The Spiritist Messenger N 43

Advanced Study Group of Spiritism http://www.geae.inf.br/ Founded on October 15th 1992 The Spiritist Messenger - Monthly Electronic Report of the GEAE Group GEAE 11th year - Number 43 - distributed: October 2003 "Unshakable faith is only that which can face reason face to face in every Humankind epoch." Allan Kardec

CONTENT

EDITORIAL

TEXTS

Dolphins, Parrots and Muriquis: Three Different Paths for the Soul’s Evolution

Three species living in different environments are shown as following safe paths towards
the hominal realm and beyond

Renato Costa

My special thanks to Ann Leslie Goldman for proof-reading the English version

(originally published by Casa Editora O Clarim in the August issue of Revista Internacional de Espiritismo)

In our previous article published by this magazine [1] we promised to show examples of evolution paths chosen by three animal species, one living on the land, another one in the sea and a third one moving through the air.
That’s what we will be doing from this point onwards.

***

The order Cetacean contains mammals that migrated back to water about 60 million years ago, including several species that are considered by researchers as having developed high intelligence.

Dolphins: The Eternal Jokers Among the several species that form the cetacean order, classified in families and subfamilies, the one most studied is the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiopis Truncatus), better know as “flipper”, the name given to those that acted in films produced to show its abilities.

Researchers have discovered several intelligent behaviors in bottlenose dolphins, in line with an ancient tradition that goes back as far as ancient Greece. Several of those behaviors use the animal’s sophisticated communication system, including a signature whistle pattern each individual uses to identify itself, a kind of proper name, the use of dialects specific to each group, the capacity to communicate abstract concepts between individuals, as proven in an experiment done by Dr. Javis Bastian and the capacity to learn and reproduce vocalizations.

Equally noticeable is its high emotional intelligence. They are happy, playful and amiable to one another most of the time, even when in captivity, having always shown a special friendship for humans. They have sense of humor, being mischievous to fish and birds only to have fun.

They show strategic notion by sending scouts to evaluate for the first time a strange obstacle in their path or forming alliances between their group and another one to take advantage in disputing something they want with a third one. They decide what to do usually by consensus after several minutes of conversation. Interacting with Dr. John Lilly a dolphin changed the rule of a whistling game and when it noticed that Dr. Lilly hadn’t heard a high pitch whistle it had emitted, it started to lower the pitch of its whistle until the sound would reach Dr. Lilly’s acoustic range, keeping all whistles within the range from that time on. It was a unique case when an animal performed an experiment on a man.

***

Nowadays scientists’ support is mainly divided in two hypotheses for the origin of birds. One says that birds evolved from dinosaurs and another one that both dinosaurs and birds evolved from a common species.

Many bird species have been shown as capable of intelligent behavior. Among them we have chosen for our study the African gray parrot (psittacus erithacus), one that Dr. Irene Maxine Pepperberg, from the University of Arizona, has been studying for decades.

Parrots: Much More than Funny Mimics Alex is the name of the lovely parrot that we can see beside. It is the older of the African Grey Parrots that have been studied by Dr. Irene and her collaborators.

Alex has learned how to answer questions about more than 100 different objects. He can distinguish correctly between colors, forms and numbers, using such concepts in a meaningful and combined way, while dealing at the same time with abstract concepts like relative size and the notion of equal or different. He knows how and when to say “no”, “come here”, “I want <that thing>” and “I want to go <to that place>”. Alex’s linguistic capacity is equivalent to a two year old child whereas its reasoning is similar to that of a four year old one at least. According to Dr. Pepperberg and her collaborators, evidences so far suggest that Alex may learn to read one day.

I call the reader’s attention to the fact that Alex is learning the language and the concepts of a species that is completely different from the one it belongs to, a species not only belonging to a different order, as dolphins when compared to man, but to a different class, a feat that highly values the results obtained so far. After all, to this date no human is known to have been able to communicate with a similar species, let alone to one so different.

***

Muriquis: The Successful Hippies Among the species that we have chosen for our article, the one we are going to discuss now is the closest to the human being. We are talking of the amiable muriqui (Brachyteles arachnoids), also called wooly spider monkey, the largest primate in the American continent, which lives in the once magnificent coastal rainforest of Brazil and is unfortunately being pushed to extinction. The first researcher to study the behavior of muriquis was Dr. Karen Strier, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, but now there are several Brazilian researchers doing so.

