The third part of O Livro dos Espíritos (The Spirits' Book), titled Das Leis Morais (On the Moral Laws), is regarded by many thinkers and scholars as the most moving and practical section of the entire codification by Allan Kardec. If the first parts deal with the origin of the universe and the immortality of the soul, it is in the moral laws that Spiritism answers the question that echoes in the heart of each of us: how can we live with purpose, dignity and inner peace?
Far from presenting a code of dogmatic or punitive tendencies, Kardec unveils a philosophy of care based on a rational understanding of the consequences of our actions and on the certainty that genuine happiness is linked to the practice of good.
What natural law is and where it dwells
The work defines natural law as the Law of God, stating that it is the only true compass for a person's inner fulfilment. And when answering the historic question of where this law is written, the spirits replied with sublime brevity: "In the conscience".
This means that we do not depend on outside formulas to know the right direction: moral discernment is inherent to the spiritual being, who awakens this clarity as he or she evolves and learns.
The definitive criterion of good and evil
To distinguish good from evil with confidence, Kardec returns to the golden rule taught by Jesus in the Gospel: to wish and do to our neighbour everything we would want done to us, and not to do to them what we would not like to receive.
There is, however, a point that often surprises those who study the work for the first time: in Spiritist ethics, simply refraining from evil is not enough. We are morally responsible not only for the evil we commit, but also for all the good we fail to do within the limits of our strength.
The map of the ten moral laws
For teaching purposes, the work organises the study of morality into ten fundamental chapters, whose understanding guides every area of daily human life:
- Law of Adoration: The innate feeling of connection to God and the comforting strength of prayer.
- Law of Work: Effort as an indispensable instrument of evolution, dignity and progress.
- Law of Reproduction: The preservation of life, family bonds and the marriage of souls.
- Law of Conservation: The discernment between the necessary and the superfluous for a healthy life.
- Law of Destruction: An understanding of the transience of matter and the certainty of spiritual eternity.
- Law of Society: Fraternal coexistence as an indispensable mirror of personal growth.
- Law of Progress: The inescapable march of humanity towards a civilisation of peace and knowledge.
- Law of Equality: Shared dignity before God, social justice and the worth of women.
- Law of Liberty: Free will as a sacred right of choice and its corresponding responsibility.
- Law of Justice, Love and Charity: The supreme synthesis of all the other laws, the foundation of all happiness.
Life's journey with Mundo a Passeio
Studying the moral laws makes us value every moment, every human encounter and every landscape that life offers us. At Mundo a Passeio, we believe that travelling in a group is a living school of fellowship, affection and mutual respect.
Come and share good moments with us on our upcoming caravans. See our itineraries under expeditions or get in touch via WhatsApp.
Sources and references
- KARDEC, Allan. O Livro dos Espíritos (Terceira Parte: Das Leis Morais). Translation by Guillon Ribeiro, Federação Espírita Brasileira.
- Federação Espírita Brasileira (FEB): systematic studies of Spiritist doctrine.
- Mundo a Passeio: reflections on cultural tourism, fraternal fellowship and quality of life.
