Diversity of Human Races

52. What is the cause of the physical and moral differences that distinguish the various races

of men upon the earth?

"Climate, modes of life, and social habits. The same differences would be produced in the

case of two children of the same mother, if brought up far from one another, and surrounded by different influences and conditions; for the children thus diversely brought up would present no moral resemblance to each other."

53. Did the human race come into existence on various points of the globe?

"Yes, and at various epochs; and this is one of the causes of the diversity of human races. The

people of the primitive periods, being dispersed abroad in different climates, and forming

alliances with those of other countries than their own, gave rise perpetually to new types of

humanity."

- Do these differences constitute distinct species?

"Certainly not. All of them constitute but a single family. Do the differences between the

varieties of the same fruit prevent their all belonging to the same species."

54. If the human species do not all proceed from the same progenitor, should they, on that

account, cease to regard one another as brothers?

"All men are brothers in virtue of their common relation to the Creator, because they are

animated by the same spirit, and tend towards the same goal. The human mind is always

prone to attach too literal a meaning to statements which are necessarily imperfect and

incomplete."

From The Spirit's Book - Chapter III - Creation - Diversity of Human Races - Ed Federação Espírita Brasileira FEB

Explanations by the Master

In the middle of an uplifting conversation in the pleasant confines of Peter’s home in Capernaum, Sarah, the wife of Benjamin (who raised goats), had been listening to the Master’s remarks. With a look of fascination in light of the new revelations, she asked:

“The notion of the Kingdom of God in our lives is truly sublime; but how can I begin to experience it? We have listened to you

preaching on the lakeshore, and we know that the Good News recommends love and forgiveness above all else … I would love to be

faithful to such principles, but I feel stuck in the old rules. I can’t forgive those who have injured me, and since I can’t fathom a life in which we trade our advantages for the sake of others, I’m attached to my things and am jealous of everything I own.”

Sarah made her confession honestly in spite of the frustrated smile of someone who has met with almost insurmountable obstacles.

“In order to forgive,” remarked Peter, “goodwill is crucial.”

“With faith in our Heavenly Father,” offered Simon’s wife, “we can surmount the hardest obstacles.”

Everyone present had a look of longing expectation, wondering what the Lord would have to say. After a long silence, he asked:

“Sarah, what is the fundamental business of your family?”

“Raising goats,” she replied curiously.

“How do you keep their milk untainted and pure for home use?”

“Lord, more than anything else, we have to very carefully wash the container that is going to hold it. If there is any dirt in the jar, all the

milk will soon go sour and will be useless for the slightest purpose.”

Jesus smiled and explained:

“Thus is the heavenly revelation within the human heart. If we do not purify the container of the soul, our understanding, no matter how great it is, gets mixed in with our inner dirt and goes sour, reducing the proportion of the assets we would otherwise collect. In fact, Moses and the prophets were priceless bearers of divine messages, but the descendants of the Chosen People did not purify the living receptacle of their spirits enough in order to receive them. That is why our contemporaries are righteous and unrighteous, believing and disbelieving, good and evil at the same time. The pure milk of higher enlightenment enters their hearts as new nourishment, but there it gets mixed in with the rust of their old selfishness. Of the renewing work of the soul, only the vinegar of incomprehension remains, thereby delaying the effective work of the Kingdom of God.”

The small gathering in Peter’s home was truly impressed by this simple yet sublime lesson, and no one said a word. The Master, however, got up humbly and discreetly, stroked Sarah’s hair and concluded kindly:

“The dew on a white lily is a heavenly diamond, but in the dust of the road it becomes a muddy droplet. Remember this simple and clear

truth of nature.”

From The book "Jesus In The Home" psychographed by Francisco Cândido Xavier - By The spirit Neio Lucio

Chapter 8 - Administrative Organization

Chapter 8 - Administrative Organization

For the first time after some weeks under intense treatment I ventured out in Lysias’ company. The sight of the streets impressed me. The wide avenues, bordered with shady streets, which stretched out before us, were filled with pure air and an atmosphere of profound spiritual tranquility. Yet I saw no signs of inactivity or idleness anywhere. Instead, the city streets were crowded. I watched as the crowds passed by me. Some seemed absorbed in thought, while others smiled cordially as they passed. Lysias, seeing my surprise, quickly began to explain.

“We are now in the district of the Ministry of Assistance. Everything you see here, all of the buildings and houses, are either institutions where the activities of our jurisdiction are carried out or home for our working staff and

instructors. In the Ministry, patients are assisted, prayers are heard and sorted, earthly reincarnations planned and rescue groups promoted on behalf of those inhabiting the lower spirit zones or suffering on Earth. Here all problems related to human suffering are examined and solutions studied.” “So there is a Ministry of Assistance in the Astral City?” I asked.

“And why not? All of our activities here are controlled by an organization which is constantly improving under the efficient supervision of those watching over our destinies. During our collective prayers, didn’t you notice our Governor, surrounded by his seventy-two assistants? They are the Ministers of the Astral City. The colony, whose purpose is essentially work and accomplishment, is divided into six Ministries, each under the direction of twelve Ministers. The six Ministers are named: Regeneration, Assistance, Communication, Elucidation, Elevation, and Divine Union. The first four connect us with the Earth; the other two link us to the higher spheres. So you see our spiritual city is really a transition zone. The coarsest, most material activities are carried out by the Ministry of Regeneration. The most sublime is the Ministry of Divine Union. Clarence, our friendly instructor, is one of the Ministers of Assistance.”

I never imagined the possibility of finding such a complete organization after the death of the physical body.”

“Yes”, Lysias continued, “the evil of illusion is very dense in the spheres of the flesh. The average man is unaware that all manifestations of order around him proceed from higher planes. Just as Nature becomes a garden when tended by man, so the mind, dull in primitive creatures, is transformed into a creative force when inspired by consciousness functioning in higher spheres. Every useful organization on the material plane has its first roots in higher spiritual worlds.” “But those the Astral City have a history like the great cities of Earth?”

“Certainly. All of the planes near the Earth possess their own specific nature and unique history. The Astral City is an old settlement, founded by a group of distinguished Portuguese pioneers who, after passing on, settled in

the spirits planes over Brazil in the sixteenth century. According to the annals of our Colony, these settlers at first encountered tremendous and exhausting difficulties here. There are obstacles in the invisible zones close to

the Earth, just as there are on the Earth itself. Enormous areas with undeveloped potential here are comparable to the great tracts of forbidden terrain on Earth.”

“The pioneers’ work was indeed hard and discouraging, even for the stronger spirits. The area where delicate vibrations and majestic buildings now abound was also peopled with other more primitive inhabitants whose

architecture reflected their elementary minds and who filled the atmosphere with their undeveloped thoughts. Still the founders did not lose heart. They proceeded with their efforts, following the example of the Old World settlers

on the physical plane. Only they substituted persevering work, brotherly solidarity and spiritual love for violence, war and slavery.”

By this time we had reached a large, artistically designed square, filled with beautiful gardens. In its center stood a magnificent palace crowned with majestic and lofty towers whose tips reached so high they disappeared from

sight.

“Here, where the Government House now stands, the settlers placed the cornerstone of the Colony.”