The muriqui is a unique species due to its very peaceful social behavior, where a significant degree of competition doesn’t exist. They are very gentle creatures and it’s common to see them touching or hugging one another for just a few to a several minutes, forming sometimes a large bunch of hugging animals suspended by their tails. Hierarchy among them is based neither on strength nor on age but on the amount of affectivity each individual gets from the group. Females and males have similar weight and size, there being no competition in sexual behavior, shown to be free but respectful. The communication within the groups was observed to be rich and sophisticated, as reported by researchers Francisco Mendes and César Ades, after a field study done under the auspices of Fapesp (Research Supporting Foundation of São Paulo). Never having to use either stimulants or psychotropic drugs, the muriquis were successful at creating a pure alternative society, something mankind has dreamed of for centuries but has never succeed in making real.

***

In Item 56, Chapter I, Second Part of The Mediums’ Book, Allan Kardec says: “The human form, though differenced in some details, and with certain organic modifications necessitated by the nature of the sphere in which the soul is called to exist, appears to be common to the inhabitants of all the globes of the universe ; this, at least, is what spirits tell us…”.

When we read the quotation above, our attention is called by the cautious phrase Kardec wrote at the end. Nevertheless, it’s clear for us when we read the whole quotation, Kardec’s understanding as to the environment where the being has to live being a determinant factor to its physical constitution. Being a man with vast knowledge, accurate reason and sharp intuition, Kardec must have presumed the existence of worlds with the most different physical constitutions. Being so, the affirmation that the human form remained common to the intelligent beings of all worlds of the universe must have seemed at least strange to him. Would that be the reason for his cautious last sentence in the above quotation?

Studying the Spiritist Codification we have noticed that the matter hasn’t either been the subject of a formal question to the Spirits or the subject of a message signed by one of the great names of the Spiritist Codification. We have only found the matter approached again in an article called The Plurality of Worlds included in the March 1858 issue of the Spiritist Magazine. Here is what it says: “By a simple reasoning similar to what others have done before we conclude for the plurality of worlds and that reasoning is confirmed by what the Spirits reveal. They teach us that all those worlds are inhabited by physical beings appropriate to the constitution of each world”. If we pay attention to the last sentence we will see that it puts as a rule the same affirmation that may be mistakenly taken as an exception to the rule as it’s put in the quoted saying of The Mediums’ Book.

We have presented in this article concrete examples of species that are shown able to go on evolving without much alterations in their physical and subtle constitutions. Being moved to increasingly subtler worlds as they proceed learning all the lessons available for the animal realm, a day will inevitably come when they will be ready to enter the hominal realm. When that day finally comes we may be sure that at least one of the many mansions of the Father’s house will be of such constitution that their subtle bodies will reveal the most easily adapted to remodel themselves as those necessary to host human beings in that world.

[1] and reproduced in Spiritist Messenger # 42

Bibliography

Blackstock, Regina. Dolphins and Man … Equals? February 2003.
URL: http://www.polaris.net/~rblacks/dolphins.htm.

Davies, Gareth Huw. Maybe Birdbrains are in Fact Clever. February 2003.
URL: http://flatrock.org.nz/topics/animals/pigeon_spotting.htm.

Fioravanti, Carlos. Macacos quase Falantes. (Almost Talking Monkeys). Revista Pesquisa Fapesp. March 2003. URL: http://www.revistapesquisa.fapesp.br

Kardec, Allan. The Spirits’ Book. Rio de Janeiro: FEB, 1995.

_____, _____. The Gospel According to Spiritism. Newport, UK: Allan Kardec Study Group, 1987.

_____, _____. A Pluralidade dos Mundos (“The Plurality of Worlds”). Revista Espírita (Spiritist Magazine), Março 1858. IDE, 1993.

Pepperberg, Irene Maxine. Cognitive and Communicative Abilities of Grey Parrots: The Cognitive Animal. January 2003. URL: http://grimpeur.tamu.edu/Phil320/tamu/parrot.pdf.

Reinartz, Ulrich. Tursiopis Homepage. February 2003. URL: http://home.snafu.de/ulisses/tursiopis.htm.

Muriqui o Pacífico Cara Preta. (Muriqui, the Peaceful Black Face). March 2003.
URL: http://www.omuriqui.hpg.ig.com.br/Português/comporta.htm.

