BELIEF IN SPIRIT LIFE
“We know your great desire to learn the truth, and we are allowed to answer that desire, for we are the truth, the truth of life eternal. We are the proof of the farther life to which all must come, and we are here to give unmistakable evidence of the life eternal. We too were mortals, we too suffered the earth life with all its mistaken beliefs, its poverty of thought and ideals. But even so, we are here to bear testimony to the final uplift of the soul, and its indescribable power of growth and progress. Believe in us. Believe in a just and true God who adds to our poor earthborn lives, with their darkened beliefs and groping knowledge, the pure heavenly existence with its first real liberty of choice and progress.”
‘Why do you say the first real liberty?’
“Because we began our earthly existence with tendencies and characteristics for which we were not responsible, and which fettered our liberty.”
‘But do you not begin that life still fettered by earthborn habits?’
“Yes, partially. But think how many chains have been removed: physical weakness, the fight against poverty, the necessary effort to gain a living, race problems, and many others. We are at least free from these.”
“It is a sorrowful condition we behold on earth, and we wish to try to give a new thought that will turn the world to better things. It is not easy to say something really new; you have exhortations from the pulpits that should be sufficient. But they seem to have lost their effect. We know that materialism is leading many into habits of life and thought that will defer their awakening and advance here very seriously. This is not necessary for most of them, for they are not evil, and in many cases not especially selfish. But the strong thought that they hold, that there is no future life, reacts upon them to such an extent that they fail to respond to the influences here after they arrive. We have no influence upon such people while they are on earth, of course. If we did, they would not be adopting these wrong beliefs.”
FIRST EXPERIENCES
“I am not a novice in this life anymore. I have been on this side for fifteen years, and have been in active service most of the time. But I was a beginner at one time, as all are who come here. No one arrives with full-fledged spirit powers. It is easy for some to begin to use their spirit sight and hearing, but it was difficult for me. I had not given a thought in earth life to what would be necessary in this. I did believe in a future life, and I was not long in a really unconscious state after arriving. But I was grievously disappointed at first that I did not find the beautiful heavenly life which I had been taught to expect.
“It was not entire darkness; I could see dimly. But all that was visible was drab and unattractive. I could hear nothing, and could see no living being. You can imagine a little how surprised I was and how puzzled. I knew that my earth life was over; I had been very ill, and had been conscious until nearly the last. So there was no misunderstanding about the fact that I had died. But I could not understand what existence could mean, where there was so little I could see, and nothing I could hear.
“After a time—I don’t know how long it was—I realized that there were other beings near me. I was conscious at times of shadow-like forms that moved. I watched them, trying to understand what they meant. I was not particularly interested, for I did not in the least suspect that they were beings like myself. If I thought anything, it was that they were animals of some kind.
“I was, of course, not in full possession of my reasoning faculties. When spirit first throws off the material envelope, there is a shock—not always a severe one, but often sufficient to leave the mentality in a dazed condition, hardly more than a dream-like state. If I had then possessed full powers of reasoning, I could no doubt have soon concluded that the shadows meant something to me. But at first I simply watched them curiously. They came and went, sometimes a few, sometimes many. I think it must have been months before it dawned upon me that they might be spirits. Then I began to really think things out. I first concluded that possibly spirit was always rather ghostly; possibly these shadows were only conscious of me as a shadow. I pondered over this for some time. I finally concluded that there must be more to heaven than such shadowy creations. Something must be wrong somewhere. I made no attempt to study myself, I only wondered about the others. Why were they unable to make a more solid appearance?
“It was a long study; and only after extended cogitation did I suddenly begin to wonder if the fault might lie with me. This thought interested me tremendously. I began to speculate on what spirit sight might be like, and I soon saw that it would necessarily be different from earthly sight. I was not successful in my conclusions at first as to the method by which I would have to see, but I was able to perceive things more plainly just because I realized that I myself was the one at fault. When we realize our own shortcomings, a great advance is made toward eliminating them, no matter what they are.
