review2 · 2018. 3. 23. · english edition - n. 2 11 fundamental pr opositions allan k ardec ,...

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FUNDAMENTAL PROPOSITIONS

Allan Kardec, Spiritist Review, January 1859 Beyond the visible physical world there are invisible

beings which comprise the Spirits´ World. In no way are spirits separate beings, but the souls

of those who have lived on earth or on other worlds, andwho have been freed from their material envelopes.

Spirits display all levels of intellectual and moraldevelopment. As a result, there are good and evil,enlightened and ignorant, frivolous and deceitful, wickedand hypocritical spirits who seek to mislead and to induceto evil, as well as those who are highly evolved in all aspectsand who seek to do good. Such distinction is of primaryimportance.

Spirits surround us without our knowledge and,able to guide our thoughts and actions, they end up

influencing humankind’s events and destiny. They often manifest their presence by means of

physical effects, which are not in any way supernatural —although they seem to be — because they rest onfoundations that are outside known physical laws.However, once such foundations become known, the effectsenter into the category of natural phenomena. Thus, spiritscan act on inert bodies and can make them move withoutthe help of any exterior agents. Denying the existence ofunknown agents by the simple fact of not being able tocomprehend them would be to set limits on the power ofGod and believe that nature has said its last word.

Every effect has a cause: this is incontestable. It isillogical, therefore, to deny the cause just because it isunknown.

Furthermore, if every effect has a cause, then everyintelligent effect should have an intelligent cause. Whenwe see the telegraph form symbols which respond tothoughts, we do not conclude that the machine isintelligent, but that some intelligence sets it in motion.The same happens with spirit phenomena. If theintelligence that produces them is not ours, it is obviousthat it lies outside us.

In the phenomena of natural sciences, inert mattercan be acted upon and manipulated at will; in spirit

Observations of Allan Kardec and ofObservations of Allan Kardec and ofObservations of Allan Kardec and ofObservations of Allan Kardec and ofObservations of Allan Kardec and ofthe Superior Spiritsthe Superior Spiritsthe Superior Spiritsthe Superior Spiritsthe Superior Spirits

phenomena we are dealing with intelligences that have freewill not subject to our own. Consequently, the basicprinciples of ordinary phenomena and spirit phenomenaare fundamentally distinct, rendering common scienceincompetent to judge the latter.

Incarnate spirits have two envelopes: one material,which is the body, and one semi-material and indestructible,which is the perispirit. Upon leaving the former, the spiritkeeps the latter, which constitutes a type of body for it butwhose properties are essentially different. In its normal state,the perispirit is invisible to us, but it can becomemomentarily visible and even tangible causing thephenomenon of apparitions.

Spirits are therefore not abstract and indefinite, butreal and circumscribed beings who have their own existenceand who think and act according to their own free will.They are everywhere and all around us. They inhabit openspace and travel at the speed of thought.

Humans can communicate with spirits and receivedirect messages from them through writing, speech or othermeans. Since spirits are next to us and can answer our call, itis possible to keep a continued exchange with them throughcertain intermediaries, as a blind person can do with thepersons he cannot see.

Evolved Spirits only teach good things; their moralitycomes from the Gospel. They only proclaim union andcharity and never deceive. Unevolved spirits say absurdthings, tell lies and often even swear.

A medium’s competency does not consist in the easeof communications only, but especially in the nature of thecommunications he or she receives. A good medium is onewho is attuned with Good Spirits and only receiveswholesome messages.

We all have a familiar spirit who is linked to us frombirth, and who guides, counsels and protects us; this spiritis always good.

Besides the familiar spirit, there are spirits who areattracted to us because they sympathize with our qualitiesand defects, or because they are old acquaintances. As aresult, in every meeting there is a crowd of spirits who aregood or bad, depending on the nature of the environment.


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rom the beginning of his studies after his first contactwith spirit phenomena, Allan Kardec had displayedinterest in issues «related to events capable of bringingforth social transformation.»

In one dialogue with Kardec on May 12,1856*, the Spirit of Truth informed him that the Earth

was already undergoing a period in which transformationswould take place and that these would gradually occur bymeans of partial events. When consulted by Allan Kardec,he warned: «… you may be certain that there will be no floodsor fires, or any such things for your planet, except those localdisturbances which have always occurred, and which we cannottherefore call cataclysms. The cataclysm that has beenannounced is of a moral nature and all humankind will bethe instrument of its fulfillment.»

As we may observe, the subject related to thetransition phase in which we now find ourselves has beendealt with for a long time. We really are undergoing a periodof transformation on Earth, from a World of Trials andExpiation, characterized by the manifestation of selfishness,pride and violence among humans, towards a World ofRegeneration, in which men and women, despite being farfrom moral perfection, will be more aware of their conditionas immortal, perfectible spirits in the process of evolutionand, consequently, more involved in their own moral andspiritual advancement. As the Spirit of Truth highlights,such is the great change which is taking place in our planet.

The physical disturbances that occur on Earth willcontinue to take place as they always have, bringing forthnecessary collective trials and submitting humankind to trialsand expiations indispensable for the moral progress andspiritual freedom to which we are all destined.

When faced with such collective trials, humans feelthe need to help their neighbors – individually and collectively– and to assist them with their material, moral and spiritualneeds. Such are the manifestations of charity and solidaritythat characterize the New World that humankind is building,and which we are experiencing during this current transitionphase.

* Allan Kardec, Posthumous Works, Part 2, Events, May 12,1856, Ed. FEB

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Established in 1858 by Allan KardecThe official publication of the International SpiritistCouncil and of the French and Francophone Spiritist Union

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0404040404 ScienceArguments Against Abortion of an Anencephalic Fetus

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SCIENCESCIENCESCIENCESCIENCESCIENCE

t first glance, it would seem that argumentsagainst abortion should lie within the realmof religion. A more accurate assessment,however, will demonstrate that thesearguments are deeply rooted in science itself.Therefore, if we wish to be faithful to truth

and to discuss the complex and multi-faceted questionof the rights of the embryo without the fetters ofprejudice, it is indispensable to analyze scientificarguments contrary to abortion.

The first step in this search would be the discoveryof the true definition of the zygote as understood fromthe field of life science.

To Moore and Persaud (2000, p. 2), «Humandevelopment is a continuous process that begins whenan oocyte (ovum) from a female is fertilized by a sperm(spermatozoon) from a male. Development involvesmany changes that transform a singlecell, the zygote (fertilized ovum), intoa multicellular human being.»Furthermore, according to thoserenowned embryologists, the zygoteand the developing embryo are livinghuman organisms into which the basisof the adult individual is alreadyimprinted. Therefore, it is not possibleto interrupt any segment of thecontinuum - the zygote, the fetus, thechild, the adult, the elderly - withoutcausing irreversible harm to the highestgift, which is life itself.

However, there is so much morethan this about the zygote. It is

impossible not to recognize that it is an extremelyspecialized cell, which has been chiseled by time and is theheiress of billions of years of evolution. From mineralcrystals to human beings, the primitive cells have gonethrough a long and extraordinary journey, from procaryoteto eucaryote, from simple to more complex beings, untilemerging magnificently in the multiple specific functionsof human organs. To that effect, the fertilized egg is oneof the most admirable examples of this because itencompasses in itself all the plans of a new human being,unique and irreplaceable.

In this sense, the investigation on the structure ofthe zygote takes us inevitably to the discussion of theorigin of life and the scientific meaning of life, with all itsconsequences in bio-ethical, moral, political and religiousdiscussions. It is not possible to revisit here the entiretyof the arguments I proposed in the O Clamor da Vida

[The Clamor of Life] (NOBRE,2000), thus I will only present afew of its central points.

We recognize the great valueof the Neo-Darwinian Theory andits basic assertions - the evolutionof species, mutation and naturalselection - already proven byscientific investigation. However,the Neo-Darwinian theory has notbeen sufficient to explainevolution as a whole, sincerandomness is one of its pillars.The same deficiency occurs with allother complementary theoriesbuilt on a similar basis, such as

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Anencephalic FetusAnencephalic FetusAnencephalic FetusAnencephalic FetusAnencephalic FetusArguments Against Abortion ofArguments Against Abortion ofArguments Against Abortion ofArguments Against Abortion ofArguments Against Abortion ofananananan

Translation reviewed andrevised by:

Sonia Doi, M.D., Ph.D.Research Associate Professor ofMedicine, Uniformed Services

University, Bethesda,Maryland, USA

Donald F. Sellitti, Ph.D.Research Associate Professor ofMedicine, Uniformed Services

University, Bethesda,Maryland, USA

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those from Orgel, Eigen, Gilbert, Monod, Dawkins,Kimura, Gould, and Kauffman. Through mathematicalcalculation, it has been demonstrated the statisticalimprobability (101000 to one) of joining by chance alonethe one thousand enzymes of the two thousand necessaryfor the functioning of a single cell. Moreover, it wasverified that chance is insufficient to explain step by step,in detail, the emergence of complex structures like theeye, the eyelash or flagellum, or blood coagulation.

That’s why we believe that the Theory of IntelligentDesign, which does not have randomness as its basis,and is defended by competent scientists such as thebiochemist Michael Behe, biologist Lynn Margulis, andphysicists Ígor and Grischka Bogdanov, possesses moresolid scientific arguments to explain the evolution ofliving beings. Behe, in his book Darwin’s Black Box: The

Biochemical Challenge to Evolution affirms that no matterthe name it is given, undoubtedly, Life has a Planner.This same conclusion is found in Dieu et la Science [Godand Science], by J. Guitton and the Bogdanov brothers.In the same line of thinking, Margulis and Sagan (2002,p. 289) affirm: «Neither DNA nor any other type ofmolecule, by itself, is capable of explaining life.»

These authors sought affirmation of their scientificargument in the study of the extraordinary cellularmachinery, in the game of inexplicable rules such ascovalent bonds, topologic stabilization of charges, gene-protein binding, the left chirality of aminoacids and rightchirality of sugars; as well as the mathematical calculationsof cell enzymes and the analysis of complex structuresreferred to previously. This means a world of complexitiesthat cannot be reduced to the simplest outcome of chanceand randomness.

The fact is that a scientist has not come even close toengineering the molecules of life. He/she, therefore, doesnot know how to reproduce in a lab the forces that cometogether in this intricate phenomenon. Under thesecircumstances he/she should adopt a more humble andeven reverent attitude in the presence of this higher giftgranted to human beings, the gift of live.

Every day more scientific findings emerge allowingcomprehension of the real nature of the embryo. Recentdiscoveries by neuro-scientist Candace Pert and her teamdemonstrated that memory is present not only inthe brain but throughout the whole body throughthe action of neuropeptides, which make aconnection between the many systems - nervous,endocrine and immune - and enables thefunctioning of a single system which continuouslyinter-relates the entire body-brain system.

