Prayer of Caritas - Charity or Virtue

 Today is Christmas Eve, 2012, and it is no longer politically correct to say "Merry Christmas", but to say "Happy Holidays", instead. This is not a blog about politics, so I will not get much deeper into the subject, but much has been lost in its meaning. Mankind fight for what they believe in without respecting the others' creeds, and in the end, all we need is CHARITY and love to progress spiritually, morally, to respect one another and honor God.

The following prayer was written mechanically (Psychography:the reception of written spirit messages through a medium) by Mme. W. Krell, in Bordeaux, France, on Christmas night 1883. The spirits presents itself as 'Caritas', the latin word for virtue or charity.

The true meaning of Christmas and any other religious observation should be based on this:

"God, our Father, who is all power and goodness,
give strength to those who go through tribulations;
give light to those who seek the truth,
and fill the human heart with compassion and charity.

God, give the guiding star to the traveler,
consolation to the afflicted,
and rest to the sick.

Father! Give repentance to the guilty,
truth to the spirit,
guidance to the child and a father to the orphan.
Lord! May your goodness extend over everything that You have created.
Mercy, Lord, to those who do not know You
and hope to those who suffer.

May Your goodness allow the consoling spirits
to spread peace, hope, and faith everywhere.

God! A ray of light and a spark of Your love can inflame the Earth.
Let us drink from the fountains of this abundant and infinite goodness,
and all tears will be dried,
and all pain will be lessened.

A single heart, a single thought will rise to you
like a cry of gratitude and love.
Like Moses on the mountain,
we wait for You with open arms.
Oh! Goodness, oh! Beauty, oh! Perfection,
we wish in some way to deserve Your mercy.

God, give us the strength to help progress so we may rise up to You;
give us pure charity;
give us faith and reason
and give us the simplicity that will make our souls
the mirror that will reflect your image.”

 

Praying for the Dead

Dead is just a force of expression. The return to the spirit world makes one realize they are more alive than before, which can be a grand moment or a prolonging of suffering. The latter is true, among other reasons, for those who committed suicide, a case that needs to be discussed in more length later on. Some cultures have festivities for the dead because they are returning to their real homes, but the Western World weeps. Many judge that it is not necessary to pray because life ceases and nothing exists beyond the material world. The person is gone and lost forever, which is very stressful and unrealistic. If that were true, what would be the sense in living after all? Others have grown up with the idea of heaven and hell instilled in their minds. If one was good in life, they are in heaven and need no prayers. If they were bad, then they are in hell and damnation and will suffer the heat and pranks of the devil for all eternity. That picture is even more unrealistic than the idea of nothing. No one in this world (or very few, perhaps) would deserve heavenly bliss, and if we are all still imperfect in a world of atonement, that would mean we would go straight to hell. Neither option is fair, and God is Just.



So, should we pray for the departed?



665. Some people are against prayers for the dead because this practice is not prescribed by the gospels. What should we think of this view?



" Christ said 'Love one another'. This is a principle you should all strive to live by. In reality, natural law must follow its course; but your prayers on behalf of the suffering spirit are accepted by God as a display of love and affection that always brings relief and consolation to the sufferer. Moreover, the afflicted spirit will be ready to be helped once it makes a genuine commitment to change its character and starts assuming responsibility for its misdeeds. Then, the spirit will be comforted to know that a kind heart is interceding on its behalf. Further, your prayers will produce in it feelings of gratitude and affection. Both you and the suffering spirit will then have observed the law of love and union that pervades the universe. Love and oneness are the aim of a spirit's education."



666. Can we pray to spirits? (understand this as saints, good hearted people who have passed,etc)



"You can pray to them in their role of messengers and helpers of the Divine Being. But their ability to act on your request depends on their advancement and God's permission. As such, prayers you address to them will be attended to if granted by God."



(Spirits' Book)



As for prayers, it is recommended that your prayers come from the heart. Yet, The Gospel Explained By The Spiritist Doctrine brings a collection of prayers that need not be read or said verbatim, and certainly not memorized. But it is a beginning. As follows, there are two: one for those who are dying and another for those who have just died.



Purpose: To Be Said For One Who Is Dying



Preface: Agony is the prelude to the separation of the soul from the body... This phase can be quite painful for people who are deeply attached to worldly things - for those who live more the possessions of this world than the next one - and whose consciences are troubled by regret and guilt. By contrast, the seekers after the Infinite disengage themselves from matter more easily, breaking the links that tie them to the earth without pain in their last moments. Only a thin thread links the physical body to their souls, whereas, in the first case, thick roots hold the departing soul. In every case, prayer produces a powerful action in the work of separation.



