THE INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE OF SPIRITISM - RIE - "REVISTA INTERNACIONAL DE ESPIRITISMO"

The RIE magazine was created by Caibar Schutel in 1925. As one of the pioneers of Spiritism in Brazil Schutel was in charge of organizing the Spiritist movement in the state of Sao Paulo and founded one of the most traditional Spiritist publishing houses in Brazil - "O Clarim" - or "The bugle".

His "International Magazine" just as "O Clarim" (also the name of another Spiritist periodical) were renowned for the quality of their articles. Editions of RIE often brought articles written in Spanish. Present editions (since last August) have enlarged the space dedicated to international articles. Edition of august includes:

Holland: Eerste Landelijke Spiritistische Bijeenkomst in Nederland (the fist Spiritist meeting in the Netherlands);

Spanish: Dormir y soñar; La Doctrina de los Espíritus;

English: Divaldo Pereira Franco, Working trip to Europe; Spiritist Group of New York; Spiritism in California;

The magazine aim is to estimulate the international Spiritist movement, by the publication of Spiritist texts and
news in several idioms that are translated and organized by dedicated volunteers worldwide, keeping Caibar Schutel´s ideal alive.

Send your contribution  (in the form of articles or short news) to us: oclarim@oclarim.com.br

Clarim home-page: http://www.oclarim.com.br
Spanish page: http://www.oclarim.com.br/spanish/spanish.html

THE WILL
Leon Denis

The study of life to which we have consecrated the first part of this work(*) has permitted us to perceive the powerful reservoir of forces and energies hidden within us. It has shown us that therein all our future, in its limitless development, is contained in permanent form. The causes of happiness are not found in determined localities in space, but are in us - in the profound mysteries of the soul.

It is this which confirms that grand doctrine of Christ - 'The kingdom of heaven is within you.' The same thought is explained in the Vedas in another form: 'You carry in yourself a sublime friend whom you do not know.' A Persian sage said, 'You live among stores filled with riches, and you die with hunger at the door!'

All the great teachers are in accord in this subject. It is in the life interior, in the expanding of our powers and faculties and virtues, that the source of our felicity lies. Look attentively into the depths of your being - shut your mind to things external, and after having habituated your psychic senses to the obscurity in the silence, you see the surging of unsuspected lights, you will hear fortifying and consoling voices. But there are few men who know how to read in themselves, how to explore the retreats where sleep inestimable treasures.

We waste our lives in banal things, on things trifling. We walk the road of existence without knowing ourselves and the psychic wealth whose value would procure for us joys without number. There are in each human soul two spheres of action and expression. One exterior to the other manifests the personality - the Me with its passions, weaknesses, and its insufficiency. As long as that regulates our conduct, it is the inferior life, sown with trials and troubles.

The other sphere interior, profound, immurable, is at the same time the sit of consciousness, the source of spiritual life, and the temple of God in us. It is only when the centre of action dominates the other - when it's impulsions direct us, that our hidden powers are revealed, and that the spirit affirms itself in all its brilliant beauty. It is at this moment we hold communion with 'the Father who dwells in us,' following the words of Christ - the Father who is the source of all love, the principle of all great actions.

By one of this centres, we perpetuate ourself in material worlds, where all is inferiority, incertitude, and sorrow. By the other, we unite ourselves to celestial worlds, where all species, serenity, and grandeur. It is only by the growing manifestation of the divine spirit in us that we can vanquish the selfish Me, and associate ourselves freely with universal and everlasting work, and create for ourselves a perfect and happy life.

By what means can we put in movement those interior powers, and direct them towards a high ideal? By the will. The persistent, tenacious use of this master faculty enables us to control our natures, to dominate material things, sickness and death.

It is by the will that we direct our thoughts toward a precise goal. With most people thoughts toward incessantly: their constant motion, their infinite variety, allows small chance for the higher influences. One must know how to concentrate, how to become in accord with divine thought. Then, is produced the fertilizing of the human soul by the divine spirit which envelops it, and renders it capable of realizing its true tasks, and prepares it for the life in space, by enabling it to perceive in this world a reflection of its splendours. Superior spirits see and hear our thoughts. Their own thoughts are penetrating harmonies, while our own are often confused discords. Let us then learn to use the will, and by it to unite ourselves to all that is great, and to the universal harmony whose vibrations surround space, wherein worlds are rocked.