Other researchers detected the presence in thezygote of «imprints,» which exhibit evidence ofthe wealth of human personality, manifesting veryearly in the in embryogenesis. Also of note is theresearch of Dr. Alessandra Piontelli and other

specialists who have discovered the most surprising facetsof fetal awareness through the study of ultrasound imagestaken from the fourth month of gestation and the post-partum psychological follow-up, up to the third or fourthyear of the child’s life. These and other studiesdemonstrate the competence of the embryos: the capacityto mentally direct themselves, to adapt to new situations,and to select their own conditions and take advantage oftheir experiences.

If we couple the theory of Intelligent Design to thesenew discoveries, we will conclude, based on science, thatthe life of the embryo does not belong to the mother,the father, the judge, the medical team, or the State. Itbelongs exclusively to itself because life is a God-givenand inalienable gift.

For these reasons, there are strong scientific groundsagainst abortion, even the abortion of an anencephalicfetus. We learn, through genetics, that diversity is ourlargest collective wealth. And the anomalous fetus, evenwhen the carrier of a grave deficiency as is the case of theanencephalic, is part of this diversity. For that reason, itshould be preserved and respected.

While we recognize that a woman who procreates adeficient fetus needs psychological assistance for a longtime, we realize, however, that in reality this right of hersis not guaranteed. Without help to work out her feelingsof guilt she might enhance them by developing hostilityagainst the fetus, and could retain these feelings for anindefinite amount of time. It would be important forthat mother to move her heart towards compassion andmercy and we could do this by showing her the realmeaning of life.

Marlene NobreMarlene NobreMarlene NobreMarlene NobreMarlene [email protected]

OB-GYN, CREMESP 10304President of the Brazilian andInternational Spiritist MedicalAssociation.

References:

BEHE, Michael, A Caixa Preta de Darwin, O desafio da

bioquímica à teoria da evolução, Rio de Janeiro: Jorge Zahar,

1997 [Darwin’s Black Box: The Biochemical Challenge to

Evolution]

GUITTON, Jean, BOGDANOV, Igor e Grichka, Deus e a Ciência,

Rio de Janeiro: Nova Fronteira, 1992 [Dieu et la Science]

MARGULIS, Lynn, SAGAN, D, O Que é Vida?, Rio de Janeiro:

Jorge Zahar Ed., 2002 [What is Life?]

MOORE, Keith L. e PERSAUD, T.V.N., Embriologia Clínica,

Rio de Janeiro: Guanabara Koogan, 2000 [Clinical Embryology]

NOBRE, M., O Clamor da Vida, São Paulo: Editora FE, 2000


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AtonementAtonementAtonementAtonementAtonementCollectiveCollectiveCollectiveCollectiveCollective

DDDDDivaldo, the world media often covers naturaldisasters that claim the lives of so many.What is the Spiritist explanation for thesephenomena?

In Part II, Chapter 9, Question 537 andsubsequent, Allan Kardec, the Codifier of the

Spiritist Doctrine, asks the Spirit Instructors the reasonfor these catastrophes. They explain that these types ofdisasters accelerate the progress of humankind throughpurification and self-renewal. With each incarnation, spiritsconquer new ground towards perfection.

However, we must remain objective when evaluatingsuch events. From a materialistic standpoint we view themas tragedies. From a spiritual perspective, however, their

meaning becomes clear: a wake up call for the spirit whowill ultimately find only in solidarity its real wealth.

2. Are all who die answering for past livescrimes?

Undoubtedly. They are atoning for crimes committedagainst individuals or society. The deceased are not alwaysrelated. They all succumbed in the same disaster becausetheir debts meet similar criteria.

3. In the Spiritist Review of 1858, the Spirit SaintLouis clarifies that when someone’s life is endangeredit constitutes a warning that the person in questionrequested before incarnating. Is this why some people

Tragedies have been a staple in the history ofhumankind since ancient times. To natural phenomenalike hurricanes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions we cancompound man made disasters - fires, building collapses,and genocide. Throughout it all we find ourselves asking:why?

For those who believe in God’s love, mercy, andjustice, the question probes even deeper. After all, whywould the Creator allow this to happen to His seeminglyinnocent children? Why have them succumb by thehundredth of thousands to catastrophes ofunfathomable proportions that leave in their wake moremisery, diseases, and uncertainty than before?

Intrigued by the relentless nature of these collectivetrials, Allan Kardec, the Codifier of Spiritism, asked theSpirits for an explanation. They elucidate in Chapter 6,Part III, of The Spirits’ Book that these events are lessonsthat speed up evolution by forcing us to reach out, advanceour intelligence and awaken our compassion. Likewise,they teach patience and resignation in the face of God’swill.

Spiritism teaches that all our afflictions are justified.

The causes may lay in a present or in a past life. And so theenlightened spirits look on in serenity and compassion,as they nudge us along to stretch and reach. This is howwe grow our spiritual capital.

So let’s not consider some expressions in The Spirits’

Book as peculiar. One such example stating that «it isnecessary to punish them in their pride» must beunderstood as a typical expression of the nineteenthcentury. Spiritism explains that God neither punishes norrewards – God loves all His children and corrects themthrough laws that are eternal and just for everyone. Tobetter understand the framework of these affirmations,we suggest a reading of Chapter VI - The Law ofDestruction, of The Spirits’ Book, in its entirety.

In this issue, we publish an interview with theBrazilian medium Divaldo Pereira Franco addressingcollective deaths and the article «Tragedy at the Circus,» byBrother X (received through the mediumship of ChicoXavier). It shows the connection between a collective trialof large proportions, a fire in Brazil that in 1961 killedthousands of people, and events that took place in 177AD, in Rome.

A FRANK DIALOGUE


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manage to save theirlives?

Often, those who donot need to endure acatastrophe are nonethelesspresent when one strikes.This is decidedly a warning.It is an unparalleledopportunity for pause andreflection, so that they mayrethink their ways and bringgreater meaning into theirlives and that of others.

4. Massive deathssuch as the one at thegrocery store in Asuncion,Paraguay, or thenightclub in BuenosAires, Argentina, keep aclose resemblance to the[circus] fire in Niteroi,Brazil. The latter, asexplained by the SpiritHumberto de Campos

through the mediumship of Chico Xavier, waslinked to the present reincarnation of ancientRomans responsible for the deaths of earlyChristians at the circus.

In your opinion, do these recent disasters havethe same cause?

Yes, however, not necessarily in connection to themassacre of Christians. Humanity has shed its shareof tears at the hands of religious intolerance, arbitrarypolitics, corrupt government officials and dishonestbusinessmen who also played a part in the desecrationof the masses.

Periodically, the Laws of Life reunite the offendersof the Cosmic Consciousness in a traumatic andpainful collective death. Violent, mentally unstableand perverted personalities also become indirectinstruments of the Higher Spirits to enforce theinescapable reality of spiritual atonement.

5. The spirit author André Luis narratesin his book «Nosso Lar» the extensive preparationstaking place in the spirit world in anticipation ofWorld War Two. Could you further elaborate?

In part 2, Chapter 9, Question 537 and subsequentof the Spirits’ Book, we learn that there are entitiesresponsible for bringing about natural phenomena.

We find these archetypes in the folklore of everyculture by the names of elementals, gnomes, fairies,

Divaldo Pereira Franco, renowned lecturer.

In 1952, along with his cousin Nilson de Souza

Pereira, Divaldo established the "Mansao do

Caminho," an institution which has provided

housing, education, and care for over 600 adopted

children in Salvador, Bahia, through a system of

foster homes.

As a Spiritist speaker and medium, Divaldo has

presented more than 11,000 lectures and

conferences in more than 54 countries. As a Spiritist

writer and medium, Divaldo has co-authored more

than 200 books through psychography (also known

as automatic writing), with more than 7.5 million

copies sold worldwide. His books have been

translated into 13 different languages.

When speaking about Spiritism, Divaldo always

displays immense enthusiasm, kindness and

wisdom. With all his experience, Divaldo is,

undoubtedly, the greatest exponent of the Spiritist

Doctrine in the world today.


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DESTRUCTIVE CALAMITIES(«THE SPIRITS’ BOOK»)

737. What is the aim of God in visiting mankindwith destructive calamities?

«To make men advance more quickly. Have we nottold you that destruction is necessary to the moralregeneration of spirits, who accomplish a new step oftheir purification in each new existence? In order toappreciate any process correctly, you must see its results.You judge merely from your personal point of view, andyou therefore regard those inflictions as calamities, becauseof the temporary injury they cause you; but suchupsettings are often needed in order to make you reachmore quickly a better order of things, and to effect, in afew years, what you would otherwise have taken centuriesto accomplish.»

738. Could not God employ other methods thandestructive calamities for effecting theamelioration of mankind?

«Yes; and He employs them every day,for He has given to each of you the meansof progressing through the knowledge ofgood and evil. It is because man profits solittle by those other means, that it becomesnecessary to chastise his pride, and to makehim feel his weakness.»

- But the good man succumbs underthe action of these scourges, as does thewicked; is this just?

«During his earthly sojourn, manmeasures everything by the standard of hisbodily life; but, after death, he judgesdifferently, and feels that the life of thebody, as we have often told you, is a verysmall matter. A century in your world is butthe length of a flash in eternity, and thereforethe sufferings of what you call days, months,or years, are of no importance; let this he alesson for your future use. Spirits are thereal world, pre-existent to, and surviving,everything else; they are the children of God,and the object of all His solicitude; andbodies are only the disguises under whichthey make their appearances in the corporealworld. In the great calamities that decimatethe human race, the sufferers are like an armythat, in the course of a campaign, sees itsclothing tattered, worn out, or lost. Thegeneral is more anxious about his soldiersthan about their coats.»

- But the victims of those scourges arenone the less victims?

etc. They bring about the construction and the destructionof the natural landscape of our planet. Under the guidanceof more evolved spirits - true cosmic engineers - they dowhat is needed to effect progress. After evaluating theneeds of those who will be affected by the calamity, theytake advantage of geological phenomena – such as therecent tsunami – and other occurrences (fires, wars,accidents) to enforce the law of evolution. Sometimesthey are directly responsible for such happenings.

6. Do you have specific information as to whatlies behind the 200,000 deaths in the Indian Ocean’s2004 tsunami?

Though I cannot prove what I am about to say, inconversations with the Spirit Joanna de Angelis, I learnedthat the victims were the present incarnation of Alaricand his barbarians. In 410 AD, they were responsible forpractically destroying Europe upon conquering Rome.Under his command, his menvandalized and burned the cityfor six very long days. Alaric diedthat same year.

7. Divaldo, your finalcomment regarding thehumanitarian aid on the partof the developed nations.

Although our civilization iscomposed of spirits in thebeginning stages of theirevolution, we also enjoy in ourmidst the presence of higher-minded spirits who become rolemodels and set the example. Nodoubt, it has been traumatic towitness the indifference of somesuperpowers but, thisnotwithstanding, we continue toprogress under the ultimateguidance of Jesus.

It is exhilarating to watchindividuals and nations exchangingacts of compassion, especially sincethese disasters will happen again andpossibly with even greater severity.

