Desire, the Subconscious, and Spiritual Continuity: What We Become Carries On

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READING 900-20 EXPLAINED

Reading 900-20 is teaching that some desires we develop in life do not disappear when we leave the physical body, but instead continue with us into the spiritual plane. However, this only happens when those desires have become deeply rooted within us—when they are no longer just occasional thoughts or actions, but have taken hold of our inner being and become part of our subconscious mind. The subconscious is described as a storehouse that records every thought, action, and experience, and when a desire is repeated often enough, it becomes embedded there and forms part of who we are. Because of this, whatever has become part of our inner nature continues beyond physical life. This includes unhealthy or unbalanced desires, such as excess, addiction, or habits that dull or weaken the mind. These are not left behind, but carried forward because the individual has come to depend on them in some way.

The reading also explains that in the spiritual plane, a person who carries such desires still feels the urge to express or satisfy them, even though they no longer have a physical body through which to do so. As a result, they may seek expression through individuals who are still living on the earth, especially those who have similar tendencies or are open to those same desires. This is why the reading emphasises that thoughts are not passive or meaningless, but are active forces that can influence actions and realities. In this sense, thoughts can become deeds because they carry intention and energy that can affect both oneself and others.

When asked whether people on earth can be influenced by such spiritual conditions, the answer given is yes, but only according to a law that governs all such interactions. This law is not random or unfair; it is based on alignment. A person is not controlled against their will, but is influenced in accordance with their own desires and choices. If someone in the physical world begins to lean toward harmful or unwise actions, they may attract support from similar influences, both from other people and from spiritual forces that resonate with those desires. On the other hand, when a person chooses what is good, constructive, and loving, they also receive support—this time from higher influences that strengthen and guide them in that direction.

At the heart of this teaching is the principle that law is love, and love is law, meaning that everything operates within a divine order that reflects the nature of God. Each individual is responsible for what they allow to grow within themselves, and over time, their repeated thoughts and actions shape their inner identity. This identity does not end with physical life, but continues, carrying forward whatever has been developed within the subconscious. In this way, the reading emphasises that what we consistently think, desire, and practice becomes who we are, and determines both the kind of influence we receive and the condition we carry into the next phase of existence.

READING 900-20

(Q) Are the desires of the earth's plane carried over into the spiritual plane?

(A) When those desires have fastened such hold upon the inner being as to become a portion of the subconsciousness, those desires pass on. Such as one may have in gluttonousness, or in any condition that benumbs the mental forces of the entity, for the subconscious, as given, is the storehouse of every act, thought, or deed. Hence, as we have been given, all are weighed in the balance, as was given in ... [quotation in Latin]. In these conditions, we find these conditions become a portion of the entity to the extent that the entirety of the subconscious becomes imbibed with that condition, wherein the entity depends upon that element for its sustenance. In such conditions these are carried over. Hence the condition as is seen about such entity having passed into the spirit plane, [it] seeks the gratification of such through the low minded individuals in an earth plane, for as thoughts become deeds, and as such desire is loosed in the plane, such conditions become the taking on of the entity from the sphere, as is given, in that "thoughts are deeds" and live as such.

(Q) Does this mean that our minds on earth plane may be affected by spirit entities, or such desires of the spirit entities, which have carried these desires into the next plane?

(A) Such conditions rely upon the law governing such conditions. When an entity, in the earth plane, desires will manifested to do an error, assisted by error in spirit, as well as in earth plane, as such desire to do that that would assist, they receive hindrances, again they receive the assistance of all good in spirit plane, governed by the law, for law is love, love is law, God is Love.

Selfish and Unselfish Desires

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(Q) How can we tell whether a desire is selfish or unselfish?

(A) By examining what motivates it. Ask whether the desire arises mainly for personal gratification, or whether it serves the expression and honoring of the Christ-consciousness within your life. A desire may seem good or justified from a personal viewpoint, yet its true origin matters more than its appearance.

Each person can discover the source of a desire by honest self-examination. First, question yourself consciously and answer plainly—yes or no—about whether the desire is centered on self. Then, through meditation and prayer, seek insight from the inner self. There, the spirit bears witness to whether your desires, intentions, and actions align with a higher, divine purpose.