Prayer: Merciful and all powerful God, here is a soul that is about to leave its earthly covering, and return to its real home in the spirit world. Let it have peace in this passing and extend Your mercy to it.

Good spirits that have accompanied this person on earth, do not desert him in this ultimate moment. Give him the strength to endure suffering he must umdergo, the sufferings that will allow him to pass out of this world for the sake of his future progress. Inspire him to use the last glimmerings of pjusial awareness to repent any wrongs he has done. Let my thoughts act to help him achieve tis separation with greater ease, and may hope bring comfort to his soul at the moment it leaves earth.


******


Prayers For Those No Longer On Earth

Purpose: To Be Said For Someone Who Has Just Died

Preface: We don't pray for souls that have just left earth only to show our sympathy. Our prayers also help release these souls from their earthly ties, shortening the period of agitation that always follows the separation and allowing for more peaceful awakening on the other side. In this, as in all other circumstances, the effectiveness of a prayer depends on how sincere our thoughts are, not on the number of grandiose words we say - very often such words don't come from the heart.

Prayers that are truly from the heart resonate with the spirits they're directed to. The ideas of the departing soul at this point are still in a state of confusion. Our prayers are like sweet voices that come to awaken them from sleep.

Prayer: All-Powerful God, let your mercy extend over those who have just left earth! Let your light shine on them! Don't leave them in darkness. Open their eyes and ears. Let the good spirits be near you, surround you, and help you shake off your earthly bonds. Now you understand and ssee the grandeur of God - so accept God's Justice without complaining, and never fail to trust God's Mercy. Dear brother/sister, may a sincere review of your past open the doors to a new future. Let it help you understand the wrongs you left behind, and the work that needs to be done to straighten them out! May God pardon your faults and may the good spirits sustain and encourage you! We, your loved ones on earth, will pray to God for you, and ask that you equally pray for us.

The Act of Prayer

I have already mentioned about praying for those whom I had ill-feelings. This brings on an interesting view on what prayer actually is, and whether it is effective or not. You see, my father was a devout Catholic, he would go to mass, say all his prayers in his native language (Polish) and was among several enthusiastic Catholics to try to get a glimpse of Pope John II in Chicago in or around 1982. Yet, during the time of the mass he would criticize those who did not kneel, those who did not put any money in the basket, those who did not bless themselves when entering the Church. It seems to me he pretty much went to social events and followed formulas, rather than really feel the words he pronounced during "Our Father" or "Hail Mary". God sees not the length of your prayers, or what verbosity you come up with. A prayer is meaningful to God if you do it with your entire being, not only through your lips. No need to read a prayer out of a book, even a very good one. If you are shallow, your words are also shallow until the meaning hits you like a lightning bolt someday, and then that adds some humbleness to your attitude.

Praying for others with heartfelt devotion will attract compassionate spirits who share your inner intention. Together you can have a positive influence on the person(s) you are praying for. All of us have our free will, but many times these prayers and the influence of good spirits, permitted by God, may induce them to rethink their lives or decisions. Ultimately, free will wins over and it is the person's responsibility if consequences are not what they had aimed for. An example is a mother who did all there was in her power to raise her child as a good man. The child grows and associates himself with the wrong group. She prays daily with all her heart that he finds his way back to righteousness. In situations like this, the son is already psychologically and physically impaired due to addictions, vices and abuse, and very likely is now obsessed by vampires (lowly spirits, inhabitants of the Portal, who extract energy from the less enlightened). If this is the case, a lucid moment and repentance may be the beginning of recovery, along with the Earthly detox treatments allied with spirituality. The good spirits who are in the service of helping suggest to these people good thoughts and aid by granting them the strength they need. Other times it is almost or definitely too late, and physical death occurs prematurely, an act seen in the spiritual world as unintentional suicide. Suicide, nonetheless. The spiritual world will not interfere in your free will unless you are open for them (this goes both ways, for the good and the bad), and are open more to the light then lip-service.