Sociedade Alternativa dos Muriquis. (Alternative Society of the Muriquis). Ciência Hoje, vol 27, no. 162.

Parrots: Much More than Funny Mimics - Photo by Arlene Levin – www.alexfoundation.org

SPIRIT MESSAGES

SPIRIT WORLD

(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 33 - CURIOUS OBSERVATIONS

Just before midnight, with Narcisa's permission, I went to the gates of the Chambers. The Samaritans were expected at any moment. It was necessary, therefore, to watch out for their arrival, so that the last minute measures necessary might be taken in time.

With emotion, I walked down the pathway, here and there, among the shady trees, I saw tree trunks suggesting the Earth's hoary oak, and other leaves that bring to mind the acacia tree and the pine. In the open air I experienced a sensation of well being such as I had never felt in the Chambers, in spite of their ample windows. While advancing silently under the sheltering branches gently stirring in the breeze, I felt a profound peace fall upon me. I began to reminisce about events in my life after my first meeting with Minister Clarence. I wondered where the dream region was situated was it on Earth, or in this spirit colony? I wondered what had happened to Zelia and the children. Although I had received so many explanations about the most varied aspects of life, my earthly home was never mentioned. My own mother had advised silence and had only addressed this matter vaguely. It all implied that I should forget the problems of the flesh in order to achieve my inner renewal. Yet, probing deeply, I discovered that my longing for my family was still alive and strong. I yearned to see my beloved wife, to feel my children's caresses once again. Why should fate keep us apart, as if I were a castaway on some unknown shore. These questions perplexed me, but I was also comforted by the thought that I could not consider myself forsaken. If my earthly experiences might be classified as a "wreck", it was all my own doing. Now that I had the opportunity to observe the vibrations of intense and constructive work at the Astral City, I could not help wondering how I, when on Earth, could have wasted so much time on trifles.

True, I had loved my wife dearly, and had tenderly cherished our children, yet on examining my conduct as a husband and father, I realized that I had failed to build up anything solid and useful within the spirit of my family. I realized it only now, now that it was too late. Whoever advances along a road and neglects to sow the seed for a future harvest along the way, and fails to protect the fountain that quenches his thirst, cannot turn back expecting to find all he needs. These thoughts kept recurring in my mind with an irritating insistence. On leaving the physical sphere, I had been faced with the torture of incomprehension. I did not know what had happened to my wife and children, who were suddenly deprived of the accustomed domestic stability and confronted with the inevitable struggles of widowhood and orphan hood, but I saw no pint in asking.

A light breeze seemed to whisper lofty ideas, as if attempting to lift my mind to higher thoughts. Although tormented with these inner questions, I had to attend to the mission on which I had been sent. I approached the gate and scrutinized the distance beyond the tilling fields. All was moonlight and serenity, glorious heavens and peaceful beauty. I spent some minutes absorbed in awed prayer to the Creator of all things in contemplation of the lovely scenery before me.

A few moments later I saw two enormous shapes. They puzzled me – they looked like men of some indefinable semi-luminous substance. Strange filaments hung from their arms and feet, and there was a thread connected to their heads. They gave me the impression of two ghosts, and I could not bear their sight. My hair standing on end, I ran back to the Chambers. As I anxiously explained to Narcisa the cause of my terrors, she could hardly keep from laughing.

I was considerably abashed and did not know what to say. Narcisa smiled and explained:

"I had the same experience, and was just as surprised as you. The explanation is simple, though. The forms you saw belong to our brothers from Earth. They are highly evolved spirits on some redeeming mission on the physical plane, who, as worthy initiates of Eternal Wisdom, may temporarily abandon their fleshly bodies and travel freely through our spheres. The filaments and threads you observed are the characteristics which distinguish them from us. Therefore, you needn't fear. Incarnate men who succeed in reaching these regions are highly evolved spirits, though they may appear humble or obscure on Earth."

In an encouraging voice she added, "Let's go out and see. It's 12:40. The Samaritans can't be long in coming."

Satisfied with Narcisa's explanation, I followed her to the great gate. I could still see the two forms in the distance, calmly walking away from the Astral City. Narcisa gazed at them, and remarked:

"They are surrounded by blue light. They must be two advanced messengers from the physical plane on some mission we cannot know."

