| eBooks
on Law of
Attraction
|
|
Chapter 1
Handbook for A.R.E. Study Groups
Developed throught the psychic ability of the late Edgar Cayce, the two volumes entitled A Search for God provide road signs on the spiritual path. They point to one of the ways one can learn to find and use universal laws which have their basis in the Law of Love and Oneness of All Force. No claim is made that these books are the only way to Truth, nor is there any attempt to use them in competition with any religion based on belief in One Go
The material in A Search for God, Books I & II, is not an intellectual exercise which one can absorb and apply to oneself. Designed to be used in the group setting, it needs the interplay of group reactions and disciplines. It flourishes best when there are divergent viewpoints which stimulate the exploration of the many facets of a spiritual concept.
The Trustworthiness of the Material
In a self-induced trance, the late Edgar Cayce could commune with the subconscious mind of another person anywhere in the world, determine precisely the physical ailment and prescribe the necessary procedures to restore health to the whole person. With no conscious awareness of his statements, and with no medical training, diagnoses and prescriptions of astonishing accuracy flowed through him, were recorded verbatim by stenographers, and transcribed, Thousands of these readings are available for study at A.R.E. Headquarters in Virginia Beach.
In 1923, after over 20 years of giving the physical readings, Cayce discovered that his powers could be used for so-called life (or reincarnation) readings and for discourses in spiritual laws. Here again the trustworthiness of the source was demonstrated by its internal consistency with former statements. There are in file at Virginia Beach some 2500 of these life readings available for study.
In 1931 Cayce began a series of readings with a study group in the Tidewater area of Virginia to assist them with the practical application of spiritual laws. Almost eleven years later, the outcome was two small books called A Search for God, the contents of which had been tested in daily life and then written up by the group and edited by Cayce in the trance state. There were 130 readings involved in this series and the verbatim, stenographic transcripts can either be studied at Virginia Beach or may be purchased for individual and group use. The two A Search for God books reflect the practical guidelines for group effort which were distilled from the voluminous, verbatim transcripts. More than 1600 groups in this and other countries attest to the practical value of the material. The amazing transformation it has wrought in thousands of lives is reflected in the many grateful letters received at Virginia Beach.
The First Study Group Reading.
The first group reading given by Edgar Cayce indicated the members were to be confronted with a challenging task:
T0262-001 * [Pg 1]
3. As each have gathered here - as each gathered here has been associated in their various
experiences in the earth, as each has prepared themselves for a channel through these
experiences - so may they, as a group, combine their efforts in a cooperative manner to
give to the individual, the group, the classes, the masses, that as they receive, as they
have gained in this experience.
4. To some are given to be teachers, to some are given to be healers, to some are given to
be interpreters. Let each, then, do THEIR job and their part WELL, IN the manner as is
given TO them, knowing - in the forces as manifest through them - they become, then, a
light in THEIR own respective action and field of endeavor. As the forces manifest in
their various ways and manners, to some will be given those of prophecy, to some will be
given those of teaching, to some will be given those of ministration, to some as
ministers. Then, in the ways as they present themselves; for, as has been
given, he that receives shall give, he that cometh together in that name that will give,
even as has been promised, "as I have given and am IN the Father, so in ME may YE do
as I have done, and GREATER things than I have done shall ye do, for I go TO the Father,
and ye in me, as ye ask in my name, so shall it be DONE unto you!"
5. Then, as there cometh in the minds, hearts, souls of each, so will there be given - in
that selfsame hour - THAT as YE shall do!
6. Ready for questions.
7. (Q) Outline for us the steps which we must take that we may become more of one
mind, that we may be of the greatest influence for good.
(A) As should be for each to learn that first LESSON as should be given unto others: Let
all dwell together in mind as of one purpose, one aim; or, FIRST learn cooperation!
Learn what that means in a WAITING, in a WATCHFUL, in a world SEEKING TO know, TO see, a
sign. There, as has been given, will only BE the sign GIVEN TO those that have drunk of
the cup that MAKES for cooperation in EVERY SENSE of enlightening a seeking desiring
world. Cast not pearls before swine, neither be thou over-anxious for the moment. WAIT ye
on the Lord; for, as has been promised, he that SEEKS shall find, and ye WILL receive -
each of you - powers from on high. USE
that in a constructive, in a manner as befits that desire of the group, of each. Think not
of thine OWN desire, but let that mind be in you as was in Him, as may be in all those
SEEKING the way.
8. (Q) If it be acceptable to the [higher or universal] forces, direct us as to how we
may best prepare a course of lessons for this and similar groups.