Another thing I realized as I grew up in the Catholic Church (and this is only an example, many other denominations do the same), is the exchange rate some believe to exist between themselves and God. I will pray one hundred Our Fathers if I get that job, or I will pray the rosary while walking on my knees from my house to the Church if you cure my child's illness. God is not a merchant, so you will receive your lot as it is seen fit, and you will reach grace depending on your deserving it:

663. As we pray for ourselves, can we prevent our trials from taking place or change their nature?

"Your experiences are part of a general plan, and there are some trials you are better off going through. In all cases, the courage you display while undergoing your troubles does not go unnoticed. With prayer, you gather strength from the good spirits who come to you. You can also develop a more positive outlook towards your problems. Unaffected prayer is never useless; the very comfort it provides is a benefit itself. The saying 'Heaven helps those who help themselves' could not be truer. Technically, God has instruments to intervene in your favor. Consider, however, that what appears to be a tragedy from the perspective of physical realm may be a blessing in the context of general order of the universe. Besides, many of your sorrows are self-inflicted; they could be a result of your own shortsightedness. Nonetheless, your requests are granted more frequently than you suppose. When a solution is not produced right away, you are often too quick to discount the value of prayer, but help usually comes so naturally that it seems to be the result of the ordinary course of things. What is even more common is for Providence to suggest to your mind a better way to deal with your difficulties." (Spirits' Book)

So, many times that great idea you came up with, or the help from unexpected sources are not really because of your intelligent nature or lucky strike. It is the universe conspiring in your favor, the Divine giving to you the means of solving your problems.

Santeria, Charms and Spells.

It's officially 2011. This reminds me of many New Year's Eve spent at the beach in another country, where devouts of Iemanja, some deity from the sea, would go in the water, men dressed in African style white pants and women dressed in long white skirts made of cheap fabric and tulle as a symbolic gesture. They would invariably make offers of white roses, champagne, cigarettes, and perfume to the deity. One notices that the majority of these credulous individuals come from a background of poverty. I understand and agree that scarcity is not shameful, but I could not help but think their hard earned money was being spent on an illusion. Traditions and people mixed and mingled on these occasions. While my group would just wait for the fireworks and toast with champagne at midnight, others had their own rituals. And I would always wonder...

Not too long ago someone asked me if what I believed in and spoke about involved santeria. It is sometimes difficult to convey that a world where the incarnate and discarnate coexist does not mean witchraft or magic of some sort is involved, and for the most part, I rather drop the subject. Time will tell. It is also difficult to explain that one knows both situations, and I that knowlege leads me to having no sympathy for anything that has to do with certain spiritualist groups. Many moons ago, as a project for College allied to my innate curiosity, I went to a Center of Umbanda - a cult of possession that mixes Afro religion with some Catholicism and Spiritism. I cannot stress enough that this is just a disguise for purely African religion that uses Catholic Saints' names and later some of the teachings of Kardec. Reason being of the Catholic part is that back in the days, slaves used Catholic Saints' names for their gods and goddesses as an aritifice to deiceive "Massas" and practice their trances and whatnots without being punished: Iemanja, for instance, is many times considered the Virgin Mary or St Barbara. Much later they began to use teachings from Kardec, partly to make theirs a more respectable doctrine. Allow me to reiterate: Santeria and alikes are NOT Spiritism, and real adepts of Kardec's teachings do not, at any rate, follow any of their rituals, charms, beliefs, etc.

Back to the subject. At this center, which I went all of three times, I saw simple and naive citizens, some were really simpletons, and others were wiseguys. I was received amicably, they requested I come dressed in white, and out of respect for them and their creed, I did. Picture a very poor house literally hanging in the middle of a slope, and quarters bigger than an efficiency built in the back. Once you come in those quarters, you can see in the background a picture of Jesus on the wall, a statue of Jesus in the middle shelf, among other statues representing deities of the waters, rivers, and so on called Orixas. This altar built for these Orixas is called a congar. The first two times I went to this 'temple', always accompanied by a male colleague, I found everything amusing. The beat of the drums is hypnotizing, and though I would stay in my seat and not move for a whole two hours, it still made me feel like moving to its rythm. I managed a straight face throughout both visits, pretended to believe those who said to be in trance and wanted to help me in my love life (funny... even who does not know me wants to fix me up with someone... must be karmic ;o ). These pseudo-psychics would speak in an old man's/woman's voice, the supposed spirit would say they were known as Grandmother this, and Grandfather that, all terms used during slavery in this particular country (remember 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' - Uncle was just a term, not kinship). They would also refer to the 'mediums' as their 'horses', not their channelers. I recall there was one who said he had been a sailor. They all had one thing in common: they could predict people's future, they could make the man of your dreams come crawling after you in seven, fourteen or twenty-one days (are these kabbalistic numbers??), give you recipes to make the arthritis pain go away. All they wanted was some cachaca (sugarcane brandy), farofa (yuca wheat toasted with bacon), flowers, etc. These were actually humble "spirits", compared to other horror stories that will be left for a next time.