The level of maturity of a peopleis determined by their capacity forsolidarity. Science and technologyhave, unarguably, intrinsic value; toobad neither can prevent the Laws ofLife from engaging when the timecomes.

An Interview with Divaldo Franco byLuis Hu Rivas (The Spiritist Review).

«The level of maturityof a people is

determined by theircapacity for

solidarity – not byscientific andtechnologic

advancement alone.»

Alaric I(c. 370 - c. 410)


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«If you considered an earthly life as it is in itself, andhow small a thing it is in comparison with the life ofinfinity, you would attach to it much less importance.Those victims will find, in another existence, an amplecompensation for their sufferings, if they have bornethem without murmuring.

«Whether our death be the result of a public calamityor of an ordinary cause, we are none the less compelledto go when the hour of our departure has struck: theonly difference is that, in the former case, a greater numbergo away at the same time.

«If we could raise our thoughts sufficiently high tocontemplate the human race as a whole, and to take inthe whole of its destiny at a glance, the scourges that nowseem so terrible would appear to us only as passingstorms in the destiny of the globe.

739. Are destructive calamities useful physicallynotwithstanding the temporary evils occasioned bythem?

«Yes, they sometimes change the state of a country,but the good that results from them is often one thatwill be felt by future generations.»

740. May not such calamities also constitute forman a moral trial, compelling him to struggle withthe hardest necessities of his lot?

«They are always trials, and, as such, they furnish himwith the opportunity of exercising his intelligence, ofproving his patience and his resignation to the will ofGod, and of displaying his sentiments of abnegation,disinterestedness, and love for his neighbour, if he benot under the dominion of selfishness.»

741. Is it in man’s power to avert the scourges thatnow afflict him?

«Yes, a part of them; but not as is generally supposed.Many of those scourges are the consequence of his wantof foresight; and, in proportion as he acquires knowledgeand experience, he becomes able to avert them, that is tosay, he can prevent their occurrence when he has ascertainedtheir cause. But, among the ills that afflict humanity, thereare some, of a general nature, which are imposed by thedecrees of Providence, and the effect of which is felt,more or less sensibly, by each individual.

«To these, man can oppose nothing but his resignationto the divine will, though he can, and often does, aggravatetheir painfulness by his negligence.

«In the class of destructive calamities resulting fromnatural causes, and independently of the action of man.are to be placed pestilence, famine, inundations, andatmospheric influences fatal to the productions of theearth. But has not man already found in the applicationsof science, in agricultural improvements, in the rotationof crops, in the study of hygienic conditions, the meansof neutralising, or at least of attenuating, many of thesedisasters ? Are not many countries, at the present day,preserved from terrible plagues by which they wereformerly ravaged? What, then, may not man accomplishfor the advancement of his material well-being, whenhe shall have learned to make use of all the resources ofhis intelligence, and when he shall have added, to thecare of his personal preservation, the large charity thatinterests itself in the well-being of the whole humanrace?»


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Orthothanasia is acceptable. It ischaracterized when a person who is notresponding to treatment chooses not toundergo new painful procedures, butcontinues receiving medical care and takingmedication. These individuals await naturaldeath. This is what happened to Pope JohnPaul II, who asked to remain in his homeworking and serving, and face his passinglucidly. Such choice is perfectly honorable.

EuthanasiaEuthanasiaEuthanasiaEuthanasiaEuthanasiauthanasia*, from the Greek: Eu =good and Thanatos = death, meansgood or proper death. It refers to theact of terminating a person’s life athis/her own request to amelioratesuffering.

Divaldo, does it really minimize suffering?Euthanasia, from the Spiritist point of view,

constitutes a heinous crime. Given the fact that the patientis in a coma or in severe pain we must help by providingpalliative care and the latest resources available, but neverby cutting his/her life short under any pretenses.

What is the Spiriritist view on euthanasia?Since euthanasia is a crime against life, Spiritism

informs that the long-term agony that so many people

endure result from past life actions. Mostly former suicides,these patients are, at present, answering for theirwrongdoings without the chance to escape by committingsuicide again. We see here the determinism of the SovereignCodes that no one violates [the law] with impunity.

There are two basic elements in euthanasia: theintention and the outcome. The intention to carry outeuthanasia can trigger an action (active euthanasia)or an omission, that is, the decision to not carry outtherapeutic treatments that would prolong life (passiveeuthanasia). From the Spiritist point of view, is thereany justification for each? Or is there no difference?

Euthanasia «active» or «passive» remains a crime. Eitherone, for whatever reason, will shorten a life and, therefore,interrupt a process of adjustment.

Usually, the moments preceding death, however drawn

EEEEE

A FRANK DIALOGUE


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out, grant the spirit an opportunity toexamine his situation and reflect uponfundamental issues. He/she tries toremain calm until the time of his/herdeath. During a coma, the spirit isnormally lucid and follows along theprocess that he/she brought upon him/herself.

Does every case of euthanasia haveconnections with the past? What is themost frequent cause that leads to thistype of expiation in a futureincarnation?

Generally, yes. They are past livesinfractions not yet atoned for. It can alsobe crimes committed at present that callfor immediate reparation.

Any and all abuses perpetrated againstthe Laws of Life bring about graveconsequences. In the case of euthanasia,it could be related to corruption of thebody, moral debasement or suicide thatplunge the body in this predicament ofdeplorable as well as irreversible present-day deterioration.

What do euthanized spirits have tosay from the spirit world?

I have kept in touch with several spiritswho, after requesting euthanasia, awokein a pitiable state. Classified as suicides, some felt thepangs of the pain they tried to evade while others remainedheavily sedated under the gripe of an unyielding agony.

Those who did not request to be euthanized alsoawoke severely anguished over not concluding their trial.They pray to God for a new reincarnation in which theycan follow through with the suffering necessary to reachhappiness.

The Terri Schindler-Schiavo case sent the worldmedia into a frenzy. Her ordeal that culminated inher death by dehydration in Florida on March 31st

2005, after a 14-day agony caused by the withholdingof life support shook every sector of public opinion.Could we hear the comments of the Spirit friends?

The Spirit friends keep an attitude of extremediscretion in relation to unfortunate events such as Mrs.Schiavo’s. The method implemented was an extremecruelty that inflicted a slow and painful death by starvationupon a body that had, otherwise, every resource to liveuntil its natural death. The cause of this type of crueltygoes back to the ruthlessness, still very much in power, inthe legislation of many countries that claim to be

Euthanasia (TerriSchiavo’s case), from theSpiritist perspective, is acrime against life asthere are no excuses forterminating life. From oneparticular case manyothers could originate,with their ownparticularities, and soonwe could be advocatingthe elimination of lifeunder false pretenses.

Whoever chooses to diethrough euthanasia is, infact, committing suicide –

and will have tocompensate for the

shortening of his or her ownlife in a future existence.Individuals who ask that

their lives be interrupted arehalting their spiritual

development as the presentcycle is not completed.

An Interview with Divaldo Franco byLuis Hu Rivas (The Spiritist Review).

Christians but that blatantlydisregard the Ten Commandmentsand the Law of Love taught byJesus, murdering with impunity toserve their purposes.

What should Spiritists do in theface of the ever growingacceptance of the right to requesteuthanasia?

We must remain pro-life underany circumstances and at every stage,beginning with the embryo. We

must work so that love and solidarity will substitutethe disregard and moral numbness of those who tryto justify these terrible crimes.

To kill, never!We must educate the patient that wishes to fool a

painful experience that committing such a crime willend in a transfer to the Spirit dimension with verydisappointing results. We must make them aware thatlife has a purpose: spiritual sublimation, and the wayto get there is to face the kind of pain that no one canescape from - no masochism intended.

Active euthanasia: Actively causing death.Passive euthanasia: Allowing death to happen bywithholding life support or vital medication.Terminal sedation: A combination of the two.Inducing a deep sleep while withholding treatment.


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Poem ofPoem ofPoem ofPoem ofPoem of

LLLLL

GratitudeGratitudeGratitudeGratitudeGratitude

PSICOGRAPHYPSICOGRAPHYPSICOGRAPHYPSICOGRAPHYPSICOGRAPHY

ord Jesus, thank you!For the air you give us,for the bread you give us,for the clothes that clothe us,for the joy that we feel,

for everything that nourishes us.Many thanks for the beauty of the landscape,for the birds that fly in the blue sky,for all your thousand blessings!

Thank you, Lord!For the eyes we have.Eyes which see the sky, which see the landand the sea,which contemplate all this beauty!Eyes that shine with lovebefore the majestic show of the colors ofbountiful Nature!

And those who have lost their sight?Let me plead for themTo your noble heart!

I know that after this lifeBeyond death,they will see again with endless joy.

Thank you for my ears,for the ears that God has given me.Thank you, Lord, for I can hearYour sublime name, and thus, I can love.Thank you for the ears that registerthe symphony of lifeat work, in pain or in toil.The wail and song of the wind in the branchesof the elm treethe painful tears of the whole worldAnd the distant voice of the ballad singer.And those who have lost their ability to hear?Let me plead for them.I know that in your kingdom they will dreamagain.

Thank you, Lord, for my voice.But also for the voice that loves,


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for the voice that sings,for the voice that assists,for the voice that helps,for the voice that teaches,for the voice that enlightens.

And for the voice that speaks of love,Thank you, Lord!Painfully, I recall thosewho have lost their ability to speakand cannot pronounce your Name!Those that are tormented in aphasiaand can sing neither at night nor by day.I plead for themdespite knowing that laterin your kingdom they will speak again.

Thank you, Lord, for these hands,which are my levers of action, progress andredemption.I thank you for the hands that waivegoodbye,for the hands that are tenderand that help in sorrow;for the hands that caress,for the hands that make lawsfor the hands that heal woundsrestoring suffering bodiessoothing the pain of severallives!For the hands that toil the soil,that comfort the suffering andstop tears,for the hands that assist thosewho suffer,those who endure pain.For the hands that shine inthese poetic lines,Like sublime stars glitteringon my arms!

And for the feet that enableme to march,erect, firm on my walk,feet of renunciation thatkeep on going,

humble and noble without complaining.And those who have been amputated, thedisabled,the wounded and the deformed,those who are confined in expiationby illusion from a past incarnation,I plead for them and I can assertthat in your kingdom,after life’s painful toilthey will be able to danceand in sublimely motiontake me to caress others arms.I know that for you everything is possible!Even what for the world seems impossible!Thank you, Lord, for my home,my retreat of peace or school of love,my mansion of Glory.Thank you, Lord, for the love I haveand for my home.But, even if I do not have a homeor a friendly shelter to protect menor even any other shelter to comfort me,if I do not have anything,but the roads and the stars in the skyas my bed of repose and my soft sheetsand no one at my side,living and crying alone, homeless.

Without anyone to console meI will still say and sing:Thank you, Lord,for I love you and I know youlove me,for you have given me lifejovial, joyful and blessed by yourlove.

