An Edgar Cayce viewpoint

[Guest guest]

Not only Adam and Eve fell in the Garden, the serpent fell also. And, as Moses raised the serpent in the desert, so must we all raise the serpent power within ourselves in order to receive the presence and the power of God, the Omnipotent, within our temples, our bodies. One of the most primary practices for doing this is kundalini

Warnings

“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. Then, crucify desire in self; that ye may be awakened to the real abilities of helpfulness that lie within thy grasp. ...without preparation, desires of EVERY nature may become so accentuated as to destroy....” Therefore, let’s examine our purposes, searching our hearts for our true passion. Is it cooperation and coordination with God, or are we still longing to gratify some lingering desires of our own self interests?

The Taoist meditators of The Secret of the Golden Flower talk about the right method being like one wing of a bird, the other wing being the right heart. A wise seeker must remember, the bird cannot fly with only one wing. All seekers must have the right method and the right heart.

The Ideal

The right-heart concept leads us naturally to the readings’ teaching that an ideal should be raised as we seek to awaken the life force. What is our ideal? To whom or what do we look for examples of better behavior, better choices, better uses for our energies, better relating skills with others? What standard guides us in conceiving our better selves? Who is the author of our “Book of Life”? Is it the circumstances of life? Is it our self-interests?

These are important questions from the perspective of the Cayce readings, questions that should be considered before going on with the powerful kundalini forces aroused in this method of meditation. As the readings say, we can build a Frankenstein or a god using basically the same meditative method. It all depends on the ideal held as the practice progresses.

FIND that which is to YOURSELF the more certain way to your consciousness of PURIFYING body and mind, before ye attempt to enter into the meditation as to raise the image of that through which ye are seeking to know the will or the activity of the Creative Forces; for ye are RAISING in meditation actual CREATION taking place within the inner self!

The readings would advise anyone who feels unable to “set the carnal aside” and attune to a high ideal for the period of meditation to not meditate -- and instead to pray. If the pray then changes you and you feel that you can set the carnal forces aside, you may enter into meditation. Otherwise, stay away from it. Meditation gives power to whatever is in the consciousness and desires of the person. Make sure these are pure and of the highest.

Jesus Christ

Kundalini meditation is certainly an Eastern concept and method of meditation, but the Christ Spirit can help one awaken these powerful forces carefully and in accord with God's will and way. The Edgar Cayce readings present Jesus Christ as not only a high ideal but as a powerful force of protection for anyone seeking to loosen their life force, to open the bio-spiritual seals, and enter into the presence of God. Christ is presented as an advocate for us before the Godhead. To call on this protection and guidance is to call on the greatest resource available. However, the readings do not put the religion that formed around Jesus Christ above other religions. The readings are too universal for that. Seekers from any religious faith can use the power of Christ in their meditative practice and still remain loyal to their religion. Here’s an example of this perspective, from reading 281-13:

If there has been set the mark (mark meaning here the image that is raised by the individual in its imaginative and impulse force) such that it takes the form of the ideal the individual is holding as its standard to be raised to, ...then the individual (or the image) bears the mark of the Lamb, or the Christ, or the Holy One, or the Son, or any of the names we may have given to that which enables the individual to enter THROUGH IT into the very presence of that which is the creative force from within itself -- see?...

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

Notice how “Christ” is given as equivalent to the “love of God-Consciousness.” Seekers from any religion may have love of God-Consciousness. Christ in this perspective is more universal than the religion that possesses that name. Notice also how “love of God-Consciousness” cleanses us of self-interests that may hinder or harm us.

However, there is much more to this reading than ecumenism and protection. Cayce is giving us a great insight into just how a meditator may be transported from a good meditative stillness into the very presence of the Creative Force, God -- with all the ramifications of such an experience. If in our imaginative forces we can conceive or form the ideal (the standard) to which we seek to be raised, then we (as the Revelation states) bear the mark or the sign of that power (whatever name we give it) that enables us to enter through it into the very presence of God within us, the Creative Force within us. Despite the power of some of the other techniques in this form of meditation, imaging the ideal is seminal to transformation. Reading 1458-1 points out our only limitation: “The entity is only limited to that it sets as its ideal.” We are “gods in the making” if we can conceive ourselves to be such -- in cooperation and coordination with the Great God.

The Kundalini and Eternal Life

As we have seen, the readings interweave Judaeo-Christian teachings found throughout the Old and New Testaments, but particularly in the book of The Revelation, with concepts and practices from ancient Hinduism and Yoga. The fundamental concepts are these: 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 it to life everlasting, so each of us must raise our serpent power to its rightful, original place of honor. Kundalini meditation is intended to do just that.

