Why spirits are not afraid of death

10. The Spiritist Doctrine changes entirely our views of the future. The life to come is no longer a hypothesis, but a fact. The state of the soul after death is no longer a matter of theory, but a result of observation. The veil is lifted, and the spirit-world appears to us in all its activity and reality. It is not men who have discovered that world, through some ingenious conception of their imagination; it is the inhabitants of that world who come in person to describe to us the state of being in which they find themselves! We see them at every degree of spirit-life, in every phase of happiness or of unhappiness. We contemplate all the incidents of the life beyond the grave. It is this knowledge of the nature and details of life in the spirit-world that enables Spiritists to see death with calmness and gives serenity to his last moments upon the Earth. What sustains him is not a mere hope, but a certainty; he knows that the future life is only a continuation of his present life, but under more favorable conditions. And he looks forward to it with as much confidence as that with which he looks forward to a new sunrise after a dark and stormy night. This confidence of Spiritist is a result of the facts that he has witnessed, and of the accordance of those facts with reason, with the justice and goodness of God, and with the deepest inspirations of the human mind.

For Spiritists the soul is not an abstraction for they know that it possesses an ethereal body which makes of it a real and definite being, susceptible of being conceived of as such by our thought. This knowledge suffices to correct our ideas in regard to its individuality, aptitudes and perceptions. Our remembrance of those who are dear to us repose, henceforth, on something real. We no longer represent them to ourselves as so many flickering flames offering nothing of their former personality to our thought. On the contrary, we see them under a concrete form which shows them to belong to the category of living beings. Moreover instead of regarding them as being lost to view, as formerly, in the depths of space, a Spiritist knows that they are beside us and around us; for he has learned that the corporeal world and the spiritual world are in close and perpetual connection. Doubt in relation to the future life being no longer possible to him, he has no longer any reason to be afraid of death. He beholds its approach with perfect equanimity; for he knows that the dissolution of his fleshly body will be for him a deliverance, the opening of a door through which he will pass, not into the yawning abyss of annihilation, but into a higher and happier state of existence.

Heaven Hell - Chapter II - Fear of Death - Why spirits are not afraid of death

Regeneration worlds

Regeneration worlds

16. Among the many scintillating stars in the blue canopy of the sky, how many worlds there are like yours, destined by God to serve for atonement and probation! But although there are some that are more miserable, there are also others that are happier, like those of transition which can be called worlds of regeneration. Each planetary vortex, moving in space round a common centre, drags with it its own primitive worlds of exile, probation, regeneration and happiness. We have spoken to you of worlds where newly-born Spirits are placed, when they are still ignorant of both good and evil, but where they have the possibility of travelling towards God, being in possession of themselves through free-will. We have also revealed to you the fact that ample faculties are given to each soul to enable it to practise good. But alas, there are those who succumb! So God, Who does not desire their annihilation, permits that they go to these worlds where from one incarnation to another they are purified and regenerated, returning worthy of the glory for which they were destined. 

The Gospel According to Spiritism - Chapter III -  In my father's house are many Mansions - Regeneration worlds

The Lesson of the Seed

Because his listeners were perplexed, Jesus spoke convincingly: “It really is very difficult to overcome the troubling cares of human life. Everywhere we look, we see war, misunderstanding, injustice and suffering. In the Temple – the Lord’s House – we see the rich

displaying pride and vanity, and the poor, hatred and rebelliousness; it is not always possible to have as pure and clean of a heart as might be desired, because we are surrounded by thorns, mire and serpents. However, the idea of the Divine Kingdom is just like a tiny grain of

wheat: it is nearly imperceptible when it is sown in the ground, and it has to bear detritus and the weight of the soil; nonetheless, if it does

sprout, neither the pressure nor impurities of the soil can stop its progress. It passes up through the dark ground, and although it takes

most of its nutrients from it, its drive to seek the light above holds sway. From then on, come rain or shine, day or night, it labors tirelessly to grow, and in its eagerness, it multiplies for the good of all. Disciples who have felt this inner drive – as happens to the grain of wheat – know that long roots hold them to earthly inhibitions … They know that malice and suspicion shadow their footsteps, that pain is a constant threat; even so, they feel, more than anything else, the drive to grow spiritually and they can no longer be held back. On behalf of the general good, they continue to act within the sphere in which they are making their pilgrimage. They no longer encounter irresistible temptations amongst the flowers along the way. The reencounter with the Divinity – whose heir they recognize themselves to be – is their unwavering goal, and they can no longer rest, as if a consuming and flaming light were tormenting their soul. Without even realizing it,

they produce the fruits of hope, goodness, love and salvation, because they never look back to count the blessings of which they were the faithful instruments. Seeing the Father is the overriding concern vibrating in the souls of these longing children.”