Will is the greatest of all powers - in its action it is comparable to a magnet. The will to live, to develop life in oneself, attracts new sources of vitality; it is the secret of the law of evolution. The will acting on the etheric body with intensity accentuates its vibrations and prepares it for a higher degree of existance.

The principle of evolution is not in matter - it is in will, whose action reaches to, in a facts invisible order of things. As it affects the order visible and material. The one is but the consequence of the other. The highest principle, the motor of existance, is the will. Divine will is the motive power of life universal.

What is important above all is to know that we can realize all things in the psychic domain. No force remains sterile when it is exercised constantly with an aim comforming to right unjustice. That is the case with the will: it can act equally sleepy or waking, for the valiant soul which has fixed its aim pursues it with tenacity in one as in the other phase of life, and so determines a powerful current with silently undermines obstacles.

The will is preservative as well as creative. Will, confidence, optimist are sufficient in themselves often to turn away evil. While discouragement and fear disarm us and leave us without the fence. The fact alone that we look trouble in the face and affront it diminishes its effects. The will, it is power! Its prowess is without limit.

The man conscious of himself feels his forces grow with his efforts. He knows that all he desires that is right and good must be inevitably accomplished in the course of his existence when his thought accords with divine law. And in this is verified the celestial words, 'faith can move mountains. It is most consoling to say, 'I am a free intelligence. I made myself through the ages - I build slowly my individuality and my liberty, and now that I know the force and grandeur in myself, I lean upon them. I do not veil them for one moment without, and by them, with the aid of God and my brothers in space, I will lift myself above all difficulties - I will vanquish the evil in me - I will detach myself from all that chains me to gross things, that I may take my flight to happier worlds. I see clear the route which I am called to tread. It leads on and on, without end. But a sure guide conducts me along this infinite way. I have learned to know myself, and I believe in God, and in this immense road which opens before me I walk firmly and will to grow greater, and to elevate myself with the aid of my intelligence, the daughter of God, and to attract to myself all the moral riches, and to participate in all the marvels of the cosmos. My will calls to me - on - always on! Always more knowledge, more divine life: and by it I will obtain the foolness of existence and construct a better and more radiant personality. I have for ever left behind me the inferior and ignorant being unconscious of his value and power. I assert the independence and dignity of my consciousness, and reach my hand to all brothers, saying, 'awaken from your slumber - tear off the material veil which envelops you - learn to know yourself and the powers in you, and learn to utilize them. All the voices of nature and of space cry, 'awake and march on! Hasten and conquer your destiny!'

To you who believe yourselves spent by suffering and disappointments, beings afflicted, hearts torn by bitter trials and wounded by the sword of adversity, I come and say: 'There is no soul incapable of rebirth, of new gloom. You have but to will, and there will awaken in you unknown forces. Believe in yourself - in your immortal destiny! Believe in God, the sun of the sun - immense source of light, of which you are a ray - a ray that can be illumined into a glorious flame. Every man can be good and happy if he wills it with energy and continuity. Divert your thoughts with cessation toward this truth, that you can become what you will to be, and will to be always better and greater.' It is the idea of eternal progress and the means of realising it: it is the secret of mental force, from which flow magnetic and psychic forces, and when you have acquired this mastery of yourself, you will no longer suffer from the evils of life, but will have made of your Me inferior an individuality high, stable, and powerful.

(*)Excerpt from Life and Destiny, Translated into english by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, London, Gay & Hancock  LTD 1919, Part Third "The Powers of the Soul", Chapter XIX.
 

Robert Blakely (USA)

I have been told that the term "spiritism" was coined by Allan Kardec in an effort to differentiate Spiritist teachings from the spiritualist movement, which was sullied by scandal and fraud. Can you expand upon this?

Dear Robert Blakely

It is not true that the term "Spiritism" was created to differentiate the new Spiritist movement from the Spiritualist one. The name "Spiritualism" translated into French "Spiritualisme"  has to do with the philosophical notion opposing materialism. Kardec wished indeed to differentiate between this philosophical notion and the new doctrine of the spirits. Therefore the term "Spiritisme" was in fact an approximate translation to the French spiritualist movement equivalent to the one in England and America.

From the academic and ethimological point of view, "Spiritism" is a new word in English and its use has emerged only recently. Kardec and his contemporaries were well aware of the importance of the Spiritualism movement in America and the scandals that plagued it were also common to many mediums in continental Europe were Kardec´s Spiritism appeared.

