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Introduction

The Hutton Commentaries has provided evidence of a possible precursor to the beginning of a shift in the poles of the Earth's rotational axis. This axis shift, or the beginning of it, was predicted in reading 826-8 to occur in 2000 to 2001 A.D. But what of the “new cycle,” also predicted in 826-8 to have begun then?

(Q) What great change or the beginning of what change, if any, is to take place in the earth in the year 2,000 to 2,001 A.D.?

(A) When there is a shifting of the poles. Or a new cycle begins.

826-8; Aug. 11, 1936

As is given in the next reading, it seems clear that a spiritual awakening is to be the basis for our participation in the new cycle, from the individual person right on up to the level of all humanity. [I have used bold below for my (Hutton's) emphasis of words.]

(Q) With the entire world in the throes of a new order of things, is there anything else that you would care to say to this body at this time concerning its relation with the present or future?

(A) If there will be considered carefully that which is the basis upon which there must become adjustments to the worlds, to the nations, and apply same in SELF'S own experience, the SPIRITUAL awakening must be the basis for all activities - whether individual, group, masses, nation, or world.

270-029

It seems to me that a person's ability to meditate safely will be one of the most important tools for awakening to the truths of the new cycle, or the Aquarian Age. I've studied and practiced meditation while a member of Search For God study groups. It is my opinion that, absent contact with the source of the information behind the initial treatment of the subject of meditation in Book I of A Search for God, information in that book is sufficient for those who wish to use a meditation procedure.

Books I and II of A Search For God are clearly spiritual books. They were written for people of the West under the auspices of a high spiritual source, most probably the Universal Forces. As such, their purpose is to provide a basis from which people may go on to something higher. The books are there to provide an essential step.

A Review of “Success With Meditation”

Before reviewing the A.R.E. Publication, “Success With Meditation,” it's important that we be aware of where we are going. With the beginning of the new cycle, we need to be vigilant for new spiritual truths to be revealed. These are mentioned in 3976-15.

As to those things that deal with the mental of the earth, these shall call upon the mountains to cover many. As ye have seen those in lowly places raised to those of power in the political, in the machinery of nations' activities, so shall ye see those in high places reduced and calling on the waters of darkness to cover them. And those that in the inmost recesses of their selves awaken to the spiritual truths that are to be given, and those places that have acted in the capacity of teachers among men, the rottenness of those that have ministered in places will be brought to light, and turmoils and strifes shall enter. And, as there is the wavering of those that would enter as emissaries, as teachers, from the throne of life, the throne of light, the throne of immortality, and wage war in the air with those of darkness, then know ye the Armageddon is at hand. For with the great numbers of the gathering of the hosts of those that have hindered and would make for man and his weaknesses stumbling blocks, they shall wage war with the spirits of light that come into the earth for this awakening; that have been and are being called by those of the sons of men into the service of the living God. For He, as ye have been told, is not the God of the dead, not the God of those that have forsaken Him, but those that love His coming, that love His associations among men - the God of the LIVING, the God of Life!

For, He IS Life.

Because the above-mentioned spiritual truths may be revealed as much to the inner person as to the outer, being able to enter into the right kind of meditation for awakening to the new cycle's truths will be quite important.

I have also made a special study and modest initial trial of the meditation method advanced in “Success With Meditation,” an article authored by John Van Auken”.1 This publication, in the part entitled, “The Kundalini and Eternal Life,” states:

“The kundalini is metaphorically seen as the great serpent power fallen from its original place of honor. As Adam and Eve fell from grace in the Garden, so did the serpent. But as Moses raised the serpent in the desert and Jesus raised this power to the everlasting (John 3:14-15), so each of us must raise our kundalini power to its rightful, original place of honor. Kundalini meditation is intended to do just that.” [Whether or not this passage represents any Cayce readings is not clear, as no reading citations are given.]

It seems to me that the meditation steps given after these introductory words, although they may be helpful to some, could result in untoward effects for others. Theoretically the instructions sound good, but practically speaking I think that only a specialist should prescribe and monitor meditation steps that deal with procedures described under section headings such as, “Strengthening and Opening Breath,” “Rising and Descending Breath,” and “The Held Breath.” All of the steps described in these sections are modifications of normal breathing patterns which can, if not done properly, upset a very delicate and fundamental bodily system.

I stopped using “The Held Breath” method when I realized that my own desire for higher consciousness was beginning to be trumped by an altered breathing pattern that I could not properly control. This matter of experimenting with breath control was treated by G.I. Gurdjieff, a teacher of esotericism referred to further on in this article. Gurdjieff deemed breath control experimentation to be dangerous. As related by Maurice Nicoll, in Volume One of his “Psychological Commentaries On the Teaching of G.I. Gurdjieff and P.D. Ouspensky” (p. 75),

I remember hearing G. say more than once that people who expect to gain increased powers by means of breath-control were fools unless they had gone through long preliminary training under a teacher and had been selected by him. They were fools because they interfered with a function which, once wrongly interfered with long enough, might never work normally afterwards.