The Master didn’t say anything for a few moments and then concluded: 

“As a result, even though disciples’ feet remain stuck in the mire of the earth, their untiring work for the good – wherever they may be – is the unmistakable mark of their spiritual growth. We can recognize trees by their fruit and we can identify heaven’s workers by the services they render.”

At this point, Peter interrupted and asked:

“Lord, what, then, would you say about those who understand the sacred principles of charity but do not put them into practice?”

Jesus looked pleased and explained:

“These, Simon, are seeds that lie dormant in spite of having been sown in the bountiful bosom of the earth. They contain the precious

qualities of heaven, but they remain useless for a long time. Nevertheless, we may be absolutely certain that downpours and tempests will pass over them and will change their position in the soil, and that they will sprout victorious some day. In our Father’s fields there are millions of such souls awaiting the renewing storms of life so that they may head toward the glory of the future. Let us help them with love, and in our turn, let us press on with our eyes fixed ahead!”

Then, while everyone was silent, Jesus blessed the little family group and left.

From The book "Jesus In The Home". Psychographed by Francisco Cândido Xavier. By The spirit Neio Lucio

The reality of Jesus

The reality of Jesus

4. We can all recognise that the Kingdom of Jesus is not of this world. But could He not also have a kingdom an Earth? The title of 'King' does not always imply temporary authority. We

give this title by unanimous consent to anyone who, by their own talent, rises to the highest level of whatever idea, who dominates his time or influences human progress. In this way we frequently use the expression the 'king' or 'prince' for philosophers, artists, poets, writers, etc. Does not this kind of royalty, coming from personal merit or having been consecrated by posterity, reveal in many cases a supremacy far greater than that which circles a royal crown? The first is imperishable, whereas the second is but a toy of the vicissitudes. The generations which fallow the first always bless themselves, whereas sometimes those who follow the second have cause to curse. The earthly one

extinguishes with life; but the sovereignty of morality continues and maintains its reign, ruling above all after death. From this aspect then, is not Jesus a mightier and more powerful King than all he sovereigns of the Earth? It was with goad reason then that He said to Pilate: "I am a King, but my Kingdom is not of this world."

The Gospel According to Spiritism - Chapter II -  My Kingdom is not of This World - The reality of Jesus

Evangelical treatments

André Luiz

Always help.

Do not fear.

Never despair.

Learn incessantly.

Think profoundly.

Meditate more.

Speak little.

Correct lovingly.

Work happily.

Direct sensibly.

Obey contentedly.

Do no complain.

Go forward.

Observe what is beyond.

Look well ahead.

Discuss serenely.

Shed light.

Sow peace.

Spread blessings.

Struggle and elevate.

Be joyful.

Live fearlessly.

Demonstrate courage.

Reveal calmness.

Respect everything.

Pray confidently.

Be watchful with benevolence.

Go forth, progressing.

Serve today.

Await tomorrow.

Habituate yourself to serenity and strength in the circles of human

struggle. Without these conquests it will be difficult for you to free

yourself from the succession of inferior reincarnations.

Extract from the book Christian Agenda. Dictated by the spirit André Luiz. Medium Fransisco Cândido Xavier

How a British woman found her faith back from being an atheist in Brazil

A story worth to watch: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1439720870605810

Divaldo Pereira Franco's Death

 

The medium and spiritualist speaker Divaldo Pereira Franco passed away at 9:45 p.m. on May 13, at the age of 98, in Salvador, Bahia. Divaldo dedicated his entire life to spreading spiritualism, alongside his counterpart Chico Xavier. 