I'll 'fess up and say there was no need to go a third time since I had all the material I needed. Nevertheless, I still wanted to go one last time. Not because I believed in what they did, but I just wanted to go - nothing happens by coincidence. It turns out that night, without my knowing, was the night of the "Gira-grande", loosely translated as "The Big Turn (of events?) performed every three months to appease the 'left-line', in other words, the entities of darkness. I found out this consists of drawing curtains to cover the congar, Jesus and all the other 'saints' who belong to the "white line" (not as in skin color, but in white magic), and worship the ones from the dark side, entities who protect the Center and their followers from other enemy centers, who are likely to conjure up spells to kill, hurt or take away "powers" from other sorcerers. These entities are known as Exus, devil-like entities; pombagiras, reportedly spirits of prostitutes who dwelled by ports and mingled with sailors and the likes of them; and little devil children that for the life of me, I cannot remember their names. Well, these people were no longer dressed in white - they were now in black and red. The flowers were red, tobacco galore, and the farofa was now garnished with red chili peppers and raw red meat. To the right of the quarters, terracota mud plates were placed with dead chickens swimming in their own blood. I wish PETA had been there.

My first instinct was to move, vamoose quick. I was stopped on my tracks by one of them saying I couldn't leave with the risk of being followed by one of those spirits and become unable of ridding myself from their influence. Until this day I swear I do not understand people who defend these practices as a religion. How can something that practices "good" (forcing someone, by spells and whatchamajiggas to be in a relationship with you is not what I call good, or even calling your channeler a horse, pero bueno...) and evil at the same time be actually compared to any Christian philosophy (okay, I'm not including the Inquisition here, but let's think straight). Anyway, when the people came to a trance, some would laugh hysterically, their eyes were half shut and their expressions smug - I can't help but think they were amused with me! They would crawl on the floor like beasts, stick their fingers in the chicken's blood and taste it. One grabbed a chunk of raw red meat and ate it without making a face; another ate a whole chili pepper without wincing. A Circus of Horrors. One man came up to me and tells me he knows what I want, and he will give it to me if I bring him a black cape and tall hat (the channeler was actually dressed that way, cheaply made but it seems to be a trademark for Exus). I know I did not pass out, but I have no memory of how I left and got home that night. I just know I swore I would never set foot in that place ever again.

Years have gone by, and mainly what I learned is that there is mystification in these cases, the "mediums" are flakes; there are also those who enter some twilight zonish hysteria induced trance and believe they are taken by spirits; others may actually be channelers of very lowly spirits who mock the believers. Though they cannot actually eat or smoke, they 'live' on their channeler's energy and what they consume. These are the so-called "vampires" who suck the life energy and will out of you. All in all, negative forces grow bold and stronger in this atmosphere. Thankfully, where there is a flick of Divine Light, it takes over the Darkness. I choose the light. Now, it's time for The Spirits' Book" - Occult Powers, Charms:

551. Can an ill-natured person, who can command the help of a wrong-doing spirit, cause harm to his or her neighbor?

"No, God would not permit it."

552. What should we think about the belief in the power of some persons to cast spell over other?

"Certain people possess a very strong suggestive power. If their own natures are bad, they may well use this power for injurious ends, in which case they may be seconded by other ill-meaning spirits. But let us caution you: do not believe in any pretended magical power. It exists only in the imagination of the superstitious, who are unaware of nature's true he laws. The 'facts' that have been produced to prove the existence of this pretended power actually derive from imperfectly observed and, above all, imperfectly understood natural causes."

533. Some people claim to be able to control the wills of spirits through formulas and ritual acts. What is the effect of these practices?

"Those who claim so in good faith lack real knowledge and expose themselves to ridicule. On the other hand, if they are knowlingly making a false claim, they are rogues and deserve to be held accountable for their misrepresentations. All such formulas are mere hokum. There is no 'sacramental word', no cabalistic sign, no talisman, that has any power over spirits. Spirits are are attracted by thoughts, not meaningless sounds or material objects."

-- Haven't spirits sometimes dictated cabalistic formulas?

"Yes. There are spirits who will give you strange signs and words and prescribe certain acts, and with these you may be able to perform what you call 'conjurations'. But you can be quite sure that these spirits are simply having fun at your expense. They amuse themselves with your credulity."