Pointing to the palace, he went on:

“This square is the converging point of the six Ministries I told you about. They start at the Government House and stretch out in a triangular shape. Our devoted Governor lives here. A staff of three thousand individuals

assist him in his administrative duties. He is the most earnest and untiring worker in the Colony. The Ministers travel at times to other spheres to renew their energies and acquire new knowledge, and we, too, have our habitual

amusements. Only the Governor has no leisure time whatsoever. While he insists that we take periodic vacations to rest, he himself works ceaselessly, sacrificing even his sleeping hours. It seems he finds his reward in neverending service. I have been here for forty years, and except for the collective prayers, I have never seen the Governor at any public entertainment. Yet the radiation of his powerful mind reaches every branch of activity and his fatherly assistance involves everybody and everything here.”

After a long pause, the friendly attendant continued:

“Only a short time ago, we celebrated the one hundred fourteenth anniversary of his magnanimous administration.”

Lysias went on walking in reverent silence, while I, keeping pace with him, gazed in awe at the marvelous steeples which seemed to pierce the skies.

From the book The Astral City "Nosso Lar" - Chapter VIII - Administrative Organization

Peopling of Earth. Adam

50. Did the human race begin with one man only?

"No; he whom you call Adam was neither the first nor the only man who peopled the earth."

51. Is it possible to know at what period Adam lived?

"About the period which you assign to him; that is to say, about 4000 years before Christ."

The man of whom, under the name of Adam, tradition has preserved the memory, was one of those who, In some one of the countries of the globe. survived one of the great cataclysms which at various epochs have changed Its surface, and who became the founder of one of the races that people the earth at the present day. The laws of nature render it impossible that the amount of progress which we know to have been accomplished by the human race of our planet long before the time of Christ could have been accomplished so rapidly as must have been the case If it had only been In existence upon the globe since the period assigned as the date of Adam. The opinion most consonant with reason is that which regards the story of Adam as a myth, or as an allegory personifying the earliest ages of the world.

From The Spirit's Book - Chapter III - Creation - Peopling of Earth. Adam - Ed Federação Espírita Brasileira FEB

The Oracular Mediumship

The Ifa Orunmila Oracle

The oracles acles dominate the entire civilized horizon. They practically constitute the center of guidance for all urban and rural life, both political and religious. But what are the oracles? Their definition is not very easy, which shows the transitory nature of these religious institutions. The old forms of relationships mediumistic are in transition to new you forms, and for this very reason they present, in the its oracular constitution, with evidently syncretic, reasons for different interpretations, making its definition difficult relative.

The oracle is sometimes the Divinity itself, other times the response given to inquiries, the sanctuary or temple, the medium who attends to the seekers, or the location of the consultations: a sacred grove, a mysterious cave, a miraculous spring. The word is used to designate all these things, one at a time, or all together. Because the popular mindset does not yet know how to distinguish the mysterious force. what age, nor its means of action. The Divinity can speak for itself, as it can be embodied in the sanctuary, in the temple, in the tripod, in the oracle, or in the elements of nature.

Oracles are sought by everyone: kings and sages, warriors and merchants, men and women of the people. In this, they all agree, because they all recognize and respect the presence of a supernatural force in these sacred places. The "law of worship," which Kardec discusses, reaches the oracles in a form. in synthesis, bringing together the achievements made throughout its evolution in the horizons previous ones. Present and intermingled are the successive forms of the development of law, which we find in the tribal and agricultural horizons. The "animistic conception of primitive mediumship", the worship of ancestors, the deification for the cohesion and organization of societies, are also evident. These mental achievements have allowed humans to transcend the basic elements of nature worship and develop complex systems of belief and governance. 

The evolution from tribal societies to advanced civilizations showcases the human ability to create structured communities with ethical and legal frameworks, which serve as the binding force for these diverse elements. by individualization, they shape the agglutinated elements, thus giving a complex structure to the mediumistic communication process.

The natural phenomenon of mediumistic exchange becomes artificial. The process of rationalization, on the other hand, requires the development of cosmogonies. Oracles are not, therefore, simplistic forms of religious worship or mere places for mediumistic consultation. Their structure, often quite complex, is based on a conception of the world. The vague nature of this conception corresponds to the very syncretic nature of the oracular institution. The mediumistic phenomenon appears in it as a mystery. 

Nothing explains it, nor can it be explained, nor should one dare to do so. The tribal taboo imposes itself more vigorously and more broadly now. developed in a rational form, which is the conception of the sacred. Humanity finds itself, at this stage, like an adolescent, who reworks within themselves the dreams, fears, and hopes stemming from the initial perceptions of the external world.

The childhood phase of psychic undifferentiation, collectively experienced in the tribal horizon still exerts its influence over the oracular cosmogonies. It is curious to note that there is no what we would call mediumistic individualization in the oracles. Although there is a medium, sometimes called an oracle, sometimes a pythoness, and although there is a communicating entity, the messages are given through impersonal processes. 

Sometimes, it is the murmur of the source that responds to the consultant; at other times, it is the rustling of the forest or the mysterious sounds of a cave; and when the medium responds directly, their response mimics the murmurs confusions of nature. In all cases, the answer depends on the interpretation priestly. Therefore, there is a body of priests that collectively responds to oracle consultations. The exceptions represent cases of advancement in the process. evolutionary, in the sense of individualization.

Oracular mediumship is, therefore, a form of transition to the individual worship of Spirits, guides and which in turn will require mediumistic individualization, already defined in typical cases, such as the Witch of Endor, mentioned in the Holy Bible.

The History of Religions shows us that the worship of ancestors was initially collective, with the spirits of the dead considered as a group and worshiped as such, as in the case of the Roman parentum and manes. 

The individualization of this practice It progresses slowly, evolving human collectives, like developing children, from "psychic undifferentiation" to the higher stages of rationalization. Oracles represent, on the civilized horizon, this moment of transition.

Translation and reviewed by Márcio Varela

In Portuguese https://lardobompastor.blogspot.com/2025/02/mediunismo-oracular.html

(Original source in Portuguese O Espírito E O Tempo - J Herculano Pires)

In Affective Matters

You must always be very careful when dealing with other people's emotional problems, as often, others don't even consider what we might think.

Adult Spirits know that while living on Earth, no one can, in good conscience, draw the line between normality and abnormality in matters of deep affection.

Preachers of strict morality, in matters of love, rarely don't fall into the situations they condemn.

Every person who harms another in the commitments of feelings is fatally damaging themselves.

Respect the connections and separations between the people in your world without strangeness or censure, for you don't know

the reasons and processes behind them.

In essence, your soul's needs are pretty different from those of others.

When it comes to the sufferings of love, only God knows where lies fall and victory.

Never play with the feelings of others.

Don't take on emotional commitments if you cannot, or won't sustain them.

Love, in your existence, will be what you make of it.

You will receive in return everything you give to others, according to the law that governs our destinies.

In the face of love's mistakes, if you've never made a mistake out of emotion, imagination, intention, or action, throw the first stone, as Jesus recommends.

