“Seth material” search engine (Jane Roberts)

Words are quite ineffectual methods of communication. The question, “When is the self born?”, would take many sessions to answer. As simply as possible the self, the inner self with which the ego is only vaguely familiar, that self which is the inner strength, continuity and identity, that gives the ego its vital meaning, that inner self, dear friend, is constantly being born.

It develops, again, as you know, Joseph and Ruburt, it expands as an idea expands, taking up no space. The self may project itself into the dimensions of space and time, but the projection is a small part of its actuality. Even the uppermost or surface elements of the self with which you are familiar, the ego and the uppermost layers of the subconscious, even these cannot be said to be born at any given time, in time as you conceive it.

(I never did obtain any hints of identity. I tried three times specifically; and each time in a most dry and amused, even pleased way, the personality said firmly that Jane and I could not be told why at this time. I learned that three were involved in the watching. The group had not been with us very often in the past. They knew Seth. They said he was an educator, and that they were also. One of the more interesting points the spokesman made was that much instruction was passed on to our plane of existence through dreams; this when the ego was more relaxed.

(In a most amused way the personality said he and the others did not think much of our fumblings around with various tests this evening. The group was not with us when we tried moving the ring; it was with us when we concentrated upon the rocker. “A corridor had been open” then. I did not ask for predictions and none were volunteered. Future contact was a possibility. The group was “interested” in watching our progress with Seth. They thought Seth was “all right” as a teacher. We could not be told now why they must remain anonymous. Although some instruction was given to personalities on this plane through dreams, it was difficult because of the ever-guarding ego. They were able to accomplish more in the way of education after personalities had left this plane.