“I was soon conscious that I had greatly increased my powers of vision, for I could now see these other beings quite plainly. And I saw that they were conscious of my presence, even seemed to be trying to communicate with me in some manner. But no sound whatever reached my consciousness.
“It was a great relief, however, to discover that there was a change taking place, that I was really able to see things. I was amazed at the beings I saw. I could not believe now that I was in the right place, for I could not conceive that I could belong with such wonderful beings. You must understand that a spirit who has arrived at a full understanding of the life here, and who feels the urge to live the life of spirit love and service, such spirit expresses the purity of its character by its outward appearance. Not only the features become wonderfully beautiful, but the garments likewise are glorified. And to my unaccustomed eyes, these spirits about me could not be less than angels from on high. I could not feel I belonged with any such advancement.
“So I wondered and waited. As I watched, I became aware that these glorious shapes were communicating with each other. I studied this over, and as my mind became more active, I realized that hearing must be a spirit power as well as sight. No sooner had I reached this conclusion than I was conscious of sound. And, oh, the sweetness of that first musical tone! Heavenly music indeed! I was entranced! I was in heaven after all! Not only were there beautiful angels, but I surely was going to hear the heavenly choirs!
“It was not long before I could hear spoken words, and then everything was soon explained to me. It was a day of joy; an exhilaration that I probably will never experience again. But there has been no disappointment since. My education was not rapid, but I advanced surely, and I am now experiencing the pleasures that I only faintly glimpsed in the teachings of my earth life.
“When I first became able to understand the spirits about me, I was not sure that I would ever be like one of these wonderful beings; but I did begin to realize that there was opportunity for me to learn more of my new surroundings.
“I was never much of a student on earth and so for a time I was content to enjoy the beautiful scenes about me. I was curious, however, to learn what made the difference in appearance between myself and the others, and my questions were freely answered. I was told that it was necessary for me to work out my own advancement. I was to learn from all sources that appealed to me, and when I decided what I most wished to take up as a study, the rest would be easy.
“I was not interested at first in the work they were doing for the new arrivals. I was too much occupied in using my newly found powers of sight and hearing. I was selfish, of course, in not thinking of all that had been done for me. But I had not been a model of unselfishness on earth, and my character did not change at once. I was gradually drawn to the work of helping others by the fact that several whom I had known on earth came to this side, and my curiosity led me to watch them. It was not long until one of them began to regain consciousness, and I was eager to welcome him and explain to him what I had learned. In this way my work for these new spirits was taken up; and for a long time I did little else.
“I was being slowly educated in spirit life by all that I saw and heard around me. And my inquiring mind finally caused me to realize that there were higher things to learn. I was not much inclined to join any class for study, but I did take time to go to other circles and see what was being done. I had always been interested in music, but was never a musician. It was something I never felt I could master. When I listened to the wonderful music here I was enthusiastic over its beauty. I wondered if it might be possible for me to do anything with it myself. I was led to undertake the study, and I am now progressing slowly.
“You will wonder why I am selected to tell you of my life here, for I have nothing novel to relate. My experience could be duplicated in most ways by thousands of others.
“I was well known on earth, and my name would be recognized by many. I am sure, though, that most of my old friends will be amazed to learn that I have decided to study music. I was a politician on earth, and was more interested in swaying the opinions of other men than in educating any special talent in myself. I was always interested in seeing my political party in power, and bent all my energies toward showing the people that it was the proper remedy for their ills.
“I was not a married man. I lived in an eastern city, and was known as a ‘good fellow’ there and in other cities where I had occasion to go. I was a traveler to some extent, having visited Europe a number of times. I never held office myself, and was never a candidate. I wonder if you will be able to get my name?”
THE STUDENT
A new personality appeared one evening with questions for us to answer. He proved to be an earnest seeker after information, but his first questions aroused our suspicions as to the sincerity of his inquiries. The whole interview was an entire surprise, and should cause the skeptic to think long and carefully if he is inclined to place the origin in the subconscious mind of the psychic. Such persons always try to make the subconscious mind more wonderful than it really is. Sis took up the pencil with the intent to ask Mary some questions, but there was no wait for them. The pencil began at once:—
“Will you take a message from one who wishes to communicate?”