(A) First let each prepare themselves and receive that as will be given unto each in THEIR
RESPECTIVE sphere of development, of desire, of ability. The first LESSON - as has been
given - learn what it means to cooperate in ONE mind, in GOD'S way; for, as each would
prepare themselves, in meditating day and night, in "What wilt thou have ME do, O
Lord?" and the ANSWER WILL be DEFINITE, clear, to each as are
gathered here, will they seek in His name; for He is AMONG you in this present hour, for
all as SEEK are in that attitude of prayer. Pray YE, that ye may be ACCEPTABLE to Him in
thy going ins and coming outs; for holy is he that seeks to be a light to his brother; and
faints not in the trials nor the temptations, for He tempts NONE beyond that they are ABLE
to bear. Bear ye one another's burdens, in that each fills his OWN heart - as is GIVEN,
ANSWER when He calls - "Here am I, send me."
9. (Q) What would be the best subject for the first lesson?
(A) Cooperation. Let each seek for that as will be THEIR part in this lesson, and IT will
be given each as THEY ask for same.
With this as a basis, the first group worked together nearly eleven years, obtaining regular readings. When one lesson was completed, the subject of the next one was suggested, including a short discourse on that subject and an affirmation to be used daily. Group members asked various questions and the readings gave answers on subjects pertaining to the lesson.
From this data A Search for God, Books I & II, were compiled. They included the discourses, the questions and answers, reports on individual experiences in meditation and prayer, and members' daily experiences as they lived, prayed, and meditated upon each lesson. These books may be called working handbooks for group study. They will be discussed in more detail later. First, let us consider the ideals and purposes of group work.
Ideals and Purposes of A.R.E. Group Work
Study Groups bring together individuals who, by using the material of the Association, may attain a better understanding of spiritual laws. Within each group, members have an opportunity not only to study and discuss, but also to test and to make practical the precepts found in the records. Working together, individuals create an actual "field of mental and spiritual energy" which accelerates their individual growth. Any Study Group thus becomes a laboratory for spiritual research - the results of which become effective in the home, in the church, or in the office.
An A.R.E. Study Group is a group which is affiliated with A.R.E. Headquarters' Study Group Department and which holds to the ideals outlined in the Handbook using appropriate material based in the Edgar Cayce readings; and/or where the study is based in the use of the Search for God books.
1. To assist each individual to meditate and pray in a intelligent and practical manner - not only alone, but in groups.
2. To show by practical application how each one may know his relationship to God and to his fellow man.
3. To furnish a safe way for soul growth.
4. To help each member to live a balanced life.
5. To inform each member about the broad areas of information that may be found in the readings given through Edgar Cayce - information that will help to awaken them to a more spiritual and more useful life.
The Study Group Program has a spiritual purpose. It is based on the belief that there are many individuals who are ready to understand Jesus' statement; "Behold. the kingdom of heaven is within." Group study is designed to stimulate inner motivation, to awaken individual perception and, above all, to encourage self-discipline. Work with a group gradually brings to a individual a recognition of their personal responsibility, wherever they are. One begins to require of oneself (rather the of others) understanding and obedience under spiritual law.
The A.R.E. group program stands apart from today's trans toward instant spirituality by various short cuts. It should be made quite clear that the A.R.E. group is not an encounter, sensitivity, or therapy group. It does not achieve crash breakthroughs to the unconscious mind; instead, the work rests on these basic assumptions:
That we are here at this time because out eternal souls have need of certain experienced in the earth plane.
That these experiences are not 'problems' but 'opportunities' for the particular development our souls need.
That God is eager to work with us in facing our opportunities.
That we need group support.
In the working out of many opportunities, the most successful groups recognize the overemphasis in ritual and dogma can impede the spiritual quest and usually agree on a set of working principles which include the following:
1. The primary purpose of each group is to assist its members to know their relationship to their Creator and to become channels of love and service to others.
2. Unity within the group requires recognition of our oneness with all mankind, all of creation, and with God.
3. Group leadership rests with a loving God, not with a human master, leader, guru or teacher. Why look outside, the readings say, when the Master is within.
4. The only requirement for group membership is a desire to cooperate in group study.
5. The group conscience is the ultimate authority so long as the group follows the ideals and purposes of the A.R.E. group program. Groups may band together to form A.R.E. Councils but the Councils serve the groups - they do not govern.
6. A.R.E. groups do not sponsor controversial issues nor engage in outside enterprises under the A.R.E. name.
7. The group idea should be growth through attraction, by demonstrating spiritual growth.
Beautiful truths without personal application by the one presenting them is indeed casting pearls to swine...262-13
The Value of Parallel Study of the Bible
Few people are students of the Word. Some know it only as a story, as poetry, or as history. Only a few regard the Bible as the Word of God. Fewer still realize that it is a growing Word, that we each day - as in the days of Noah, as in the days of the apostles - are writing epistles to be known and read be all men.
One of the reasons for studying the Bible is that it its a guide to correct living. Thousands testify to this fact.
In group study of the Bible, dogmas should be omitted. They too have arisen only in the mind of man. They have no part in soul development; nor in the awakening of self to a better understanding of, or relationship to, one's fellow man.
