The A.R.E. Bookstore

There were other things to do in and around the Association for Research and Enlightenment in Virginia Beach. There were various introductory lectures given at A.R.E. throughout each week. I went to one or two of them.

The lectures cover the basics about Edgar Cayce and the readings, the founding of Association for Research and Enlightenment, and some of the specific topics mentioned in the readings, such as castor oil and the location of Atlantis. At the end of the lectures, participants are given a coupon which is good for one dollar toward a purchase in the A.R.E. bookstore. Of course, the bookstore is where participants are expected to visit after the lecture, or at least before they leave, to purchase something that might have been mentioned in the lecture.

I visited the bookstore. To me, it was simply part of the experience of visiting A.R.E. which was somewhat of a museum. I think it has potential to be more than that, but that was my impression. The bookstore was like many new age type of bookstores only with the addition of A.R.E. branded castor oil and other accessories recommended in the Edgar Cayce readings.

The big thing in the consciousness movement at the time of my visit was the What the Bleep movie. There was a significant display with the DVD, the book, and further on, the books on water molecules, and even prayed over water. All very interesting. I had seen the movie. A friend had given me a copy, but I later loaned to someone and never saw it again. I liked What the Bleep. I liked that it had a storyline which, I think, opens the door for others to produce films with similar themes. However, the part I thought was very well done was the animation. The funniest part in What the Bleep was watching JZ Knight, playing Ramtha, and paraphrasing A Course in Miracles! Seriously, I laughed out loud when I saw that part.

As far as other Course related books go, I always feel that the Course itself answers every question. I may want to read other's experience with the Course at times, and all of us who have some experience channeling miracles have something to share, but all my questions about the Course are answered within the Course. For those who would like to read a simpler way of understanding A Course in Miracles, I always recommend books by Jerry Jampolsky1 2. The Course is always directing you to hear your own inner voice and Dr. Jampolsky got this early on in his study of the Course. I trust his writings and recommend them without reservation.

I used my coupon to purchase the above pictured cup. It has been well used, as you can see. The other side shows even more wear.

1. 1. Find a link to his web site on our Other Voices page.
2. 2. Find other mentions of Dr. Jampolsky on this site with this link.