A statement issued by Mansão do Caminho, an institution created by Divaldo, reads as follows: 

"The medium, spiritualist speaker and ambassador of peace in the world Divaldo Pereira Franco returned to the Spiritual Homeland today at 9:45 p.m. at the age of 98. Divaldo dedicated his life to the Spiritist Cause and to loving his fellow man in Salvador and around the world." 

The wake will be held at the Ginásio da Mansão do Caminho, on Thursday, at 10 am, in Salvador, and from 9 am to 8 pm, at the Bosque da Paz cemetery. 

By Marcio Varela

Yearning and Prayer

Lord! ...

I know You have bestowed to us all

A post or a mission.

You do not promote anything purposelessly,

You do nothing in vain.

To the star You granted

The blessing of supporting itself

And shining without a veil,

Just like it happens to the Sun that leads us

Through the pathways of Heaven.

You assigned it to the Earth

The compose and recompose function

In the way the work concedes us

The science of love.

You put at the sea the immense endowment

Of manifesting your power

And in the fountain, the privilege of teaching us

The humility as norm and the forgiveness as duty.

You have commissioned the friendly trees,

In which the lesson of good is expressed and

condensed,

For the task of keeping your life

And assisting without reward.

You donated the flower the gift of scenting And You put on the road the gift of driving

To the birds, You conceded the music,

To the wind, the sweet ministry of serving.

Everything filters your sovereign glory,

Everything exalts your law,

For this reason, I myself recognize

That I am almost nothing, and almost nothing do I

know.

But if I may ask you something,

Please convert, Lord, my very imperfection

Into a tiny channel that shows You

The strength of goodness and the light of

compassion.

MARIA DOLORES

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

Pope Francis dies after suffering an irreversible stroke

The Holy See announced this morning that Pope Francis has died after suffering an irreversible stroke.

This was one of the causes of Pope Francis' death, which occurred at 7:35 am this morning, the 21st, in his apartment in the Casa Santa Marta, in Vatican City.

By Márcio Varela

On April 18, 1857, The Spirits' Book was released in France

The Spirits' Book French version

Published on April 18, 1857, The Spirits' Book begins the set of five publications codified by Allan Kardec. Considered the Comforter Promised by Jesus Christ, Spiritism presents a new path and the belief that life continues after death.

Structured in four parts — First Causes; Spiritual or Spirit World; Moral Laws; and Hopes and Consolations —, the work contains 1,019 questions formulated by the Codifier, addressing the Spiritist teachings in a logical and rational way, from the scientific, philosophical and religious aspects. It thus brings together the teachings of the Superior Spirits through mediums from various parts of the World.

"The true Spiritist Doctrine is found in the teachings given by the Spirits, and the knowledge that this teaching entails is too profound and extensive to be acquired in any way other than through persevering study, done in silence and seclusion. Because only in this condition can one observe an infinite number of facts and particularities that go unnoticed by the superficial observer, and form an opinion." — Allan Kardec The first edition of 1857 contained only 501 questions. After the second edition revised by Allan Kardec and published in 1860, 518 questions were added, totaling the current 1,019. The 12th edition of the original in French from 1864 is considered the definitive one.

The Biblical Account of the Creation - The Spirit's Book

59. The different nations of the earth have formed to them-selves widely divergent ideas of the creation; ideas always in harmony with their degree of scientific advancement. Reason and science concur in admitting the fantastic character of certain theories. The explanation of the subject now given through  spirit communication is confirmatory of the opinion which has long been adopted by the most enlightened exponents of modern science. 

This explanation will no doubt be objected to, on the ground that it is in contradiction with the statements of the Bible; but a careful examination of those statements shows us that this contradiction is more apparent than real, and that it results from the interpretation which has been given to expressions whose meaning is allegorical rather than historical.

The question of the personality of Adam, regarded as the first man, and sole progenitor of the human race, is not the only one in regard to which the religious convictions of the world have necessarily undergone modification. The hypothesis of the rotation of the earth round the sun appeared, at one time, to be in such utter opposition to the letter of the Bible, that every species of persecution was directed against it, and against those who advocated it. Yet the  earth continued to move on in its orbit in defiance of anathemas; and no one, at the present day, could contest the fact of its movement without doing violence to his own powers of reasoning.