(From Collection of Mediumistic Messages - Francisco C. Xavier - Several Spirits)

Chapter 7 - Lysias Explains

Chapter 7 - Lysias Explains

Lysias came daily for my treatment and Clarence continued to visit me regularly. I began to feel at ease as I endeavored to adapt myself to my new situation. I noticed, though, that I would quickly relapse any time I began to

dwell on my problems. The anguish, the fear of the unknown, and the discomfort of maladjustment would all return. Yet, in spite of everything, I felt a certain inner stability. I derived great pleasure from leaning out of my window and gazing at the vast horizon. I was impressed by the difference between my surroundings here and on Earth. Nearly everything seemed to be an improved copy of

Earth: the colors were more harmoniously blended, and the very substance of things to be more delicate. The ground was carpeted with greenery and I could see large trees, rich orchards and delightful gardens everywhere. A

range of hills with light-crowned summits stood beyond the plain on which the Astral City was situated, and graceful buildings appeared at regular intervals a short distance away. These buildings, of various styles, had one thing in common: a profusion of flowers at their entrances. I noticed some charming little bungalows among them, surrounded by colorful roses springing up from among the ivy that covered the walls in contrasting colors.

Birds with brilliant plumage flew about, alighting in groups from time to time on the tall, bright white steeples that reached for the sky. As I continued to watch curiously from my window, I was surprised to find some domestic

animals among the trees some distance away. During these periods of deep musing, my mind was filled with countless speculations. Considering that I found myself on an astral plane, I could not understand the similarity of

things here to those on Earth. Lysias, my obliging and constant companion, was always ready to explain:

“Death of the physical body does not take man instantly to miraculous spheres. Every evolutionary process progresses trough graduation. There are countless planes for discarnate Spirits, just as there are many wondrous regions for those still in flesh. All souls, feelings, forms and things are governed by the principles of natural evolution and hierarchy.”

Only the fact that I had stayed under treatment for so many weeks without a single visit from someone I had known on Earth worried me

somewhat. Surely I was not the only one in my circle of friends and relatives to be struggling with the enigma of death. My parents had departed before me, as had various friends. Why, then, had none of them come to see me

during my recovery, to bring a little cheer to my aching heart? I would have been satisfied with even a few moments of consolation. One day, when I could no longer silence my doubts, I asked my attendant: “Tell me, dear Lysias, is it

possible to meet those who left the Earth before us?”

“Why, do you imagine yourself forgotten?”

“Yes, in fact, I do. Why has no one come to see me? On Earth I always relied implicitly on my mother’s devotion. Yet to this day I have heard

nothing from her, or from my father, who died three years before me.”

“Well, you are mistaken about your mother. She has been helping you night and day since the crisis you passed through before you arrived here. She doubled he assistance when you fell ill for the last time. You aren’t aware

yet, are you, that your stay in the lower spheres lasted over eight years? In all that time she never lost hope, and often came to the Astral City to intercede on your behalf. She enlisted the services of Clarence, who began visiting you frequently until the moment when you, the conceited earthly doctor, remembered that you were also a child of God. Do you see now?”

I felt my eyes well with tears. I had not known that I had been away from the Earth for so long. I wanted to speak, to find out about those unperceived efforts, but my vocal cords seemed numb. My heart was too full to allow me to speak.

“On the day you prayed with all your heart,” continued Lysias, “when you realized that everything in the Universe belongs to our Almighty Father, even your tears were different. As you know, rain can at times be creative, at other times destructive. The Lord doesn’t wait for our prayers to love us. Yet,

just as a dirty mirror cannot reflect the light, it is indispensable for us to cleanse ourselves and build a receptive attitude in order to understand His unfinite goodness. Thus, it is not the Father who needs our penance, it is we

who need it for the inestimable service it renders us. Do you see? Clarence, in

answer to your devoted mother’s pleas, had no trouble finding you it was you who took so long to find Clarence. I was told that when your mother heard you had broken through the shadows into the light, she wept for joy.”

“And where is my mother now?” I cried at last.

 “If possible, I should like to see and embrace her, to fall on my knees at her feet.”

“She doesn’t live in the Astral City,” he informed me, “she inhabits higher spheres where she works, not exclusively for you, but for the good of many.”

Noting my disappointment, he added:

“She is sure to come and see you. When one earnestly wishes for something, it is already half obtained. Here we have your own example. For years you wandered at random, a prey to fear, distress and disillusionment. Yet as soon as you felt the necessity for divine assistance you expanded the range of your mental vibrations and obtained vision and help.”

Encouraged by the explanation I had just received, I exclaimed resolutely:

“Then I wished it with all my heart, and she shall come.”

Lysias smiled knowingly, and as he took his leave he added this friendly advice:

“Right, but keep in mind that all deserving petitions should contain three basic prerequisites: an active will, persevering work, and merit. In other words, one must first wish, then work towards that wish, and finally be

deserving of what he requested.”

He departed smiling, while I fell into deep meditation, wondering how such a vast program could have been expressed in so few.

From the book The Astral City "Nosso Lar" - Chapter VII - Lysias Explains

Production of Living Beings

43. When did the earth begin to be peopled?

"In the beginning all was chaos; the elements were mixed up in a state of confusion. Gradually those elements settled into their proper places, and then appeared the orders of

living beings appropriate to the successive e states of the globe."

44. Whence came the living beings that appeared upon the earth?

"The germs of these were contained in the earth itself, awaiting the favourable moment for their development. The organic principles came together on the cessation of the force which

held them asunder, and those principles formed the germs of all the living beings that have

peopled the earth. Those germs remained latent and inert, like the chrysalis and the seed of

plants, until the arrival of the proper moment for the vivification of each species. The beings

of each species then came together and multiplied."

45. Where were the organic elements before the formation of the earth?

"They existed, so to say in the fluidic state, in space, in the midst of the spirits, or in other

planets, awaiting the creation of the earth in order to begin a new existence on a new globe."

Chemistry shows us the molecules of inorganic bodies uniting to produce crystals of regular forms that are invariable for each species, as soon as those molecules find themselves in the conditions necessary to their combination. The slightest disturbance of those conditions suffices to prevent the union of the material elements, or. at least, to prevent the regular arrangement of the latter Which constitutes the crystal. Why should not the same action take place among the organic elements? we preserve for years

the seeds of plants and of animals, which are only vivified at a certain temperature and under certain conditions: grains of wheat have been seen to germinate after the lapse of centuries. The is. then, in seeds a latent principle of Vitality, which only awaits the concourse of favourable circumstances to develop itself. May not that which takes place under our eyes every day have also taken place at the origin of the globe? Does this view of the formation of living beings brought forth out of chaos by the action of the forces of nature itself detract in any way from the glory of God? So far from doing this, the view of creation thus presented to us is more consonant than any other with our sense of the vastness of His power exerting its sway over all the worlds of infinity through the action of universal laws. This theory, it is true, does not solve the problem of the origin of the vital elements, but nature has mysteries which it is as yet impossible for us to explain.

46. Do any living beings come into existence spontaneously at the present day?

"Yes; but the primal germs of these already existed in a latent state. You are constantly

witnesses of this phenomenon. Do not the tissues of the human body and of animals contain the germs of a multitude of parasites, that only await for their development the occurrence of the putrid fermentation necessary to their life? Each of you contains a slumbering world of microscopic beings in process of creation."

47. Was the human species among the organic elements contained in the terrestrial globe?

"Yes; and it made its appearance at the time appointed by the Creator. Hence the statement

that man was 'formed out of the dust of the ground.'"

48. Can we ascertain the epoch of tile appearance of man and of the other living beings on the earth?

"No; all your calculations are chimerical."

49. If the germs of the human race were among the organic elements of the globe, why are

human beings not produced spontaneously at the present day, as they were at the time of its

origin?

