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Edgar Cayce taught that study is an essential support for meditation, but it is never meant to replace meditation itself. Study prepares the mind, giving it structure, clarity, and understanding, while meditation opens the soul to inner awareness and spiritual guidance. When study and meditation are used together, they create balance and steady growth. Cayce emphasized that true study must begin with honest self-examination. He said, “Study in self first what you would do with self, as relationships to thyself, to thy neighbor, to thy God. Then enter within, to thy communion with thy God” (877-1). This shows that meditation becomes deeper and more meaningful when a person first studies their motives, relationships, and values.
Cayce encouraged serious and thoughtful spiritual study, especially of uplifting and spiritually centered material. He strongly urged seekers to study the life and teachings of Christ, saying, “Study, study… Him that walked in Galilee” (707-1). Such study strengthens a person’s spiritual ideals and gives the mind a solid foundation. When the mind is grounded in spiritual truth, meditation becomes guided and purposeful instead of random or unfocused. Study awakens awareness, but Cayce reminded that true awakening must come from within.
He also taught that study trains the mind to recognize spiritual truth when it arises. “Train the mental self to become aware of the divine within” (2421-2). Study sharpens awareness and sensitivity, while meditation allows a person to directly experience what study prepares the mind to recognize. Together, they help develop discernment and inner clarity.
Cayce explained that real study is not simply memorizing words or repeating ideas without meaning. “Not as merely rote… but as an accomplishment of the mental and physical body to control or direct its activities” (666-1). True study builds discipline, focus, and self-control. It helps calm the restless mind and prepares it to enter meditation with purpose and steadiness.
He emphasized that meditation should always be entered prayerfully and with a clearly defined ideal. “In entering into the silence, do so in a prayerful manner, knowing in what is set to self as an ideal” (666-1). Study helps clarify that ideal, so meditation has direction and meaning rather than drifting aimlessly.
Cayce warned that study alone is not enough to produce spiritual understanding. “Concentration… is not that of study—study—study; but rather of the ability to open self’s mind” (2908-1). Study prepares the mind, but meditation opens it. Without meditation, study remains intellectual; without study, meditation may lack clarity.
He encouraged disciplined study on specific subjects rather than scattered reading. “Entering into the silence for definite periods, and at definite times, on definite studies or definite subjects” (2908-1). Focused study strengthens meditation by giving the mind a clear point of attention and preventing confusion or mental overload.
Cayce also taught that study must always be guided by a stable spiritual ideal. “Guided by a stabilized ideal, [study] may be made most helpful” (1910-1). Without an ideal, study can become unfocused or even misleading. The ideal keeps study aligned with spiritual growth rather than personal ambition or curiosity alone.
Sacred study, Cayce said, should feel personal and alive rather than distant or abstract. “Study well those promises that are thine… and know that these refer to thee” (272-8). When study feels personal, meditation deepens, because spiritual truths are no longer just ideas—they become lived experiences.
He also warned that study has value only when it prepares the self for meditation. “The study of any portion is of benefit, but only in so far as it will enable the self to open for that which may be given in meditation” (470-10). Study is a doorway, not the destination. Meditation is where inner understanding unfolds.
Finally, Cayce emphasized the importance of studying one’s own purpose. “Study self and self’s purposes” (2940-1). When a person understands why they are seeking, meditation becomes clearer, more focused, and more powerful.
Edgar Cayce taught that study feeds the mind and meditation feeds the soul. Study gives direction, discipline, and understanding; meditation brings inner awareness and spiritual connection. When both are guided by a clear spiritual ideal, they work together to create steady, meaningful growth—not just in meditation, but in daily life.
SELECTED READINGS ON STUDY FOR MEDITATION
“Study in self first what you would do with self, as relationships to thyself, to thy neighbor, to thy God. Then enter within, to thy communion with thy God.” 877-1
Study begins with self-examination. Before meditation, a person should study their relationships and intentions so meditation becomes sincere and meaningful.
“Be directed by that in thy associations… and there ye will find the answer.” 877-1
Study helps guide daily actions. Meditation and study together bring clarity to real-life decisions.
“Study, study—as thou didst… when ye sought to know… Him that walked in Galilee.” 707-1
Cayce emphasizes serious spiritual study. Studying the life and teachings of Christ prepares the mind for deeper meditation.
“The soul’s awakening… must find expression from within.” 707-1
Study awakens inner awareness. Meditation then allows that awareness to be expressed in life.
“Train the mental self to become aware of the divine within.” 2421-2
Study strengthens the mind so it can recognize spiritual truth during meditation.
“In a development of mental concentration, the better will always be found to be made by entering into the silence.” 666-1
Study supports concentration, but meditation deepens it. Both are needed to train the mind.
“Not as merely rote… but as an accomplishment of the mental and physical body to control or direct its activities.” 666-1
True study is not repetition without meaning. It prepares the mind to be disciplined and purposeful in meditation.
“In entering into the silence, do so in a prayerful manner, knowing in what is set to self as an ideal.” 666-1
Study clarifies the ideal. Meditation then uses that ideal as its focus.
“Concentration… is not that of study—study—study; but rather of the ability to open self’s mind.” 2908-1
Study alone is not enough. Meditation opens the mind so spiritual understanding can flow in.
“Entering into the silence for definite periods, and at definite times, on definite studies or definite subjects.” 2908-1
Cayce taught disciplined study. Choosing specific subjects strengthens meditation.
“In those conditions as make for the studies of the entity… guided by a stabilized ideal, may be made most helpful.” 1910-1
Study must be guided by a clear ideal. Without it, mental effort can become scattered.
“Study well those promises that are thine… and know that these refer to thee.” 272-8
Sacred study personalizes spiritual truth. Meditation then allows those truths to be experienced inwardly.
“The study of any portion is of benefit, but only in so far as it will enable the self to open for that which may be given in meditation.” 470-10
Study is meant to prepare the mind for meditation, not replace it.
“Study self and self’s purposes.” 2940-1
Self-study is essential. Meditation becomes deeper when motives and intentions are understood.
For Edgar Cayce, study prepares the mind, meditation opens the soul, and both must work together.
Study without meditation becomes dry; meditation without study becomes confused.
The readings emphasize disciplined study, self-examination, focused subjects, and alignment with one’s ideal.
