Sticking to
the True Message
GEAE's
Spiritist Messenger 057 - December 2004
Editorial
Dear Reader,
In order for us to benefit from the teachings brought forth by the
spiritual revelation, it is essential that we study it starting from
its primary source. The codification
is the primary source of the teachings conveyed to mankind by spirits
of high degree of evolvement. It comprises the set of laws and
principles, as revealed by Superior Spirits, contained in the works of
Allan Kardec, which constitute the Spiritist Doctrine: The Spirits’
Book,
The Mediums' Book, The Gospel According to Spiritism, Heaven and Hell,
and Genesis.
In
the first chapter of the book Genesis,
which bears the title Character of the
Spiritual Revelation, Kardec
explains in a very clear and logical way that the Spiritist Doctrine is
a revelation, which by its nature has a two-fold character: it is at
the same time a divine
and a scientific revelation. He asserts the
following:
“In a word, that which characterizes
the
spiritual revelation is the divine source from which it proceeds, -
that the initiative belongs to the spirits, and that the elaboration is
the work of man.”
It
is imperative for those who are animated by a firm and sincere
determination to clearly understand the message of the Spiritst
Doctrine in its entirety, to study systematically
the works of the codification. These books are the primary source of
the messages conveyed to each and everyone of us. They are the
appropriate tools that will enable us to reach the relative
truth that each and every one of us are able to pursue in order to
achieve progress and amelioration. These messages are of a such
magnitude and affect us so greatly, that the task of pursuing the key
understanding of their meaning cannot be left to anyone but ourselves.
In
the aforementioned
book and chapter, speaking about the greatness of the messages
comprised in the spiritual revelation, Allan Kardec assured:
“It has caused a revolution in ideas, a revolution
so great and powerful that it is not circumscribed to any one people,
much less to one caste, but reaches simultaneously the heart of all
classes, all nationalities, all civilizations.”
Striving in order to know thyself and to search for the truth is a duty
that belongs to each and everyone of us alone. Nobody will do this job
for us. Therefore, none of us will achieve progress, which is the major
reason why we are here right now, in this planet, if we do not work
hard to acquire knowledge.
The Dark Age, when religious fanaticism with its repression and
unenlightenment prevailed, is gone. Nowadays, progress and scientific
knowledge allow us to claim the undeniable right of seeking truth for
ourselves. Let us not be led astray and refrain from taking the steps
that will eventually lead us to intellectual and moral progress.
Spiritism comprises a
set of rational
principles derived from an unquestionable source of goodness and moral
excellence: superior spirits whose main goal is to help mankind to
achieve progress and establish a new order of fraternity and peace in
the Planet Earth. In its universal appeal it imposes no barrier or
condition and it endeavors solely to touch the hearts and minds of all
people through reason, for it practices no proselytism and is not
confined by the limits of orthodox rules or regulations. However, in
order for one to understand the real meaning that the Spiritist Doctrine conveys and benefit from its teachings,
it is necessary to dedicate a great deal of commitment through a
serious and persistent study, starting from
its primary source, that is, the works of the codification. Once more
we will profit from listening to the advice of Allan Kardec, excerpted
from the Introduction to The Spirits' Book:
“Let us add that the study of
such
a theory as that of Spiritism, which introduces us at once to an order
of ideas so novel and so grand, can
only be fruitfully pursued by persons of a serious turn of mind,
persevering, free from prejudice, and animated by a firm and sincere
determination to arrive at the truth.” (my underline).
It is also essential
to pay heed to the advice of one of the greatest messengers, who had
come to Earth to help us in our journey towards progress and
enlightenment. Here is what the great and beloved brother BUDDHA tells us:
“Do not believe in anything (simply)
because you have heard it. Do not believe in traditions because they
have been handed down for many generations. Do not believe in anything
because it is spoken and rumored by many. Do not believe in anything
(simply) because it is found written in your religious books. Do not
believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and
elders. But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything
agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and
all, then accept it and live up to it.”
Much Peace
Antonio Leite - Editor