Finally, in the last section of “Success With Meditation” we read, under the heading “Expansion and the Imaginative Forces:”

“The readings [no reading numbers are given] say we should have a strong sense of expansion while in this [meditative] state. They also recommend that we imagine [Hutton's emphasis added] this expansion as we progress toward this place in the meditation. The imaginative forces should be used to help us reach ”

I searched for the words “kundalini meditation” on the CD-ROM for Cayce's readings. I found eight readings that had these two words in the indexes that precede each of them. Oddly, only three out of the eight readings indexed under “kundalini meditation” actually had these specific, sought-after words in the passages where the reading indexes indicated they would appear. The other five readings were indexed by someone who had interpreted the words in each reading as being representative of kundalini meditation. The three readings that do use the term speak of the kundalini forces in the body while one is meditating. These three readings provide highly personalized advice for those who requested them.

One person had experienced a great attunement to the sense of smell in the Temple of Sacrifice during an Egyptian incarnation. This person was told that by meditating while oriental incense was in the air, and while humming the sounds of 0-0-0-ah-ah-umm-o-o, and while feeling the essence of the incense through the body-forces,

...this will open the kundalini forces of the body. Then direct same to be a blessing to others. These arise from the creative center of the body itself, and as they go through the various centers direct same; else they may become greater disturbing than helpful. Surround self ever with that purpose, “Not my will, O God, but Thine be done ever,” and the entity will gain vision, perception and - most of all - judgment.

2823-3; January 8, 1944

Well fine, but was this abbreviated set of instructions sufficient for one who was about to deal with the powerful kundalini forces? We note that the instructions were tailored specifically to the individual meditator, and if something went wrong, a follow-up reading could have been obtained to protect the meditator from following an erroneous path.

But should someone running across this reading today attempt to incorporate interesting bits and pieces of the technique recommended to 2823 into his or her own meditation program? Or should anyone else write up his concept of this kundalini meditation technique and then broadcast that technique to others with an implied recommendation that it be used, even though it is obvious that we are dealing here with a technique prescribed for just one individual?

In the second paragraph of Van Auken's Success With Meditation, one reads about entering into the “magic silence.”

“The body, mind, and soul are interconnected in such a way that certain actions will automatically lead to ‘the magic silence' (137-3) and the awakening [my emphasis added] of our better selves.”

But the reading cited (137-3) was not given for an individual interested in awakening, or in raising his consciousness! It was given for a man who was interested in developing his psychic abilities. Here below are the relevant parts of the reading. (Note that the passages reproduced also allow us to speculate on the source of the reading).

This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at 60 West 68th Street, New York City, New York, this 13th day of October, 1924, in accordance with request made by self [137].

P R E S E N T: Edgar Cayce; Morton H. Blumenthal, Conductor; (?) Steno., [137]; David E. Kahn; and others (?).

R E A D I N G

Time of Reading: Unknown

1. MHB: You are going to sleep in a quiet, restful manner and you will hear me as I speak to you and ask the questions slowly and distinctly. You have before you the body of [137]. You will answer the questions slowly and distinctly. You have in place the body of [137].

3. EC: Yes, we have the body here. We have had this before, you see.

4. (Q) In a previous reading, you told this body that he himself was a psychic. You will tell him how he will develop this psychic ability.

(A) As has been given, we have in the material world the two known and accepted conditions. The body and the material world. The projection from the body or from a material world is of that unknown element called psychic. See?

We have those forces in the mental, or soul forces that with the spirit inside of entity shall manifest itself, that the phenomena of psychic forces become perceptible to the individual entity. The training, the knowledge, the understanding of such forces may be developed in this body through certain lines that are as sure conditions. As given, in this manner and form, may same be developed, giving a certain given period to concentrate his body physically, mentally, entering the silence. Come apart from the outside world, the thoughts, perceptions of the outside forces, alone entering into the silence for 15 to 20 minutes each day at first. See?

Giving the body the time, the spirit forces of such entity aside, and then enter into the magic silence and instantly force those projections from the manifested forces of the world, of material, of psychic, those conditions that will make to the individual the understanding, the knowledge of the psychic forces as are in the world, and that may be made manifested in this individual entity [137].

For with each entering in through concentrations, with awakening of that forces quick arising conditions that arise through such a condition as has manifested through psychic forces. The use of such forces in a material world is the greater gift of any entity. This body would understand from this conception the perception of such knowledge and the use of same.

In this manner may the body fully understand such conditions.

Well that these be guided by that injunction as will be found in the last verse of Deuteronomy 29, and the whole chapter of 30.

5. (Q) Where shall this body take this solitude, when concentrating?

(A) Any place the body may choose, being alone, and in the same place each day.

6. (Q) Is any such hour suggested for this concentration?

(A) No, any hour, only using the same hour each day, entering with the supplication to the Giver of all good and perfect gifts.

7. (Q) How can this body learn to concentrate as suggested?

(A) This is the special gift of this entity. Through the supplications set aside the cares, the thoughts, of the outside world and study those conditions that mind enters at such concentrations, at times and certain times that come through the mental forces of the body.

8. (Q) After this has been developed, how can the psychic power of this body be used?

(A) In developing same in the lives of others, not to become as one that would be evil-spoken of, but that that gives the other living possession of the holy one within the lives of each and every individual that will awaken to the indwelling of Him who gives life to all.

9. (Q) Is it pre-ordained that this body should have the use of this power?

(A) Pre-ordained in that entity, as gained through this mode and manner of conducting this will, with that of the Divine Spirit as is given in injunction "My spirit beareth witness with your spirit, whether ye be the sons of God or not." In this entity this has been kept, and the body keeps the living way within itself and presents the body, soul and spirit, holy and acceptable unto Him, which is a reasonable service.

