This Psychic Reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 10th day of January, 1940, in accordance with request made by Hugh Lynn Cayce, Manager of the Ass''n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc.
P R E S E N T
Edgar Cayce; Hugh Lynn Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno.
R E A D I N G
Time of Reading 10:40 to 11:05 A. M. Eastern Standard Time.
1. HLC: You will have before you the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc., which is studying and presenting the psychic work of Edgar Cayce, this channel. You will consider the various aspects of the Association's program, answering the questions which will be asked:
2. EC: Yes, we have the work of the Association for Research and Enlightenment, Incorporated, its policies, its program in presenting the psychic work of Edgar Cayce.
3. In considering this program, many of the policies which have been reiterated from time to time must be taken into consideration.
4. The greater outstanding policy - which has at times received due consideration, and at others not so much - is the attempt of this Corporation to present a work, or to present phenomena, that might - or may so easily - become a cism [schism] or a cult. And the organization is to keep away from such, just as much as possible or practical.
5. That fact, that idea in itself, has hampered, and does in a manner hamper the Association in its search for, or desire to raise, definite funds for the carrying on of the work.
6. Yet, as has been so oft indicated, there are many phases of the phenomena, and the work, that may be presented in such a way and manner as to bring returns in an equitable manner, and in a manner also in keeping with the policies, the ideals which have been set as the channels for activities of this Association; namely - more specific in the present - the publications.
7. The Publication program, then, as has been indicated again and again, should become the greater active. Yet, as indicated in the Program, the place - or A place - for the preservation of the records that have been made, should be the first on the program, for the assurance of those who may attempt to gather the data from such records for publication.
8. The attempts have in a manner proved satisfactory, yet in
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some respects very unsatisfactory; these having been in the position as to be necessary for the carrying on at all in the present way and manner.
9. Then, as we find, there should be undertaken a definite way or manner to present this need to those who have indicated their interest, or who MAY indicate an interest in those activities which will enable this phase of the Association work to be carried on - in such a way that these may become realities in the experience of the Work. And, if it is to be accomplished, it must be done this year.
10. Ready for questions.
11. (Q) It has been proposed and discussed that a building program be launched which will add a library, reading room, vault, and two offices to the rear of the present home. As each is called, please comment on the following suggestions for securing the needed funds for this program: 1st - A personal letter to each individual who has had a reading from the Manager of the Ass'n, enclosing a pamphlet describing the building program and a blank for a statement of contribution. Such letters to bring each individual file up to date if possible. Please comment on this idea. (A) If analyzed with the suggestions that have been made from time to time, it will be seen that this is quite in keeping with the policies that have been indicated that should be maintained throughout; that is, that individuals who have sought aid or help, or any activity in same, must themselves be convinced of its worthfulness within their own experience, and indicate as to whether they - as individuals - desire to see such a work passed on to others. This is a most desirable way and manner, then; though it would necessarily require a great deal of personal work. But, it fits such an individual, or individuals that do same, to become compilers of data in a way and manner as no other way would! To be sure, there may be these alternatives - only as alternatives - WE WOULD NOT ADVISE THEIR USE: To any publication that is already active, there may be offered the use of such as a means of income; and a whole amount of some forty-five hundred to six thousand ($4500 to $6000) may be obtained at once. But this is again putting the work in the position of becoming under the head of some other group, without the ideals or purposes to prevent the making or creating of an ism or cult.
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Or, through some one or two of the Trustees, there may be borrowed sufficient capital for this purpose. If there is not sufficient obtained from such a letter, this might be used (in consistency with the rest of the program) as a means for obtaining the full amount necessary for this procedure. In this case, it would be understood and given to such individuals making such loans, that they would be repaid from the proceeds of publications - such as articles and the like, that may be gathered ONLY by an indexing and a compilation, under subject heads, of data included in the records already made.
12. (Q) Should a fixed amount be set for the building program, and would it be wise to include sufficient funds to equip the new offices and conduct the work of indexing and extracting from the readings, showing estimates of items needed? (A) This should be included in the raising of funds, as has been indicated above.
13. (Q) What amount should be set? (A) Forty-five hundred to six thousand ($4500 to $6000), dependent upon how many would be active and how long it would be estimated as necessary to require the activities to index and compile sufficient data to be offered for publication in various means and manners where there may be sought information. There are several groups or societies that have publications that are a part of their records; the research organizations such as the Homeopathic Research Society, the Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists The Osteopathic Research Society, the Physicians and Surgeons Research Society; and all of the metaphysical societies. All of these offer outlets such that, with such a compilation, there may be contracts for six months for articles, for a year - yea, for two to three years, that may be made. These, to be sure, are far ahead - but carry on; and this may be accomplished before the meeting in June - it should be.
14. (Q) Should the amounts desired for each activity be included in the pamphlet on the building program. Please comment on this. (A) Not necessarily broken down into items, but rather indicated all that is needed for such. For, as we find, in the end, there will necessarily be supplements made to the contributions. But make it rather strong, indicating on the slips that are to be returned as to whether the individuals (those from long ago until today) are interested, or are to
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be considered non-existent so far as the work of the Association is concerned.
15. (Q) Would it be wise to hold an open meeting in New York at which [time] the building program would be discussed, and should contributions be solicited at such meetings? (A) Not until the other has been launched and there is at least a great portion of that needed already subscribed. In New York, as in any other center, a going thing carries weight! Where there is the seeking FOR the going - it is already beaten!
16. (Q) Would it be wise to advance to the general membership the proposal of the Norfolk Trustees that ten percent of income for three months be contributed? (A) Be wise to indicate this as a way in which certain groups are aiding in the program, but as to whether this plan should be accepted or rejected - leave open.
17. (Q) Considering all circumstances and conditions, would it be wise to undertake to build the addition as planned to the present home, or attempt to raise funds to secure a new home and office site? (A) As it has been begun, and as this was the center given, hold to it!
18. We are through for the present. esent.