Thank you, Lord, for havingbeen bornThank you, because I believein you.And because you assist mewith love,

Today and forever,Thank you, Lord!

Amélia Rodrigues, Spirit.

This poem was receivedby medium Divaldo

Pereira Franco in BuenosAires, Argentina, on

November 21, 1962, andpublished in the book

Sol de Esperança.


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e were strolling [the spirit Humbertode Campos and his spirit friends]along Wilshire Boulevard inHollywood, when we felt enthralledby the serenity of Memorial Park

Cemetery across Glendon Avenue Gardens.The graceful cemetery was populated by a vast number

of spirits. We decided to go in. Over all, the atmosphere


Marylin:Marylin:Marylin:Marylin:Marylin:Humberto andHumberto andHumberto andHumberto andHumberto and

«Tell women not to be deceived by beauty and money,freedom and success. They will lead to fame, but what a slippery road it can be!»

was tranquil. Tombstones stood erect as stony appeals topeace, suggestive of reflection and prayer. It was spring,and every native color could be found in the lusciouscourtyard. Some spirits paced in distress and pressed foranswers, while others, visibly debilitated, barely limpedaided by their nurses.

At a corner, two ornaments marked the entrance to amausoleum where the physical remains of several

Brazil, December 5th, 1934: Humberto deCampos, famous member of the prestigiousBrazilian Academy of Letters discarnates. Threemonths after his passing, Humberto writes again;this time, through the mediumship of FranciscoCandido Xavier, then 24 years of age. The pieceswritten through “Chico” Xavier shake Brazil. Theeloquent style of Humberto de Campos wasreborn through the mediumship of an uneducatedyoung man from a small town in the interior ofBrazil. Public attention turns into public debate,the matter becomes a hot topic in the Brazilianmedia, and the family of the discarnate writer suesthe Brazilian Spiritist Federation (FEB), publisherof Humberto’s posthumous works. The Brazilianjustice system acquits FEB of any wrongdoing,and FEB decides, on its own, to publish the newbooks under a penname to avoid further uproar.The name chosen by Humberto himself, “Brother

X”, was an allusion to another pseudonymhe used while incarnate: “Counselor XX”. Inhis 12 following books, Humberto deCampos wrote fantastic stories from thebeyond. He interviewed famous celebrities,national heroes, emperors, and apostles ofChrist.

One of the most interesting of such piecesis the one we bring you here: an interviewwith actress Marilyn Monroe who, afterpassing in Los Angeles on August 5th, 1962,tells us what happened after her physicaldeath. Seven years after her death, Marilyntalks with Humberto de Campos about thedangers of physical beauty, fame, andfortune. In the interview, Marilyn Monroediscards homicide theories, tells us she hadno intention of committing suicide, andshares with us her plans for the future.

An Interview in the Spirit WorldAn Interview in the Spirit WorldAn Interview in the Spirit WorldAn Interview in the Spirit WorldAn Interview in the Spirit World

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celebrities were laid to rest. Once inside, we found a plaquewith the epigraph: «Marilyn Monroe 1926-1962». Quitestunned, I turned to my friend Clinton in disbelief, «Isthis the Marilyn Monroe whose suddendeath shocked even us in the spirit world?

«Yes,» he replied. «But here you’ll findmuch more than the remains of a legend.She is sitting outside over there.»

Clinton pointed in the direction of aChinese elm, and there, under itsbranches, sat none other than the mostcelebrated movie icon ever, bringing backso many memories. Just short steps away,she rested her platinum hair on the lap ofa young lady that looked after her. Sheseemed distant and pensive. We hadobtained permission to ask only a coupleof questions because her condition wasdelicate.

Clinton introduced us and I quickly

said, «I am a friend from Brazil who cares to hear anythingyou would like to say.»

«A Brazilian seeks me out in the beyond?»«Why not?» I insisted. «Your

experience would be so valuable to somany all around the world…»

«You mean my failure …»«A life’s lesson …»«How can I help?»«Your life made such huge impact

on the audiences. Just a few words forthe sake of those who worshiped youand still do.»

«But who wants to hear a sad story?»«Pain teaches much…»«Look, I was a woman like many

others, with neither time nordisposition for philosophical issues.»

«Nevertheless, I’m interested.»«All right then. Tell women not to

Marilyn Monroe1926 - 1962

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(*) “Brother X”, penname ofHumberto de Campos(1886 -1934), famous Brazilianreporter and writer, author of manySpiritist books.

«In my presentcondition, I first need

to regain myhealth and strength.

Then, I’ll return toEarth as a student

in the school of life topick up where I left

off.»

be deceived by beauty and money, freedom and fame.They will lead to success, but what a slippery road it canbe!»

«Should women stay at home?»«No, no. The household is a responsibility of both

men and women. I am referring to women’s age old fightfor equal rights. Now that they are on much more equalfooting, especially in the developed nations, they mustexercise caution. Freedom, like money, power or intelligenceis very powerful and so it can be very dangerous.»

Marilyn got me thinking about the many implicationsof her wild success.

«Ms. Monroe, when you speak about equal rights, areyou referring to sexual freedom?»

«Especially sexual freedom...»«In what way?»«Judging from the obstacles that

women have faced as opposed to menthroughout history, it comes as anatural consequence that these daysthey feel empowered by a strong senseof entitlement to every kind ofexperience. That can easily come at theexpense of a life well lived. Now, backin the spirit world, I see that eachincarnation endows the spirit with anew level of consciousness and hencethe challenges we encounter. Each timea woman flees from herresponsibilities she is underminingher own evolution. «

«You mean to say that sex…»«Sex is a doorway into the physical life. A mighty tool

that can make or break depending on the use we give it.»«Fascinating. Would you elaborate further?»«I really lack the necessary knowledge to speak on such

sensitive a subject. I do know that it is a sublimemechanism that allows the love of God to take its coursein both the physical and spirit realms. When it is nottreated with reverence and respect, we are swept by strongforces coming from the lower zones.»

«Ms. Monroe, I am delighted to see that your suicidedid not hamper your lucidity.»

«My suicide was not so,» she amended. «The livingfreely speak about the dead since we cannot respond. Theyforget that one day they will be in our place. In reality, Ihad been afflicted by the effects of a severe spiritualobsession for a long time. I was deep in depression. Sincechildhood, I wrestled with my emotions. No one evershowed me any boundaries, and so I had troublemanaging my freedom. After many sleepless nights withneither guidance nor faith to sustain me, and almost in astate of unconsciousness, I ingested what expelled me

from my body. My intention was only to get some sleep.»«Were you able to sleep through your transition?»«Not at all. When the housekeeper knocked on my

bedroom door, I awoke and saw myself in two places atthe same time. I screamed, but nobody could hear mebecause I was already out of my body. To my horror, Irealized that my house was full of spirits who had beendraining my energies the whole time. Worse yet, next Ifollowed what happened to my physical remains with greatanguish; but this is a chapter that I beg you not to makeme revisit.»

«How was it possible for you to be aware of yourspiritual surroundings while asleep and intoxicated?»

«Well, remember that I did not have the intention tocommit suicide. I was classified, though, as an indirectsuicide since I squandered, in the name of art and all sort

of self-indulgence and excesses, the veryenergies given to me to progress andevolve. Not too long ago, I was told bysome spirit friends that I would not befully at ease until I freed myself from thespirits who, like vampires, had grownaccustomed to gratifying themselves at myexpense. But I knew nothing then aboutthe laws of life.»

«It is apparent that you nowunderstand the mechanism of spiritualobsession very well.»

«Yes, I consider spiritual obsession amuch greater problem on Earth than

cancer. Let’s pray to the Lord of Life that science willacknowledge it in the near future.»

Marilyn was already showing signs of fatigue, and soI had to conclude our interview.

«Ms. Monroe,» I said on a final note, «It was a pleasure.Would you briefly share your plans for the future?»

«In my present condition, I first need to regain myhealth and strength. Then, I’ll return to Earth as a studentin the school of life to pick up where I left off. Realistically,I cannot look forward to anything other than reincarnatingto relearn the lesson I failed.»

I thanked her, we exchanged our good-byes and I sawher small hand waiving at us as we left. Later in the day, asI organized my notes, I found myself reflecting on theimmeasurable value of the teachings of the SpiritistDoctrine and the utmost importance of itsdissemination.


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hen he submerged himself into his physicalbody in order to fulfill his ministry, everythingwas but expectations and promises, for hehad been gifted with an inconceivable treasureof blessings, especially in the area of

mediumship.Messengers of the Light had promised that they

would inspire and support him during the time he wouldbe on his physical trajectory, warning him of the dangersof the journey upon the stormy sea of passions, as wellas in the struggles he would have to experience in orderto reach the port of safety.

Life in an orphanage, cruel persecutions throughoutchildhood, loneliness and misery completed the circle, allwhich could have made his progress difficult; however,Providence helped him overcome the most difficultchallenges, and internally grow towards his goal ofenlightenment.

Past enemies who also had reincarnated tormentedhim with afflictions and cruelty throughout his entireorganic existence, but he managed to love themnonetheless, without ever responding in kind to thetroubles, thorns or evil that they directed towards him.

He experienced neglect and discredit, allsorts of needs and innumerabletemptations, which followed his steps andthreatened his moral integrity, but he didnot yield to money, sex, society’s deceitfulinfluence, or to vile sentiments.

He always maintained an air ofharmony, attuned to life’s generatingsources, where he would find courage andstrength not to fail.

Working tirelessly, he widened the scopeof solidarity and lighting the torch ofrational faith, which he held out to othersthrough his uncommon mediumistictestimonies, he enlightened their lives whichin turn became guiding lights and supportfor many other lives.

He never extolled himself and neveryielded to discouragement, not even underthe darts of evil accusations, remainingfaithful to his duty without offering anyself-defenses or justifications for his acts.

The ReturnThe ReturnThe ReturnThe ReturnThe Returnof the Apostleof the Apostleof the Apostleof the Apostleof the Apostle

Slowly, through the examples of honesty and effortsof a true Christian hero, he sensitized both the people andtheir leaders, those who loved him, converting himselfinto a behavioral model standard and becoming a referencefor accurate information concerning the spiritual world andthe phenomena of mediumship.

His sweet word, filled with kindness, always instructed,guided and directed the people who sought him out onthe path of goodness.

In continual communication with his Guardian Angel,he never disappointed him by going astray from the roadof duty; instead, he remained disciplined and faithful tothe commitment he had undertaken.

Forsaken by many, by family and friends, acquaintancesand strangers, he never failed to fulfill his duty to Life andnever ran from his tasks.

Illnesses depleted his energies, but he restored themthrough prayer and the unending exercise of charity.

The light of his eyes dimmed to the point of almostcomplete darkness; however, his inner vision became morepowerful in order to penetrate the mysteries of spirituality.

He never failed to help anyone, and neverinconvenienced anyone. His deep silences spoke louder than

all the disturbing discussions or senseless debatescarried near or from him concerning his adoptedDoctrine and its sublime teachings.