10. (Q) How long will it be necessary for the body to go into these solitudes before this body will have the use of a psychic power?

(A) Twenty to thirty days.

11. (Q) After these periods of concentration, what should be done to develop the body's psychic power?

(A) For those particular injunctions that come to the individual self in such moments, same may be used in the material and in the psychic way, so long as it is done in an unselfish manner.

14. (Q) Will the development of this psychic force imprison this body as far as he personally is concerned?

(A) It improves the body materially, mentally, physically, spiritually and financially.

This reading was conducted by Morton H. Blumenthal for Edwin, his brother. If we turn to our previous analysis of the sources and veracity of Cayce's readings we find that the Self is sometimes the source of the information imparted in a reading. This source seems to have been the one channeled by Cayce in reading 137-3, and I just mention this because the Self may not represent the highest source that might have been accessed.

As for the veracity of the information and the nature of any interfering factors (from the individuals present during the reading, the mental state of Cayce or the stenographer, and so on) we have nothing definite to use. However, the truth transmitted in some of the information provided could have been “wavered,” or “shaded” in its transmission to Cayce's conscious mind. We just don't know.

But what we do know is that this reading has little to do with Van Auken's Magic Silence meditation method, although he clearly implies that it does by citing its words (see magic silence, which I have set in bold in 4A of the reading above) in the introductory paragraphs of his “Success With Meditation.”

This term, “magic silence,” appears only once in all of Cayce's readings, in 137-3 quoted above. Yet Van Auken uses it as the title for a “meditation method.” There is clearly no such thing as a magic silence meditation method in the Cayce readings. What the author/magician appears to have done is to develop a completely new meditation method from non-readings' sources of information. Thus, it seems that by a sleight-of-hand he has made the reader think that he is referencing the readings, by citing 137-3.

Furthermore, the author cites no readings in his description of the use of “a mantra, in coordination with a breathing pattern [to] enter into the magic silence.” One notes that this methodology of Van Auken's does not comport with the relevant section on magic silence in 137-3. There, the individual receiving the reading is asking about how to develop psychic ability, not about how to undertake deep meditation. Nor does Van Auken cite any readings in his section “Three Keys to This Method,” leaving a reader to wonder just where he obtained his material on such a vitally important subject.

While this sort of technique development is not necessarily to be disparaged, it does require that a strong risk statement accompany it, if it is to be released to the public. This is especially true because Van Auken's Magic Silence meditation method involves control of one's breath.

Breath control is addressed in reading 2475-1. Hugh Lynn Cayce is the conductor of the reading.

HLC: You will have before you the body and enquiring mind of 2475 [a 44 year old male, physics research director, Quaker] in special reference to the Yoga exercises with which he has been experimenting, in breathing.

You will indicate just what has taken place in the body and what should be done from this point, considering the best physical, mental and spiritual development of the entity.

You will answer the questions, as I ask them:

EC: Yes, we have the body, the enquiring mind, [2475]; and those conditions, those experiences of the body in the use of Yoga exercise in breathing.

To give that as would be helpful to the body at this time, there might be indicated for the body something of that which takes place when such exercises are used - and the experiences had by one so doing.

These exercises are excellent, yet it is necessary that special preparation be made - or that a perfect understanding be had by the body as to what takes place when such exercises are used.

For, BREATH is the basis of the living organism's activity.

Thus, such exercises may be beneficial or detrimental in their effect upon a body.

Hence it is necessary that an understanding be had as to how, as to when, or in what manner such may be used.

It would be very well for the body to study very carefully the information which we have given through these sources as respecting Meditation. Then this information as may be given here may prove of beneficial effect in the experience of the body.

[In the interest of brevity, several paragraphs are skipped at this point]

22. So, in analyzing all this, - first study the variations of what has been the body-temperament, in thought, in food.

For, the body-physical becomes that which it assimilates from material nature. The body-mental becomes that it assimilates from both the physical-mental and the spiritual-mental. The soul is ALL of that the entity is, has been or may be.

23. Then, WHO and WHAT would the entity have to direct self in such experiences?

24. To be loosed without a governor, or a director, may easily become harmful.

25. But as we would give, from here, let not such a director be that of an entity. Rather so surround self with the universal consciousness of the CHRIST, as to be directed by that influence as may be committed to thee.

26. Thus the entity may use constructively that which has been attained.

27. But to prevent physical harm, mental harm, - attune self in body and in mind with that influence by which the entity seeks to be directed; not haphazardly, not by chance, but - as of old - choose thou this day WHOM ye will serve: the living God within thee, by thee, through thee? or those influences of knowledge without wisdom, that would enslave or empower thee with the material things which only gratify for the moment?

28. Rather choose thou as he of old, - let others do as they may, but as for thee, serve thou the living God.

29. Thus ye may constructively use that ability of spiritual attunement, which is the birthright of each soul; ye may use it as a helpful influence in thy experiences in the earth.

30. But make haste SLOWLY! Prepare the body. Prepare the mind, before ye attempt to loosen it in such measures or manners that it may be taken hold upon by those influences which constantly seek expressions of self rather than of a living, constructive influence of a CRUCIFIED Savior.

31. Then, crucify desire in self; that ye may be awakened to the real abilities of helpfulness that lie within thy grasp.

32. Ready for questions.

33. (Q) Is there at present any danger to any particular body-function, such as sex; or to general health?

