639-1). Meditation is not meant to stay confined to quiet moments. The attitude developed during meditation should influence decisions, reactions, and relationships throughout daily life.

He strongly cautioned against pretending to be spiritual only in certain settings. “Don’t leave your religion in the church. Do practice it in the home and in the dealings with others” (3639-1). Meditation should shape how a person responds under pressure, how they treat others when tired or frustrated, and how they act when no one is watching.

Cayce acknowledged that anger, irritation, and disagreement are natural human experiences. However, meditation is meant to help a person rise above these emotional reactions. “Turn more and more within… that thou be not overcome by these little differences of opinions” (1152-1). A healthy meditation attitude builds patience, calmness, and understanding, allowing a person to respond wisely instead of reacting impulsively.

At the heart of Cayce’s teaching on meditation attitude is love. He stated simply and clearly, “Law is love, love is law” (1152-1). Meditation is not about strict rules, perfection, or spiritual superiority. It is about learning to live from love—love that guides thoughts, choices, and actions naturally.

Cayce made it clear that the true results of meditation should be visible in everyday behavior. Negative traits reveal an unhealthy attitude. “Jealousy, malice, hate, backbiting are not the fruits of the spirit of truth” (3051-2). These attitudes block spiritual growth. In contrast, the right attitude produces “patience, love, fellowship, kindness” (3051-2). These qualities cost nothing, yet they create peace, trust, and harmony wherever they are practiced.

In the end, Cayce taught that attitude is what transforms meditation from a quiet activity into a life-changing practice. When meditation is entered with honesty, humility, forgiveness, purpose, and love, it strengthens the mind, steadies emotions, and deepens spiritual awareness. The right attitude does not make a person feel superior to others—it helps them become more understanding, compassionate, and helpful. In this way, meditation becomes not just something a person does, but a way a person lives.

SELECTED READINGS ON THE ATTITUDE FOR MEDITATION

“When ye enter into the inner self and approach the throne of grace… is there within self that which would hinder from offering the best or seeking the best?” 257-123

Meditation works best when you are honest with yourself. If guilt, anger, or selfish motives are present, they need to be faced instead of ignored.

“Hast thou shown mercy? hast thou shown love? hast thou shown consideration… whether friend or foe?” 257-123

Your attitude in meditation should match how you treat others. Meditation cannot grow if kindness and respect are missing from daily life.

“Best—when the disturbance is from an incident in the experience as of association with another—to make all aright before meditation.” 281-18

Meditation is not meant to cover up conflict. Fixing problems with others clears the mind and allows meditation to be more peaceful and effective.

“The spirit is willing, the flesh has proven weak.” 3624-1

Good intentions alone are not enough. Meditation requires effort, discipline, and a sincere desire to grow.

“Begin with the mental attitude… there must be more purposefulness, more general planning in the hopes and desires of the mental and physical body.” 3624-1

Meditation should not be random or careless. A focused attitude helps guide thoughts and strengthens inner awareness.

“It is just as necessary that there be food for the spiritual and mental man as for the physical man.” 3624-1

Meditation nourishes the mind and spirit just like food nourishes the body. Without it, inner strength weakens.

“The mental and spiritual and material life should run more coordinantly together. They are not separate.” 3639-1

Meditation is meant to connect your spiritual beliefs with your everyday actions, not separate them.

“Don’t leave your religion in the church. Do practice it in the home and in the dealings with others.” 3639-1

Meditation should change how you act in real life. Spiritual values must be lived, not just thought about.

“Turn more and more within… not as to shut self away.” 1152-1

Meditation is about inner understanding, not avoiding the world. The goal is clarity, not isolation.

“That thou be not overcome by these little differences of opinions.” 1152-1

A good meditation attitude helps you rise above arguments and emotional reactions instead of being ruled by them.

“For know the Lord thy God is One… law is love, love is law.” 1152-1

Love is the foundation of all true meditation. When love guides your thoughts, everything else falls into place.

“All of the divine ye may know in the material plane ye must manifest in thy dealings with thy fellow man.” 3051-2

Meditation is proven by action. What you gain inwardly should show outwardly in how you treat people.

“Jealousy, malice, hate, backbiting are not the fruits of the spirit of truth.” 3051-2

If meditation leads to pride or judgment, the attitude is wrong. These traits block spiritual awareness.

“That which is of the spirit of truth is manifested in patience, love, fellowship, kindness.” 3051-2

The right attitude in meditation produces calmness, compassion, and cooperation with others.

“Remember, ye pursue peace, ye embrace peace, ye hold to peace.” 3051-2

Peace does not suddenly appear—it grows from daily choices, thoughts, and attitudes shaped by meditation.

Edgar Cayce taught that attitude is the doorway to true meditation. Forgiveness, honesty, purpose, balance, and love must be present for meditation to work as intended. When the attitude is right, meditation strengthens the soul and naturally improves how a person lives and treats others.