The Bible also tells us that the world was created in six days, and fixes the epoch of this creation at about 4000 years before the Christian era. Previously to that period the earth did riot exist. At that period it was produced out of nothing. Such is the formal declaration of the sacred text, yet science, positive, inexorable steps in with proof to the contrary. The history of by the formation of the globe is written in indestructible characters in the worlds of fossils, proving beyond the possibility of denial that the six lays of the creation arc successive periods, each of which may have been of millions of ages. This is not a mere matter of statement or of opinion. It is a fact as incontestably certain as is the motion of the earth, and one that theology itself can no longer refuse to admit, although this admission furnishes another example of the errors into which we are led by attributing literal truth to language which is often of a figurative nature. Are we therefore to conclude that the Bible is a mere tissue of errors ? No; but we must admit that men have erred in their method of interpreting it.

Geology, in its study of the archives written in the structure of the globe itself, has ascertained

the order of succession in which the different species of living beings have appeared on its

surface, and this order is found to be in accordance with the sequence indicated in the book of

Genesis, with this difference, viz., that the earth, instead of issuing miraculously from the

hand of God in the course of a few days, accomplished its formation under the impulsion of

the Divine will, but according to the laws and through the action of the forces of nature, in the

course of periods incalculable by us. Does God appear less great and less powerful for having

accomplished the work of creation through the action of forces, and according to laws, of His

own ordaining? And is the result of the creative energy less sublime for not having been

accomplished instantaneously? Evidently not; and puerile indeed must he the mind that does

not recognise the grandeur of the Almighty Power implied in this evolution of the worlds of

the universe through the action of eternal laws. Science, so far from diminishing the glory of

the Divine action, displays that action under an aspect still more sublime, and more consonant

with our intuitive sense of the power and majesty of God, by showing that it has been

accomplished without derogation from the. laws which are the expression of the Divine will

in the realm of nature.

Modern science, in accordance with the Mosaic record, proves that man was the last in the

order of creation of living beings. But Moses puts the universal deluge at the year of the

world 1654, while geology seems to show that the great diluvian cataclysm occurred before

the appearance of man, because, up to the present time, the primitive strata contain no traces

of his presence, nor of that of the animals contemporaneous with him. But this point is far

from being decided. Various recent discoveries suggest the possibility of our being destined

to ascertain that the antiquity of the human race is much greater than has been hitherto

supposed; and should this greater antiquity become a matter of certainty, it would prove that

the letter of the Bible, in regard to the date assigned by it to the creation of man, as in regard

to so many other matters, can only be understood in an allegorical sense. That the geological

deluge is not that of Noah is evident from the lapse of time required for the formation of the

fossiliferous strata; and, if traces should eventually be discovered of the existence of the

human race before the geological deluge, it would be evident either that Adam was not the

first man, or that his creation dates back.

From The Spirit's Book - Chapter III - Creation - The Biblical Account of the Creation - Ed Federação Espírita Brasileira FEB

Problem Solving

Therefore, if you desire the assistance of Spiritual Friends in solving your organic problems or the health and balance problems of your companions, place your container of crystal clear water at the front of your prayers, wait and trust.

The dew of the Divine Plan will magnetize the liquid with rays of love, in the form of a blessing, and you will then be consecrating the sublime teaching of the glass of pure water, blessed in Heaven.

(By the Spirit Emmanuel, medium Francisco Cândido Xavier)

Translated by Márcio

Birth of Francisco Cândido Xavier - Chico Xavier

Francisco Cândido Xavier (April 2, 1910, Pedro Leopoldo-MG, June 30, 2002, Uberaba-MG), or Chico Xavier, is known as one of the exponents of the Spiritist Doctrine, having developed several charitable works with an exemplary exercise of mediumship. An example of love and selflessness.

During his childhood in Pedro Leopoldo (MG), Chico Xavier went through different trials, but also great teachings that accompanied him throughout his life, such as patience, resilience and humility. In 1927, he founded the Luiz Gonzaga Spiritist Center in the city, together with other people. In 1932, at the age of 21, he delivered to the FEB his first work as a psychographer, the work Parnaso de além-túmulo.