(A) As we have indicated, without preparation, desires of EVERY nature may become so accentuated as to destroy - or to over exercise as to bring detrimental forces; unless the desire and purpose is acknowledged and set IN the influence of self as to its direction - when loosened by the kundaline activities through the body.

34. (Q) Just what preparation would you advise for the body, now?

(A) This should be rather the choice of the body from its OWN development, than from what ANY other individual entity or source might give.

Purify the body, purify the mind; that the principle, the choice of ideals as made by the entity may be made manifest.

Do whatever is required for this, - whether the washing of the body, the surrounding with this or that influence, or that of whatever nature.

As has been experienced, this opening of the centers or the raising of the life force may be brought about by certain characters of breathing, - for, as indicated, the breath is power in itself; and this power may be directed to certain portions of the body. But for what purpose? As yet it has been only to see what will happen! Remember what curiosity did to the cat! Remember what curiosity did to Galileo, and what it did to Watt - but they used it in quite different directions in each case!

35. (Q) Considering the development of the entity, is further practice of the Yoga exercises of breathing and meditation recommended?

(A) By all means! if and when, and ONLY when, preparation has been made; and when there is the knowledge, the understanding and the wisdom as to what to do WITH that gained! Without such, do not undertake same!

36. We are through for the present.

2475-1

Mr. Van Auken cites the words highlighted in yellow above as the one and only readings'-based warning relative to beginning kundalini meditation. He does not, however, say anything specific about the preparation of one's body (see “Purify the body' in bold in above reading) for handling the kundalini forces.

Finally, Van Auken does cover the importance of using one's ideal in kundalini meditation. He has a section on “Jesus Christ as not only the highest ideal but as a powerful force of protection for those seeking to loosen the life force to open the bio-spiritual seals and enter into the presence of God.” The section strikes this reviewer as very well done.

This concludes my review of “Success With Meditation.”

An Observer Speaks Out On The Use of Kundalini Meditation

Cayce's readings on the subject of kundalini meditation for specific individuals and/or members of Cayce's Study Group No. 1 were undoubtedly relevant as given. But can we honestly generalize from them today, and apply them to our lives, or to the lives of others? Indeed, might it not be dangerous for some people to try to practice kundalini meditation on the basis of the written instructions from an individual, however influential in A.R.E. circles, when we have no way of checking with Cayce's original source as to the veracity or utility of those new instructions?

Below find the comments of a reviewer of this present article. This reviewer is one who has closely followed a number of A.R.E. members who practiced kundalini meditation over several years. As you will see, this person feels quite strongly about any attempt to broadcast kundalini meditation techniques to the world.

William:

As for your presentation of what I call the "kundalini controversy", I have always had misgivings about John Van Auken's attempt to present kundalini meditation to the public at large. Kundalini is NOT something to be "attempted" and is a very dangerous energy in those not prepared, mentally and physically. Kundalini rises naturally in those who are infused with love and purified in service and motive. If not pure, the kundalini is destructive. Few on earth are worthy of kundalini. One must have purified the self to the extent of Jesus and few on earth could claim that, I surmise. Such issues are the reason "initiation" was required in ancient times for those seriously involved with a spiritual discipline. Bad apples, or the simply naive must be rooted out, was the thinking, lest they wreak havoc on themselves and others. The so-called kundalini energy is the same energy that black magicians attempt to raise in themselves to control and influence others for evil and selfish purposes. The temptation to misuse is too great for many. And since, according to a Cayce source, it magnifies those desires not rooted out, it seems a tragedy in the making for most.

That would be a sad condition, indeed. I feel strongly about this issue because I have known several people who have lost their mental balance through attempting to raise the kundalini. One lady has been in and out of mental hospitals for years with bouts of stark-raving lunacy. A man I know has not slept normally for about 15 years and is on the verge of flipping out. His family has gone through hell coping with his moods. Both of these people had spent hours upon hours meditating to raise this energy because they were convinced by mostly Hindu teachings and gurus that it was the way to quick enlightenment and the expiation of karma. Both persons were prompted in this pursuit by feelings of guilt and inadequacy. Their lives are now very tragic and this process seems irreversible. The man has read everything he can get his hands on about "kundalini crisis" as it is now called. Nothing has helped. The woman is still convinced that this is the correct path and that it is only her inadequacies that are the problem.

Several people have called me seeking some help for this "kundalini crisis" but there is not much that can be done for most, it seems.

When the soul is purified and the kundalini has risen naturally, we have a Christed being, as in Jesus. Then the entity thinks only of others, never self, and the energy enables those so endowed to heal others and raise the dead and manifest all manner of "psychic phenomena" such as being able to de-materialize, as Jesus did.

To me, the most important issue of the life of Jesus was His realization that, at the end, He must not use the Christed energy to escape His fate in arrest, false accusation, and execution. As the Cayce source makes clear, He could have EASILY escaped that fate. He would not then, however, have become the Christ and savior and pattern.

It seems to me the issue of kundalini is of utmost importance and shallow attempts to promote it as the spiritual path for the masses are not only misguided but very, very dangerous and ego based.

Name withheld at reviewer's request.

The idea expressed immediately above about one letting the kundaline forces rise naturally, and without making a deliberate attempt via kundalini meditation techniques, is found in at least one other reading. Mrs. 2329, who in the Egyptian period was the daughter of Ra-Ta, went into exile with him for nine years, and who upon return became a seeress, was told the following:

32. (Q) Will this develop normally and naturally, or should there be a deliberate attempt?