‘Is it any one I know?’
“Will you try to listen to what he says?”
‘Is this Mary?’
“Will you try to take his message?”
‘Who is writing? Are you any one I know?’
“Will you try to take his words?”
‘I want to know who is writing first?’
“He is known here as a student of theosophy and would like to tell you of his conclusions.”
‘I would like first to know just who you are?’
“Will you be patient while he explains?”
‘Are you the ancient spirit who once tried to write?’
“No, I am not the one whom Mary refused to allow. I am a student of many things, and am very much interested in the various beliefs of the future, for even here there is room for different beliefs and creeds. I am not convinced of the ways of the eastern philosophers, yet their reasoning is often eloquent and persuasive. What do you believe is the final condition, the ultimate fate of the soul?”
‘We do not believe eastern philosophy, but rather that there is progression on that side as on this, and that progress continues indefinitely.’
“Will that theory be received by logicians, do you think? Will you tell me if many believe in eternal progress? Will you tell me your reasons for believing it?”
‘That is what we have been taught from that side, and it appeals to our reason.’
“Is it better than a state of heavenly calm and happiness—Nirvana? Or better even than a return to earth to live out other and higher lives?”
‘But we are told that the soul does not return to earth?’
“That is the opinion of many wise ones here. I am asking for the wisdom of the earth mind and desire only.”
‘Many here believe in reincarnation; but it seems so much more reasonable to us that progress goes on from there, rather than to come back into the sins and sorrows of this world to try to progress. It would seem to offer much more happiness to leave all earthly troubles behind forever.’
“That is admirable, and looks like true happiness; but I wonder if it is the truth?”
‘Cannot you find out if it is the truth?’
“I am interested in developing myself by study and by contact with the thoughts and beliefs of others.”
“Then why do you not seek the highest teachers there?”
“I shall some time, and will apply myself closely. But at present I am trying to get at some consensus of earth opinion.
‘If I were looking for higher things, trying to learn of final conditions, I would not look backward to earth conditions.’
“You do not quite understand me, I am sure, and perhaps it is not necessary. But if one should be a teacher of the progress of life on earth, would he not begin with the lower forms?”
‘Are you a teacher?’
“I am trying to prepare myself for a teacher, and I have a certain delight in studying the evolution of belief in the past, and the probable evolution of belief in the future.”
‘I am still wondering why you do not try to get this from teachers there?’
“Will you believe that I am not a foolish inquirer. I am truly working along the lines I have described. The spirits here have evolved too far to be a beginning of such history, and I have wished to go back to the earth and start at the beginning. You are a long way from the beginning, but yet a link in the great chain of evidence. How I wish I could show you the infinitely subtle and varied changes from age to age, from soul to soul, each age leading a little higher in effort and belief, each age overcoming much of superstition and ignorance. Just now belief and faith on earth are being made so complex by the shadings of philosophy, psychology and other new thought, that it is hard to move on or up in a straight line. But I tell you the study is fascinating, and so you will see it some day.
“You look for an abiding place for your faith. I am studying the different phases or ‘abiding places’ which have served for millions of years. I am not frivolous, I am interested, and preparing to help others on this side when I can.”
‘Well, it has seemed to us to be far more satisfactory to go on developing ourselves, our personality, our individuality, continuously on that side, rather than to strive for a state of calm, an eternity of perfection, where one, as Mary has said, would have nothing to do but to contemplate one’s own bliss.’
“You have said it! To all of which I say, Amen!”
‘Then why are you a student of theosophy?’
“Well, are you not interested sometimes in even heathen rites? I am.”
‘Yes, certainly, as a matter of history.’
“Well then you can guess the interest I have in this study.”
‘What is your opinion of the final goal?’