The striking difference between Spiritualism and Spiritism in the beginning was the notion of reincarnation as a way of soul improvement that was refused by the majority of Spiritualists. Also Kardec insisted that spirits had limited knowledge and gave only relative importance to their manifestations according to the moral or ethical degree of their messages. Spiritualists on the contrary often considered spirits opinions as absolute answers and refused Kardec´s notion of judging the spirits authority according to their inclinations. Many frauds and scandals (and support to absurd theories exposed by many mediums) could have been avoided if Kardec procedure were applied.

Ademir
GEAE Editor

Where love is, God is, and where love is, joy is. The highest spirits of life are in harmony with this great design for living. If our way is troublesome and obscure, God's love gives us strength ad guidance within.

Do you believe in immortality? Then be of good cheer. Believe it or not, you live in the beyond even as you live in your earthly body.

Pessimistic man likes to close his eyes to shut out the light, and to visualize in darkness. In the world, you have pain and tribulation, but God is your side. You do not work alone. You know this.

A problem becomes difficult only when you suppose it is hard. Visualize a definite goal, exactly what you want to do. Believe in yourself; help yourself. When we accept God's blessings, life abounds with peace and happiness within us and around us.

If you make mistakes, begin again. Be constructively self-critical. Do not disturb yourself. Carry with you joy and strike out ahead. Keep an open mind. Your thoughts are important, very important.

There is no darkness with power over light.

God speaks to you through voices of good conscience. Be calm, but be active. Do not waste time. Be a volunteer who acts, who gives and receives. Be sure of your effort and give your complete attention to accomplishing it. Help and you will be helped.

Earthly life is a school. In it there is a lesson for each us. Be tranquil, labor and keep faith in God.

SPIRIT WORD THE ASTRAL CITY - "Nosso Lar"

A story of a doctor's odyssey in the Spirit World By Andre Luiz, through Francisco C Xavier CHAPTER 13 & 14. PDF version (~800 Kb) available at http://www.geae.inf.br/htdocs/en/books/AstralCity.PDF and http://www.geocities.com/xavnet2/moral/Messa1.htm

(Translated from the 25th Portuguese edition entitled "Nosso Lar". First Portuguese edition published in 1944 by Federação Espírita Brasileira, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.)

Chapter 13  WITH THE MINISTER OF ASSISTANCE

On the physical plane it was a matter of studying the regular books plus some necessary training and one could acquire the rights of a qualified physician. But here, in my new surroundings, spirit doctors employed different methods, their chief textbooks being their own hearts, and their basic treatment, brotherly care and love. Even the humblest of nursing attendants in the Astral City possessed far greater knowledge and possibilities than I, with all my science. Consequently, much as I longed for some occupation, I feared that, at least for the time being, any attempt on my part to apply for work would amount to an encroachment upon the rights of others. Faced with such difficulties, I turned to Lysias as a brother. In reply to my doubts and hesitations, he suggested: “Why not asking Clarence? He never fails to ask about you, and is sure to do his best on your behalf. Go and ask him for advice and assistance”.

I took the necessary steps to obtain an appointment with my generous benefactor, and was told that he would not be able to see me until the next morning, when I was to go to his private office. I waited anxiously for the coming interview, and very early the following day I made my way to the appointed place. To my great surprise, I found three other people already waiting for him. The kind Minister had arrived early, long before us, and was seeing to matters even more important than attending to visitors and petitioners. After finishing his most urgent work, the Minister had us shown in, two by two. I was surprised at this manner of holding an audience, but was told later that the measure was adopted so that the solution of one case might profit not only the party involved, but also the others present, thus serving the common well being as well as saving time.

After several minutes had passed, I was admitted along with an elderly lady who was to be heard first. The Minister welcomed us cordially, putting us at ease to present our requests.

“Worthy Clarence” began my unknown companion, “I have come to beg your intercession on behalf of my two sons. I can't bear to be separated from them any longer! Moreover, I have been informed that they are leading difficult lives on Earth, with no end to their tribulations. I realize that our Father's designs are loving and just, yet as a mother I can't help worrying and being anxious.”

The poor creature broke down and wept bitterly. Clarence looked at her with sympathy and kindness, but replied firmly:
“But sister, if you agree that our Father's designs are holy and just, what is left for me to do?”