In groups, we should approach Bible study in a practical manner, expecting the interpretation to be revealed just as we can use it, day by day. Which if the best version of the Bible? "The one that you live." More that we realize, the Bible can be and is a fact, an experience, and a condition in the life of all. A reading says:
T0262-100 * [Pg 3]
13. (Q) Parallel material for study group work.
(A) The Bible is the best parallel, especially the admonition by Moses after he had
finished all of his own egotism and had come to realize that there was not to be the
experience in self for the enjoying of that as had been builded, owing to that weakness of
selfishness. Also the great leader. That's the last chapters of Deuteronomy, of
30th on. Also the study of Joshua, not only as the soldier but rather as the leader, as
the commander that would give as few, "Let others do as they may, but for me and my
house we will serve a living God." Then the Psalms, especially the 1st, the 2nd, the
24th, the 91st, the 23rd, the 67th, the 150th. All of these become as portions of THIS
part of parallel work...Do not leave out those, to be sure, of the 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th
chapters of John, of 3rd John, of Jude, of Revelations.
From two to ten individuals may constitute a group. Groups should never be large. Other members of the Association in your community (names can be secured from the central office), as well as friends and individuals known to be interested in religious and metaphysical subjects, may be asked to join with you in study and in prayer. Further suggestions as to how to go about organizing a Study Group are found in the A.R.E. booklet Edgar Cayce and Group Dynamics.
Meetings should be held weekly on an evening, morning or afternoon suitable to the majority of the members. The homes of the members of the groups have been found to be the most fitting meeting places. Each meeting should include a period of meditation (using the affirmation of the lesson being studied), a Bible reading (from the selections recommended), a discussion of the lesson, and a healing prayer and meditation. Parallel material can be fitted naturally into the lesson discussions as the various subjects arise.
For orderly and convenient operation, it is suggested that the following officers be selected by majority vote and that such positions be rotated regularly among the various members of the group.
Chairman - is elected annually and taken over in the absence of the rotating leader. Offers suggestions but is not an authority figure.
Leader - leads discussions and plans the methods of handling the material; rotation rate determined by group.
Secretary Treasurer - keeps records, handles funds collected by group, and attends to correspondence.
There are no dues or fees; all group work is no the bases of voluntary contributions. Opportunities for making these contributions at each meeting should be handled by the Secretary - Treasurer. One half of the receipts should be dent quarterly the the Association Headquarters at Virginia Beach. This money is used to pay the salaries and expenses of the Study Group staff, to create and make available printed material and audio-visual aids (for a list of items available write the Study Group Department), and to expand group work throughout the country.
Half of the contributions, kept and disbursed by each group's Secretary - Treasurer, may be used for various projects selected by majority vote. Association groups have:
Sponsored open meetings. (Speaker from group or from Association list of lecturers.)
Supported the work of the Edgar Cayce Foundation or the A.R.E. Contributed to the A.R.E. Library and Camp Building Fund.
Distributed special literature for educational purposes. (For example, furnishing libraries in a community with There Is a River; or circulating some bulletin or leaflet printed by the Association.)
Sent books and other literature into over 200 prisons, world wide; provided membership in A.R.E. for almost 30 Prison Study Groups, fostered the 'Over the Wall' Pen pal communications system.
Used their funds for covering expenses of the Group Director or other A.R.E. speakers when in their city.
Provided funds for a representative to attend conferences at Virginia Beach or elsewhere.
A.R.E. membership is not required for group membership, but it has many advantages.
The A.R.E. is an open membership, non-profit association. Interested persons have a choice of five ways in which they may join.
All five forms of A.R.E. membership receive:
Venture Inward
Monthly newsletter of your choice: True Health, Personal Spirituality or Ancient Mysteries.
Access to the 'Members Only' section of the A.R.E. Web site.
Twenty percent discount on A.R.E. Press publications.
Discounts on headquarters and regional conferences.
Library and circulating file privileges.
It should be noted that all forms of membership are open on a family basis. Both the husband and wife and any children under eighteen can be included under a single membership application. Children over eighteen must apply for membership in their own right.
For membership costs
Just as the group is important to the individual, so is group affiliation with A.R.E. helpful in the spiritual quest.
T3100-001 M [Pg 1]
6. But rather consider that the self is being given an opportunity,
here and now, - if it will accept same, - to interpret, to understand, and to be of help
not only to self
but in contributing something to the welfare of others in all their stages of development
or seeking for physical, mental and spiritual help.
By affiliation with A.R.E., groups receive regular issues of the Group Guidelines and notification of A.R.E. conferences, lectures, and other special events. Affiliated groups appear in our national roster so that interested persons can be directed to nearby groups, and groups can be advised of new A.R.E. members in the area. Affiliation puts the group in the mainstream of A.R.E. activity where it may assist or benefit by the group movement. Affiliation is important even though the group has only two or three members.
Annual re-affiliation is important so that Headquarters can be appraised of any changes within the group.
A tear-out Annual Affiliation Form will be found in the back of the Handbook for Study Groups booklet. It is used for both affiliation and re-affiliation.