Of the four jobs he held in 32 years, he also worked at the Model School of the Ministry of Agriculture, in Pedro Leopoldo, until 1959, when he moved to Uberaba. Chico always supported himself with his modest salary, not burdening anyone. He retired as a typist working for the Ministry of Agriculture.

In his 92 years of life, he inspired the creation of several support homes, daycare centers and schools throughout the country. His legacy includes letters and messages of love and charity, which made him one of the most representative figures of the Brazilian people.

With a kind personality, he dedicated himself to helping those most in need. His work to benefit others allowed the medium to be nominated, by more than 10 million people, for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1981. In 2012, Chico was elected “The greatest Brazilian of all time”, in an event held by SBT.

He wrote more than 400 works, which resulted in a collection of different genres of literature, such as poems and poetry, short stories and chronicles, novels, and works of a scientific, philosophical and religious nature.

The Death of Hippolyte Léon Denizard Rivail - Allan Kardec

Hippolyte Léon Denizard Rivail (October 3, 1804, Lyon-FR, March 31, 1869, Paris-FR) was a French educator and researcher. Under the pseudonym Allan Kardec, he was the codifier of Spiritism.

Educated at the Pestalozzi School in Yverdun (Switzerland), he became one of the most eminent disciples of the teaching method. Later, he became a member of the European learned society of the time. From 1835 to 1840, he founded, in his home on Rue de Sèvres, free courses in Chemistry, Physics, Comparative Anatomy, Astronomy, among others, at a time when few had the opportunity to receive this level of education.

It was in 1855 that Allan Kardec began to experience spirits and adopted his pseudonym, which originated in previous incarnations. He carried out the missionary task of codifying, that is, presenting in methodically, didactically and logically organized, commented and explained books, the postulates of the Spiritist Doctrine.

On April 1, 1858, he founded in Paris the first regularly constituted Spiritist Society, under the name of the Parisian Society of Spiritist Studies, whose exclusive purpose was the study and contribution to the progress of the new science.

His main works on this subject are: The Spirits' Book (1857), concerning the philosophical part; The Mediums' Book (1861), concerning the experimental and scientific part; The Gospel According to Spiritism (1864), concerning the moral part; Heaven and Hell (1865), the justice of God according to Spiritism; The Genesis, the Miracles and the Predictions (1868); The Spiritist Magazine, a journal of psychological studies, a monthly periodical that began on January 1, 1858, among others.

International Study: Consulting the Things of the Spirits

(Credits: Marleen de Witte)

Today, I bring to our dear readers an international article entitled "Consulting the Things of the Spirits: Evidencing the Invisible Presence in Missionary Collections", which talks about how an entry point to unravel ancient artifacts from Africa in missionary collections.

As part of an international work to unravel the composition of ancient collections of African spiritual artifacts in missionary collections by the Pressing Matter and the Legba Dzoka Project, Marleen de Witte and Birgit Meyer wrote an article entitled “Consulting the Things of the Spirits: Evidencing the Invisible Presence in Missionary Collections”, which was recently published in the journal Museum Anthropology, on March 6th.

An original abstract of the article in question:

Contributing to ongoing efforts to address the colonial legacies of museums, this article takes the question of evidence as an entry point to unravel the multilayered composition of African spiritual artifacts in missionary collections. Focusing on Dutch and German missionary collections of legbawo and dzokawo from the Ewe region of Ghana and Togo, we analyze how such artifacts were subjected to “evidentiary practices” by multiple parties over a period of 120 years. These collections enshrine coexisting and conflicting forms of evidence: multiple possibilities of knowing (about) the items, their trajectories, and their relationships with humans and nonhuman beings. In addition to analyzing the missionary and museum structures imposed on these artifacts, we investigate contemporary Ewe religious practitioners’ ritual technologies of knowing about the presence, identities, and desires of spirits as alternative modes of evidencing invisible presences. We argue that the pluralization of evidence offers opportunities for decolonial critique and for rethinking established museum and research structures.

The article in English can be read here.

