Ivando Xavier Coutinho (photo) is a retired hairdresser and a volunteer worker at two Spiritist Centres in the city of Jundiaí, in the Brazilian state of São Paulo. At the Nova Luz, or New Light, he coordinates the mediumship meetings, and at the José Herculano Pires Spiritist Centre he occupies the post of president of the Board of Directors. In this interview, he speaks about his involvement in the Spiritist Movement and the spiritual transition the planet is going through:  

What is your assessment of the process of spiritual transition of the planet, focusing on the new generations?

Little by little we are transitioning from a world of Trials and Tribulations and rising to a new spiritual level, as we become a world of Regeneration. In this phase we will still see a great deal of pain and challenges aimed at rescuing Spirits who are incarnated on Earth. At the same time, we will observe an arrival of great numbers of Spirits who are at a more advanced stage of development. I see this period as a good opportunity for those willing to work hard for good causes, so we are all able to play a part in the establishment of this new, improved world. 

Do you think chapter 18 of Allan Kardec’s Genesis [entitled ‘The Time Has Come’] continues to be relevant for those interested in this issue?

Yes, I agree with the idea that we are moving forward and, as the generations are renewed, we will witness the full establishment of a world of Regeneration on Earth. But we need to be patient, as progress will be slow and gradual. 

What strikes you the most about the current period we are living on the planet?

There is increasing awareness of the fact that we must respect our differences and help one another. I’ve been watching with joy as more and more people reject all ideas of discrimination and social injustice. 

How about Brazil?

I’m passionate about our country, where Spiritism has truly flourished. The religious freedom we enjoy here is a clear sign that we will play an important role in the planet’s transition towards a world of Regeneration. 

What would you say about the teenagers and young people of today?

I recognise in the young people of today the Spirits who will transform this world with their virtues and good will. And the more their parents help guide this new generation, with good examples and guidelines, the faster we will move up in the hierarchy of the universe. 

What examples can you give us to show that these new young inhabitants of our planet are indeed different?

I’ve observed that many children and young people these days have a genuine concern about nature, and true respect for the environment and the animal kingdom. Many were already born vegetarians and others have become vegetarians later when they understood the abuse against animals. But what really strikes me in regards to this new generation is their respect to the rights of other people. I’ve noticed many times how young people now form a queue, instead of trying to get in first, and they defend the rights of everyone and equality for all without any form of discrimination. 

Is there a particular event or memory that you would like to share with us?

There’s a unique case of a five-year-old boy who surprised his teacher when he refused to strike back a school bully, preferring, instead, to follow a strategy of non-violence. At the end of the school year, the teacher told the boy’s parents that she’d never seen anything like that. And she added that she would never forget that boy.

What happened was that there was a violent boy in class, a bully who beat up anyone who sat next to him at their double desk. To try to solve the problem, the teacher told the boy I mentioned above, who was much taller, to sit next to the bully. After a while, the boy asked to talk to the teacher. He asked her to do something about the bully, because he was assaulting him almost daily. 

The teacher told the boy to strike back and teach him a lesson. After all, he was taller and stronger. He replied that even though he wasn’t going to that. He reminded her that his father had enrolled him in karate classes and he knew that he would hurt his colleague if he decided to strike back. And then he gave her an ultimatum: he was going to talk to the boy’s mother or the headteacher if she wasn’t able to come up with a solution. 

She then asked him if he could suggest anything. And he came up with a solution, which for him, was very simple and straightforward. He said that the bully only assaulted other boys when the teacher wasn’t looking. So, if the teacher moved him to the front row, he would no longer do it. And that’s what happened. The teacher was able to keep an eye on the trouble-maker and he never assaulted anyone again.

Is there anything else you would like to add?