“I should like to be granted the means of protecting my sons on Earth myself.” Replied the afflicted mother.

“Alas, my friend,” exclaimed Clarence, “in order to protect others, one must have grown in the spirit of humility and service. What would you think of a man who anxious to provide for his little children remained comfortably at home? Service and cooperation are laws created by the Father, and no one may break them without causing himself serious damage. Has your conscience nothing to say on this point? How many-bonuses  can you present to justify your demand?”

The anxious mother, thus addressed, answered hesitantly: “Three hundred and four.”

“It is a pity,” continued Clarence, smiling, “that you should have been lodged here for over six years and should have given the Colony only three hundred and four hours of work. Yet, as soon as you recovered from your trials in the lower regions, I offered you a meritorious occupation in the Vigilance Patrols of the Ministry of Communication…”

“But that was intolerable work”, she interrupted, “an incessant struggle against malevolent entities! Your couldn't expect me to adapt to it.”

Clarence went on, unperturbed:
“After that I found you a place with the Brothers of Support, for redeeming service.”

“Worse still!” She protested. “Those chambers are always crowded with filthy creatures. I couldn't stand their swearing, their immorality, the squalor…”

“Realizing your difficulties,” continued the Minister, “I sent you to cooperate in the Ward of Mentally Disturbed entities.”

“But can anybody but saints put up with them?” Inquired the rebellious petitioner. “I really did my best, but the multitude of raving souls is enough to scare anybody.”

“My efforts did not stop there.” Proceeded our patient benefactor calmly. “I then placed you in the Investigation and Research Department of the Ministry of Elucidation. But, you, sister, probably impatient at my unwelcome interest, deliberately retired to the Park of Repose.”

“I found that place unbearable.” Explained the querulous matron. “I couldn't possibly endure the atmosphere of strange fluids, exhausting experiments and harsh supervisors.”

“Remember, my friend, resumed the devoted and enlightened Minister, “that assistance has two inseparable companions: service and humility. In order to help others we must first obtain the collaboration of benefactors, friends and servants. Before being able to render assistance to those we love, it is essential that we establish currents of sympathy, without which no efficient aid is possible. The peasant who tills the soil earns the gratitude of those who enjoy the harvest. The workman who satisfies exacting superintendents, carrying out their orders scrupulously, is providing nourishment for his family. The servant who obeys in the spirit of cooperation, wins the goodwill of his master, his companions, and all those interested in his work. So you see, no average administrator can ever be useful to his loved ones if he has not yet learned how to obey and serve worthily. Let everybody keep in mind that all useful service belongs, above all, to the Universal Giver, and that it must be carried out no matter what difficulties or suffering it may cost.”

After a short pause, he resumed: “What, then, would you do on Earth, if you have not yet learned how to withstand here? I do not doubt your devotion to your sons, but as it is, you would arrive there as a paralytic mother, incapable of rendering any efficient assistance. To deserve the joy of helping love ones we must enlist the goodwill of many of our brothers, whom we, in turn, have helped. If you give no cooperation, you cannot expect to receive any. That is the Law. And if you, my sister, possess nothing of your own to give, you will have to turn to others for voluntary contribution. But how will you obtain it, when you have not sown anything, not even good feelings? Go back, then, to the Park of Repose, where you have been lodging lately, and give the subject serious attention. We shall take it up again.”

The disappointed woman sat down, drying her tears. The Minister then looked at me and said, kindly: “Your turn, my friend.”

I rose hesitantly and approached him to present my request.

Chapter 14 CLARENCE EXPLAINS

Although a prey to indecision, I was about to instinctively solicit any medical activity in the colony, when my conscience prompted a warning: why ask for special work? Would that not be falling again into human error, reverting to that old vanity which does not tolerate any occupation but the one befitting one's special status and schooling? These thoughts restored my equilibrium, and, rather confused, I began: “I took the liberty to come to you today to ask your assistance in procuring some sort of work for me. Now that the treatment received here has restored my health, I am beginning to miss my old occupations. Any task will be welcomed, as long as it keeps me from inactivity.”

Clarence looked at me long and intently, as if trying to gauge my innermost thoughts.“I see. With your lips you ask for any kind of work, but deep in your heart what you really miss is your consulting room, your patients, and all the atmosphere of medical service with which the Lord deigned to honor you on Earth.”