Written by Márcio

Plurality of Worlds

55. Are all the globes that revolve in space inhabited?

"Yes; and the people of the earth are far from being, as you suppose, the first in intelligence, goodness, and general development. There are many men having a high opinion of themselves who even imagine that your little globe alone, of all the countless myriads of globes around you, has the privilege of being inhabited by reasoning beings. They fancy that God has created the universe only for them. Insensate vanity!"

God has peopled the globes of the universe with living beings, all of whom concur in working out the aims of His providence. To believe that the presence of living beings Is confined to the one point of the universe inhabited by us is to cast a doubt on the wisdom of God, who has made nothing in vain, and who must therefore have assigned to all the other globes of the universe a destination more important than that of gratifying our eyes with the spectacle of a starry night. Moreover, there Is nothing in the position. size, or physical constitution of the earth to warrant the supposition that It alone, of the countless myriads of globes disseminated throughout the infinity of apace. has the privilege of being inhabited.

56. Is the physical constitution of all globes the same?

"No; they do not at all resemble one another."

57. The physical constitution of the various worlds not being the same for all does it follow

that the beings who inhabit them have different organisations?

"Undoubtedly it does; just as, in your world, fishes are organised for living in the water, and

birds for living in the air."

58. Are the planets furthest removed from the sun stinted in light and heat, the sun only

appearing to them of the size of one of the fixed stars?

"Do you suppose that there are no other sources of light and heat than the sun? And do you count for nothing the action of electricity which, in certain worlds, plays a very much more important part than in your earth? Besides, how do you know that the beings of those worlds see in the same manner as you do, and with the aid of organs such as yours?"

The conditions of existence for the beings who Inhabit the various worlds must be supposed to be appropriate to the sphere in which they are destined to live. If we had never seen fishes, we should be at a loss to understand how any living beings could exist In the sea. So in regard to all the other worlds, which doutless contain elements that are unknown to us. In our own earth, are not the long polar nights illumined by the electrical displays of the aurora borealis? Is It impossible that. In certain worlds, electricity may be more abundant than in ours, and may subserve, in Its general economy, various important uses not imaginable by us? And may not those worlds contain in themselves the sources of the heat and light required by their inhabitants?

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

The cure of obsession

You are an adult and a conscientious human being, responsible for your behavior. Control your ideas, reject the inferior and disturbing thoughts that influence your good tendencies and repel the negative ones. Take care of yourself.

God has granted you jurisdiction over yourself; it is you who possesses the control over yourself in the pathways of life. Do not act as a spoiled child. Learn how to control yourself at every instant and on every circumstance. Experiment with your powers and you will see that it is greater than you imagine.

The cure of obsession is a self-cure. No one can free you of the obsession if you do not want to get rid of it yourself. Start by ridding yourself now, by repeating to yourselves: “I am a normal person, endowed with the power and the duty to command myself. I know my duties and I can fulfill them. God supports me.”

Always repeat this when you feel that you are disturbed. Repeat and practice what you said. Make the decision to behave as a normal person who you truly are, confident in God and in the power of the natural forces that are in your body and your spirit waiting for your command. Be the guide of your life.

Reformulate the concept that you have of yourself. You are not a poor abandoned soul in the world. Even the worms are protected by natural laws. Why would you not have protection? Eliminate from your mind the idea of sin and punishment. What they call sin is the error, and errors can and must be corrected.

Correct yourself. Establish the control over your own self, little by little, patiently and confidently.

You do not depend on others; you depend on your own mind. Keep an open mind, by opening wide the windows to the world, breathe with certainty and walk with firmness. Think about the blind people, the mutes and the deaf, the crippled and disabled who often improve their condition by trusting in themselves. Develop

your faith. Faith is confidence. The Divine Faith exists, which is the confidence in God and in His Power that controls the Universe. Can you rationally doubt this? There is the human faith that is the confidence of the person in himself. Do you not trust your intelligence, your common-sense, and your capacity to act? Do you believe you are an incapable person, thus being carried away by diminishing ideas

regarding your own self? Change this way of thinking, because it is incorrect.

When you come to the disobsession meetings, come with confidence. Those who wait for you are willing to assist you. Be grateful to those who are interested in you, and help them with your good will. If you follow this advice, your

obsession is already in process of being eliminated. Do not be afraid, be courageous.