(A) As it were, expose self to its development; not by force but by entering into meditation, - allowing the influence of the generative force through the glandular system to be raised to the various centers; first for the purifying of self, then for the obtaining of that necessary - through symbol, sign or vision - to be accomplished for individuals seeking [help from the entity in her present life].

2329-3; May 1, 1941

Two Contrasting Views of Kundalini and Kundalini Meditation

Gurdjieff on the role of kundalini in imagination and dreaming

Kundalini is a word that is not in my Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary.Kundalini is described in the Encyclopaedia Britannica 2002, however, as follows:

[Kundalini is described] in some Tantric (esoteric) forms of Yoga, [as] the cosmic energy that is believed to lie within everyone, pictured as a coiled serpent lying at the base of the spine. In the practice of Laya Yoga ("Union of Mergence"), the adept is instructed to awaken the kundalini, also identified with the deity Shakti. Through a series of techniques that combine prescribed postures, gestures, and breathing exercises, the practitioner brings the kundalini up along the spine to his head. On the way the kundalini passes through six imagined centres, or cakras. When the kundalini arrives at the seventh cakra, at the top of the head, the practitioner experiences an overwhelming and indescribable feeling of bliss that mystically represents the practitioner's reintegration with atman, or the eternal essence of the self. The exercises used by the adept to achieve this union involve the purificatory practices, bodily postures, breathing, and meditation exercises that are common to other forms of Yoga.

Georgei Gurdjieff was a teacher of esotericism, and a primary purpose of esotericism is to awaken man from dreaming. Let's listen in to Gurdjieff speaking to a group of students in the 1920s, in Russia.2

“In so-called ‘occult' literature you have probably met with the expression ‘Kundalini,' ‘the fire of Kundalini,' or the ‘serpent of Kundalini.' This expression is often used to designate some kind of strange force which is present in man and which can be awakened. But none of the known theories gives the right explanation of the force of Kundalini. Sometimes it is connected with sex, with sex energy, that is with the entire idea of the possibility of using sex energy for other purposes. This latter is entirely wrong because Kundalini can be in anything. And above all, Kundalini is not anything desirable or useful for man's development. It is very curious how these occultists have got hold of the word from somewhere but have completely altered its meaning and from a very dangerous and terrible thing have made something to be hoped for and to be awaited as some blessing.

“In reality Kundalini is the power of imagination, the power of fantasy, which takes the place of a real function. When a man dreams instead of acting, when his dreams take the place of reality, when a man imagines himself to be an eagle, a lion, or a magician, it is the force of Kundalini acting in him. Kundalini can act in all centers and with its help all the centers can be satisfied with the imaginary instead of the real. A sheep which considers itself a lion or a magician lives under the power of Kundalini.

“Kundalini is a force put into men in order to keep them in their present state. If men could only see their true position and could understand the horror of it, they would be unable to remain where they are even for one second. They would begin to seek a way out and they quickly find it, because there is a way out; but men fail to see it simply because they are hypnotized. Kundalini is the force that keeps them in a hypnotic state. ‘To awaken' for man means to be ‘dehypnotised.' In this lies the chief difficulty and in this also lies the guarantee of its possibility, for there is no organic reason for sleep and man can awaken.”

The Cayce readings on kundalini, and kundalini meditation

Now the Cayce readings provide a completely different valuation of kundalini, as shown in the following extracts. The first extract is a description of the kundalini forces. The other three deal with the use of kundalini forces in meditation.

(Q) What are the reactions of the Kundaline forces, -physically, mentally, spiritually?

(A) We might write five or six books upon this! Just which one is desired to be known? There are twelve centers acted upon, each in a different manner, and from the varying sources from which these vibrations are raised in and through these centers - and for what purposes. How many characteristics and desires does the body have? Figure those and multiply it by about fifteen, and you'll have just how much variation there may be in such activities in the body! How many dispositions have you seen in the body? These are all activities of the kundaline forces acting upon some reactory force in the centers of the body. These are well to be controlled, or maintained, but purposely - not for selfish motives, to be sure, individual, but creative.

1861-11

 

(Q) Please give advice that would help in those times when there is the beginning of Kundalini to rise or there is the circulation of Kundalini through the body. What should be the next step?

(A) Surround self with that consciousness of the Christ-Spirit; this by the affirmation of "Let self be surrounded with the Christ-Consciousness, and the DIRECTIONS be through those activities in the body-force itself."

Do not seek the lower influences, but the Christ-Consciousness.

2072-11

 

(Q) Through my meditation, has the kundalini fire risen to the head or top of spine at base of skull? If so, was it because of sex abstinence and discipline that this happened?

(A) It has risen at TIMES, but has not remained; else there would NOT be those periods of confusion. For, when this has arisen - and is disseminated properly through the seven centers of the body, it has purified the body from all desire of sex relationships. For, THIS IS an outlet through which one may attain to celibacy - through this activity. That it has NOT REMAINED indicates changes.

2329-1

 

(Q) How may I bring into activity my pineal and pituitary glands, as well as the Kundalini and other chakras, that I may attain to higher mental and spiritual powers? Are there exercises for this purpose, and if there are, please give them.

(A) As indicated, first so FILL the mind with the ideal that it may vibrate throughout the whole of the MENTAL being!