“We are not told definitely. Do you think there would be much of interest in life if every step of the future could be seen? Would not life pall and become uninteresting? We are left much of the old adventurous spirit; we are constantly stimulated with the problems that appear before us. And because the earth people cannot understand, they cavil at the difference of opinion expressed on this side. They do not know that because of the freedom of thought and study on this side our lives are full of tremendous interest. To learn! To know! To choose the wisest and best! That is life!”
A year or two later we asked again for this writer or student. He was sent for and wrote:—
“I am here and glad to come. What do you wish me to talk about?”
‘It has been a long time since you talked to us. What have you been doing meantime?’
“You may well ask what I have found of interest in that time. The year has been fruitful of all things that make for progress and knowledge. I have gone on with my efforts to study the philosophies of different minds and peoples.”
‘Have you been long in the spirit world?’
“Not many years, but they have meant much, meant more than a lifetime on earth.”
‘We have been reading articles in the magazines that are rather disheartening to one who looks at the spiritual side of things. Scientists are busy supporting material doctrines in so many cases.’
“They have about reached the limit in their particular line of reasoning. Science and scientific investigation seem to develop a high degree of intellect, but they lose out on the spiritual side. Now, the belief here is that as all of this investigation fails to account for life and progress—infinite progress, eternal progress—they will finally, as a last resort, turn to the spiritual side of life again.
“Somewhere in the mind and soul of man is the unsatisfied longing for a greater perfection of life and character, a desire for something beyond the fevered struggle for mortal existence; something to rest upon. And through this desire the spiritual side of life is bound to awaken. It is the thought here, and we wait confidently for man himself to demand this last and highest evolution.”
Referring to the magazine articles again, we said that some of the writers seemed to think that religion was just a passing phase.
“Religion is a phase, but is the highest phase, and will not pass away. The germ of this religious longing existed in the life principle, and has kept pace with man up through his whole career; not always wise, not always even spiritual, as the pagans have shown, but always the longing for something higher and better. This is the God-given part of evolution.”
‘It is difficult to convince some.’
“The convincing part will come of itself eventually, for it is inherent in the soul.”
‘Our fear is that so many are ready for an excuse to turn away from any spiritual demand, ready to make the most of a material existence, that all morality will be destroyed?’
“That tendency will destroy morality if it conquers the world. But it will not conquer! We here know that, and already see the signs of a higher thought and the rebirth of spirituality. Forces are at work on both sides here, but a higher force than either will finally conquer.”
‘A few here believe that, and also profess to believe that a spiritual leader will soon arise?’
“Not as a Messiah, but as a spiritual awakening and a joining of that life to this: the study and practice of drawing near to us, and of finding the proof of this life over and over again, and the education spiritually that will come from this phase.”
We spoke of the discouragements that appeared in so many ways.
“You must stop measuring and stop doubting! Give the truth to the world as you see it, and let this truth do its own work.
“Do not worry. It will all come about at last. Study evolution as I have done and see the slow growth of character and knowledge throughout uncounted ages, and comfort yourself with the belief that you are putting a thought here and there, planting it like a seed which will spring up and bring a larger harvest than you imagine.
“We see the increase in wickedness and crime, and we grieve over the chaos. We know of the cruelties there, but we also see the tenderness that is given to those who have come through the shadows to us—we mean the innocent sufferers from earth’s cruelty. As to the criminals: be sure their crimes must find atonement before they can come into happiness. Justice is a big word, but it is the foundation of kindness.
“We do not look upon the world as you do. The hopelessness, as it seems to you there, is illumined by our knowledge here, and our unfaltering faith in the powers of good. We believe in God, in all and through all and overall. And we have proof of His existence that you cannot have there. We never doubt the final outcome. But the way is long, and at present filled with pitfalls and darkness to the eyes of mortals. Do not fear! Work as you can, and trust for the rest.”