"The first beginning of things is hidden from us nevertheless, it may be asserted that the earliest progenitors of the human race, when once brought into existence, absorbed in themselves the elements necessary to their formation in order to transmit those elements according to the laws of reproduction. The same may be said in regard to all the different species of living beings."

From The Spirit's Book - Chapter III - Creation - Production of Living Beings - Ed Federação Espírita Brasileira FEB

Freud and Kardec

Many psychologists and psychiatrists accuse Spiritism of invading their scientific domains in the cases of mental and psychic disturbances. Being unaware of the Spiritist Doctrine and its history, they do not realize that exactly the contrary is occurring. They affirm that obsession is a decurrent disturbance of endogenous imbalances, that is to say, of the proper psychic-mental structures of the patient in relation with ambient factors. They attribute almost everything to the constitution of the patient, the organic and particularly cerebral or emotional disturbances. The subconscious is generally the source of all the psychic riots. They understand that spiritists confuse the imaginary ghosts generated by pathological manifestations of the patient with genuine ghosts of the oldest magical and religious superstitions of Humanity. They believe Spiritism to be a process of return to the world of superstition.

Freud was only one year old when Kardec raised the problem of the subconscious in scientific terms, in his research on spiritist phenomena, today scientifically called as paranormal. Kardec went deeper into the subject than did Freud, reaching the problem of the individual and collective archetypes that only Adler and Jung would research later. In researching the problem of animism in the

mediumistic manifestations and of psychic infiltrations in real manifestations, Kardec duly accentuated the importance of the manifestations of the subconscious in the individual and in collective behavior. Freud faced the question of the dreams in the limits of his doctrine. Kardec, in twelve years, had already achieved intensive research of experimental psychology (the absolute pioneer in this field) in the Paris Society of Spiritist Study. Today, the parapsychological research, carried out in the most renowned universities throughout the world, proves the correctness

of Kardec.

We give this historical information solely so that the victims of obsessions and their relatives responsible for them are not carried away by fatal deceits in difficult cases of obsession. The Spiritist Science is not opposed to the Material

Sciences in any field, but rather, it tries to assist them with the necessary complementation of their research and through proper accomplishments. It is easy to verify the truth of this information by consulting the work of Kardec, including the documentations on obsessions and disobsessions in his works published in the collection of the “Revue Spirite” (Spiritist Magazine), today entirely translated and published in our language

From The book "Obsession" by Jose Herculano Pires -  Translated by Jussara Korngold & Marie Levinson

The Spiritist Center

As our understanding of mediumship activities develop, we realize that the work of disobsession requires the proper ambiance in the Spiritist Center. So the work may be performed in safety.

In order to understand that, we must bear in mind that while many of those who fall sick are

able to recover at home, there are others who need the hospital environment for their recovery.

If at home we have empirical agents working in benefit of the sick, in a hospital we find a

whole collection of medical equipment, which have been selected for prompt assistance.

In the Spiritist Center the discarnate instructors have access to advanced resources from the

Spiritual Plane, for the assistance of both the obsessed and the obsessor. For this reason, if at all possible, it is within the respectable walls of this school of living faith that the ministry of

disobsession should take place.

It is also important to point out that, those who have committed themselves to this project

should not without endangerment, become involved with other mediumistic activities, either before or after the task to which they have already committed themselves, for the benefit of the suffering discarnates.

(From the book Disobsession - Preparation for a Counseling Meeting - By the spirit Andre Luiz - Francisco C Xavier and Waldo Vieira)

Formation of Worlds

The universe comprises the infinity of worlds, both of those we see and those we do not see all animate and inanimate beings all the stars that revolve in space, and all fluids with which space is filled.

37. Has the universe been created, or has it existed from all eternity, like God?

"Assuredly the universe cannot have made itself; and if it had existed from all eternity, like

God, it could not be the work of God."

Reason tells us that the universe cannot have made itself, and that, as it could not be the work of chance, it must be the work of God.

38. How did God create the universe?

"To borrow a well-known expression, by His will. Nothing can give a better idea of the action

of that all-powerful will than those grand words of Genesis, "God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light."

39. Can 'we know how worlds are formed?

"All that can be said on this subject, within the limits of your comprehension, is this: Worlds

are formed by the condensation of the matter disseminated in space."

40. Are comets, as is now supposed, a commencement of condensation of the primitive matter-worlds in course of formation?

Yes but it is absurd to believe in the influence attributed to them. I mean, the influence which

is commonly attributed to them; for all the heavenly bodies have their share of influence in

the production of certain physical phenomena."

41. Is it possible for a completely formed world to disappear, and for the matter of which it is

composed to be again disseminated in space?

From The Spirit's Book - Chapter III - Creation - Formation of Worlds - Ed Federação Espírita Brasileira FEB

Spiritual Elevation

Spirit Albino Teixeira

The spiritual elevation does not incorporate into our lives for any of the reasons like these:

For prosperity;

For death;

For glory;

For obscurity;

For intellectual culture;

For the incipience;

For human authority;

For the condition of subordination;

For the adjustment to life considered normal;

For the psychological issues that one carries;

For the friends;

For the opponents;

For the support of praise;

Not even for the disregard of offense.

The intimate elevation depends solely on our

personal reaction, when accepting and using all of this for the cause of good.

(Source Marked Hands - Francisco Cândido Xavier - Diverse spirits)

Chapter 6 - Precious Advice

Chapter VI - Precious Advice

The following day, after the evening prayer, Clarence came to see me accompanied by my attendant. Radiating kindness, he asked affectionately:

“How are you? A little better, I hope?”

Like any patient on Earth who suddenly finds himself the center of attention, I was moved to self-pity. Reverting to my old habit of abusing

brotherly love, I began to complain:

“I do feel a little better, but I am still suffering a great deal. I hurt below my stomach and I feel a strange sense of anguish in my heart. My cross

has been heavy, my friends; I never knew I could withstand so much suffering. Now that I can think clearly again, I feel sure that these trials have sapped all of my remaining strength.”

Clarence listened attentively, not showing the least sign of impatience.

He even seemed interested, and his attitude encouraged me to continue.

Not only that, my moral sufferings are really indescribable! Now that the outside storm has subsided thanks to the assistance I have received here I’ve had to face a storm within my soul. What has become of my wife and

children? I wonder whether my eldest child, my only son, has followed the plans I made for him. And what about my dear daughters? And my wife, who was sure she would die of loneliness if we were ever parted, what of my wonderful wife? I can still feel her tears from my last moments on Earth.

“I can’t say how long I’ve been living this nightmarish separation my continuous suffering has robbed me of all sense of time. Where is my poor wife? Weeping besides cold ashes? Or at the gates of death herself? What bitter sorrow! What a terrible fate for a man devoted to his family! Very few have gone through as much as I, I’m sure. Why, even on Earth I suffered years of vicissitudes, bitter disappointments and infirmities, and was granted only a few hours of happiness in return. Then I was subjected to painful physical death, followed by unceasing torture in spirit, and a never-ending succession of miseries and tears! Is there no meaning of attaining peace? As much as I may wish to adopt an optimistic attitude, I can’t help feeling heavy-hearted and full of grief. What an unfortunate fate, generous

benefactor.”

By that time my feelings of self-pity had reached such proportions thatI my words gave way to tears. Clarence, however, rose calmly and asked

simply:

“My dear friend, do you really seek your spiritual cure?”