He was the greatest parapsychical antenna ofhis time, able to experience out-of-bodyphenomena during his natural sleep, as well asdelving into people’s minds and hearts in orderto help them better, making himself malleableto the Spirits who utilized him during the nearlyseventy-five years of devotion and self-sacrificeof his luminous mediumship.

For this reason his life was an incomparableexample of mediumship service.

And so, upon discarnating, softly and sweetly,allowing his body to quiet down, he ascendedtowards the infinite to be received by Jesus, whowelcomed him in His kindness, announcing:«Rest a little while, my son, so that you may forgetsome of earth’s sorrows and enjoy the ineffablejoys of the Kingdom of Heaven.»

JOANNA DE ANGELIS

(Psychographicmessage throughmedium Divaldo

P. Franco, on July 2,2002, referring to

the discarnation ofmedium FranciscoCândido Xavier)

Transcribed from«Reformador” (TheReformer ) 2.080-A,

Special Edition


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PHILOSOPHYPHILOSOPHYPHILOSOPHYPHILOSOPHYPHILOSOPHY

espite the fact that it is considered modern andeven stylish to pejoratively refer to the postulatesof Newton and Descartes, now largely replacedby the present vision of Quantum Physics, weshould nevertheless pay homage to RenéDescartes, one of the greatest geniuses of

humankind.This French philosopher, physicist and

mathematician (Torraine, 1596 - Stokolm, 1650), left inseveral of his works what may be clearly regarded asspiritual contents, among which we may highlight thefollowing: Rules for the Direction of the Mind (1628),Meditations and other Metaphysical Writings (1641), andespecially, The Passions of the Soul (1649), which hasimpressed us because of its spiritual depth and sensitivity,even in the XVII century, obscured by religious fanaticism.

Descartes created analytical geometry and hismechanistic physics served as the basis on which Galileoand Newton developed their research. Within the realmof philosophy, he considered the act of thinking as beingessential for humankind’s existence. He was wise in sayingthat he would always consider his ethics as beingprovisional. The following is a Cartesian expression: «Inthe same way that heat and movement stem from thebody, thoughts stem from the soul.» In his writings, healways tried to distinguish between body and soul asdistinct though interrelated elements.

According to Descartes in his Letter to Mersenne ofDecember 24, 1640, there is a gland in the brain where thesoul is more intensely located. This gland is probably thepineal gland, a fact which coincides with the position takenby modern spiritualist doctrines and which is based uponpresent Spiritist concepts.

Even though he was unaware of electronic circuitsor any notions of fluidic matter at the time, in a wonderfulshow of intuition, he nevertheless managed to proposethe existence of «very subtle air,» which he called «vorticesof ether.» For Descartes the «vortices of ether» were verysmall bodies which moved rapidly like parts of a candle’sflame.

From the Cartesian viewpoint, the pineal gland isthe receiver of all the corporeal impressions through anenergy running throughout the organism: the «vorticesof ether.» He believed that after these vortices were receivedby the pineal gland, they were transmitted to the soul.Also under the direction of this gland, the so-called«vortices of ether» enabled the soul to act upon the body.

Contrary to some religious schools of thought,

Descartes stated in his works that death never occursbecause of the soul, but rather because some of the mainparts of the body are injured. Nowadays, we learn inSpiritist science that organic injures cause the loss of thevital fluid, which consequently leads to the separation ofthe perispirit and the spirit from the physical body.

Notice the similarity between Cartesian thought andthe Spiritist Doctrine as follows below. In order tomaintain the proper perspective, however, let us keep inmid that the former was written more than three centuriesago.

· From the work The Passions of the Soul: «The unionof the soul with the body takes place simultaneously in allparts of the body and does not take place in one placeonly.» (p. 88)

· «The soul’s passions are felt in the heart, thanks tothe movement of the ‘vortices of ether’ (energetic circuits),which link the heart with the cerebral gland (pineal gland).»(pp. 77-97)

· «Proud are those who consider themselves asmeritorious and therefore worthy of respect.» (pp. 135-155)

· «Shame is a kind of unhappiness based on self-esteem and suspicion. It stems from the fear of beingcondemned.» (pp. 135-155)

· «Mockery is happiness subtly mixed with hatred.»(pp. 135-155)

· «Envy is suffering (a mixture of unhappiness andhatred) from the good we notice in others.» (pp. 135-155)

· «Humbleness consists in acknowledging one’sown frailty and comprehending the possibility ofcommitting the faults that others commit.» (pp. 135-155)

· «There are no tears in great sorrows, nor laughterin great joys.» (pp. 99-134)

· «Generosity consists in acknowledging thatnothing belongs to us except our free will (free use of thewill).» (pp. 135-155)

· «Knowledge of the truth is fundamental so thatthe soul can overcome its passions.» (pp. 77-97)

We wish to thank this Spirit, who many centuriesago had already provided us with so many lessons.Undoubtedly, he is today a Spirit who has become evenmore enlightened by love and universal wisdom.

and Spiritual Valuesand Spiritual Valuesand Spiritual Valuesand Spiritual Valuesand Spiritual ValuesDescartesDescartesDescartesDescartesDescartesDDDDD

Dr. Ricardo di BernardiDr. Ricardo di BernardiDr. Ricardo di BernardiDr. Ricardo di BernardiDr. Ricardo di [email protected]

Dr. Ricardo Di Bernardi is a homeopathicMD and founder of the Spiritist MedicalAssociation of Santa Catarina.


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MESSAGEMESSAGEMESSAGEMESSAGEMESSAGE

JJJJJesus, our Master, did not promise us happiness while on Earth, but affirmed that thosewho remained loyal to the end would prevail.

Indeed, we know it is not easy to be a Spiritist in these challenging days of science,technology and material comfort. But remember: to be a Spiritist is an honor you shall

strive for because Spiritism, with which you have a commitment taken up before birth, is the only beam oflight in this dark night to guide the voyagers of the new era.

You are the forerunners of the new times. Apply yourselves more, and giveup more of your selfish goals in favor of heavenly glory.

Jesus awaits you. You have asked for support, and help has not beenwithheld from you.

We know all too well of your hidden tears, your silent sufferings, and theefforts no one ever notices, but there is no other way.

Sons and daughters of my soul, remember that the Via Crucis is alwayslonely, just as the Umbria path taken by St. Francis was lonesome. But after thedark, dense night, a new dawn will rise, full of light, and the Master whom welove, arms outstretched towards you, shall announce: «Come, faithful servantsof my Father. You have held fast to the end, and now you are a part of those onEarth working for humanity’s happiness.»

Like us you shall exult and be thankful for the crown of thorns; swallow thebitter cup with happiness and contentment because there is no glory withoutstruggle, and there is no victory and fulfillment of an ideal without bearingtestimony to it.

Workers of the Good Tidings, God bless you. Sons and daughters of mysoul, march on! Tomorrow, which begins today, awaits you.

Receive the love from the Spiritist spirits, through the words of this humbleand fatherly servant, always,

Bezerra

Much peace my children.

(Psychophonic message received through the medium Divaldo Pereira Franco during the ordinarymeeting of the International Spiritist Council on October 7th, 2004, in Paris, France.)

Adolfo Bezerra deMenezes (1831-1900).Respected Brazilianstatesman, Bezerra wasknown as the “doctor ofthe poor”, and waspresident of the BrazilianSpiritist Federation (FEB)in 1889 and 1895-1900.

A callA callA callA callA callto Armsto Armsto Armsto Armsto Arms


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«««««

RELIGIONRELIGIONRELIGIONRELIGIONRELIGION

Prayer is a vehicle for the most powerfulspiritual fluids and is considered a balm ofhealthiness for the wounds of both souland body. It draws all beings towards Godand, somehow, it pulls the soul out of that

lethargic state in which it finds itself when it forgets itsduties towards its Creator. When offered in faith, itelicits from those who are listening the wish to imitatethose who are praying, because the example and wordalso carry magnetic fluids of great power.» (Revue Spirite,February, 1866 – «The Shipwreck of Borysthène»).

The medium Yvonne A. Pereira speaks aboutprayer with sublime fervor: «… No matter how peculiaror short, when it radiates from a sincere heart, it acquireshuge potencies capable of scattering throughout theinfinite until they reach the very kind bosom of theEternal. A magnificent current of psychic values isestablished between the being who prays and thecelestial entities in charge of spiritually assistinghumankind and hesitant and lessevolved spirits. It is conducive totelepathy, which is nothing more thanmental communication from onebeing to another, crossing siderealabysses …» (Voragens do Pecado (In theDepths of Sin) - Spirit Author:Charles. FEB, 2nd. Edition.)

The Spirit educator Andre Luiz,describes it as: «… Prayer, a form oflove, is not only a plea; it’s also a linkbetween Creator and creation, and isthus the most powerful influence ofmagnetic exchange that is known. Since

we’re talking about the subject, it’s important to note thatan evil prayer also has enormous potential for influencingpeople and situations. Every time an individual takes amental attitude of prayer, a link is established with thespiritual world. If the prayer is an expression of goodspiritual objectives, it is directed vertically to the superiorplanes; but evildoers respond to those who wish harmto others. Their pleas reach only the inferior planes andestablish mental connections. But you must alsounderstand that every impersonal prayer directed to theSupreme Forces of Good will receive an immediateresponse, in the name of God. Force-elements flow fromthe higher spheres upon those who pray with such anobjective; they strengthen that person’s moral forces,building hope and happiness. This vitality is thenexternalized, embedded with personal magnetism, andspread towards others.» (The Messengers, AKES; Medium:Francisco Cândido Xavier).

From the same spiritual author: «Each prayer, likeany emission of energy, is characterized by acertain frequency potential, and all of us aresurrounded by intelligences who are able totune into our pleas like receiving stations.»(Between Earth and Heaven. Medium:Francisco Cândido Xavier).

In this respect, the revered Spirit Bezerrade Menezes, clarifies: «… a prayer is notalways real; only when appeals are directedtowards God or his messengers, can it beconsidered as real. An edifying reading, whichenriches the mind, and altruist andbenevolent thoughts on behalf of someoneor oneself can have an effect on the cosmic

PrayerPrayerPrayerPrayerPrayer


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fluids, carrying them up into the highest circles ofGoodness, and bringing back to the heart that prays, aswell as to the heart of those who do not despair, enoughencouragement for the goodness in the same way as aprayer would.» (Dramas da Obssessão (Chronicles ofObsession). Medium: Ivonne A. Pereira).