Then, close the desires of the fleshly self to conditions about same. MEDITATE upon "THY WILL WITH ME." Feel same. Fill ALL the centers of the body, from the lowest to the highest, with that ideal; opening the centers by surrounding self first with that consciousness, "NOT MY WILL BUT THINE, O LORD, BE DONE IN AND THROUGH ME."

And then, have that desire, that purpose, not of attaining without HIS direction, but WITH His direction, - who is the Maker, the Giver of life and light; as it is indeed in Him that we live and move and have our being.

1861-4

 

Thinking It Over

Now we ought to stop right here and reflect upon what has been covered. Why are there such differences between Gurdjieff's and the readings' points of view on kundalini? Can one find a path between the two?

The two dissimilar viewpoints can be thought of as being a function of

• the different groups of individuals being served,
• the different times in which the recipients lived,
• the make up of two different “teachers,”
• the different sources of the materials used, and
• the two different cultures in which the teachings were

A question that now arises is, to what degree are either Gurdjieff's or the readings' teachings valid today? We know that over time every teaching wears out. By “wearing out” I mean that there is a gradual diminution of the essence of a teaching over time.

A convincing case for the wearing out of Gurdjieff's teaching is given in “The Teachers of Gurdjieff,” by Rafael Lefort.3

And I take the A.R.E. publication, “Success With Meditation,” as an example of the wearing out of the truth of Cayce's Group 1 meditation readings as they were eventually propagated in Book I of "A Search For God."

Preparing for awakening in the new cycle

On January 19, 1934, Hugh Lynn Cayce conducted reading 3976-15, in New York City. He started with this suggestion to the sleeping Cayce:

HLC: We seek at this time such information as will be of value and interest to those present….. regarding the spiritual, mental, and physical changes which are coming to the earth...

The part of the answer given that is important to us is:

Who shall proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord in him that has been born in the earth in America? Those from that land where there has been the regeneration, not only of the body but the mind and the spirit of men, THEY shall come and declare that John Peniel is giving to the world the new ORDER of things. Not that these that have been proclaimed have been refused, but that they are made PLAIN in the minds of men, that they may know the truth and the truth, the life, the light, will make them free.

I have declared this, that has been delivered unto me to give unto you, ye that sit here and that hear and that see a light breaking in the east, and have heard, have seen thine weaknesses and thine fault findings, and know that He will make thy paths straight if ye will but live that YE KNOW this day - then may the next step, the next word, be declared unto thee. For ye in your weakness [pause] have known the way, through that as ye have made manifest of the SPIRIT of truth and light that has been proclaimed into this earth, that has been committed unto the keeping of Him that made of Himself estate but who brought into being all that ye see manifest in the earth, and has declared this message unto thee: "Love the Lord thy God with all thine heart," and the second is like unto it, "Love thy neighbor as thyself." Who is thine neighbor? Him that ye may aid in whatsoever way that he, thy neighbor, thy brother, has been troubled. Help him to stand on his own feet. For such may only know the acceptable way. The weakling, the unsteady, must enter into the crucible and become as naught, even as He, that they may know the way. I, Halaliel, have spoken.

In the words emphasized in bold in the reading above we have a suggestion of the new form of eternal truths to be promulgated in the new cycle, or Aquarian Age. We need to be sensitive to the emergence of such forms in the years ahead.

Gurdjieff speaks of the great difficulty in awakening, and mentions that the beginning of awakening requires a good shock. (Pole shift and Earth changes could serve as such a shock to many). Then, because many more than just one shock is necessary, a man must hire somebody who will keep on shaking him for a long time. But to achieve one's awakening a combination of efforts is needed and to obtain results a certain number of people must work together. “One man can do nothing,” he explains. This approach to awakening is difficult for people like us to understand today.

What about contemporary study groups, like the A.R.E.'s Search For God study groups? Note that truly effective groups have as their leader a person who has a connection with a valid teaching source. A.R.E.'s connection to such a living person has been lost. Note also that a teacher who selects types of people that, from the point of view of his aims, can be useful to one another constitutes viable groups. There was no teacher capable of selecting replacements to Study Group Number 1, after Cayce's death.

Edgar Cayce's original group was a successful one working with spiritual awakening. It was organically attached to a source of information that could and did interact with the individuals of the group, albeit through sleeping Cayce. That is, the source of the teaching was adequately attuned to each member of the group. For today's seekers after truth, Idries Shah has revealed the form and activity of a viable new-cycle study group in his book, “Knowing How To Know.”4

In a short section entitled “Purpose of Regular Meetings” (p. 203), Shah describes an introductory Sufi study group:

The purpose of regular meetings is to maintain the special contact already established between numbers of people, each body of people being in a sense distinct.

This special contact is inhibited by an over-development of the social element. These gatherings should be harmonious, but should not be allowed to become ‘club like' or gossipy.

The special relationship is harmed by the assumption of status by individual members of the group. Each member should discharge the functions for the time being allotted to him, if any, as a communicator of material, as an organizer, or whatever it might be. The community has to develop a sense of unity of purpose - learning and development - in which each member is to be regarded as important for the success of the whole.

The special relationship is crippled by the exploitation of one member by another, so that co-operation between individual members must be kept within reasonable limits. The development of smaller, informal relationships between small members of people from within the grouping must not be encouraged, as such ‘sub-groups' without official sanction start to cause the group to operate in an unbalanced manner. The group will in such cases operate as an ideological, social, intellectual or other entity, of which in any culture there are enough already.

Each group is a sensitive organism.