We stood at the gate for some time, lost in the contemplation of the silent fields. Finally, my kind friend pointed out a dark spot traveling across the moonlit horizon. They had arrived. Looking intently in the direction Narcisa was pointing, I saw that the caravan was moving slowly towards us under the clear sky. All of a sudden I heard dogs barking in the far distance.

"Why, dogs." Said the nurse. "They are precious helpers in the obscure regions of the Lower Zone, which is inhabited not only by discarnate men, but also by real monsters. This, however, is not the proper time to describe them."

Then, raising her voice, she called to the other servants in the distance, and sent one of them back to the Chambers with the news of the Samaritans' arrival. I gazed curiously at the strange group approaching slowly. I counted six big carts or stagecoaches, each drawn by animals which, even from a distance, looked like mules and preceded by a lively pack of dogs. What caught my attention most were the bands of large birds flying close to the carts and making strange sounds. At this sight I turned to Narcisa and inquired:

As Narcisa shook her head, I asked for an explanation. As usual, she was willing to oblige, and answered:

"It's a problem of the density of matter. Water and air are a good example. An airplane which flies through the air cannot do the same in water. We can build machines such as submarines, for instance, which can carry us through denser matter, but in deference to the suffering inhabitants of the region, communities of higher planes prefer to use this simple means of transportation. Besides, we often can't do without animal collaboration."

"Dogs simplify the work, an mules carry weight patiently and supply warmth when necessary. Those birds," she added, pointing to them in the air, "which we call 'traveling ibises', are the Samaritans' great allies. They eat hateful and wicked thought forms, helping to fight against the dark shapes of the Lower Zone."

"There is no time now for further details. You can find valuable lessons on animals not here, but in the Ministry of Elucidation, where the parks of instruction and experiments are located."

It was nine o'clock in the evening, and we had not yet had a moment's rest except for the short consultations necessary for the solution of spiritual problems. Here I saw a patient begging for help, over there another in need of magnetic passes. On our way to assist two patients in Pavilion Eleven, I heard screams in a nearby ward. I would have run in that direction, if Narcisa had not held me back.

"Please don't go," she warned, "the sexually unbalanced patients are lodged there. The picture would be too painful to your eyes. Wait until you are better prepared."

I did not insist, but thousands of questions rushed to my mind. A new world was unfolding itself and my curiosity was great. I had to concentrate on Lysias' mother's advice so as not to become distracted from my legitimate duties. Soon after nine, a quaint little man, to all appearances a humble worker emerged from amidst the trees of the enormous park. I later learned that he belonged to the sentinel corps of the Chambers of Rectification. Narcisa greeted him and asked:

"I've come to inform you that an unfortunate woman is begging for help at the large gate that leads to the tilling fields. I believe she must have escaped the attention of the front line sentinels." He answered, anxiously.

"According to our regulations, we are forbidden to. The poor creature is surrounded by black spots."

I was filled with curiosity, and followed her for a considerable distance across the moonlit fields. We were surrounded by the silent park its shady trees rustling gently in the soft breeze. After walking for well over a mile, we came to the gate. There stood the pitiful figure of a woman begging for mercy from the other side. I saw nothing but a squalid creature dressed in rags with a hideous face, and legs covered with raw sores, but, judging from her startled expression, I realized that Narcisa saw many more details, still imperceptible to me.

"Children of God," she cried on seeing us, "please give shelter to my wary soul! Where is the paradise of the elect, that I may enjoy the peace I long for?"

I was filled with compassion at her tearful voice. Narcisa, though also sorry for the unfortunate beggar, whispered to me:

"Your spirit vision isn't sufficiently trained. If it depended on me, I would let her in at once, but on dealing with creatures in this condition, I can't decide for myself. I must apply to the Chief Warden on duty."

We hurried back to the house, where for the first time I came into contact with the Chief of Sentinels of the Chambers of Rectification. Narcisa introduced us and then rapidly reported the occurrence.

We were soon back at the gate. The Chief Warden carefully examined the newcomer from the Lower Zone and declared:

"For the time being, this woman can't receive our assistance. She is one of the strongest vampires [1]. I have ever come across. She must be left to herself."

I could not help but shocked at those words. Wouldn't it be neglecting our Christian duty to abandon this unhappy sister to her fate? Narcisa seemed to think likewise, and tried to plead with the Chief Warden:

"But, Brother Paul, wouldn't it be possible to shelter this poor creature in the Chambers?" Pointing to the beggar who was impatient at the delay and complaining loudly, he addressed the nurse.