This kundalini or life force is within the human body, the temple. Normally it is used in ways that dissipate it, eventually leading to aging and death of the body. All people are allowed to use their life force as they choose (at least within the parameters of their karma). Whether they dissipate it consciously or unconsciously makes no difference. When it’s gone, it’s gone. But it doesn’t have to be this way. As the readings put it, “...if there will be gained that consciousness, there need not be ever the necessity of a physical organism aging ... seeing this, feeling this, knowing this, ye will find that not only does the body become revivified, but by the creating in every atom of its being the knowledge of the activity of this Creative Force ... spirit, mind, body [are] renewed.”

The “elan vital” of the Western world and the “kundalini” of the Eastern world follows natural laws, and can be made to flow in rejuvenative ways which enhance and extend the life. This is not only possible with kundalini meditation, but it is a valuable goal to pursue. Here’s one reading’s statement on this: “How is the way shown by the Master? What is the promise in Him? The last to be overcome is death. Death of what? The soul cannot die, for it is of God. The body may be revivified, rejuvenated. And it is to that end it may, the body, transcend the earth and its influence.” This meditation practice works directly with the forces of life.

Prayer Words

Now let’s look at the mechanics of this method. Assuming that our ideals, purposes and hearts are in the right place, that we have crucified our selfish desires, conceived of our ideal, and drawn on the power and protection of the Christ, “love of God-Consciousness” -- let’s begin with prayer-words for the seven chakras. These words vary with different practices, but the Cayce readings teach that one reason the Master created the Lord’s Prayer was for this purpose. The readings give a slightly different version of the prayer, which we’ll use. The readings are also comfortable with the feminine aspect of the Godhead as well as the masculine, so let’s also use this. As you say the prayer, feel the meaning of the words as your consciousness is directed to the location of the chakra.

SEE CHART

To fully realize the power of this prayer, one must understand that it is intended to call forth the highest in each chakra. Just as we felt the words “stillness” and “God” in the earlier affirmation/mantra, so now we must feel or imagine the change brought on by these words and their meanings. Take your time. Consider this as part of the meditation period.

The order of the chakra prayer is significant in that it attempts to awaken the higher chakras before awakening the lower ones. This is the best approach. Awakening the first chakra before the seventh and sixth is like opening the serpent basket without the charm of the flute. The serpent is loose to its own interests, rather than under the charm of the higher music. Keep a higher ideal, a higher purpose, a right heart, and the consciousness focused predominantly on the higher centers. Draw the kundalini upward.

Breath Power

Now once again we take hold of the breath. This time we take a stronger hold and use it in ways that arouse the life force and draw it up through the chakras of this wonderful bio-spiritual instrument in which we abide. Why the breath? “BREATH is the basis of the living organism’s activity. ...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....”

Strengthening and Opening Breath

There are several breathing patterns we may use. The first is described often in the readings. It begins with a deep inhalation through the right nostril, filling the lungs and feeling strength! Then exhalation through the mouth. This should be felt throughout the torso of the body -- STRENGTH! After three of these, shift to inhaling through the left nostril and exhaling through the right (not through the mouth). This time feel the opening of your centers. As you do this left-right nostril breathing, keep your focus on the third eye and crown chakra, letting the other centers open toward these two. This will not be difficult because the sixth and seventh centers have a natural magnetism -- just as the snake charmer’s music.

When you have finished this breathing pattern, go through the prayer again slowly, directing your attention to each chakra as you recite the phrase and key word.

Rising and Bathing Breath

Then, begin the second breathing pattern. It goes like this. Breathe through your nostrils in a normal manner; however, with each inhalation feel or imagine the life force being drawn up from the lower parts of the torso to the crown of the head and over into the third-eye center. Hold the breath slightly, and then as you exhale, feel or imagine the life force bathing the chakras as it descends through them to the lowest center. Pause, then inhale while again feeling or imagining the drawing upward. Repeat this cycle at a comfortable pace -- using your consciousness and breath to direct the movement in synchronization with the inhalations and exhalations. As the breath and life force rise, feel or imagine how they are cleansed and purified in the higher chakras. As they descend, feel how they bathe the chakras with this purified energy. Take your time; again, consider this as part of the meditation. Do about seven cycles of inhalations and exhalations.

“These exercises [yoga breathing] are excellent.... Thus an entity puts itself, through such an activity [yoga breathing], into association or in conjunction with all it has EVER been or may be. For it loosens the physical consciousness to the universal consciousness.... 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.”

The Rising Incantation

After this breathing pattern is a good time to use a rising incantation. Here’s one from an ancient Egyptian mystical practice described in the readings. Breathe in deeply, then as you very slowly exhale, direct your consciousness to the lowest chakra and begin moving the life force upward as you chant in a drone “ah ah ah ah ah, a a a a a, e e e e e, i i i i i, o o o o o, u u u u u, m m m m m.” Each sound is associated with a chakra. “Ah” with the root chakra (reading 2072-10, “this is not R, but Ah,” as the “a” in spa). “A” with the lyden center (sounds like long “a” in able). “E” with the solar plexus (sounds like long “e” in eve). “I” with the heart (a long “i”, as in high). “O” with the throat (long “o” as in open). “U” with the pineal (sounds like the “u” in true) . And, “m” with the third eye (like humming the “m” in room).