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

Freud and Kardec

Obsession - What is obsession? - Guidance for the treatment of cases of obsession

Many psychologists and psychiatrists accuse Spiritism of invading their scientific domains in cases of mental and psychic disturbances. Unfamiliar with the Spiritist Doctrine and its history, they do not know that exactly the opposite has occurred. They claim that obsession is a disturbance resulting from endogenous imbalances, that is, from the patient's own psycho-mental structures in relation to environmental factors. They attribute almost everything to the patient's constitution, to organic and particularly cerebral or emotional dysfunctions. The unconscious is generally the seat of all psychic disturbances. They understand that Spiritists confuse the imaginary ghosts generated by the patient's pathological manifestations with real ghosts from the oldest magical and religious superstitions of Humanity. They believe that Spiritism represents a process of returning to the world of superstition.

Freud was only one year old when Kardec raised the problem of the unconscious in scientific terms, in his research on spiritual phenomena, today scientifically called paranormal phenomena. Kardec went deeper than Freud on the subject, reaching the problem of individual and collective archetypes, which only Adler and Jung would later research. In researching the problem of animism in mediumistic manifestations and psychic infiltrations in real manifestations, Kardec duly emphasized the importance of manifestations of the unconscious in individual and collective behavior. Freud approached the question of dreams within the limits of his doctrine. For no less than twelve years, Kardec had already carried out intensive research in experimental psychology (an absolute pioneer in this field) at the Parisian Society for Spiritist Studies. Today, parapsychological research, carried out in the largest university centers around the world, fully proves Kardec's accuracy. We provide this historical information solely so that victims of obsessions and their families do not allow themselves to be misled into fatal mistakes in difficult cases of obsession. Spiritist Science does not oppose Material Sciences in any field, but only tries to help them with the necessary complementation of their own research and achievements. It is easy to verify the truth of this information by simply consulting Kardec's works, including the reports on obsessions and disobsessions in his works published in the collection of the Spiritist Magazine, now entirely translated and published in our language. 

(From the book: Obsession: the Pass – the Doctrine - Chapter I - Obsession What is obsession? - Guidance for the treatment of cases of obsession.)

The 17 lines of spiritist conduct

 The 17 lines of spiritist conduct

I - Being calm and moderate

II - Help the next one with all the strength

III - Use but not abuse, material goods

IV - Do not judge the similar, for only God knows the secret furniture that makes him so act.

V - To not impose on anyone their way of understanding life and respecting that of others. He does his own experience.

VI - Clarify the next and be indulgent.

VII - To remember that a man's life does not belong to him. Be discreet.

VIII - Recall that a bad thought is a force that hurts or heals.

IX - Don't forget a bad thought turns against you projecting it.

X - Not to think about evil, because who is really good should not fear, and if not, seek to improve.

XI - Trust, during doom, in Divine providence, who wants your spiritual advance.

XII - Repay tranquilo when your work was a meritory.

XIII - To remember that suffering is to make you better understand the unhappiness of others.

XIV - Do not reject the ordeal, saying, "My God, give me the strength to bear it," for with sincerity, she will not prevail.

XV - Being humble and compassionate.

XVI - Pray.

XVII - Help yourself, because the High will help you.

(Extracted from The Portuguese "Livro do Medium Curador - By José Lhomme)

Reviewed and translated by Márcio Varela

Difficult relatives

We ought to accept difficult relatives based on generosity and understanding, in the certainty that God's Laws do not bind us to one another without a just cause.

The relative that causes us difficulties is always a test to examine our spiritual evolution.

Often, the complicated individual who joins our family brings the marks of suffering or deficiencies we imposed on them in past reincarnations.

Don't demand behavior like yours from family members different from you, for each of us is characterized by advantages or losses accumulated in our souls.

Don't try to get rid of difficult relatives by requiring unnecessary hospitalizations in nursing homes at the cost of money.

The real disconnection will come in the processes of nature when you have settled your debts with the Greater Life.

In the trials and conflicts of our earthly home, we are frequently paying through the installment system for debts incurred wholesale.

(By the medium Francisco C. Xavier, spirit Andre Luiz)