Exploring Spiritism: Unveiling the Invisible World and Its Teachings
Spiritism is a doctrine based on the existence, manifestations, and teachings of spirits, revealing a world of invisible beings who interact with the material world through mediums, emphasizing the continuity of the soul’s existence beyond physical death and its moral implications for living.
Pioneer
Allan Kardec: Systematizer of Spiritism
Allan Kardec, born Hippolyte Léon Denizard Rivail on October 3, 1804, in Lyon, France, was a French educator, translator, and author who is best known as the systematizer of Spiritism. In the 1850s, intrigued by the phenomenon of table turning and mediumistic communications, he undertook the task of organizing and codifying the principles of Spiritism through a scientific and philosophical approach. Under the pseudonym Allan Kardec, he published several foundational texts of Spiritism, including “The Spirits’ Book” in 1857, which laid out the doctrine’s principles based on questions posed to spirits and their responses. His works established Spiritism as a movement focused on the moral improvement of humanity, the belief in the immortality of the soul, and the possibility of communication between the spiritual and material worlds. Kardec’s efforts significantly contributed to the spread of Spiritism in France and worldwide, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to influence followers today.
Spiritism Literature
Francisco Cândido Xavier: Psychographed over 450 books
Francisco Cândido Xavier, widely known as Chico Xavier, was a prominent Brazilian medium and one of the most influential figures in the dissemination of Spiritism in the 20th century. Born on April 2, 1910, in Pedro Leopoldo, Minas Gerais, Brazil, Xavier claimed to have been in contact with the spirits since he was a child. Over his lifetime, he psychographed over 450 books, attributing them to various deceased authors and spiritual guides, which contributed significantly to Spiritism literature. His works covered a vast range of topics, including religion, philosophy, and morality, and were instrumental in popularizing Spiritism across Brazil and abroad. Xavier dedicated his life to charitable activities, donating the royalties from his books to charity. Renowned for his humility and compassion, Chico Xavier became a beloved figure in Brazil, respected for his alleged mediumistic abilities and his dedication to helping others through his spiritual works. He passed away on June 30, 2002, leaving a lasting legacy in the field of Spiritism.
Doctor
Bezerra de Menezes: The Doctor of the Poor
Adolfo Bezerra de Menezes Cavalcanti (1831–1900), commonly referred to as Bezerra de Menezes, was a distinguished Brazilian physician, politician, military officer, and a pivotal figure in the Spiritist movement in Brazil. Born in Riacho do Sangue (now Ceará), Brazil, he moved to Rio de Janeiro to pursue his medical studies, eventually becoming a respected doctor known for his dedication to the poor, earning him the title of “The Doctor of the Poor.” Bezerra de Menezes’s encounter with Spiritism occurred mid-life, after which he became an ardent promoter of the doctrine, contributing significantly to its spread in Brazil. He presided over the Brazilian Spiritist Federation and wrote extensively on Spiritism, integrating his medical knowledge with spiritual insights. His life was marked by a deep commitment to humanitarian causes, and his work in Spiritism helped lay the foundations for its growth and acceptance in Brazilian society. Bezerra de Menezes is revered in Brazil as one of the most influential Spiritist figures, remembered for his compassion, humility, and dedication to helping those in need, both in his medical practice and through his spiritual endeavors.
Discover the Spiritist World
The best way to learn about spiritism is through the reading of the basic books compiled by Allan Kardec. Inside these books, we find all the basic ideas explained graciously by Higher Spirits and by Kardec’s comments.
Some of the books use the question-and-answer approach, which allows for better clarity on sometimes complex topics like reincarnation and the destiny of our spirits in the spiritual realm. The Spiritist Society Towards the Light in San Rafael, California sells all books.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our organization and spiritism practices.
Spirits are intelligent beings of Creation, essentially the souls of human beings without their physical bodies. They are created simple and ignorant but possess the power to gradually perfect themselves.
Spiritism is a doctrine founded on three pillars: religion, science, and philosophy. Spiritism deals with the nature, origin, and destiny of Spirits, as well as their relationship with the corporeal world.
Reincarnation is for purification, to correct previous mistakes, and to facilitate human progress. It is a means to ensure justice in the spiritual journey.
Yes, human beings are given free will to act, but they must answer for the consequences of their actions.
No, spirits are always progressing. In their multiple physical existences, they may sometimes become stationary, but they never regress.
The most effective way is self-knowledge, as stated in the ancient sage’s advice: “Know thyself.”
Transformation in individuals happens gradually over time, as ideas are modified little by little, often taking generations to completely erase old habits.
Mediumship is the ability to communicate with spirits and is considered a natural gift that anyone can possess, regardless of their belief system.
The purposes include self-enlightenment, developing virtues, helping others in both spiritual and material planes, and contributing to humankind’s progress.
Prayer should align with personal convictions and be inspiring. The form of prayer is less important than the sincerity and feeling behind the thought.
Prayer is valuable for expressing gratitude, reconnecting with the Divine, and getting closer to one’s essence. It is also a way to offer good intentions to oneself and others, and a moment to become one with the Universe.
Healing, such as ‘The Passes’, involves the transfusion of spiritual energy and/or vital fluids, aiming to restore the balance between the spirit, perispirit, and body.
A human being is a Spirit incarnated in a material body, with the perispirit acting as the semi-material body uniting the Spirit to the physical body.
Spiritism is a doctrine founded on three pillars: religion, science, and philosophy. Spiritism deals with the nature, origin, and destiny of Spirits, as well as their relationship with the corporeal world.
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