I nodded in assent and he went on: “Then learn not to speak so much of yourself and your sufferings. Self-pity is a symptom of mental illness, which is time consuming and difficult to cure. It is imperative that you create new

trains of thought and control your words. The only way to spiritual balance is to open your heart to de Divine Light. If you consider the necessary effort to be an oppressive burden or see the struggle for redemption as an imposition, it is a sure sign of spiritual blindness. The more you dwell on your own

painful experiences, the more you bind yourself to them. You can be sure that the same Father whom shelters and watches over you will also care for your loved ones on Earth. We should certainly regard the family as a sacred

institution, but always keep in mind that it is just a small branch of the Universal Family under the loving guidance of one Divine Father. You can count on us to resolve your present problems and sketch plans for your future, but neither you nor we have the time to waste on your complaints. We in this colony accept the hardest toil as a welcome opportunity for ascent, remembering while we plod along, weighted down with debts, that Providence is unsurpassing in its love. If you, too, wish to stay with us you must learn to think properly.”

Meanwhile my tears had dried. His words had brought me back to my senses. I was ashamed of my own weakness and I adopted a different attitude. “While in the flesh,” continued Clarence, “didn’t you compete for lucrative positions, knowing their advantages? Didn’t you appreciate the legitimate means of increasing the welfare of your loved ones? Weren’t you

engaged in obtaining just fees in the interest of adding to the comfort and stability of your family? Here the program is the same; only the details differ. On Earth conventionalities and monetary gains are the ruling forces, whereas here we aim at constructive work with lasting benefits to the immortal spirit. We look on suffering as a means to enrich the soul, and on

each suffering as a step towards our divine goal. Can you see the difference? Weak souls resist service and remain inactive, venting their complaints to all. Strong ones, though, accept the task given them as constructive steps on the

path towards perfection. Mind you, no one will blame you for missing your earthly family or would ever think of extinguishing your source of sublime feelings. Nevertheless, you must remember that tears of despair help nothing. If you really love your Earthly family and wish to be useful to them, you must first accept your present condition cheerfully.”

A long pause ensued. Clarence’s advice has changed the current of my thoughts and I began to ponder on his wisdom. While I was still immersed in deep reflection, my benefactor, like a father who forgets the waywardness of

his child and recommences a lesson with the same serenity, asked again with a bright smile:

“Well, how are you now? A little better?

Pleased and comforted to feel I was forgiven, like a little boy anxious to learn, I replied:

“I am better now, to better understand the Divine Will.”

From the book The Astral City "Nosso Lar" - Chapter VI - Precious Advice

Perception and identification of fluids

SUMMARY: The Universe that we cannot normally per- ceive. Fluids and their primary source. Automatic fluid absorption. Exteriorization and fluid perception. Psychic atmosphere of the human being. Identification and analysis of fluids.

Fluids and their primary source - We live in a Universe made up of particles, rays and waves, which we cannot normally perceive. Matter itself consists of small portions called atoms, which are so small that they cannot be seen even with the best apparatus. However, we are aware that the compact matter - as we know it and that forms objects, such as tables, chairs, books, and so on is formed from the gathering of these invisible little particles.

They are not immobile, on the contrary; it is the intense speed that animates them that makes them apparently in many places, giving continuity to the matter. The blades of a fan, when off, give us an idea of what it is like,

since we can pass our fingers between them, through the empty spaces, but if the fan is turned on, we cannot do this.

We are submerged in a world of subtle, refined matter, invisible but real, and which has as its first source a substance which we call universal cosmic fluid, which gives rise to all known and unknown material forms as well as to all the forms of energy in the different degrees in which it manifests itself.

Fluids are nothing more than energetic forms of this fundamental substance which our perispirit automatically absorbs from the environment, transforms them according to the vibrational pattern of the Spirit in which it is

found and radiates them around itself, forming a real psychic mat, or mental breath.

This capital substance is subject to the impulsion of the mind of the Spirit, whether incarnate or disembodied, and thought and emotions give it a certain structure, more or

less dense, according to the greater or lesser purity or harmony with which they are issued. The higher the thoughts and emotions are, the more harmonic, pleasant, brighter and healthier will the fluids be. The lower they are the more unpleasant, darker and thicker they will be.

Externalization and fluid perception - We are constantly irradiating what we really are, and impregnating with this particular fluid the environment, and everything that surrounds us, thus influencing the people who accept

and assimilate this energy nuance. By controlling the strength of our thoughts, we can radiate a greater quantity of fluids, and of a higher quality, which we metabolize

with our mind. This is why it is so important to always maintain a state of mental elevation.

As seen, we are wrapped in a fluidic atmosphere that we automatically absorb and metabolize, giving particular characteristics to these fluids. This is how each one of us lives in our own psychic atmosphere, receiving in the exact proportion of what we have sown.

We must know, however, that we do not live isolated and therefore react to one another. One law governs this mechanism: the alike are attracted and the opposites repelled. We also know that in the mediumistic phenomenon, during the trance, there is a more or less marked exteriorization of the perispirit of the medium, and in these circumstances the perceptions that were prevented from working fully are awakened due to the greater vibration determined by the influence of the physical organism on the soul.

Thus, the medium’s perception becomes more accurate, and he feels in his body a sensation of greater vibration, and is then able, by the association of the fluid currents with which he comes into contact, to know their intention, to feel their "specific weight", which will be greater if the fluids are more unpleasant and heavy.

The fluids that surround a person mix with those of the spiritual environment formed by the fluids of all those that are present, as well as by the fluids of the present Spirits too. This is how the fluidic environment of the place is

formed and it can be perfectly perceived by the medium, because his senses are sharper.

Identification and analysis of fluids – By practicing, the medium will learn how to differentiate the various types of Spirits according to their specific fluids.

In general, we know that Good Spirits radiate light, pleasant, soft, calm, and harmonic fluids.

The medium has a sense of general well-being and spiritual euphoria, and can then enter the mental area of influence of the Spirit, perceive its ideas, intentions and feelings. The Evil Spirits radiate heavy, unpleasant, strong, violent, and inharmonious fluids.

The medium has a feeling of general illness, anxiety, restlessness, nervousness, heavy head, drooping eyelids, frequent yawning, and shivers. 

The medium in development, after the stages of concentration and prayer, will stay passive, his body and mind relaxed, seeking to perceive the local psychic environment and the eventual approach of some entity, analyzing the effects of that influence, associating with it or rejecting it.

(Original source: 20 Lessons on

Mediumship - Astolfo Olegário de Oliveira Filho - Translation: Eleni Frangatos P. Moreira) 

The School for Souls

The members of Simon Peter’s household were gathered around Christ, listening to his gentle and persuasive voice as he commented on

the sacred texts.

When the Divine Word ended his beautiful lesson, Peter’s mother-in-law was troubled and asked:

“Lord, what is our life in the home supposed to be, after all?”

Jesus gazed at her questioningly, implying that he wanted her to explain herself more fully. She elaborated:

“We begin the endeavor amongst flowers, only to find ourselves gathering a bunch of thorns later on. At first, there is the promise of peace and understanding; however, stones and troubles soon appear.”

Seeing that the Galilean woman was on the verge of tears, Jesus responded quickly:

“The home is a school for souls; the temple where divine wisdom gradually enables us to understand humankind more fully.”