THE PARTNERS
When our leaders on the other side were away one evening, the time was filled by another member of their circle who wrote through my pencil as follows:—
“We would like to tell of our experiences, as they are a little out of the ordinary. We are two who were associated in business in earth life. We were in a western city not far from Chicago. We were not very well educated, but had many years of business experience, and had always been together. We were not interested in books or reading of any kind, except the items of local interest, and occasional articles that were concerned with business. We talked a good deal with people whom we met, and were, I think, considered intelligent.
“We were church members, but not active; attended occasionally when our families were persuasive enough. We gave no thought to a future life, just lived a day-to-day existence. We were not wealthy, but always had plenty to make us feel comfortable. We both had automobiles, and liked to ride when opportunity offered, which was usually on Sunday.
“It so happened one Sunday that few from our families wished to ride, so four of us were in my automobile including my friend and partner. We miscalculated at a railroad crossing and we two soon found ourselves on this side. That is, we left our earthly bodies. Here is where our unusual experience comes in.
“We had just been laughing and talking about an article in the paper concerning ghosts. After our spirits left our bodies, we each seemed to realize that an accident had occurred, but each thought himself uninjured. But each could see the spirit form of the other, and its peculiar appearance to his new powers of spirit sight convinced him that his partner had been killed and that his ghost was still present. It was a ‘Comedy of Errors,’ if ever there was one,—right in the midst of tragedy. Each thinking himself in the flesh and the other a ghost, there was no attempt to speak, so the mistake was not discovered.
“After the first excitement was over we seemed to drift into oblivion for a time, and we think it must have been some months before we were aware that we were alive only in spirit. During that time we were separated. We were quite slow in gaining our knowledge of what had happened. Our experiences were not just the same, but nearly so. I think the realization that I had died probably came to me the earlier. When I did realize this I was so filled with despair at leaving my earthly existence, and so little used to spirit ways, that all thought of my partner was absent for a long time. It seems his experience was slightly different. At any rate, he thought of me, and at once began to search for me. Because of our close companionship he soon found me, and we have started on the road together.
“We had a hearty laugh over our ghostly experience, but also mingled with sorrow for our families left behind, two of whom were badly injured at the time we were killed. But as time passes, and we learn of the beauties and joys of this life, we realize that we have lost our desire to really return to earth life, and we anticipate now the things that we may attain in the future.”
EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS
“We are not Mary and Dee. We are friends who wish to find friends on earth.”
‘Is Mary there?’
“Not now; but she is willing that we should write. When she comes she will tell you that she has given us permission.”
Mary, our leader on that side, usually guards the writing very carefully to prevent undeveloped or malicious spirits from bothering.
“We wish to know if anyone has survived the great catastrophe which brought us over?”
Sis had been reading about recent mine disasters in the papers, and naturally this was in her mind. But the pencil went on, quite away from that thought:—
“We were killed in the earthquake in Japan, and so many came, we wonder if any were left?”
‘Were you Japanese?’
“We were Americans, resident in Yokohama. We came as suddenly as if shot out of a cannon. I cannot describe the awfulness. We were not the first to come, and so had the terror, the horrible scenes of prevailing death, before we ourselves were killed.”
‘How were you killed?’
“Falling walls, opening ground, and tidal waves all seemed to combine for the one unendurable moment in which we found our destruction. Then all was blank, all silence; knowledge faded, fear departed, leaving a sense of deep and quiet rest.”
This seems to us to give in a few words a wonderful picture of the moment of death.
‘Do you know the response the United States made for help?’
And Sis related some of the things that were done.
“That is like the U.S.A., all one way or all the other! Will they now be at peace with Japan, I mean in the true sense of neighborliness?”
‘I am afraid the old color prejudice is too strong.’
“We too had some of that same prejudice when there. But, ah! if you could only see their white souls now! You would grieve over the blindness that refused to recognize them in their earth life!
“We have one message to give: that we live, and that each is going to his or her ‘own place.’ For not all souls are white, not all are risen above selfishness, not all were kind instead of cruel, not all put service in place of self-seeking.”
Mary came at this moment, and wrote:—
“This is a true message. We know of the long and patient endeavor of their guardians to bring them out of their mortal condition of terror and pain.”