"To allow her to enter would be to neglect my responsibility as a warden. Narcisa, have you noticed anything else besides the black spots:" Narcisa had not, and he continued.

Narcisa looked intently at the woman, and, after a few moments, replied that there were fifty-eight. Brother Paul continued, patiently:

"Those fifty-eight dark spots represent so many children killed at birth. On each of these spots I can perceive the mental image of one of the little children whose life she extinguished, some by crushing blows, others by suffocation. This unhappy creature was a gynecologist who exploited inexperienced young women, committing heinous crimes under the pretext of easing the conscience of others. She is in a worse position than cases of suicide or murders who may, at times, show mitigating circumstances."

I recalled the numerous cases in my practice when, to save the mother's life, the unborn child had to be sacrificed. But, reading my thoughts, Brother Paul added:

"Of course, I'm not referring to legitimate measures which are forms of redeeming trials, but to the crime of killing those who have obtained the sublime right to live and are about to begin their sojourn on the physical plane."

Yielding to the feelings of compassion inherent in noble souls, Narcisa again attempted to intercede on her behalf:

"Brother Paul, I was also a great sinner in the past. Please, let's take in this unhappy woman. I promise to make her my special concern."

"My friend," he answered, I know we are all greatly indebted spirits. However, we have improved enough to acknowledge our own weaknesses and work to redeem our errors. All this woman wants, for the time being, is to create disturbance and confusion among our workers of good will. Those who haven't yet freed themselves from the bonds of hypocrisy emit destructive forces. Now, what would be the use of our vigilance if it were not to keep out dangerous influences?"

"Let's prove what I have said." He added, with a meaningful smile. He then approached the beggar and asked her:

"But, my friend," he reasoned, "we must learn to accept expiatory suffering. Why did you so often cut the life thread of helpless little infants, who, with God's permission, were about to begin their redeeming struggle on Earth?"

At these words she looked around apprehensively, assumed a hateful expression and shouted:

"Who is accusing me of this infamy? My conscience is at peace! I spent my whole life on Earth working on behalf of motherhood. I was charitable and pious, good and pure!"

"I am sorry, but the record of your thoughts and actions tell a different story. I believe, sister, that you haven't yet received the benefit of remorse. When you open your soul to the blessings of God, acknowledging your own needs, then you may come to us.

"Devil, Wizard!" She yelled furiously at him, "Satan's own follower! I'll never come here again! I am waiting for the promised heaven, which I hope to find."

"Then please go your own way. Your heaven isn't here. This is a place of work, where patients are aware of their infirmity and are assisted by brothers and sisters of good will to struggle back to health."

"I haven't asked for any remedy of assistance." She retorted angrily. "All I want is the Paradise my good works entitle me to enter."

Shooting us a parting look of hatred, she discarded the assumed appearance of a wandering beggar and walked away defiantly, with firm steps and a haughty gait. Brother Paul gazed at the retreating figure for quite a while, then turned to us and added:

"Did you observe the vampire? She has crime written all over her and pleads innocence. She is obviously wicked and yet declares herself good and pure. She suffers desperately and feigns tranquility. She has created a hell for herself, yet pretends to be looking for heaven."

We listened respectfully to the Chief Warden, who closed his valuable lesson by saying:

"We must always be aware of appearances, either good of bad. Divine Providence never forsakes anybody. Therefore, that unfortunate creature will find aid elsewhere. But for the sake of legitimate charity, in the position I hold here, I couldn't possibly open our doors to her."

1 - By “vampire” the spirit author refers to one who extinguishes life for personal advantage. (Translator’s note.)

The packs of dogs, led by strong workers, halted as they approached us. Within minutes, we were all crossing the broad galleries leading into the Chambers of Rectification. Many attendants were hurrying about. Some of the weaker patients were being helped indoors. Not only Narcisa, Salustius and the others were working; the Samaritans were also doing their utmost, eager to aid the newcomers, some of whom waiting humbly for their turn while others complained loudly.

As I also lent a hand, I noticed an old lady, trying with great difficulty to get down from the last carriage. When she saw me nearby she began to beg:

"Good heavens," she went on, forming the sign of the cross, "thanks to Divine Providence I have escaped purgatory. Oh, the wicked devils which tormented me there. What a hellish place. At last, heavenly angels have come to my rescue."