He smiled and asked:

“What do you do first with lentils before serving them at mealtime?”

The woman responded hesitantly:

“Well, of course, Lord, I have to put them on the stove and cook them long enough. Then, I have to season them in order to make them taste good.”

“And would you, perchance, serve raw dough at the table?”

“Of course not,” responded the humble old woman. In order to make it edible, I would have to bake it in the oven. Otherwise…”

The Divine Friend then considered:

“In heaven, too, there is a festive banquet, where our sentiments must serve the Father’s glory. Most of the time, the home is a holy cauldron or the preparatory oven. What may seem to us like affliction or suffering in the home is actually a resource for the spirit. The soul that is awakened to the Lord’s Will receives the most enlightening blessings from its renewing struggles, because only by living with others in the home, by studying aspirations and inclinations unlike our own, and by observing the defects of others and putting up with them, can we learn to overcome our own imperfections. Haven’t you ever noticed how quickly a person’s life passes by? The life of the body is much like that of a flower. In the morning it emits a fragrance; at night it withers … The home is a brief course on the fraternity we will enjoy in the life eternal. The suffering and natural conflicts within its walls are lessons.”

Simon’s mother-in-law listened carefully to all this and then remarked:

“But Lord, there are persons who struggle and suffer, but they never learn.”

Christ rested his very lucid eyes on her and asked again:

“What do you do with the hard lentils that do not yield to the action of the heat?”

“Ah! Of course, I toss them into the garbage because they might hurt the mouth of the careless yet trusting person at the table.”

“The same thing happens to the soul who rebels against the spiritually constructive lessons of the home,” finished the Master. “The struggles of everyday life keep the soul stirred up to its benefit; however, when death arrives on the scene – that great selector of spirits as provisions for the storehouses of Our Father – souls who did not yield to the sanctifying heat, who kept themselves in the same hardened state as when they were first led to the blessed oven of the body, will be tossed out, and for an indeterminate time, they will be like fertilizer in the detritus of nature.”

From The book "Jesus In The Home" psychographed by Francisco Cândido Xavier - By The spirit Neio Lucio

The Woman

The woman should become aware of the family institute guardian apostolate that falls to her. 

The elevated task of guiding the souls brought to physical rebirth.

Every commitmentto goodnessis ofthe utmostimportance in the spiritual world.

She ought to keep her distance from appearances and fantasies, consecrating herself to moral conquests that speak closely to the imperishable life; without getting caught up in absorbing conventionalism.

The return to the disincarnate condition means a return to deep consciousness.

It means to tune in to the Christian teachings that place the soul in the services of motherhood and education, in the duties of assistance, and in the blessings of sanctifying mediumship.

Those who run away from the opportunity to be useful deceive themselves.

It is essential to feel and understand the obligations related to the marital unions from the multimillenary life of the Spirit point of view, being conscious of the regenerative trials imperative that marks most of the terrestrial consortia.

Sacrifice represents the price of legitimate joy.

She should oppose any artificiality that seeks to transform marriage into a simple sexual liaison; without the beauties of maternity.

Together with the children, hatreds are erased, love is sublime, and souls are harmonized for eternity.

Recognize the grave crime of abortion, which throws the female heart into the ditch of misfortune.

Deviant sex is a path of atonement.

Preserve herinner values,weighing her deliberations with prudence and realism; in the duties of sister, daughter, companion, andmother.

The woman's work is always the mission of love, extending to the infinite.

"And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, you are anxious and anxious about many things, but one thing only is necessary; and Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away fromher."

(Luke, 10:41 and 42)

(Source Spiritist Conduct - Waldo Vieira - The Spirit Andre Luiz)

The Dimensions of Life

The current advance of the scientific research in the world, with the discovery of the antimatter, of the bioplasmic-body of living beings (perispirit, according to Spiritism), of the paranormal phenomena and the survival of the human being after the physical death, as well as of the mental communications between the living and dead (phenomena theta of the Parapsychology) confirmed the spiritist discovery of the various dimensions of life. These dimensions correspond to the diverse densities of the matter, which allow the existence of the interposed worlds of the spiritist theory.

The discovery that thought and mind are not physical, but rather extra-physical (according to the definition of Prof. Rhine) and semi-materials, according to Spiritism, demonstrated the reality of the existence of different planes of life, inhabited by human beings in different degrees of evolvement. Reincarnation and

the mediumistic communications had become necessary in this dynamic context in which there is no place for “nothingness.” The human transcendence is carried through in the successive planes that go from the plane of dense matter from Earth, until the planes of rarefied matter that escape our material senses. There is no further place for the absolute materialistic conception in the scientific and

philosophical culture of our time.

From The book "Obsession" by Jose Herculano Pires -  Translated by Jussara Korngold & Marie Levinson

Chapter 5 - Under Treatment

Chapter V - Under Treatment

“Are you Clarence’s ward?”

The question was put to me by a young man with a singularly kind

expression. He smiled as he entered, carrying what looked like a large

medical bag. I nodded that I was, and he introduced himself:

“I am Lysias, your brother. My director, Assistant Doctor Henry de

Luna, has placed you under my care as long as you need treatment.”

“Are you a medical assistant?” I asked.

“I am a visiting attendant in Health Service. As such, I not only help

with the nursing but also go on rounds, alerting the doctors when help is

needed, and attending to the needs of newly arrived patients.”

Noting my interest, he went on:

“There are many such assistants here in the Astral City. Naturally, as

a newcomer, you are still unaware of the extent of our activities. Just to give

you an idea, there are over one thousand patients in this ward alone, and this

is one of the smallest buildings in our hospital.”

“This is truly wonderful!” I exclaimed.

Lysias, perceiving that I was about to continue repeating my praises,

rose quickly from his chair and carefully began his examination.

“Your intestinal zone shows serious lesions and unmistakable signs of

cancer, your liver is ruptured in several areas, and your kidneys evidence

signs of premature failure. Do you know what that means?”

“Yes, the doctor explained it to me yesterday. These disturbances are

all of my own doing….”

Noting my obvious embarrassment at this confession, he continued:

In the group of eighty patients under my care, fifty-seven are in thea sme condition as you. Did you know that other patients arrive mutilated? Those who have misused their sight arrive without eyes? Others who have used the gift of agility in crime come to us paralyzed or legless. Still others who have lived sexually depraved lives enter spirit life totally insane. 

The Astral City is not a settlement of triumphant spirits, in the common sense of the word. We are happy because we have constructive worko t do, and there is job in every corner of our Colony because the Lord blessed us with the opportunity to serve.

He paused briefly, and I exclaimed: “Please go on with your explanation, Lysias. I feel so peaceful and relieved. Isn’t this a heavenly abode for the spiritual elect?” Lysias smiled and answered: “Let’s keep in mind the old teaching ‘many are called but few are chosen’.”

Gazing at the distant horizon, flooded with memories from his own past, he continued: “Many religions on Earth summon us to the Celestial Feast. No one who has once felt the existence of God can deny that in good conscience. Yes, many are called but few answer the call. Most of mankind accepts a different invitation instead. We waste our opportunities, straying from our chosen path, allowing our whims to rule our lives and thoughtlessly destroying our bodies. The ultimate result is that thousands of us leave the world in a state of confusion countless multitudes of insane, diseased and ignorant spirits wander as you did in the spirit spheres close to the Earth.