Regarding the fulfillment of desires: Physical desires can be valid when they are spiritualized—when they are aligned with a higher purpose rather than personal will alone. Yet the ultimate judgment of such desires belongs to the Giver of all good. As exemplified in the prayer, “Not my will, but Thine be done,” we see the ongoing tension between personal desire and spiritual alignment.

Therefore, desires should follow the pattern of a life devoted to divine will. Seek not personal fulfillment first, but alignment with God’s will—so that your desires make you a channel of blessing to others, not merely a seeker of your own way.

262-64 Paraphrased

262-64 EXPLAINED

In the Cayce material, the difference between selfish and unselfish desires is not determined by what is desired, but by where the desire originates and what it serves. According to the readings, desire is the motivating force of the soul. Every action, thought, and intention grows out of desire. Because of this, desire itself is neutral—it becomes constructive or destructive based on its source and aim.

1. Selfish desires

A desire is selfish when: It originates primarily in the personality or ego. It seeks personal gain, control, recognition, comfort, or gratification. It places “my way” above alignment with divine will. It is driven by fear, pride, lack, comparison, or self-centered ambition. Cayce emphasized that even desires that appear good on the surface can be selfish if their underlying motivation is self-glorification rather than service. The personality can easily justify these desires by calling them “necessary,” “deserved,” or “reasonable.”

2. Unselfish desires

A desire is unselfish when: It originates in the soul or spirit. It aligns with the Christ Consciousness as expressed through the individual. It seeks to become a channel of blessing to others. It is surrendered to divine will, even if personal preference must be released. In Cayce’s view, unselfish desire does not mean denying physical needs or material things. Physical desires become spiritual when they are offered to God’s will, rather than demanded by the self. The key phrase repeated throughout the readings is: “Not my will, but Thy will be done.” An unselfish desire is willing to be changed, delayed, or denied if it does not serve a higher purpose.

3. The role of inner confirmation

Cayce taught that the final authority is not logic or emotion, but inner spiritual witness. Through prayer and meditation, the individual can receive confirmation from within—what he described as the Spirit bearing witness with the spirit. This inner witness reveals whether a desire strengthens: humility or pride, service or self-importance, harmony or separation.

Practical Test for Identifying Selfish vs. Unselfish Desires

Use this three-level test, directly reflecting Cayce’s guidance.

Step 1: Conscious Self-Questioning (Personality Level)

Ask yourself honestly: If no one else benefited from this, would I still want it? Would I feel diminished, resentful, or empty if this desire were not fulfilled? Am I attached to the outcome, or open to it changing? If the desire demands fulfillment, it is likely personality-driven. If the desire can be released without inner conflict, it may be soul-aligned. Answer simply: yes or no, as Cayce advised.

Step 2: Motivation Check (Source Level)

Ask: Does this desire arise from fear, lack, pride, or comparison? Then you are leaning towards selfishness.

Does it arise from love, compassion, growth, or service? Then you are leaning towards unselfishness.

Then ask the key Cayce question: “From what source has this desire originated?” If the source is self-glorification, it is selfish. If the source is service and alignment, it is unselfish.

Step 3: Inner Witness Test (Soul Level)

In meditation or prayer, place the desire before God and say: “If this desire is not of Thee, remove it. If it is of Thee, purify it and use me as a channel.” Then observe: Do you feel peace or agitation? Do you feel expansion or contraction? Do you feel humility or insistence? According to Cayce, the soul always responds with clarity when the personality becomes still.

summary

A desire is unselfish if: It can be surrendered. It aligns with divine will. It blesses others through you.

A desire is selfish if: It must be fulfilled to preserve ego. It resists surrender. It centers on personal advantage alone.

Desire

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DESIRE

Desire isn’t random or pointless—it’s the engine that moves your life forward. Desire starts with will, meaning what you choose to want and act on matters a lot. “Where does desire originate? Will.” (262-62) That’s why this lesson doesn’t start with big spiritual ideas. It starts with real life—what people want physically, mentally, and emotionally—and then shows how those desires can grow into something better instead of controlling you.

