Consistency and hard work in Spiritism helps us develop maturity

Francisco Erionilton Ivo de Sousa, better known as Nilton (photo), is a teacher and writer in the Brazilian city of Fortaleza. He is a volunteer worker and coordinator at the Casa de Francisco Spiritist Studies Society in his hometown. He has become very well known in the Spiritist Movement in recent years because of his online work, helping disseminate the Teachings through the internet. In this interview, he talks about his experience in the Spiritist Movement: 

How do you define, in essence, Spiritist knowledge?

It’s the development of an intimist culture of spiritual awakening, being fully aware of the transient nature of this world and taking into account the immortality of the Spirit. It’s about finding out that our lives don’t really belong to his world. And we must identify, through the development of self-awareness, the true meaning of the tasks we need to carry out, focusing on our individual development and the overall progress of humanity. 

How do you assess the benefits that Spiritism has had on you and those who work at your side in the Spiritist Movement?

The impact of the Spiritist Teachings will change from person to person, as we all absorb and assimilate information in a different way. I have noticed, however, a positive impact when people close to me had to deal with the death of close relatives. But I think we still lack a methodology and an educational model to help us leave behind our habits and addictions in order to achieve a wider spiritual development. Also, the fact that many still bring into Spiritism a religious model based on the illusions of hierarchy and positions of power makes it difficult for them to cultivate true humility.  

What have you learned from your increasing involvement in online activities since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic ?

I’ve reinforced the understanding that each one of us has a temple inside us. I’ve also realised the importance of Spiritist Centres as a place of social gathering and collective action. It has become clear to me that we need to diversify the methodology that we have to teach and study, bringing Spiritism fully into the online world.

What is your assessment of the troubles humanity is currently faced with?

They are challenging indeed, as they involve complex technological challenges and the increasing superficiality of general knowledge. That is particularly relevant for Spiritism, as it demands from each one of us a depth of knowledge. I can see a great deal of anxiety around us and many problems connecting the Spiritist Teaching with reality. Depression is all around us, which makes it hard for us to connect with the people and raise awareness to the real problems they are going through. 

When you consider the small number of people in the world truly connected with Spiritism, can you envisage a practical way of spreading the Teachings, and its benefits, to a wider public?

We must establish groups of people who are able to reflect on the current situation and come up with new teaching methods and platforms that will help disseminate the essence of Spiritism in a more effective manner. 

What are your main memories from your experience in Spiritism?

I always think of those who came to the Spiritist Centre for the first time without any energy, suffering from spiritual attachment and left the Group in a much better state after a first mediumship meeting. And later, as the treatment progressed, they were able to regain their balance. 

What is your favourite activity in Spiritism?

The psychographic work we carry out, through automatic writing, brings comforting messages to everyone from the Spirit World. That, along with the study of the Spiritist books, often helps us bring consolation to those in our meetings. 

What advice would you like to give to Spiritist Centres in Brazil taking into account the lessons learned during the pandemic?

We must diversify the issues and themes that we discuss in Spiritist Centres, taking into account the reality of the world around us. Only that way Spiritism will remain relevant and will be able to fulfil the goals established by Kardec, who, himself, was very aware of the issues that concerned people in his days. 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Bringing consolation and comfort to people is at the heart of Spiritism. That is evidence of its universal character. We must correct the mistakes made by many who still consider Spiritism to be a religion. We must bring Spiritism back to its rightful position within the realm of science and philosophy, with a spiritualist aspect attached to it, without being constrained to any rigid system. We have in our hands a true treasure that can be defined as a revolution in spiritual knowledge on Earth. Understanding it means fully engaging in this transformative revolution. And that starts by changing ourselves and carrying out our inner reform!