Seeing my astonishment, he inquired: “Did you believe that physical death brings us to miraculous places? We must work hard and perform difficult services to achieve spiritual growth. If we have debts on the planet we must inevitably return to repay them, regardless of the progress we have made, breaking the chains of hatred and replacing them with the sacred bonds of love. It wouldn’t be fair to ask others to clear the field in which we ourselves have sown thorns. That is what is meant, my friend, by the saying ‘many are called but few are chosen’. The Lord forgets no one, yet so few of us remember Him.”

Confronted with the idea of individual responsibility, and remembering my own errors, I could not help but decry my perversity. But before I had time to vent my remorse my kind attendant lifted up his hand and spoke:

“Stop. Let us concentrate on the work to be done. Those who are sincerely repentant must learn to be silent and start anew.”

He carefully proceeded with a magnetic treatment, and then, while treating the area around my lower intestines, he continued his explanation:

“Have you noticed the specialized treatment of your cancerous zones? You see, all honest work in the field of medicine is based on loving care, but the actual healing is left to the patient. You will be treated with great care, and will fell as fit as you did as a youth on Earth. You will work hard, and I believe you will become one of the best assistants in The Astral City.

However, the case of your infirmities will stay with you until you have eliminated all traces of your indiscretions and misuse of your health which still remain in your spirit-body. Our earthly body, so often misused, is giveno to us as a blessed instrument through which we can cure our spirit, if wed edicate ourselves to the task.”

I meditate deeply on what I had just heard, thinking on the infinite mercy of God, and was moved to tears. Lysias calmly finished the day’s treatment and the spoke:

“Tears are purifying medicine when they aren’t caused by feelings of revolt. So cry, my friend, and ease your heart. Let us bless our physical body with its countless microscopic cells, so humble and precious, so detested yet so sublime for the service they render us. Without them, how many thousands of years we would spend wrapped up in the mists of ignorance.”

Thus speaking, Lysias laid a gentle hand on my head and took his leave.

From the book The Astral City "Nosso Lar" - Chapter V -Under Treatment

The Birth of Espiritismo

In the mid-1800s, Spain issued a law that gave people a greater degree of personal religious freedom than ever before. Across Europe, the Catholic Church was losing some of its hold over people as well. As a result, freemasonry societies, esoteric schools, and Spiritualism gained popularity all over the continent. It was at this time that a new philosophy and esoteric spiritualistic practice known as Spiritism (Espiritismo in Spanish) emerged.

Spiritism shared many of the aspects of Spiritualism. It provided a method of communicating with the spirit world. Both practices used séances to communicate with spirits from the “other side.” The difference

between them was the purpose of those communications. Spiritists also believed in one God, the reincarnation of spirits, various planes of existence, and the ability of spirits to interact with people. They focused on the power of this communication and interaction to help humanity develop consciously and socially.

Spiritism teaches that certain individuals have or can develop the powers to communicate with the spirit world. These individuals are known

as mediums, or espiritistas, and they communicate with the spirits through séances—meetings at which people attempt to contact the dead or the spirits in order to get answers from the “other side.” These séances came to be

known as sessiones in Spanish.

Among its practitioners, Spiritism was considered the “scientific” method of spirit communication. Thus, it was not regarded as a religion at all, but rather as a new wave of science. In fact, in the early years of Espiritismo, many Spiritist sessions were led by medical doctors, lawyers, journalists, and other intellectuals. It was, in effect, the forerunner of what is now called parapsychology—the study of mental phenomena that are inexplicable by orthodox scientific means. This includes hypnosis, telepathy, psychic gifts, and other methods.

Professor and researcher Allan Kardec is generally recognized as the founder of Spiritism. Although not a medium himself, Kardec compiled the findings of many other mediums. He taught that Spiritism was a philosophy that presented a new view of the world and codified it as a method of research into the evolution of man. Although Spiritism was not a religion, he claimed, it could give people a deeper understanding of spiritual things. Thus, at first it wasn't considered a major threat by the Catholic Church. Kardec's form of Spiritism was also known as Scientific Spiritism. In the mid-1800s, many wealthy families in Puerto Rico started sending

their children to universities back in Europe. The island simply couldn't provide access to the educational resources that were available there. In Europe, these children were exposed to the teachings of Kardec and brought them back to Puerto Rico.

Kardec's Spiritism proved to be a perfect fit for many of the upper- and middle-class Creole elites who had grown tired of the Catholic Church's political power. Although many were Catholic themselves, they sought freedom and socio-political progress that was not forthcoming from the Church. They wanted radical changes in the way society functioned and felt that Kardec's Scientific Spiritism could support that vision. The who followed Kardec's teachings created many public hospitals, schools, community centers, and spiritual centers based on his principles. They introduced free or community-based centers for health and education. They also sought to bring social services to the public at large.

Kardec's Scientific Spiritism didn't reach only the island of Puerto Rico. In fact, it reached many of the other islands in the region and much of South America as well. Mexico, Brazil, Venezuela, Cuba, and many other countries have their own forms of Espiritismo that blended Kardec's philosophy with local influences. And many of these local variants have come to influence Puerto Rican Espiritismo as well. 

In the mid-1870s, however, the freedom granted earlier in the century was withdrawn by the Church and the law restored its political power.

Catholic and Apostolic Religions were declared the new state religions in Puerto Rico. A new law was issued stating that ceremonies or public manifestations other than those of the state religion would not be permitted. People still managed to practice their religious beliefs in private, but the Church worked hard at shutting down Espiritismo on the island.

In 1898, the Spanish lost a war with America and ceded ownership of Puerto Rico to the United States in the Treaty of Paris. This ushered in a new era on the island that nullified the Church's political power. Thanks to

this, Puerto Rican Espiritismo experienced a major growth spurt. By the 1920s, Kardec's books on Scientific Spiritism had outsold the Bible on the island. It was estimated at that time that 90 percent of all Puerto Ricans practiced Spiritism.

(Original source Espiritismo, Puerto Rican Mediumship & Magic)

Chapter 4 - The Spirit Doctor

Chapter IV - The Spirit Doctor

I awoke the following day after a deep, refreshing sleep. A comforting light poured through my window, bathing everything in the room with radiance and felling my heart with hope. I felt like a new man, filled with renewed energy and the joy of living. Only one thing clouded my soul I longed for my home and for my family so far away.

Numerous questions troubled my mind, but my feeling of relief was so great that it calmed my spirit and kept me from further contemplation. I wanted to get up and enjoy the beauty of my surroundings but I could not. I realized that without the magnetic cooperation of my attendant I would not be able to leave my bed.

I had scarcely gotten over the many experiences when the door opened and Clarence entered, accompanied by a friendly stranger. They greeted me cordially, wishing me peace. My rescuer from the Lower Zones3 asked about

my general health, and my attendant quickly came to inform him.

Clarence smiled and introduced his companion, brother Henry de Luna of the medical staff of the spiritual colony. Brother Henry was dressed in white and his face radiated benevolence. He examined me at length, then smiled and spoke:

“It is a pity that you’ve come here by way of suicide.”

Clarence remained calm but I felt a surge of revolt within me. Suicide? I remembered the accusations of those perverse beings in the Lower Zones. Even though I was grateful to my benefactors, I couldn’t accept this accusation.