555. What meaning should we give to the term "sorcerer"?

"When they are honest, those whom people call sorcerers or shamans are persons gifted with exceptional abilities - for example, healing power or clairvoyance. When they use these powers to do things you do not understand, you conclude that they have supernatural powers. Many of your learned scholars have passed for sorcerers in the eyes of the unenlightened,"

So, let us not forget that Spiritism has NOTHING to do with Santeria. Please stay away from instruments such as Ouija Boards that, jointly with irresponsible craving for news on what the future might be, attract frivilous spirits to your side. This can be more harmful than you may expect, in more ways than one. Animal cruelty is not part of our equation, nor statues or talismans or rituals of any kind.

Disasters

I admit to my fears sometimes. I mean, I admit them to myself all the time, but rarely outside of my comfort zone. Natural disasters are horrific. As much as I enjoy watching the occasional storm, gazing at lightning crossing the sky and waiting for the roaring thunder that follows, I feel like returning to the womb front a possible flood, fire, hurricane or tornado. With all that I know and believe in, I am all human when it comes to being afraid of dying in pain or suffering. As a matter of fact, the best thing and yet the most boring aspect of growing older is, in my case, taking more precautions in everything. Swimming in deep waters? Not anymore, thank you. There might be sharks. Drive my car holding a sandwich in one hand, my phone between my shoulder and ear while trying to take note of something on some random piece of paper? Um - no. Go bungee-jumping? Heck, no! My MVP condition may turn into a cardiac arrest and than its me DOA at the hospital. Delusional? Exaggeration? Maybe, but I'm not taking the risk. In other words, I meet the requirements for SELF-PRESERVATION.

Still in the matter of being human and all, the most respected medium of all times, Francisco Candido Xavier, had a near encounter with disaster once. He was on a plane going I remember not where to do something that is not really important for this matter. There was turbulence during some twenty minutes which got worse and worse, and most people starting crying and shouting. He felt no different from others who panicked, and one priest recognized him "There's Chico Xavier", to which he replied in frantic fear, "Thank Goodness, Father. Let's pray together. Help! Help! God Almighty save us!" He reports that suddenly he sees Emmanuel, his spiritual guide, calmly walking up to him from the corridor:

"What seems to be the matter, Chico?"
"We are in danger!"
"Yes, you all are. So?"
"We can all die!"
"And? There's no one with priviliges around here", Emmanuel replied, annoyed. "If you have to die, at least do it politely."
"If I'm going to die, I'm going to die screaming. Help! Oh, Lord!"

Chico would later tell this story in good heart and laughter. As he said afterwards, "How can one die politely?"

This being said, The Spirits' Book tells us that destruction gives way to renewal and regeneration, as Providence uses all beings as instruments for attaining its purpose, just like the food chain where the nourishment of some beings depend on the destruction of others. Its objective is to maintain balance in the population of a species and to transform matter. What dies is merely the physical envelope, an accessory to the spirit. The spirit, the essential thinking principle is indestructible. Questions 729 through 733 from the above mentioned book gives us some insight:

729. If destruction is necessary for transformation, why does Nature instill species with the self-preservation instinct?

"This is to prevent premature destruction, which would impede the development of the intelligent principle. This is also why God gave the instinct to live and to reproduce each being."

730. Since death will lead us to a better life and liberate us from the evils of the world, it is something we should desire more than fear. Why does each of us, then, feel such instinctive horror and apprehension when facing it?

" We have already told you. Humans must seek to prolong their lives in order to fulfill their tasks. It was for this reason that God gave you the instinct of self-preservation, which sustains you during your trials. Without it you would frequently fall into despair. But the secret voice that makes you reject death also tells you that you can do something to improve your lot. Every brush with death is a call for you to spend your time more usefully. But the ungrateful, instead of thanking God for this warning, bless their lucky star that they have escaped."

731. Why, along with the means of preservation, did Nature simultaneously place the means of destruction in our path?

"The medicine comes with the sickness. As we previously told you, destruction is designed to establish balance, to maintain an equilibrium in nature."

732. Is the need for destruction the same on all planets?

" It exists in proportion to the materiality of each planet. As inhabitants reach more refined physical and spiritual states, it disappears. On more advanced planets, living conditions are quite different from yours."

733. Will the need for destruction always exist among us on Earth?

" It will diminish as the spirit gains mastery over matter. This is why the horror at destruction grows with intellectual and moral development".

The questions and explanations continue on the fairness of both the good and evil perishing at the same time in natural calamities, the killing of animals and so on. Something I will gladly explore later on. The good part is that my instincts for survival, my being cautious (not to say a chicken), absolute horror at unecessary violence and blood shedding mean I am advancing. Yes!