So far his words were most encouraging, and with my heart filled with hope, I nodded in assent. After a long pause, the minister proceeded: “You must not forget, however, that very often our Father honors us with his confidence, and that we often betray his trust by underestimating the dignity of the call. Your, for instance, went through your medical courses on Earth surrounded by every facility. You never knew the price of a single book, as your parent's generosity saw to all your needs. As soon as you graduated, lucrative positions were already waiting for you. Thus, you were spared the poor doctor's hard struggle to build a practice. You prospered most rapidly in your career. Unfortunately, you transformed the advantages you obtained into a means of bringing about the premature death of your physical body. While young and strong, you committed numerous abuses in the exercise of the profession which Jesus granted you.”

At that firm but kind lecture, I felt strangely disturbed, but managed to reply respectfully: “I recognize the justice of your observations, but I should be grateful if you would grant me the means of repaying my debts by devoting myself, heart and soul, to the patients in this hospital.”

“A very noble impulse,” said Clarence without severity. “Nevertheless, it must be remembered that the exercise of a profession on Earth is a call from our Father summoning his creatures to come into the divine temples of service. For us here a degree is a mere identification card, but on Earth it usually means an open door to all sorts of abuse. The person who receives such a card is given the opportunity to study and cooperate with the Lord in His divine work on the planet. This principle is applicable to all earthly activities, regardless of their nature and class conventions. You, my brother, were granted a medical card, and consequently were admitted into the temple of Medicine. However, your line of conduct does not justify my endorsing your present wish. How could I appoint you to treat spirit patients, when on Earth you insisted on limiting your professional observations to the physical body? I do not deny your capacity as an excellent physiologist, but the field of life is much wider. What would you think of a botanist who based his definitions on the mere examination of the dry bark of a few trees? A great number of earthly physicians prefer mathematical conclusions in their anatomical work. Now, I quite agree that Mathematics is a most respectable science, but it is not the only one in the Universe. As you are already aware, a doctor cannot draw the line at diagnoses and terminologies – he must go deeper, and scrutinize the innermost recesses of the soul. On Earth, many of your colleagues become true slaves to academic conventionalism because of their professional life. Very few succeed in crossing prejudices. The rare exceptions are scoffed at by society, and looked down upon by their colleagues.”

I was lost in amazement. I had never dreamed of such lofty notions of professional responsibility. I was staggered by the idea of a college degree being merely a ticket giving admittance into zones of work and collaboration with the Lord. Speechless, I waited for the Minister of Assistance to resume his elucidations.

“As you see,” he went on, “you have not prepared yourself for our activities.”

“Generous benefactor,” I ventured to say, “I understand the lessons and submit myself to the obvious.”

Trying to keep back my tears, I begged humbly: “I am willing to accept any kind of occupation in this colony of work and peace.”

Clarence, showing me a deep look of approval, answered: “My friend, you have listened to a few bitter truths. Now let me add a little word of encouragement. You cannot, as yet, become a doctor in the Astral City, but in due time you will be admitted as an apprentice. Your present situation is not the best. Nevertheless, it is a promising one, owing to the intercessional petitions sent to the Ministry of Assistance on your behalf.”

“My mother?” I inquired, transported with bliss.

“Yes,” assented the Minister, “your mother, and other friends in whose heart you planted the seed of gratitude. Soon after your arrival here, I requested that the Ministry of Elucidation have your records sent to me. I have already examined them most carefully, and found much rashness and thoughtlessness, and many abuses. I also found that, in your fifteen years of medical practice, six thousand poor patients received free medical attendance in your clinic. Most often you went through those meritorious deeds quite heedlessly. Still, you can see now that, even if carelessly done, a good deed attracts blessings to the one who carries it out. Of six thousand, fifteen have not forgotten you, and have been sending incessant appeals on your behalf. I must explain, also, that even the forgotten benefit of your work weighs in your favor.”

Putting a stop to those surprising elucidations, Clarence added with a smile: “You will learn new lessons here, and after instructive experiences, you will cooperate efficiently with us, preparing at the same time for your own progress towards the Infinite.”

I was overjoyed. For the first time since my arrival at the Colony, I cried out of pure happiness. Who on Earth would understand such emotions? Still, I felt it necessary to quiet my heart to enter the sublimity of divine silence.

In the next issue of "The Spiritist Messenger" - Chapter 15 and 16.