Physical desire is about the body. Hunger, comfort, attraction, rest—these are normal parts of being human. The problem isn’t having physical desires; it’s when they take over. When someone uses their will only to satisfy themselves, those desires can turn selfish and unhealthy. The lesson explains that when physical wants are used “for the aggrandizement of self,” they become material desires that shrink the soul instead of helping it grow. (262-63) Being in a physical body also means dealing with limits and problems—pain, sickness, and stress are part of life here. That doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong; it just means you’re human. (262-62)

Mental desire is about what you think about and focus on. This includes goals, dreams, opinions, and how you see yourself compared to others. Your mind is powerful—it builds your habits and shapes your future. That’s why the lesson says, “That which the mind of a soul dwells upon it becomes; for mind is the builder.” (262-63) If you’re always thinking about proving yourself, being better than others, or getting attention, those thoughts start running your life. But when your mind focuses on learning, helping, and growing, it becomes a tool for something higher.

Spiritual desire is when your wants line up with something bigger than yourself. It doesn’t mean ignoring your body or turning off your brain. It means choosing a higher reason behind what you want. Jesus is given as the example. Even when He was afraid and didn’t want to suffer, He prayed, “Not my will, but Thine be done.” (262-64) That’s the heart of spiritual desire—trusting God’s purpose even when things are hard or confusing. The lesson doesn’t say you won’t struggle; it says your desire can be lifted instead of ruled by fear.

Prayer shows what you really want. Some people say, “If God already knows what I need, why ask?” But the lesson answers that clearly: asking reveals your desire. “The very act shows what the desire is.” (262-64) Prayer isn’t just about getting stuff—it’s about being honest with yourself and God. And when answers don’t come right away, the reminder is that they come “in their proper time, in their proper place.” (262-62) Learning patience is part of growing up spiritually.

How do I know if what I want is selfish or good? The lesson says the answer is inside you. First, be honest with yourself. Then listen deeper. “My Spirit beareth witness with thy spirit.” (262-64) If what you want is mostly about ego, attention, or payback, it’ll feel heavy and restless. If it’s about helping, loving, or doing what’s right, it brings peace—even if it’s hard.

The lesson also talks about anger and revenge, because those are strong desires. Wanting to hurt someone back is real—but it doesn’t have to control you. Jesus taught that turning the other cheek isn’t weakness; it’s strength. Doing that is called “spiritualizing the desire for vengeance.” (262-65) You’re not pretending the pain didn’t happen—you’re choosing not to let anger poison who you are.

None of this works if it stays as ideas. The lesson keeps repeating that growth only happens when you apply what you know. “Apply, then, that thou hast received.” (262-64) You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to live honestly and bring something real from your own experience. That’s why the lesson challenges people to stop talking and start living: “Have something to give!” (262-62)

Desire is powerful. It can lead to amazing good—or serious harm. That’s why the lesson says desire can create “miracles or crimes.” (262-71) The turning point is choosing who’s in charge of your desire: ego or God. When you meet God honestly within yourself and make that choice, desire starts working for you instead of against you. The simple prayer that holds the whole lesson together is this: “Here am I, Lord, use me.” (262-65)

When desire is shaped this way, life changes. You stop chasing approval and start caring about impact. You stop trying to win and start trying to help. Desire becomes less about getting what you want and more about becoming who you’re meant to be. The lesson ends with this reminder: “Hold the Christ before thee, ever.” (262-64) When you do that, your wants don’t disappear—but they grow up, and they start pointing your life in the right direction.

Affirmation for Obtaining Desires

From Reading 462-8

(Q) What affirmation should I use to help coordinate myself and the Forces to obtain my desire?

(A) LET MY DESIRE AND MY NEEDS BE IN THY HANDS, THOU MAKER, CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSE AND ALL THE FORCES AND POWERS THEREIN! AND MAY I CONFORM MY ATTITUDE, MY PURPOSE, MY DESIRE, TO THAT THOU HAST AS AN ACTIVITY FOR ME. And leave it with Him, and go to work!