“Seth material” search engine (Jane Roberts)

Let us first consider the trance state. Let us for example consider the following circumstances, which are happening only in our imagination. We will therefore consider this imaginary circumstance: an individual is in a trance state. His focus of attention is rather severely limited in some aspects, and yet in other ways it is very strongly focused.

The individual involved is aware of very little as far as physical objects are concerned. There is, for example, a table in front of him. The table is real, it is physical. Under ordinary circumstances it could be seen and touched. Objects could be placed upon it; and yet, Doctor Instream, our entranced individual is not conscious of that table. In his state he is concentrating upon some object which we cannot see. Now, consider: we will attempt to prove the existence of this material table to this individual who is not aware of it. How, therefore, could we prove to him that this table exists, when he is not aware of it in any manner whatsoever? His attentions are focused elsewhere. For him the table does not exist. We have indeed a rather delightful dilemma; and yet, is this not what you require of me? I speak of “you” simply because I have come in contact with you. I recognize only too well your sympathy and your understanding. Nevertheless the situation in which you put me is exactly like the situation which I have only now described.

Your attentions are indeed focused elsewhere. You are in a trance as well as Ruburt is in a trance state now. This is far from unusual. I use you, dear Doctor Instream, only as an example. Consciousness of any kind is merely the direction in which the self looks. I told you this at our brief meeting. Consciousness is the focus, the direction of focus. Your ordinary consciousness is as much a trance state as any trance state induced through hypnotism. Therefore it is nearly impossible to convince a subject in trance that something he does not see exists.

Though objects upon the table be dearly familiar to him, in his trance state he will not recall them. Any sentiment involved with the objects on the table, such sentiment will disappear and have no meaning. The ordinary state of consciousness is no different from that trance state. You have merely turned the focus of your attention into different realities. My attention, and my reality, is mainly focused in another direction.

Therefore it is also highly difficult for me to prove my own existence to you, for you are not focused within my field of attention. You are focused within the physical universe. I will indeed go along with this endeavor. It is nevertheless a difficult one. I understand most thoroughly, my dear Doctor Instream; I know, again, with whom I am dealing. You, at this point in our acquaintanceship, have little to lose by being so kind to me, and so permissive and sympathetic in your attitude. I say this because we understand each other very well.

I realize only too well that reincarnation is a shady subject by far, most unpopular. I assure you however that in any discussion with your psychologists on this matter, I shall hold my own. Again, the attention, the energy of all human personalities, as a rule, are severely focused in one scope of reality only. They are indeed in a trance.

This is necessary. I have no qualms with this, but it is possible, and in this stage of your evolution it is necessary, that the human personality learn to become flexible, to change the focus of awareness so that other realities can be perceived. There are indeed as I have said, effects that I can show you, and I will. Effects that will at least be of some import; but you must remember the table in our analogy of the man in the trance state.

However, we return again to the fact which neither of us can afford to ignore. We are each in a trance, you and I, (louder) but the focus of attention is within different fields. We speak with distortions. The material which I have already given will explain most clearly many ideas which are absolutely basic, for unless these ideas are clearly understood, then (louder) you will have no logical reason to accept anything that I say.

There is very much concerning the characteristics of the trance state which you do not yet understand, and I can help you here. Hypnotism may seem very strange. It involves no more, however, than a study of human personality, for it involves nothing more than a switching of focus. It is imperative, if we are to speak easily, that you read the material having to do with the specific ways in which the human individual creates physical matter on a subconscious basis.