I helped her down, again curious. For the first time I heard references to hell and purgatory from someone who seemed calm and reasonable to me. Prompted by my curiosity, I inquired:

Thus speaking, oblivious of Laura's advice, I affected great concern, as I had on Earth. The poor woman perceived my interest and began telling her story.

"Very far indeed. On Earth, my son, I was a lady of great virtues, charitable and pious, sincere in my beliefs. What can one do against Satan's wiles? On leaving the world, I found myself surrounded by monstrous beings which dragged me with them in a veritable whirlwind. At first I implored the protection of the Celestial Archangels, but the hellish spirits kept me prisoner. However, I never lost hope of being rescued at any moment, because I had left some money to have monthly masses celebrated for my eternal rest."

Yielding to my pernicious habit of meddling into matters which were none of my business, I insisted:

"How interesting your observations are. Didn't you try to find out the reason you were kept so long in those regions?"

"Absolutely not." She replied, crossing herself again, "As I have already told you, I did my best to be good and pious while on Earth. But you know that nobody is completely free from sin. As a rich woman, I might have led a peaceful life if it hadn't been for my slaves. They were always full of mischief and kept quarreling. Of course, punishment was often necessary. I had to be firm in giving my orders, always scrupulously carried out by my overseers. It wasn't rare for a Negro to die at the whipping post as a warning to others. Sometimes, to avoid trouble, I was obliged to sell slave-mothers, separating them from their children. I felt the sting of my conscience on those occasions, but every month when Father Amancius visited the plantation I went to confession. After having received absolution in the confessional, I was free from all those venial sins and again in peace with God and the world in general."

"But sister, that kind of peace is false. The slaves are also our brothers, and to the Almighty Father, their children are just as good as their masters'."

"God forbid! That could never be! Slaves are slaves, or the Church would teach us otherwise. If there were slaves at the bishop's house, why shouldn't there be on our plantation? Who would work the land if not the Negroes? Believe me, it was an honor for them to live in my slave quarters. On my plantation, Negroes never came to the guests' courtyard except to carry out my orders. Father Amancius, our virtuous priest, once told me at confession that Africans are the worst creatures in the world, born exclusively to serve God in bondage. Do you imagine, then, that I would have scruples in dealing with them? You can be sure that slaves are wicked beings, the devil's own children! I sometimes admire my own patience in tolerating them on Earth. Let me tell you, I passed over most unexpectedly from shock over the Princess' decree abolishing slavery [1]. Just imagine, setting those scoundrels free. It all happened many years ago, but I can still remember it perfectly. I had been feeling poorly for a few days, when Father Amancius came from town with the disastrous news. The blow was terrible, and I began to get worse. How could we go on living with those ruffians at large? Of course, they would want us to pay them back by making us serve them. Wouldn't it be preferable to die, than to serve them? I remember I made my confession with difficulty. When it was over Father Amancius gave me absolution and comforted me with encouraging words. It seems that all devils are African, spying on me all the time, and I have been obliged to suffer their presence until today."

I experienced a strange sense of amazement. The poor slave mistress, gazing with dim eyes at the horizon, remarked:

"It's possible that my nephews forgot to pay the masses, although I left It clearly specified in my will."

I was about to answer her with new ideas on fraternity and faith, when Narcisa approached and said kindly:

"Listen, André, you seem to have forgotten that we are rendering assistance to patients and mentally deranged entities. What good will all this information be to you? Unbalanced people will talk incessantly and whoever listens wastes spiritual attention, and may be no more balanced than they."

She said those words in such sympathetic tones that I flushed with shame and was unable to offer an apology.

"Don't worry, my friend," she went on encouragingly, "let's see to the perturbed brothers."

"Are you including me in their numbers?" Asked the old lady, looking hurt. Narcisa, displaying her excellent expression of sympathy:

"Of course not, my dear, I didn't mean you. However, I think you must be tired after your long stay in the purgatorial zones."

"Yes, indeed I am." The newcomer agreed, "You can't imagine my suffering and how I was tormented by those devils."

The poor thing was about to begin the whole story again, but Narcisa cut her short:

"Do not dwell on evil. I know all about the bitter suffering you had to endure. Now, just relax here while I see to your needs."
Turning to an attendant, she said:

"You, Zenobio, would you please go to the women's department and ask Nemesia to prepare a bed for our new sister awaiting treatment?"

Advanced Study Group of Spiritism