And So a New Year Begins

2011 is literally around the corner, barely three hours or so away, and all around me (neighborhood) is loud music, laughter and fire works. It is nice to have a moment's happiness, however empty one might feel the next day with a hangover, the memories of the departed, an empty bed as a reminder of a relationship that has not worked out, or another one night stand. Is it really nice and healthy? I never thought so and thankfully have not indulged lightly. Nonetheless, it took me three decades to come to terms with myself, with what life is really about, and to gratefully enjoy inner peace regardless of circumstances. This year I am not going to make any resolutions, I will not ask for more money, a better job, a man in my life. I will not ask for anything that is remotely linked to the selfish "I". Many things that people ask for can be conquered with hard honest work, others are just a matter of what God has reserved for us. Most of it is what we had agreed to pursue when once again upon Earth: forgiveness, togetherness, and peace.



The Portal has evacuated most of the unhappy brothers and sisters who are now in flesh upon this planet. As hard as it is to survive in this jungle, I am determined to live in peace, and think and breathe light and throw this shining white light upon all who have have crossed my path one way or another in this life and in the past. No encounter is by chance, even painful ones.



The key is Personal Transformation, and it is not as simple as it sounds. One of the first steps is determination, slowly but surely confronting yourself in daily meditations. Admit at least to yourself what it is in your attitude that is unhealthy. Recognize you dislike people whose faults reflect your own, and analyze what and how it can be changed. Each step forward is a victory, almost like an AA meeting when each day without drinking is a mark. Except that we are still very much imperfect and live in a world of atonement... we are bound to fall back a couple of times. What we cannot allow is to fall back all the way as if we were an AA follower back to being a drunken addict. Here is an excerpt from The Gospel Explained By the Spiritist Doctrine on the subject:

"There are two kinds of suffering on earth; or, if you prefer, our trials have their origin in two different sources. The first kind has its cause in present-day life; the second arises from causes outside the present life.

In considering the troubles of earthly life, it is evident that a great number of them arethe consequence of a person's own attitudes and actions. Many of us flounder because of our faults - victimized by our thoughtlessness, arrogance, and ambition. Many of us destroy ourselves through lack of discipline and perserverance, and through bad conduct and an inability to control our own desires. Likewise many marriages turn sour simply because they are built not by the heart, but by partners' calculating self-interest and vanity. So many disagreements and disastrous hostilities could be avoided with the help of a little restraint and more tolerance. In the same way, how many illnesses and diseases result from overindulgence and abuses of all sorts?

Families, particularly, pay a price for these failures. Parents find they are disappointed in their children because they didn't intervene early enough to overcome their children's harmful impulses. In spoiling or neglecting their children, these parents let the seeds of pride, selfishness, and foolish conceit take root in them, so that their hearts became dried and shriveled. Later on, when parents start reaping what they had sown, they will be surprised and at the indifference and lack of gratitude their children show them.

We ask each of you who has experienced heartaches because of disappointments and losses to study your own consciences closely, going back, step by step, to the origins of each problem that is causing you pain. More likely than not, most will be able to say: If I had done, or not done, such and such thing, I wouldn't be where I am today.

Who is, in such cases, responsible for the sufferings if not the person who suffers? In most cases, men and women are the architects of their own troubles. Yet rather than admit this fact, they usually find it easier and less humiliating to their egos to blame their troubles on fate, God, bad luck, or even on an unlucky star. However, this 'unlucky star' is actually no more than their own carelessness.

When we consider life's problems, we find that this kind of suffering makes up the greatest part of our problems. Only when we make the commitment to work at SELF-TRANSFORMATION, raising ourselves both morally and intellectually, will we be able to avoid suffering of this kind." (Chapter 5:4 Present Causes of Suffering)

It's no walk in the park, I'll tell you that much. I am a far cry from being a quarter of the steps up the proverbial Jacob's ladder, but the enormous amount of effort I have put in to achieve a little transformation has made me happier than I have ever been. I had been temporarily blessed with relative wealth, and then came an avalanche of ups and downs that put a toll on my nerves and my trust in Humanity. Personal transformation led me to understand that a) I own nothing knowing that earthly goods are ephemeral, and also that I own no one; b) no one owns me; c) God is a Father of Light and Love, not one of vengeance; d)I am capable of confronting my own faults without diminishing myself - I am responsible for who I am and my own evolution; e) I can help others many times unbeknownst to them, and not expect anything in return; f) I am capable of learning and retaining valuable information that helps in stressful times, thus I keep an even temper for the most part; g) and not lastly, but should suffice for today, I have managed to be more forgiving.For the first time in years I am able to quiet my thoughts and sad memories during meditation/prayers, during which I can now include the names of people I once devoted bitter anger and hatred, and truly ask for their safety, enlightenment and understanding of what should and should not have happened - similar conclusions I have finally made. My late father, my estranged sister, and a man I had sworn never to forgive until our dying day and beyond. The first one is in the spirtual plane although perhaps not a happy one. The other two I feel we are not apt to make amends in this lifetime if we ever meet face to face, but I sincerely hope transformation occurs enough in all of us for it to happen in another life. I fervently wish that we all can progress and be able, sooner rather than later, leave this planet of atonement and return to inhabit a better one. One where beauty is what is within, where love is understood as fraternity and not to be confused with sexual desire alone or short-lived passion, where peace is a given and grace is more than a woman's name. And so let it be, and so it will!

