“Seth material” search engine (Jane Roberts)

I have mentioned a test and I will go into this in a moment, also to me the rather obvious cause of the glaring distortion. However, and I have emphasized this at times, because of our materials and methods of communication such distortions will almost of necessity occur now and then. We can only hope for their gradual disappearance, but we cannot force their disappearance. That is, you cannot. Outside of putting Ruburt in a deep trance, there is nothing that I can do along this line. And there you have it.

For personality reasons neither of you would be happy, I’m afraid, were Ruburt to go into deep trances at my instigation during sessions. And you, Joseph, would be much less enthusiastic even than Ruburt. So we must simply work as we are and make the best of it for now.

I realize that the distortions bother you more than they bother me. However, to be truthful I anticipated more distortions than we have been getting, and my cronies have been amazed, particularly since Ruburt is not in a deep trance. It was unfortunate that your friend did not arrive on time. It was this extra element of anticipation that kept Ruburt from the usual excellent state of dissociation in the beginning of the session.

(Break at 11:05. Jane was dissociated as usual. The ache in her shoulder had let up somewhat, but she was not too surprised now to develop a pain in a foot. During break she hopped about until it too eased up. Discussing distortions during break, we recalled that once or twice Seth had mentioned using the deep trance state. Neither of us cared much for the idea. Jane resumed at 11:12.)

In a deep trance there is always a certain lack of protection involved. Many on my plane do teach, or try to teach, using such a fashion. It is one of my personal peculiarities that I do not approve of this educational device.

Benefits received by personalities who are in deep trance are not nearly as long-lasting as they are in my method. It is true that in the trance state the subconscious learns. However, the subconscious knowledge eventually must be transferred to the personality-consciousness. In other methods than my own this transference takes place at a later time, usually on a midplane after the death of the personality on your plane.

Others are watching. There is some friendly disagreement; we are all here what you would call educators, and I sometimes fear that we become too concerned with methods. I much prefer personally an active, fairly alert personality student rather than a deep trance subject who passively receives and transmits spoon-fed knowledge. I thrive on flexible give and take. Ruburt is dissociated but all the connections are left open.

With deep trance the conscious outer state is completely switched off. Knowledge is forcibly poured down the imaginary gullet, and I can’t feel very enthusiastic over such a method. What we are doing may be slower on your terms, but the effects are more durable and the whole self is aware of any knowledge thus received.

(“Well, there aren’t many on this plane who go into such a deep trance state, are there?”)

(“I’m wondering who all these people are who go into these deep trance states. Do we know any of them?”)