Marco Milani
Fernando Porto
Allan Kardec, in The Gospel According to
Spiritism, in the chapter Be Perfect, affirmed that the true spiritist is known by the efforts he puts into mastering his negative inclinations and his moral transformation. In this same chapter where this foundational
exhortation is found, we learn that virtue is the collection of essential
qualities of a virtuous person at his highest level. Consequently, the battle
against vices and the development of virtues is one of the main duties of every
sincere spiritist. But how to achieve this?
The codifier, concerned about how moral
transformation can practically be achieved, questioned the spiritual
benefactors about this matter in question 919 of The Spirits' Book. In response
to the Lyonese master, Saint Augustine, renowned philosopher and theologian of
medieval Christianity, taught us that self-knowledge is considered the
practical and most effective means for a person to improve himself in this
life and resist the allure of evil.
Self-knowledge, as described by the spiritual
friend, is the examination of conscience, reviewing the day's actions to assess
the good and evil practiced. This is a philosophical method of self-observation
called introspection, a reflective attitude that an individual has towards
himself, towards what occurs within him, his experiences, desires, and
challenges.
But this attitude of looking within oneself has
its prerequisites. The first of these is humility, recognizing the need for
self-improvement. Furthermore, it requires maturity and courage. Maturity for
the deep examination of the causes and consequences of one's own actions,
emotions, and thoughts. Courage to confront oneself.
In different traditions and cultures,
self-knowledge is pointed out as a fundamental condition to attain true wisdom,
as exemplified by the inscription at the Delphic Oracle of ancient Greece,
asserting the maxim that guided Socrates in his philosophical approach: 'Oh
man, know thyself, and thou shalt know the gods and the universe.'
Jesus, on the other hand, was one of the
greatest proponents of introspective practice, teaching humanity that the inner
universe must be discovered and understood to truly love oneself and others. By
stating that He came not to bring peace but a sword (Matthew 10:34), Jesus
offers the symbol of the inner struggle we must engage in against our negative
inclinations, dispelling the illusory tranquility of internal conformity in the
face of moral shortcomings. This is the 'good fight' that Paul claimed to have
fought (2 Timothy 4:7).
However, there are several obstacles that can
hinder the process of self-knowledge. When a person doesn't dedicate time to
self-assessment, he remains unaware of his emotions, thoughts, motivations,
values, or behaviors, and may acts in conditioned ways without reflecting on
his actions or consequences.
Since introspection involves looking within
oneself, this attitude can be intimidating for many people. The fear of
confronting uncomfortable emotions, past traumas, or negative aspects of
oneself can impede progress in self-knowledge. Hence, a stance of
self-acceptance and self-welcoming is crucial, allowing the process to unfold
naturally and without unnecessary hindrances.
Conversely, escapist attitudes can emerge
through cognitive distortions that hinder objective reality comprehension, such
as confirmation bias—giving more importance to information that confirms our
beliefs and dismissing those that challenge them—or through self-deception or
rationalization, which are common obstacles to introspection.
Another detrimental factor is the expectations
and opinions of others that can influence self-perception. Social pressures,
cultural norms, and comparisons with others can distort one's self-image and
hinder self-knowledge.
Resistance to change sometimes reflects fear of
the unknown or a desire to maintain familiar patterns, making progress in
self-discovery challenging, just as severe self-criticism can undermine the
capacity for growth and lead to a lack of self-confidence.
Overcoming these obstacles requires time,
effort, and self-discipline, but this shouldn't become a reason for
discouragement or dismay. Thanks to the teachings of Spiritist Doctrine, we
possess, in a clear and objective manner, the essential elements for
understanding our spiritual nature and the secure path to true self-discovery.
"To conquer oneself is the greatest victory
one can achieve," as Plato stated in The Republic, Book VII.
It is through moral and intellectual
development, expressed in deeds and not just in faith, that we will conquer the
battle against pride and selfishness, the true wounds of humanity.
Source: https://usesp.org.br/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/reDE-196-julho-agosto-2023.pdf
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