Using logic, Allan Kardec took this fascinatingtopic even deeper: «Beyond all doubt there are naturaland immutable laws that cannot be annulled at the capriceof each individual; but from this fact to the belief that allcircumstances in life are submitted to fatality is a long stepindeed. If it were like that, then Man would be a passiveinstrument without free will or initiative. In thishypothesis it would only remain for Man to bow downhis head in submission before all occurrences, withoutmaking any effort to avoid them, and should not try toward off dangers. God did not grant reason andintelligence to Man not to use them, willpower for himnot to desire things, nor activity for him to remain inactive.As Man is free to act one way or the other, for himselfand towards others, the consequences depend on whathe does or does not do. By his initiative there are eventsthat forcibly escape fatality and yet do not destroy theharmony of the universal laws, just as the quickening orslowing down of the pendulum of a clock does notannul the law of movement upon which the mechanismis based. God then can accede certain petitions withoutdestroying the immunity of those laws that govern thewhole, as consent is always dependent on His Will.» (The

Gospel According to Spiritism, Allan Kardec, Chapter XXVII,Item 6 – 3rd Edition (Revised) Published by theInternational Spiritist Council).

For daily reading, refer to «Prayer Is a Source ofHappiness,» a beautiful and benevolent message fromSaint Augustine, which we have chosen to close with thefollowing excerpt: «… March forward! March forwardalong the path of prayer and you will hear the voices ofthe angels! What harmony! No longer confused noisesand strident sounds of the Earth; only the sound of the

lyres of the archangels, the soft and gentle voices of theSeraphim, which are more delicate than the morning breezewhen it plays among the foliage of the woodlands.Amongst what delights you walk! Your earthly languagecannot express such bliss, so quickly does it enter into allyour pores, so alive and refreshing is the spring fromwhich, through prayer, you are able to drink. Sweet voicesand heady perfumes are what the soul hears and breatheswhen you launch yourself into prayer, into those unknownand inhabited spheres! All aspirations are divine whenliberated from carnal desires. You too can pray, as Jesusdid, while taking His Cross from Golgotha to Calvary.So take up your burden, and you too will feel the samesweet emotions that passed through His soul, eventhough you bear the weight of some infamous cross.»(The Gospel According to Spiritism, Allan Kardec, ChapterXXVII, Item 23 - 3rd Edition (Revised) Published by theInternational Spiritist Council).

«Beyond all doubt there are naturaland immutable laws that cannot be annulled at the caprice

of each individual; but from this fact to the belief that allcircumstances in life are submitted to fatality is a long step

indeed.»

Glossary: (English translation/ TheAmerican Heritage College Dictionary)

Protoplasm: n. (Biol.) The semifluidtranslucent substance that constitutes theliving matter of plant and animal cells, iscomposed of proteins, fats, and othermolecules suspended in water, and includesthe nucleus and cytoplasm.

Metabolism: n. (Biol.) The complex ofphysical and chemical processes occurringwithin a living cell or organism that arenecessary for the maintenance of life.

Reproduction: n. The act of reproducingor the condition or process of beingreproduced.

João Carlos FredoTranscribed from the sitewww.universoespirita.org.br


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HISTORYHISTORYHISTORYHISTORYHISTORY

sychography has had an importantevolution in the history of Spiritism, fromthe limitations and difficulties of the socalled indirect psychography accomplishedwith the use of baskets and planchettes1,

to direct psychography largely utilized in the codificationof the Spiritist Doctrine.

Kardec points out that this kind of mediumisticmanifestation «has the advantage of showing, in a moretangible way, the intervention of an invisible force andof leaving traces that can be kept, as we do with our owncorrespondence» (The Medium’s Book, Chapter XIII, Item152).

The same can be applied to and, in a certain way,expanded for the analysis of «specular psychography,»obtained by writing backwards, making necessary the useof a mirror to read the text reflected on it – or, if thepaper used is transparent, by flipping it to read the messageagainst the light. Hence the designation «specular,» whichcomes from the Latin speculum, mirror-like.

For historical records, the pioneering message of

specular psychography was received by Francisco CândidoXavier at the headquarters of the Sociedade Metapsyquica de

São Paulo (Brazil), on March 29, 1937. At that time, after aconference by Dr. C.G. Shalders, in front of 600 peopleChico Xavier psychographed a specular message in Englishauthored by the Spirit Emmanuel.

Just the same, the medium Divaldo Pereira Francosurprised the viewers of the news program «Bigorna,» ofTV Uberaba (Brazil), when on November 10, 1980, hepsychographed a specular message in English signed bythe Spirit Joanna de Angelis. Some time later, Divaldopsychographed two more specular messages while in theUnited States – one at the residence of Salim Haddad inNorth Carolina, and another in San Antonio, Texas.

Once more the same unusual phenomena took placeduring the opening of the 4th Spiritist World Congress,sponsored by the International Spiritist Council (ISC),the night of October 2, 2004, at the Maison de la Mutualité

in Paris. For the opening lecture delivered by José RaulTeixeira, Divaldo Pereira Franco sat at a table placed onthe stage next to Nestor João Masotti (Secretary-General

PsychographyPsychographyPsychographyPsychographyPsychographySpecular (writing backwards)Specular (writing backwards)Specular (writing backwards)Specular (writing backwards)Specular (writing backwards)

in Parisin Parisin Parisin Parisin Paris

(Photo 1) Images of the specular message.

PPPPP

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of the ISC) and Roger Perez (President of theUnion Spirite Française et Francophone). Soon afterthe lecture started, Divaldo began to psychographin front of an audience of approximately 1,600participants from various countries.

Sitting on the first row of the auditorium inclose proximity to the table, I noticed that thewriting did not follow its natural course: itproceeded slowly, and seemed to be written fromright to left. Because I was taking pictures of theevent, I did not hesitate to climb onto the stageand place myself right behind the medium. ThusI confirmed my initial impression and zoomed infor a picture of the written text.

Moments later, once the writing ended,Divaldo handed it to Nestor Masotti who, alongwith Roger Perez, raised the sheet against the lightand verified that it was, indeed, specularpsychography written in French. With the openinglecture still underway, Charles Kempf was sent forto transcribe and translate the text.

Subsequently, at the conclusion of theCongress’ opening lecture, the message received inspecular psychography and titled «A Tribute toAllan Kardec,» authored by Léon Denis, was readto the public.

1 Planchette: a small triangular or heart-shapedboard supported on casters at two points and avertical pencil at a third and believed to produceautomatic writing when lightly touched by thefingers.

2 Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary (1979), pg. 870.

(Photo 3) Nestor Masotti and Roger Perezanalyzing the message on the back of the paper.

(Photo 2) Divaldo during the psychography.


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Reconnaissance à Allan Kardec

La même année où Napoléon Bonaparte a été sacrél’Empereur des français, Hippolyte Léon Denizard Rivailest né à Lyon le 3 octobre 1804.

Transféré du fougére de Constance le 6 juillet 1415,pour les jours glorieux de l’intellectualité de Paris, Kardecs’est voué à l’apostolat de la Doctrine enseignée et prêchéepar Jésus.

Sa vie et son ouvrage témoignent sa grandeur. -Missionnaire de la vérité !

Nous autres, les bénéficiaires de votre sagesse, vousremercions, émus, et vous demandons humblement :priez pour nous, vous qui êtes déjà dans le royaume descieux !

Léon Denis.

Translation: A Tribute to Allan Kardec

The same year Napoleon Bonaparte was crownedEmperor of the French, Hippolyte Léon Denizard Rivailwas born in Lyon on the 3rd of October, 1804.

From burning at the stake in Constance on July 6,1415, to the glorious days of Parisian intellectual life,Kardec devoted himself to the Doctrine taught andpreached by Jesus.

His life and work testify to his greatness - Missionaryof Truth!

We, the beneficiaries of your wisdom, deeplytouched, thank you and humbly ask: pray for us, youwho are already in the kingdom of heaven!

Léon Denis (*)

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Professor of Odontology, Doctor in Sciences,Spiritist writer and author of many books suchas (The Wise and Mrs. Piper) Os Sábios e a Sra.Piper and (Between Matter and the Spirit) Entrea Matéria e o Espírito.Mr Carvalho is also active at FEB and the ISC.

Antonio César Perri de CarvalhoAntonio César Perri de CarvalhoAntonio César Perri de CarvalhoAntonio César Perri de CarvalhoAntonio César Perri de [email protected]

Message from the late Leon Denis received by Brazilianmedium Divaldo Pereira Franco during a lecture byProfessor Jose Raul Teixeira at the opening of the 4th

Spiritist World Congress on October 2, 2004, in Paris,France.

Received through automatic specular writing (it mustbe reflected on a mirror to be read) in French – a languageunfamiliar to Mr. Franco.

(*)Spiritist author and speaker, lived in Parisduring Kardec’s time and was one the greatfigures to continue Allan Kardec’s work.

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ebcasting Spiritism is the first and most recentonline tool in the efforts for the disseminationof Spiritism. This activity,encouraged by North-American individuals andcreated specially for the

English-speaking world, is an initiativeof the Spiritist Society of Baltimore, Inc.,an organization that carries out its Spiritistmeetings in the English language only.Webcasting Spiritism also counts on thesupport and collaboration of Plenus.net

in Brazil and Mr. Luis Hu.We first idealized Webcasting

Spiritism as we attended the inspirationalIV International Spiritist Meeting in Paris,France in 2005. Subsequently, the ideacame to fruition right after we acquiredmore elements during the instrumentalI International Encounter of SpiritistMultipliers in July 2005, at the headquarters of theBrazilian Spiritist Federation, and under the auspices ofthe International Spiritist Council.

First aired on September 3, 2005, Webcasting Spiritism

disseminates Spiritism inside and outside the UnitedStates borders. The program is transmitted on Saturdaysonline starting at 7:30 PM (U.S.Eastern Standard Time) throughthe sites www.ssbaltimore.org

and www.plenus.net. Duringtwo and a half hours each week,Webcasting Spiritism presentsworkshops, lectures, interviews,Spiritist activities for children, andthe basic teachings of the SpiritistDoctrine (Spiritism 101) for thepublic in general.

Within the first three monthsof intense successful work, the

following were broadcast: approximately 15 workshopsand 8 lessons of Spiritism 101, among other activities

carried out by the SSB in partnership withSpiritist Societies in New York City (Study

Group of New York), Connecticut (Allan

Kardec Spiritist Center), Boston (Allan

Kardec Spiritist Society of Massachusetts),and a Spiritualist group in Chicago.Recently we presented a lecture by Prof.Raul Teixeira with simultaneous Englishtranslation, along with interviews withProf. Raul Teixeira and Cesar Perri deCarvalho, the latter representing theInternational Spiritist Council in his visitto the United States on October 15-16.Some of these programs are availableonline at the SSB website(www.ssbaltimore.org).

The goal of Webcasting Spiritism is toattract new collaborators and to involve

other Spiritist Centers in the U.S. and around the worldwilling to assist in the dissemination of Spiritism in theEnglish language. Please accept this as an open invitationto participate in this activity by contacting us [email protected]. May Jesus bless us in this initiativefor the dissemination of Goodness and Peace.

