Why are some children born into peaceful surroundings and full health, while others face hard organic or social trials from their very first breath? If we had only a single bodily existence, many of these differences would seem incomprehensible and unjust.

In examining the plurality of bodily existences in the second part of O Livro dos Espíritos (The Spirits' Book), Allan Kardec presents the law of reincarnation not as dogma or punishment, but as the most sublime demonstration of divine mercy and divine pedagogy: the granting of new opportunities for learning, redemption and moral progress.

The meaning of the plurality of existences

The book sums up the primary purpose of reincarnation with admirable clarity:

"Expiation, progressive improvement of Humanity. Without this, where is the justice?"

The human soul was not created for eternal condemnation or for idleness. Created simple and ignorant, it needs to go through many experiences in different eras, genders, social conditions and cultures in order to develop all its moral and intellectual potential gradually.

What we do not learn in one life is taken up again, with greater maturity, in the next. Reincarnation is the soul's blessed school, where yesterday's mistake becomes today's lesson and tomorrow's moral victory.

The preservation of identity and affections

A very common question is whether we lose our bonds of love when we change existence. Spiritism firmly affirms that the individuality of the soul remains intact.

Spiritual bonds founded on sincere love and true friendship are never lost: fathers, mothers, children and friends meet again in the spiritual world and return together in new family arrangements to go on supporting one another. Spontaneous affinities, and that unforgettable feeling of already knowing someone at first sight, are often happy echoes of existences shared in the past.

Understanding and tolerance towards others

Understanding reincarnation radically changes our relationship with others. When we realise that we have already been of other nationalities, ethnicities and social classes, all prejudice falls away. The person in a vulnerable situation today is our brother or sister in temporary trial, and the successful person has a responsibility to work for the common good.

This certainty fills the heart with patience, empathy and forgiveness, because we know that divine justice is fulfilled perfectly over the centuries.

Living the journey with Mundo a Passeio

Seeing life as one great and beautiful journey invites us to cultivate friendships, collect good memories and appreciate each destination with a grateful heart. At Mundo a Passeio, our trips are designed to offer moments of deep harmony and fellowship among the participants.

Discover our upcoming itineraries on the expeditions page or get in touch via WhatsApp.

Sources and references