Edgar Cayce, the sleeping prophet-so called for his self induced trance while reposed, was arguably the most influential figure in Western rite mysticism. And for good reason. He was a healer and seer-his philosophies and curative prescriptions more documented than any other, with the exception of Chico Xavier. In The Edgar Cayce Primer, author Dr Herbert Puryear interprets and condenses the voluminous work of the "prophet." It is no mere task. The author must identify Cayce's principal teachings, peel all layers of obfuscation and deliver with lucidity. He manages-deftly utilising analogy after analogy.
The neophyte he hopes will emerge an adept by the time the last page is turned. Explaining our varied accomplishments-material or spiritual, he writes: "This is like an elevator which may move from the first floor to the third. As many buildings have elevators that are limited in movement to only one specific floor, so it is probable that many who can move in consciousness out of this plane may move consistently only to one other level." At times though, we are not quite sure if the Cayce Premier was intended to be a self-help book-one of the countless produced annually. The author teeters, balancing delicately between theosophical profundity and run of the mill psychology. In the end Theosophy triumphs-true to the ideals of the "prophet."
Echoing Cayce, the author trumpets karmic law-as explained in Galatians: "As you sow so shall you reap." He introduces reincarnation (not to be confused with metempsychosis) as a truism-even citing Matthew 11: 13-14 in the Bible as verification. The concept he states, gives meaning to our trials and victories. It must, he argues, for it is one of God's immutable laws-just and merciful. But Dr Puryear has to explain the unparalleled feats of Edgar Cayce-his uncanny ability to diagnose and heal at a distance; his accurate prognostications; his detailed account of other dimensions, and the destiny of mankind. Surely, it cannot be left to the simple-mindedness of religious fundamentalists who are befuddled at the mystical keys of their own book. And no, it is not the handiwork of devils.
According to the author, Edgar Cayce, in moments of quietude, was able to tap into a reservoir of knowledge, known by many names-the Akashic records, the Infinite, the Overself, the Inner Word, and the Super-conscious. We are spirits cloaked in mental and physical layers. The triune concept of body, mind, and soul is the cornerstone of this brilliant literary undertaking. If we hold this to be true, then gaining access to wisdom is not that incredulous. At this juncture, Dr Puryear invokes the provocative message of the psalmist: "Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the Most High." (Ps 82:6). May be Jesus' exhortation, "The kingdom of God is within," (Luke 17:21) would have been a fitting corollary.
And Hell is also within, I gather.
The point of fact is that we have swerved from the path of spiritual actualisation. The Cayce Primer attempts to redirect us to our essential purpose as spiritual beings, while we fulfill daily obligations.
Referencing contemporary studies in ontology, the author argues that consciousness survives death. He offers, "If individuality of consciousness can continue without the physical body, then we are immediately confronted with the question of why we think it begins with phys­ical birth?" The Cayce Primer is engaging and essential for the spiritual querent. But it fails along the way to firmly establish the parameters of such inquiry. And that's the one glaring shortcoming of Dr Puryear's work. Not every seeker is worthy-and for one reason the author should know. After all, he wrote extensively about karma.
To benefit from the august gems inscribed, purification of character is mandatory. Paul Brunton once wrote, "If the seeker's preparation and training have been correct, he may be touched by the higher consciousness. "But if he is spiritually unprepared and philosophically untrained, he may become the victim of an unseen disincarnate mind." Truer words were never spoken. For sure, many are called, but few are chosen. Dr Puryear is well aware of that law, I am sure. If only he explored it in more depth.
The Edgar Cayce Primer:
Discovering the path to Self Transformation by Herbert B. Puryear, Ph.D
Bantam Book, 1982
ISBN 0-553-25278-X
Available at Amazon.com