SpiritismSpiritismSpiritismSpiritismSpiritismWebcastingWebcastingWebcastingWebcastingWebcastingWWWWW

www.ssbaltimore.org

Daniel SantosDaniel SantosDaniel SantosDaniel SantosDaniel Santos is a founderof the Spiritist Society ofBaltimore, Inc., and alsoserves as its CommunicationsDirector. He is in charge ofthe SSB’s website andresponsible for the productionof Webcasting Spiritism. Dr.Santos is a neuroscientist andpharmacist, and currently aresearcher at the Universityof Maryland, Baltimorecampus, in the United States.

Vanessa Anseloni Vanessa Anseloni Vanessa Anseloni Vanessa Anseloni Vanessa Anseloni (photo) isa founder and President of theSpiritist Society of Baltimore, Inc.Being a fifth generation Spiritist,Dr. Anseloni was the first personin the Spiritist Movement in theUnited States to present Spiritistlectures and workshops inEnglish. A neuroscientist andpsychologist, Dr. Anseloni iscurrently a professor andresearcher at the University ofMaryland, Baltimore campus, inthe United States.

INTERNETINTERNETINTERNETINTERNETINTERNET

www.plenus.net

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LA REVUE SPIRITELA REVUE SPIRITELA REVUE SPIRITELA REVUE SPIRITELA REVUE SPIRITE

lthough not well known by Spiritists because it is abibliographical rarity in all languages other thanFrench and Portuguese, the Revue Spirite collectionis an important source of knowledge on the SpiritistDoctrine.

Allan Kardec began publishing it inJanuary of 1858, and continueddoing so until his discarnationin 1869. The last issue, stillpublished under his guidance,was April 1869. The magazinecontinued to be published from1869 to 1914, having among itscollaborators eminent Spiritistssuch as León Denis and CamilleFlammarion. Publication wasinterrupted from 1914 through1918 due to WWI.

The magazine wasrestarted after WWI andcontinued until 1979, when atthe decision of its board it wasmerged with the magazineRenaitre 2000. At that time, theFrench Spiritist movement wasundergoing a crisis, and onlyafter its reorganization by theUnion Spirite Française et

Froncophone (USFF) (French and

Francophone Spiritist Union) and the legal decision thatgranted the rights to the magazine, was it possible toresume its publication (1989).

In October of 2000, the USFF’s proposal for thepublication of the magazine was approved in the 7th

Meeting of the International Spiritist Council (ISC). Thesecond quarter combinededition of 2001 was edited andprinted at the O Clarim

Publishing House. That issuewas released at a Spiritistmeeting in the city of Berlin.

The first combined issue isavailable for downloading onISC’s webpage:www.spiritist.org.

The Years Under Kardec’sGuidance

During Kardec´s guidance,the Revue Spirite had afundamental role in thecodification of the SpiritistDoctrine. For the first time,several studies and essays werepublished, which were thenincluded in Kardec’s basicworks after 1858 (The Mediums’

Book, The Gospel According to

AAAAA

HistoryHistoryHistoryHistoryHistory of the REVUE SPIRITE of the REVUE SPIRITE of the REVUE SPIRITE of the REVUE SPIRITE of the REVUE SPIRITE

The Spiritist Review of 1858,edited by the ISC in Spanish.


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Carlos Alberto IglesiaCarlos Alberto IglesiaCarlos Alberto IglesiaCarlos Alberto IglesiaCarlos Alberto [email protected]

Spiritism, Heaven and Hell, Posthumous Works). The magazinewas the laboratory where Spiritist ideas could bepublished, discussed and tested; it was also the means ofcommunicating with other Spiritist groups which werearising in several countries.

On the pages of the Revue Spirite, one can find thehistory of the earliest days of Spiritism itself, the birth ofthe various national movements, and the spread of theDoctrine by its pioneers’ efforts. In addition, one mayfind the data that allowed the construction of its logical

Carlos Iglesia, Coordinator of GEAE, Grupo de

Estudos Avançados Espíritas (Advanced SpiritistStudies Group) www.geae.inf.br

Collection of the Revue Spirite from 1858 to 1869Collection of the Revue Spirite from 1858 to 1869Collection of the Revue Spirite from 1858 to 1869Collection of the Revue Spirite from 1858 to 1869Collection of the Revue Spirite from 1858 to 1869The collection of the Revue Spirite, from 1858 through 1869,the period in which it was directed byAllan Kardec, has two translations inPortuguese:

FEB (Federação Espírita Brasileira)SGAN 603 – Conj. FCEP 70830-030Brasilia – DF – Brazil [email protected]

The Spiritist Magazine on theThe Spiritist Magazine on theThe Spiritist Magazine on theThe Spiritist Magazine on theThe Spiritist Magazine on theInternetInternetInternetInternetInternetThe Centre D´Etudes Spirites LeonDenis (Leon Denis Spiritist Center) poststhe original texts of the Spiritist Magazine from 1858 through1861on its webpage. Their project is to make the entire collectionpublished under Kardec’s direction available on the Internet.CENTRE D’ETUDES SPIRITES LEON DENISCENTRE D’ETUDES SPIRITES LEON DENISCENTRE D’ETUDES SPIRITES LEON DENISCENTRE D’ETUDES SPIRITES LEON DENISCENTRE D’ETUDES SPIRITES LEON DENISAddress: 20, Rue Marsilly – 68800 THANNE-mail:[email protected] or [email protected]://perso.wanadoo.fr/charles.kempf/Subscription to the French EditionSubscription to the French EditionSubscription to the French EditionSubscription to the French EditionSubscription to the French Edition- CEI (Conselho Espírita Internacional)(International Spiritist Council)- 55 61 3321 1767 (Brasilia/Brazil)h tpp: / /www.spi r i t is t .orghtpp: / /www.spi r i t is t .orghtpp: / /www.spi r i t is t .orghtpp: / /www.spi r i t is t .orghtpp: / /www.spi r i t is t .org

foundation and of its research methods, alongwith the birth register of the Spiritist science, theSpiritist philosophy, and the affirmation of aneminently Christian morality — Christian, butuniversal and based on Jesus’ moral lessons andnot on the dogmas later created by humans.

Throughout the magazine we can followhow Kardec presented the Spiritist ideas byclarifying readers’ questions, studying othercurrents of thought, and answering the attacksthat were railed against the Doctrine. Moreover,we may find answers to problems which stillnowadays can give rise to useless controversies –we may read what Kardec wrote on Roustaing’swork, and in his speech on All Souls´ Day we willfind his take on Religion and why he consideredSpiritism a religion in the philosophical sense ofthe word rather than in the sense of an organized

religion.

Trained as an educator, and as a disciple ofPestallozi, Kardec, during his direction of the Revue

Spirite, always had the concern to educate usinglogical argumentation, basing arguments on facts,using clear and precise means for presenting ideas,and showing continuous respect for the readersand for all with whom he corresponded. Even

when answering criticisms and attacks, he alwaysdistinguished himself by his tolerance and justice, and hewas devoid of any fanaticism or personal hatreds.


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Do all mediumistic meetings havespiritual guides?

Yes, if they are organized under Spiritistguidance, and for the purposes of elevationand instruction that should characterize them.

2. If such care is not taken or if there is merelycuriosity or interest, are mentors still present?

There will be manifestations, but they may not befrom evolved Spirits, who are able to guide the meetingefficiently. Spiritual guides have more important issues totend to.

3. Then is motivation the determining factor?Absolutely. Not only the spiritual condition of the

guides but also that of the spirits who will be counseled.In my teens I attended meetings of a group engaged in

QUERIESQUERIESQUERIESQUERIESQUERIES

amateurish practices to unmask deceivers, but with noother edifying purpose. No mentor of a more evolvednature would attend our meetings. It was a waste oftime, but if I tried to warn the group, I would run therisk of being taken as a deceiver myself.

4. Could a group be guided by an obsessor?Yes, if it is merely organized for profit. Mediums

who commercialize their gift by normally charging forconsultations are frequently obsessed. It is notuncommon for them to transmit advice from supposedspiritual guides, but this advice actually comes from theconsultants’ obsessors, thus deceiving them.

5. What should we think about mediumisticgroups where all the mediums must channel theirown spirit guides?

11111

GuidesGuidesGuidesGuidesGuidesSpiritualSpiritualSpiritualSpiritualSpiritual


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They promote animism1.Spiritual guides have moreimportant things to do. Theywould not limit themselves toa mere Hello, thus neglectingtheir position, or by merelystaying «next to theirinstruments [mediums].»

6. If mediumistic groupsare guided by spiritualmentors, wouldn’t it beinteresting to listen to theirwords?

Undoubtedly, provided there are actually mediumswho are prepared to receive such words, which requirespatience, research and extended discipline. Normally,beginning groupsshould not beconcerned about it,but should allow it tohappen naturally asthe mediums becomeready for it.

7. There aregroups whosemediums channeltheir spirit guides sothat a «psychiccleansing» mayoccur. Is such apractice healthy?

What if the spiritguide does notmanifest itself? Doesthat mean that the

Spiritist writer and lecturer, presidentof the Spiritist Center Amor eCaridade (Love and Charity), Baurú,São Paulo, Mr. Simonetti is the authorof several books: “Who’s Afraid ofDeath?”, “Reincarnation – All YouNeed to Know,” “Escaping fromPrison,” among others.

Richard SimonettiRichard SimonettiRichard SimonettiRichard SimonettiRichard SimonettiMediumship – All you need to [email protected]

1 Animism:

« … neologism used byAlexander Aksakof to signify thatthe soul of the medium cancommunicate like all other soulswhen a certain degree ofemancipation is reached, enabling itto draw from its own spiritcapabilities. … In this case it would

be the spirit of the incarnate personitself that would produce thephenomena and not that of adiscarnate spirit, establishing thedifference between animism for theformer and mediumship for thelatter.» (L. Palhano Jr., Lexico

Kardequiano, 1999)

medium will remain impure? This is another conditioningto avoid. After each meeting, mediums should feel verygood, healthy and at peace, aware of having fulfilled theirduties.

8. How can we be sure that the manifesting spiritwho says it is the spirit guide is telling the truth?

Here we need to apply Kardec´s wise guidance: onemust analyze the content, observing the language, theform, the intention, starting from the basic principle thatevolved Spirits only talk about edifying subjects usingclear, objective and enlightening words.


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BRAZILBRAZILBRAZILBRAZILBRAZIL

FranciscoCándido Xavier(Chico Xavier)

LETTERS OF CHICO XAVIERnamed a daughter from his second marriage Gleide.«Their personalities are very much alike. It seems like areturn to the past,» he said.

Before Mr. Marcondes, the controversy regarding theuse of psychographed letters to solve legal issues hadalready set precedent through two other cases. The firstinvolved Mr. Henrique Gregoris, 23, killed in 1976 by Mr.João França after a round of Russian roulette. The secondinvolved Mr. Maurício Garcez, 15, killed by his friend Mr.José Divino Nunes, 18, by accidental gunshot. Mr. Nunes’acquittal, also handled by Judge Orimar de Bastos, waslater confirmed by a jury after the Public Ministry appealedthe verdict.