Universal Space - The Spirit's Book

35. Is universal space infinite or limited?

"Infinite. Suppose the existence of boundaries, what would there be beyond them ? This

consideration confounds human reason; and nevertheless your reason itself tells you that it

cannot be otherwise. It is thus with the idea of infinity, under whatever aspect you consider it.

The idea of infinity cannot be comprehended in your narrow sphere."

If we imagine a limit to space, no matter how far off our thought may place this limit, our reason tells us that there must still be something beyond It and so on, step by step, until we arrive at the idea of infinity; for the "something beyond," the existence of which is recognised by our thought as necessity, were it only an absolute void, would still be space.

 36. Does an absolute void exist in any part of space?

"No there is no void. What appears like a void to you is occupied by matter in a state in which

it escapes the action of your senses and of your instruments."

Recipe for getting better, by Jose Grosso

By Jose Grosso

 

- Ten grams of good sense in the head.

- Serenity in the mind.

- Balance of reasoning.

- Elevation in the feelings.

- Purity in the eyes.

- Vigilance in the ears.

- Lubricant in the neck.

- Interrupter in the tongue.

- Love in the heart.

- Useful and unceasing service in the arms.

- Simplicity in the stomach.

- Good direction of the feet.

- Daily use in temperature of goodwill.

(From Collection of Mediumistic Messages - Francisco C. Xavier - Several Spirits)

Chapter 3 - Collective Prayer

Chapter 3 - COLLECTIVE PRAYER

As we advanced, I saw from my stretcher the pleasant surroundings which slowly unfolded to my view. Clarence, leaning on a staff made of some luminous substance, stopped before a heavy gate built into a great wall which was covered with a flowery wine. He touched a certain spot in the wall, the gate opened wide, and we entered in a silent procession.

A warm glow bathed everything there. The graceful play of lights in the distance reminded me of a beautiful sunset in springtime. As we

proceeded, I saw before me charming buildings and beautiful gardens. At a sign from Clarence my stretcher was laid down and in front of us there stood an entrance to a great white building similar to an earthly hospital. Two

young men in white tunics ran eagerly to my stretcher, moved me into an emergency bed, and carried me in. Before he left, I heard Clarence say: “Take him to the pavilion to the right. I am expected elsewhere now, but I will come to see him in the morning.” I gave that generous old man a parting smile of gratitude as I was taken away to a large, pleasant, richly furnished room and laid on a comfortable bed.

My heart was overflowing with gratitude towards my kind attendants. I tried to address them but only managed to ask: “Friends, I beg you, what is this new world I find myself in? From what star does this bright invigorating

light emanate?” One of them laid a tender hand on my forehead as if I were an old friend, and explained: “We are located in the spiritual spheres close to the Earth, and the Sun that is shining on us at this moment is the same one

that warmed you on Earth. However, our visual perception is far keener here. We can see that the star the Lord lighted to guide our activities is far more beautiful than we ever realized while on Earth. Our Sun is a divine source of

life which has its light’s source in the Creator of All Things.”

I felt a profound sense of veneration and awe as I gazed at the soft light streaming through my window. I realized that on Earth I had never

looked up at the Sun and raised my thoughts to the One, in His infinite mercy, had given it to us to shine on our journey. I was like a blind man who, after living so long in darkness, is blessed with the ability to see the splendor of nature.

Just then they brought me some stimulating broth and a glass of cool water, refreshing water. The water seemed infused with some divine fluid, for just a little of it quickly produced a reviving effect. The food, whether a

soothing nourishment or extraordinary medicine, revived me beyond my expectations; new energies pervade my entire being and profound emotions stirred in the depths of my spirit. I ate, unaware of the experience which was soon to follow.

I had scarcely finished when heavenly music soft waves of sound rising to higher spheres floated into my room. That wonderful melody went straight to my heart. I looked to my attendant for some explanation, and he

said: “This is the eventide service of the Astral City. Every department of this colony of service, dedicated to Christ, is attuned with the prayers at the Government House. Now stay here in peace. I will return as soon as the service is over.” As he prepared to leave, I was suddenly filled with anxiety. “May I go with you?” I pleaded. “You are still weak,” he explained, “but if you feel that you can.

That music had filled me with renewed energies, yet I was barely able to rise from my bed. Aided by my attendant and with faltering steps I reached the enormous hall where a great assembly was praying in deep, silent concentration. The delicate garlands of flowers which hung from a brilliantly lit dome seemed to form a symbol of higher spirituality. I could

 hardly contain my feelings of overwhelming surprise. No one seemed to notice my presence they all looked as if they were waiting for something. I had to work to hold back all of the questions forming in my mind. I quickly noticed in the background an intensely bright light reflected on a giant screen. By some process of advanced television, a marvelous temple appeared on the screen a moment later. In it was the image of a venerable old man, dressed in white, sitting in prayer. Around his head shone a halo of brilliant light. Slightly below him, seventy-two figures accompanied him in silent prayer. I was surprised to see that Clarence was among the.

Properties of Matter - The Spirit's Book

29. Is density an essential attribute of matter?

"Yes, of matter as understood by you, but not of matter considered as the universal fluid. The

ethereal and subtle matter which forms this fluid is imponderable for you, and yet it is none

the less the principle of your ponderable matter."

Density is a relative property. Beyond the sphere of attraction of the various globes of the universe, there is no such thing as "weight," just as there Is neither "up" nor "down."

30. Is matter formed of one element or of several elements?

"Of one primitive element. The bodies which you regard as simple are not really elementary;

they are transformations of the primitive matter."

31. Whence come the different properties of matter?

"From the modifications undergone by the elementary molecules, as the result of their union and of the action of certain conditions."

32. According to this view of the subject, savours, odours, colours, sounds, the poisonous or salutary qualities of bodies, are only the result of modifications of one and the same primitive substance?

"Yes, undoubtedly; and that only exist in virtue of the disposition of the organs destined to

perceive them."

This principle Is proved by the fact that the qualities of bodies are not perceived by all persons In the same manner. The same thing appears agreeable to the taste of one person, and disagreeable to that of another. what appears blue to one person appears red to another. That which is a poison for some, is wholesome for others.

33. Is the same elementary matter susceptible of undergoing all possible modifications and of

acquiring all possible qualities.'

"Yes; and it is, this fact which is implied in the saying that everything is in everything."

Oxygen, hydrogen, azote, carbon, and all the other bodies which we regard as simple, are only modifications of one primitive substance. But the impossibility, in which we have hitherto found ourselves, of arriving at this primitive matter otherwise than as an intellectual deduction, causes these bodies to appear to us to be really elementary and we may, therefore, without Impropriety, continue for the present to regard them as such.

- Does not this theory appear to bear out the opinion of those who admit only two essential

properties in matter, viz., force and movement, and who regard all the other Properties of

matter as being merely secondary effects of these, varying according to the intensity of the

force and the direction of the movement?

"That opinion is correct. But you must also add, according to the mode of molecular

arrangement; as you see exemplified, for instance, in an opaque body, that may become

transparent, and vice versa."

34. Have the molecules of matter a determinate form?'

"Those molecules undoubtedly have a form, but one which is not appreciable by your

organs."

- Is that form constant or variable?

"Constant for the primitive elementary molecules, but variable for the secondary molecules, which are themselves only agglomerations of the primary ones; for what you term a molecule is still very far from being the elementary molecule.

From The Spirit's Book - Chapter II - Properties of Matter - Ed Federação Espírita Brasileira FEB