Suely Caldas Schubert
It’s very difficult for a person who was accustomed to a religion with rituals to divest themselves of all these practices when they join Spiritism. There are also many who became Spiritists since birth, but bring from other lives a religious background linked to rites, dogmas and external practices. They find it difficult to experience the simplicity and detachment that the spiritist teachings present.
Most people still feel the need to worship images, symbols, myths and attitudes. They feel the need to make their faith evident and fortified. The conditioning imposed by society adds to this, since the majority act in this manner, says this is the best process, in a tradition form that is passed from generation to generation.
Such people carry with them all these habits when they come to Spiritism. These will be transformed by constant repetition. They act automatically and make it very difficult for them to incorporate new habits that are totally opposite to the old ones. It takes time, awareness and willpower.
Many of these exterior practices are more easily suppressed. More subjective ones, however, remain firm, coming to surface in the exact times when the external stimulus comes through.
So it’s common to find those who are still wedded to images in the Spiritist Centres’ while others consider it essential for mediums to use white clothes; there are those who recommend salt baths or white rose petals baths in preparation for the mediumship work, etc.
Detachment of these practices is quite difficult in relation to death. A week after the funeral of a loved one, relatives believe it’s essential to pray in a public meeting of the Spiritist centre; sometimes even requesting a special service in honour of the deceased. Many comrades are even resentful with the institutions that don’t adopt such practices, thinking that they are indifferent, ungrateful or show little appreciation to the pain they are feeling.
The same occurs in the celebration dates. When a child is born they can’t understand why there isn’t a special prayer offered at the Centre for the Spirit that has just reincarnated. If there is a wedding they would like the celebration to take place in a meeting, in the Spirit Centre so that the spiritual link is firmed. They judge the spiritual mentors should come to bless the child that is born, the couple that is united, the Spirit that passed away... Concessions are being made to better meet these needs and please the public.
We deeply respect the feelings that are still rooted in people's souls. But Spiritism doesn’t have external practices. We believe, through these teachings, that all these religious demonstrations are absolutely unnecessary.
In the book ‘Nos Bastidores da Obsessão’ (Behind the Scenes of Obsession), psychographed by Divaldo Franco, Manoel Philomeno de Miranda, focuses on this issue in chapter 16 in his book. He records the explanations of the Spirit José Petitinga who was asked by a young spiritist on the eve of his marriage if there should be a ceremony in Spiritism to celebrate all the great events of life. Some excerpts from his answer were transcribed below:
"– Spiritism is the doctrine of Jesus, in spirit and truth. It doesn’t have formulas or rites; no appearances or representatives; no ministers. It’s the religion of love and truth, in which each is responsible and accountable for their actions, according to their knowledge of Immortality; of the duties. 'It’s the Religion of Philosophy, the Philosophy of Science and the Science of Religion', as Vianna de Carvalho predicted in our house, with precise reasons. Everything the Spirits told the Missionary Allan Kardec is founded on the Gospels.
- And couldn’t we offer a prayer of thanksgiving in such moments? [The groom asked, interested in hearing from Petitinga]
- Yes, we can pray, but in the intimacy of our hearts; in the silence of the room. A public prayer always requires someone who’s better trained; who’s a good and inspired speaker. Thus, we will transfer to others what we must do. To pray is to bathe in light and feel the peace that arises from communion with the Higher Plane. We must do it ourselves; each one in private. Let’s avoid our emotions and our festivities are transformed into external worship... Each one of us here present, must be in silent prayer of good thoughts, in an attitude of prayer by the seriousness of our acts, by the moral and brotherly respect that we must all nurture for each other...
Spiritism is a religion that reconnects the creature to the Creator. Let’s have more attitudes than just words! Spiritism leads the human being to a deep inner experience, which is difficult to be achieved for many people as they also need external practices; ostensive demonstrations. However when we begin to grasp Spiritism and incorporate it within us, we’ll gradually strip all external practices. When our faith is solidified by rational and logical thinking, when we are sure of the divine protection, the presence of Spiritual Friends, the reality of the afterlife, the redemptive opportunity that reincarnation provides this’ll give us hope of the future.
Let us always remember that there is no need for any ceremonies for the Spiritual Benefactors to support, help and love us. We only need our thoughts in prayer and our hearts in tune with good.
We learn that it is in our homes, in the depths of our hearts and close to the ones we love, cultivating noble feelings, we should worship God. If doubts still exist, let’s remember Allan Kardec, the missionary of the Third Revelation, who didn’t need symbols, rituals and ceremonies to receive Jesus through the High Spirits, the Comforter He promised to mankind. He became an apostle of Truth in the austerity and sobriety of his study room, with only a plume and paper.
Text published in the Journal ‘Reformador’ - February 2005, pages 18 and 19.