«I am convinced that I applied justice,» declared JudgeOrimar de Bastos, who is not a Spiritist, and at the timesuffered persecution by his colleagues. Judge Bastos,currently retired, narrates a curious fact experienced by himwhile he was deciding on the first verdict.

«I had just typed the initial considerations, when Iremember hearing the town’s (Piracanjuba) clock strike 9P.M. I don’t know if I then fell into a trance, but when Icame to my senses, the clock on the tower was strikingmidnight and the ruling was completed, even though Idid not recall having continued to work. I was stunned.To the three pages I do remember typing, I had added sixmore without being conscious of it. Moreover, when Itype, I normally make a number of mistakes and the sixadditional pages were flawless. Quite baffled, I nonethelessdecided to call it an evening. The next day, I fell asleepwhile sitting on the bus re-reading the sentence before

pronouncing it. In the end, I had acquittedthe man.»

The explanation for these events,including his own involvement in bothcases, would come later, upon meetingwith Chico Xavier. The medium of MinasGerais had psychographed a message fromJudge Adalberto Pereira da Silva,disincarnated in 1951, where Judge Pereirade Silva reveals to Judge Bastos that histransfer from Goiânia was planned in thespirit world to allow for his participationin this case.

Former Judge Bastos presentlyconducts lectures in Goiânia on thissubject, and is about to launch a bookexplaining how he reached his decisionson these rather unusual cases.

(Excerpted from SEI Bulletin # 1912of November 20, 2004)

TV Programon thepositiveeffects of thephyscographicmessages byChico Xavier

Three deaths, three indictments, three acquittals, andthree testimonies that life continues after death. The eventsthat took place in Mato Grosso do Sul and Goiânia, stateof Goiás, Brazil, between 1976 and 1980, once againbrought to the world’s attention the mediumship ofFrancisco Cândido Xavier [Chico Xavier]. This time inconnection to an unprecedented event in the history ofthe criminal justice system: three individuals facing trialfor homicide win their acquittal through the depositionsof their victims in letters psychographed by Chico, annexedto the trials.

These remarkable cases wereremembered on November 4, whenTV Globo aired on «Linha DiretaJustiça» [Direct Line to Justice] theepisode «As cartas de Chico Xavier»[The Letters of Chico Xavier], whosebroadcasting appeared on severalnewspapers, among them the«Extra,» of Rio de Janeiro, on October31. Journalists Vivianne Cohen andAna Bárbara Elias interviewed someof the persons involved, among themMr. João Marcondes, indicted afterthe killing of his wife, Gleide MariaDutra, Miss Campo Grande 1975, intheir home in Campo Grande, MatoGrosso do Sul, by accidental gunshot.«I think I was an instrument of Godto show everyone that there is life afterdeath,» said Mr. Marcondes, who afterthe accident became a Spiritist and

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1 — A N G O L A1 — A N G O L A1 — A N G O L A1 — A N G O L A1 — A N G O L ASociedade Espírita Allan Kardec de AngolaRua Amilcar Cabral, 29 - 4°. BLUANDA - ANGOLATel/Fax: 00 2 442 334 030 (residencial)[email protected] — A R G E N T I N A2 — A R G E N T I N A2 — A R G E N T I N A2 — A R G E N T I N A2 — A R G E N T I N AConfederación Espiritista ArgentinaSánchez de Bustamante, 4631173 - BUENOS AIRES - ARGENTINATel/Fax: 00 54 11 4862-63 [email protected]—B3—B3—B3—B3—B ELGIUMELGIUMELGIUMELGIUMELGIUMUnion Spirite Belge43 Rue Maghin,B-4000 LIEGE - BELGIQUE (BÉLGICA)Tel: 00 32 (04) 227-6076http://users.skynet.be/usbe-mail: [email protected] — B O L I V I A4 — B O L I V I A4 — B O L I V I A4 — B O L I V I A4 — B O L I V I AFEBOL - Federación Espírita BolivianaCalle Libertad, 382 entre Seoane y BuenosAiresCasilla de Correo 6756SANTA CRUZ DE LA SIERRA, BOLÍVIATel: 00 59 133363998 - 00 591 3 337.6060www.spiritist.org/bolivia/e-mail: [email protected] — B R A5 — B R A5 — B R A5 — B R A5 — B R A ZZZZZ I LI LI LI LI LFederação Espírita BrasileiraAv.L2 Norte - Quadra 603 - Conj.F - Asa Norte70830-030 – BRASÍLIA - DF - BRASILTel: 00 55 (0) 61 [email protected] — C A N A D Á6 — C A N A D Á6 — C A N A D Á6 — C A N A D Á6 — C A N A D ÁMouvement Spirite Québécois4866, Ste-Catherine estMONTRÉAL, QUÉBEC H1V 1Z6Tél.: 514 899-0139http://[email protected]—CHILE—CHILE—CHILE—CHILE—CHILECentro de Estudios Espíritas Buena NuevaCalle Nelson, 1721 – Ñuñoa – Santiago.SANTIAGO - CHILETel: 056 2 [email protected] — C O L O M B I A— C O L O M B I A— C O L O M B I A— C O L O M B I A— C O L O M B I AConfederación Espiritista ColombianaCalle 22 A Sur No. 9-71/81BOGOTÁ—COLOMBIATel/Fax: 00 57 1 287-0107www.geocities.com/[email protected] — C U B A9 — C U B A9 — C U B A9 — C U B A9 — C U B ASociedad Amor y Caridad UniversalCalle 30 N. 2305, e/23 y 25, PlayaLA HABANA - CUBA1010101010—EL SALVADOR—EL SALVADOR—EL SALVADOR—EL SALVADOR—EL SALVADORFederación Espírita de El Salvador39 Calle Poniente No. 579 y 571, Barrio BelénSAN SALVADOR - EL SALVADORAmérica CentralTel. 00 (503) 502 [email protected]————— ECUADORECUADORECUADORECUADORECUADORFederación Espiritista del EcuadorCdla, Huancavelica Mz. D-1 Villa 1 -GUAYAQUIL, ECUADORCasilla Postal: 09 – 01 – 11336Tel: (593-4) 2 434048www.spiritist.org/ecuadorfederacionespí[email protected]

2020202020—PER—PER—PER—PER—PERUUUUUFederación Espírita del Perú - FEPERÚLaurel Rosa 284, Surquillo LIMA - PERÚTef: 00 (51)1 273 5902 y [email protected]/peru2121212121—PORTUGAL—PORTUGAL—PORTUGAL—PORTUGAL—PORTUGALFederação Espírita PortuguesaCasal de Cascais Lote 4 R/C -Alto da Damaia 2720 - AmadoraLISBOA - PORTUGALTel: 00 351 21 497-5754http://www.feportuguesa.pte-mail: [email protected]————— SPAINSPAINSPAINSPAINSPAINFederación Espírita EspañolaC/Dr. Sirvent, 36 A. 0316 - AlmoradíALICANTE - ESPAÑATel: 00 34 [email protected]—S—S—S—S—SWEDENWEDENWEDENWEDENWEDENSvenska Spiritistiska Förbundetc/o Olof BergmanSotingeplan 44, 1tr - 16361STOCKHOLM - SUÉCIATel: 00 46 (8) [email protected] 44444—S—S—S—S—SWITZERLANDWITZERLANDWITZERLANDWITZERLANDWITZERLANDUnion des Centres d’Études Spirites enSuissePostfach: 8404WINTERTHUR - SUIÇATel.privé: ++ 41/ 055 210 [email protected]————— UNIUNIUNIUNIUNITED KINGDOMTED KINGDOMTED KINGDOMTED KINGDOMTED KINGDOMBritish Union of Spiritist Societies-BUSS25 Blyte HouseKennington Park RoadLONDON SE 11 5TXENGLAND - [email protected]—————UNITED STATES OF AMERICAUNITED STATES OF AMERICAUNITED STATES OF AMERICAUNITED STATES OF AMERICAUNITED STATES OF AMERICAUnited States Spiritist CouncilP.O BOX 1402620044-4026, WASHINGTON, D.C., USATel: 00 1 (240) 453.0361, Fax: 00 1 (240)[email protected] 77777—URUGUA—URUGUA—URUGUA—URUGUA—URUGUA YYYYYFederación Espírita UruguayaArenal Grande, 141511100 - MONTEVIDÉO - URUGUAYTel: 00 598 62 [email protected]

1 21 21 21 21 2 — F R A N C— F R A N C— F R A N C— F R A N C— F R A N C EEEEEUnion Spirite Française et Francophone1, Rue du Docteur Fournier37000 TOURS - FRANCETel/Fax: 00 33 (2) 4746-2790 -http://perso.wanadoo.fr/[email protected] 33333 — G U A T E M A L A— G U A T E M A L A— G U A T E M A L A— G U A T E M A L A— G U A T E M A L ACadena Heliosóphica Guatemalteca14 Avenida 9-66, Zona 12.Ciudad de GUATEMALA, GUATEMALA.01012.Tel. 00 (502) 440 1292 - 00 (502) - 471 [email protected]—ITAL—ITAL—ITAL—ITAL—ITALYYYYYCentro Italiano Studi Spiritici Allan KardecCasella Postale 207, Aosta Centro, 11100 -Aosta - ITALIAwww.spiritismoitalia.orgTel: 00 39 (0) 165 [email protected] 55555 — J A P— J A P— J A P— J A P— J A P AAAAA NNNNNComunhão Espírita Cristã Francisco C.XavierCodigo Postal 272-0143Flat Top Valley 1013-13-20 Ainokawa - Ichikawa-shi, [email protected] 66666— M— M— M— M— M EEEEEXICOXICOXICOXICOXICOCentral Espírita MexicanaRetorno Armando Leal 14- Apartado PostalNo.117-060. CP. 07091 -----CIUDAD DE MÉXICO - D. F. - MEXICOTel: 00 52 5715-0660 - Fax: 00 52 [email protected]—————THE NETHERLANDSTHE NETHERLANDSTHE NETHERLANDSTHE NETHERLANDSTHE NETHERLANDSConselho Espírita HolandesKlokketuin 15 1689 KN - HOORN -HOLLANDTel: 00 31 (0)229 [email protected]—NOR—NOR—NOR—NOR—NORWAYWAYWAYWAYWAYGruppen for Spiritistiske Studier AllanKardecMajorstuveien 26 0367 OSLO - NORGETel. 00 47 (22) 444293www.geocities.com/athens/oracle/[email protected] 99999— P A R A G U A Y— P A R A G U A Y— P A R A G U A Y— P A R A G U A Y— P A R A G U A YCentro de Filosofía Espiritista ParaguayoCalle Amânio Gonzáles, 265ASUNCIÓN – PARAGUAYTel/Fax: 00 595 21 90.0318www.spiritist.org/paraguay/e-mail: [email protected]

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review2 · 2018. 3. 23. · english edition - n. 2 11 fundamental pr opositions allan k ardec ,...

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