Members of the group meet:

• As if there is a special current passing through them. They have been chosen for the group in order to be able to function in this manner, and people leaving or joining the group altering its composition must maintain the same capacity of the group to be an instrument.

  [This point reveals the important difference between the composition of Cayce's Study Group Number 1, and that of a Sufi group. Following Edgar Cayce's death, replacement members of Study Group No. 1 were determined by drawing lots from those names of people suggested by existing members as being compatible. Here we see in stark outline a group that fell out of the hands of a knowledgeable teacher of the way, leading to its gradual weakening and eventual dissolution].

• In order to observe their own reactions to meetings. They have to realize that great enthusiasm or any degree of dislike of meetings are symptoms of insufficient integration into the sensitivity of the group, and not bases for decision about the group, the materials or its members.
• In order to be exposed, under correct circumstances, to materials which suit that group and from which they can profit. These materials may be written, recorded, handled, experienced in a variety of different ways.
• In order to realize, through practical experience,that there is an almost inevitable tendency for groups to become ossified or mechanical, and to observe that there are possibilities in this specific group for a current to enter and be maintained which is manifested by a relationship between members which is quite unlike customary groupings.
• In order to prepare themselves for selection to carry out more advanced studies.
• In order to maintain their contact with the Teaching, and their ability to profit from it, so that the Teaching may be able to select them for special activities and higher understanding at the proper time.
• In order to shed the emotional and intellectualist approaches which constantly creep into all studies, our own included, when carried out without due regard for time, place, people and also the statement that there is ‘another way.'
• In order to see and sense the special flavor in our kind of relationship and work, for the purpose of recognizing it instantly, just as one can recognize more customary atmospheres.

Quoting from I. Shah again5on the subject of a type of learning organization that I think may be a pattern for the new cycle.

Sufi organizations come into being from time to time. Among their purposes are the attraction, concentration, and transmission of certain perceptions.

These organizations may or may not have what is ordinarily taken in conventional societies to be an outwardly spiritual or ‘esoteric' shape.

This surface aspect is not necessarily important.

A major objective of Sufi activity is sometimes expressed as aiding the human transformation process.

This process can take place only if the organization, visible, identifiable, or otherwise, is adequately attuned to the human being.

This attunement itself may impose ‘unlikely' externals upon an organization.

All such entities are temporary forms. When they have completed their effective lifespan, others take their place.

The outward form or husk may, however, persist and contrive to perform social or other comparatively less significant functions. The inheritors of these forms seldom, if ever, realize that the entity is ‘organically dead.'

This is why almost the last place in which to seek the continuation of a transmission such as the one being discussed is in apparently well-established traditionalistic bodies. These are more efficiently described as archaeological relics, easily recognizable as such by those who know their original extent purpose and vitality.

They develop a sort of quasi-adaptability, or else a rigidity, or a combination of these. The consequence of these characteristics is to cause them either to seek support from new formulations or else to try to fight them. They always, however, lack real adaptability, consistent with contemporary needs.

This peculiarity arises when there is a pre-occupation with preservation of archaic, anachronistic forms. Effective higher teaching, in contrast, always seeks to employ any form within which it can complete its mission.

Do you think that I am playing advocate in quoting Sufi viewpoints as a way to understand what is happening today to the expression of the original truth of the readings? Or that I am trying to push an alien spiritual path into your mind? No, not at all. Consider the following.

In the early 1970s, one of THC's subscribers, Pluma O. Beck, was asked by Hugh Lynn Cayce to accompany him and three other men on a study trip to Iran. The men were Arch Ogden, President of the Edgar Cayce Foundation, Dr. “Ed” Hertzberg, and Rufus Mosely. They spent some time with local Sufis and looked for the site of the City of the Hills and The Plains. This was the place mentioned in Edgar Cayce's readings as being central to the development of spiritual philosophy, healing, and the like in ancient Persia. Pluma and her husband had lived and worked in Iran prior to the trip, and because she was the only woman on the trip, she was appointed secretary.

Upon her return, Pluma published an article in the A.R.E. Journal for March 1974 (pp. 69-76), entitled “A Visit With The Dervishes.” This article does much more than just describe the various Sufi services and activities attended by the A.R.E. party. It examines the correspondences between Cayce's philosophical readings and the principles of Sufism as understood by the group at that time. The correspondences are strong. Note though, that the subtleties and depths of the Sufi tenets described in her Journal article have since been explained in greater detail in several of Shah's works since 1974. Mrs. Beck had only Shah's first work, “The Sufis,” to work from at the time of writing her article.

Before we leave this subject, here is an extract from Beck's Journal article:

Preparation for [Sufi] study does not necessarily include special diets, but students are encouraged to refrain from all physical excesses. There is a need for cleansing. One Sufi Poem begins, “Go sweep up your house of heart, so to be clean.” Another enjoins students to “Empty yourself from your externalities to see the clean, clear inside of yourself.” When truly cleansed, the Sufi knows that he is capable of godly practices.

Raising then in the inner self that image of the Christ, love of the God-Consciousness, is making the body so cleansed as to be barred against all powers that would in any manner hinder.

Be thou clean, in Him.

281-13

 

In whatever manner that to thine own consciousness is a cleansing of the body and of the mind, that ye may present thyself clean before thyself and before thy God, do!