Peace always,

B

Introduction to Spiritism

Allan Kardec, precursor of Spiritism, compiled a set of laws and principles revealed by Higher Spirits into five books: The Spirits’ Book, The Book of Mediums, The Gospel According to Spiritism, Heaven and Hell, and lastly, The Genesis. These books unfold the codification of Spiritist teachings. Spiritism is a doctrine or philosophy; a consoling dogma that introduces the Spirit of Truth as promised by Christ: “And I will ask the Father and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever – the Spirit of Truth. The world cannot accept him because it cannot see him or know him … the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” If the Spirit of Truth must come to teach more, it is because the time and evolution of incarnate spirits were not adequate at the time, and if it needs reminding, it is because the teachings of Christ would be forgotten or ignored.
This brings us to another question: Who is the Spirit of Truth? Is this spirit part of the trinity along with the Father and the Son? The Spirit of Truth is a Spiritual Guide in charge of a phalanx of Higher Spirits who have come to fulfill the promise of consolation:
“I am the great healer of souls, and I have come to bring the treatment that really cures…Don’t search for strength and consolation elsewhere; The world is incapable of offering them. In the principles of the Spiritist Doctrine, God delivers a powerful message to your heart… be humble and surrender yourself to the Supreme Love, and soon your life will be in harmony with the Law… Pray with all your faith, and God will send the beloved Son to guide you and to lift you with these goodly words: ‘You called me, here I am!’” (The Gospel According to Spiritism, Ch 6.7)
The complexity of spiritual evolution goes beyond what is summarized in this article; nonetheless, we will try to convey the meaning. One must read the “Book of Spirits” to better understand this; however, it is clear to many of us that we are a creation of God who is the Supreme Intelligence and first cause of all things. There are mysteries that remain unveiled, and that is His will that shall be endured, as can be noticed thousands of years ago with Moses, and later with Jesus. In question 80 of the aforementioned book, Kardec asks if the creation of spirits is continuous. The response is that God never ceases to create, but several times they reiterate that the “how” and “when” are ignored. This being said, imagine a group of kindergarten children with a teacher. She can be a PhD in Physics, yet, she cannot explain the theory to them, for their minds are not mature enough to grasp the meaning. These children need yet to grow and then study, and work hard in order to be able to comprehend what the teacher would have liked to explain. In time, some of them will learn, some of them will not, all depending on aptitude, will and effort. By the time they have reached the age of reasoning, other children will have taken their places in kindergarten, and will need to go through the same process. Let us keep the setting, but change the characters: The children are the people surrounding our Master, Jesus Christ. He could not have spoken of life beyond the grave differently from what was told in parables, for they were not ready to understand. Thousands of years later, some have matured, some have not, and others have come along. It is constant progress and personal endeavor that need to be met for one to become an evolved being. Since God’s creation never ends, we receive these less evolved spirits amongst us to give them support towards advance. Remember Christ’s words: “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for such belongs the kingdom of God”. The children were a metaphor for less evolved spirits, who need cherishing and great care to follow the path of righteousness.
Spiritism is, therefore, the revelation of new concepts while explaining in-depth what is already known of God, the Universe, mankind, Spirits, and laws that rule life. It exposes who we are, where we have come from, and where we are going. It also explains the reason of pain and suffering in this world, and the purpose of earthly lives. It touches all areas of human knowledge and behavior. Spiritism also analyses all fundamental aspects of life such as science, philosophy, ethics, social studies, and education.
Reading all the books by Allan Kardec is the sine qua nom to understanding the doctrine in its entirety: “Spiritists, love one another. This is the first precept. Educate yourselves. That is the second. In true Christianity you will find the truth. You will find mistakes in today’s Christianity, but these are purely of human origin… Jesus is the victor over all wrong. You too can be the victors of your own frailties.” (Gospel According to Spiritism, Ch 3.5)