Remember that true incanting is an inner sounding which vibrates, stimulates and lifts the life force. It is done in a droning manner, with a monotonous, humming tone -- vibrating the vocal cords and then directing this vibration to the chakras, thus vibrating them. Feel the chakras being tuned to the specific sound/vibration, and then carry your consciousness upward as the sound changes. Do this chanting three or more times, or until you feel its effect. You may also want to finish this chanting portion of the practice with a few soundings of the great OM chant (as in home).

Often at this point in the meditation, the head will be drawn back, the forehead and crown may have pronounced sensations or vibrations, and the upper body and head may be moving back and forth, or side to side, or in a circular motion (circular is preferable). These are all natural results of the practice and are identified as such in the readings. In the Revelation, St. John associates body-shaking (“earthquakes”) with the opening of the sixth chakra, followed by “silence in heaven” as the seventh chakra opens.

In to the Mind

Now we want to move in consciousness, so let the breathing and body go on autopilot (the Autonomic Nervous System will watch over them).

At this point in the practice, the whole of the body, mind and soul are aroused and alert. Now, the ideal held is the formative influence, and development proceeds according to the ideal held.

The mind has a somewhat different experience in this type of meditation than it does in the Magic Silence method. All self-initiated activity is suspended. The mind has been changing as we have raised the energies of the body. By now it is very still, yet quite alert. Stay here. Do not draw away or attempt to affect anything. Heightened expectancy and alertness is an excellent state of mind at this point. Here’s where we have the greatest opportunity to receive God. Completely open your consciousness to God’s. St. John says that he was “in the spirit” (the readings says this was John’s way of saying that he was in meditation) and he “turned” (in consciousness) and his revelation began. St. John’s word “turned” so precisely describes the cessation of all self-initiated activity. We too must reach a point in the meditation where we turn around from our constant outer-directed thoughtstream, to become transfixed on God’s consciousness, and purely receptive.

Expansion and the Imaginative Forces

The readings say we should have a strong sense of expansion and universalization while in this state. They also recommend that we imagine expansion as we progress toward this place in the meditation. The imaginative forces should be used to help us reach higher consciousness. So, imagine expansion as you raise the life force in the early stages of the practice. According to the readings, the pineal’s primary functioning is “the impulse or imaginative” force. It is the pineal chakra that aids in the transition from heightened material consciousness to real spiritual consciousness. Use your imaginative forces to aid in this transition. Also, reading 294-141 adds, “Keep the pineal gland operating and you won’t grow old -- you will always be young!” Again we see the rejuvenative powers of stimulating the imagination.

The Lower and Upper Gates

Reading 281-13 describes more of what occurs. “The spirit and the soul is within its encasement, or its temple within the body of the individual - see? With the arousing..., it rises along that which is known as the Appian Way, or the pineal center, to the base of the brain, that it may be disseminated to those centers that give activity to the whole of the mental and physical being. It rises then to the hidden eye in the center of the brain system, or is felt in the forefront of the head, or in the place just above the real face - or bridge of nose, see?”

As we have seen, the soul is encased in the second chakra of the body, the lyden center. From this chakra it is drawn upwards by the magnetism that results from stimulating the pineal center. It rises to the base of the brain and into the pineal center, the crown chakra. In ancient Egyptian mysticism, the lyden center is represented by the lower gate and pharaoh of the lower Nile, while the pineal center is the upper gate and pharaoh of the upper Nile. In The Book of the Master of the Hidden Places, there are ancient Egyptian pictures of a young man named “Ani” encouraging his soul to pass through the lower gate, and later Ani’s soul is seen at the threshold of the upper gate, ready to make that wonderful passage into the higher consciousness. The caption under these pictures reads, “Hail ye gods who make souls to enter into their spiritual bodies. Grant ye that the soul of the reunited Ani, triumphant, may come forth before the gods, and that his soul may have peace in the Hidden

Place.”

A More Wonderful Life

The power gained from this type of meditation is not used to rule but to allow more of God’s influence to come into our lives and into this dimension. Raising the Life Force within the body is key to higher consciousness and resurrecting mortal flesh as spiritualized flesh.

We are the channels of God in this realm, if we choose to be so. We could literally transform this realm if more of us developed ourselves to be better, clearer channels of the Life Force, the Great Spirit, God. The residual effect of this is that our individual lives become more fulfilling, abundant, rejuvenated and eternal.

Success is in the Doing!

From the readings’ perspective, “In the doing comes the understanding” -- not in the talking, the reading, the believing, the knowing, or thinking -- but in the doing. So come, take up your practice. Not just to feel better, but that the infinite may manifest in the finite, lifting all to a more wonderful life!