826-11

Conclusion

Men and women are capable, in the proper setting, of awakening to spiritual truths. A proper learning setting is one in which the right time, right place, and the right people and a teacher who knows the way all come together. It is both comforting and challenging to realize that when one's familiar truths and learning forms become weak or ineffective there are always others that may be recognized and approached.

Will we be awake enough to recognize the new Teacher of the Age and his dispensation? Will his name be John Peniel?6 Will we be worthy enough and prepared sufficiently to recognize and then participate in one of the new cycle's spiritual learning forms?

What are the requirements for our participation in the new age? Reading 1602-3 provides an answer.

Q) What will the Aquarian Age mean to mankind as regards Physical, Mental and Spiritual development? Is the Aquarian Age described as the "Age of the Lily" and why?

A) Think Ye this might be answered in a word? These are as growths. What meant that awareness as just indicated? In the Piscean age, in the center of same, we had the entrance of Emmanuel or God among men, see? What did that mean? The same will be meant by the full consciousness of the ability to communicate with or to be aware of the relationships to the Creative Forces and the uses of same in material environs. This awareness during the era or age in the age of Atlantis and Lemuria or Mu brought what? Destruction to man, and his beginning of the needs of the journey up through that of selfishness.

Then, as to what will these be, - ONLY those who accept same will even become aware of what's going on about them! How few realize the vibratory forces as create influences from even one individual to another, when they are even in the same vibratory force or influence! And yet ye ask what will the Aquarian age bring in mind, in body, in experience?

Q) Is the Aquarian Age described as the 'Age of the Lily' and why?

A) The purity. Only the purity as it represents will be able to comprehend or understand that awareness that is before those who seek the way.

Q) Can a date be given to indicate the beginning of the Aquarian Age?

A) This has already been indicated as the period when it should pass, but that is when it begins to affect. It laps over from one to another, as is the natural sources, as he holds to that which has been, which is. As has been indicated, we will begin to understand fully in '98.

Q) Are there any thoughts along these lines, beyond these, that can be given at this time?

A) Holy, holy is His name!

We are through.

Two months later Cayce gave a reading for the same person, who asked for clarification of the many changes to come.

As in relationship to changes, - these are indicated not only through prophecies but through astrological aspects, as well as the thought and intent of persons and groups in high places; bringing about these things, these conditions, in what might be said to be the fullness of time.

However, - since the advent of the Son of Man in the earth, giving man an advocate with the Father, there has been an influence that may counteract much of that which has been indicated that would come as retribution, or in filling the law of an evolution of ideas and the relationship of material things to the thoughts and intents of individuals and groups.

Then, as to whether the hearts and minds of individuals or souls (who were given authority concerning the laws of the universe) are fired with the thoughts of dire consequences or those things that bespeak of the greater development of a spiritual awakening, is still in the keeping and in the activities of individuals who - as this entity - have caught a glimpse, or an awareness, of that which is in the making, in the affairs of state, nation, and nations, and the universe, as related to the conditions upon the face of Mother Earth.

There enters much, then, that might become questions as respecting that which has been foretold, or prophesied, as well as respecting the activities of groups and individuals who have acted and who are to act as a counterbalance to these happenings in the earth.

In the first premise, - know what was the cause of indifference, or sin, entering material manifestations. Was it the purpose by God that such should be, or by the Godhead? Or was it that this force or power seeking expression found -with the expression - that there came the forces of positive and negative?

And with same the awareness of one influence or force, taking certain courses or directions, became negative.

The others became the greater positive.

Thus in the experience of souls through their evolution in the material things of the earth, there has been brought just that same effect in the material affairs of the souls active in expressing or manifesting at this particular period or sphere of development.

Much of just this comprehending is indicated in some of those records that are now becoming more and more a part of man's experience, or awareness; in that the cosmic or universal or spiritual laws are bringing same into that category or phase of experience where they become a part of individual experience.

This may be indicated from the records in the rocks; it may be indicated in the pyramids, - man's attempts to leave a sign to those who, in the spiritual comprehension of material associations in spirit, would interpret that which had been, that which is, and that which was to be.

Hence it is seen that there are interpretations that become a matter of the consciousness of the individual so making same.

Or, to return to the first premise, it depends upon which line is taken by such an individual making such interpretation; whether a pessimistic or an optimistic, or a positive or a negative; or (by negative we mean) one that sees the world, as related to the earth and its position in the universe, being damned irrespective of what souls do about same, - taking little or no account of the words, the promises, yea the activities of Him. HE manifested in the earth that as would bring to the seeker an awareness of the constructive influence of same.

This may be indicated or seen in the record according to the Book, - which is as a sign, a guide to those who seek to know His ways, His purposes to man.

These interpretations of the promises, the pledges taken and given in the lives and activities - or during the phases of a sojourn of an individual soul, must be taken into account.

And then these indicate as to what is to come to pass, even through these periods of the earth's journey through space, "catching up," as it were, with Time.

And then the soul realizes - in his search for his Maker -the patience that was, is and will be manifested in Him; He that is the way, the truth and the light.

AGAIN the interpretation of the signs and the omens becomes an individual experience. And each soul - as this entity -then is given the privilege, the opportunity to LIVE such an activity in its relationships to its fellow man; filling, fulfilling, and interpreting that which has been indicated, in such measures and such manners as to bring hope and not fear, peace and not hate, that which is CONSTRUCTIVE and NOT, into the lives and minds and hearts of others.

We will rest for the period.7

1602-5; November 28, 1939

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