Spiritism is based on love, charity and education, that is, rational faith in lieu of blind faith. Discernment must be used daily, for instance, to love someone means to do unto others what you would like for yourself. To be rational is to know that one should avoid a path of snakes and take action by finding another exit rather than disregard a detour. Believing you are safeguarded from harm’s way in that case is not rational. There is an anecdote that reveals irrational faith: "Once there was a storm in a village, which caused it to flood. A man prayed to the Lord to be saved from drowning. Water was up to his knees when a man on boat comes along to his rescue, as to which he replied: 'No, thank you. The Lord will save me', and he went on praying. Water was up to his waist, another boat comes along, and the same reply: 'The Lord will save me.' He was ready to climb up to his roof when a third boat came along, and a new refusal. Once on top of the roof and the water almost reaching him, a helicopter appears, and yet again he rebuffs the offer: 'The Lord has promised and so He shall fulfil. He will save me', and he drowns within minutes. A while later in heaven, he complains to God: 'I believed You and Your promises. How could You have turned me down like that!? Why did You not save me?', and God retorted: 'I sent you three boats and a helicopter. What else did you want me to do?'"
We already know God is Almighty, true essence of all that is Good, creator of the Universe and all its beings, animate and inanimate, material and immaterial. Now we will add a small number of principles to better understand what aspects of Spiritism:
- There is a corporeal world, which means a world inhabited by incarnate spirits (mankind); there is also a spiritual world inhabited by discarnate spirits.
- “In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places”, which translates into the existence of several inhabited worlds with beings of different levels of evolution. Some are of the same level as mankind, others are more evolved, or even less.
- All laws of Nature are Divine laws, for God has proclaimed them. They include laws of physics and morals.
- Man is an incarnate spirit (a spirit enclosed in a body of flesh). The perispirit is the semi-matter that links the spirit to the material body.
- Spirits are created simple and ignorant to evolve intellectually and morally, from the lowest to the highest order until they achieve perfection. Then is when they will enjoy unalterable happiness.
- The individuality of spirits is preserved before, during, and after each incarnation.
- Spirits will reincarnate as many times necessary for their betterment.
- Spirits are in constant evolution. Multiple corporeal existences may stagnate, but the Highest Power will never permit regression. Progress depends on effort.
- Spirits belong to different orders: Pure spirits, who have achieved perfection, many times known to others as saints or angels; good spirits, whose works and wishes are predominantly good; and imperfect spirits who still retain vices and ill-wishing. There are different orders under these.
- The relation between incarnate and discarnate (spirit completely freed from a body of flesh) is constant. The good ones influence us towards righteousness, while the imperfect ones induce us to error.
- Jesus is the guide, Master and Governor of our planet, the most perfect spirit of all. His teachings are the purest expression of God’s laws.
- Christ’s moral standards, as found in the Gospel, are the reference for evolution, the answer and purpose for Humanity.
- Humanity is entitled to free will, but we sow the seeds of our actions. Law of Action and Reaction.
- Prayer is an act of adoration offered to God.
- Prayers empower mankind bringing comfort and strength to keep temptation at bay. It must be done with fervor, and words must come from the heart rather than recited. God sends his spirits to guide and protect you, and this is an aid never denied.
It is crucial to reinforce that workers involved in the Spiritist community do not receive any kind of financial reward. God must be worshipped in Spirit and Truth, thus, there are no rituals or Priests. Spiritist practices do not include images or statues, animal sacrifices or sacrifices of any order, special garments, alcoholic beverages, incense, hallucinogens, candles, sacraments, smoking, talismans or amulets, horoscopes, card reading, crystals, buzios, or any other objects for rituals or cults. Spiritism does not impose their beliefs, but anyone is welcome to learn its rationale. Mediumship is a faculty inherent to all human beings, but not necessarily recognized, accepted or developed. It is the communication with spirits, and it may occur regardless of the faith you profess. Also, the practice of mediumship only takes place based on the principles of the doctrine and Christian morals.
In conclusion, Spiritism is not the same as Voodoo, Candomble, Quimbanda, or any other religion. These are spiritualist groups, and their ideology differs greatly. Spiritism respects all religions and doctrines that speak of fraternity and peace throughout the world, regardless of sex or gender, race, creed, social and intellectual levels. Above all, it regards those who believe that a true good person is the one who abides by the laws of justice, love and charity.

Here is a link to Kardec's "Gospel According to Spiritism", English Edition, since the original is in French:

http://www.espirito.org.br/portal/download/pdf/en/the-gospel-according.pdf