Brazil has a long history of spiritism, which is our relationship with the spirit planes. There are many spiritist centers in Brazil and a significant portion of the population identify as spiritist. As some of you may know, the founder and primary leader of the Casa de Dom Inacio is João Teixeira de Faria, also known as John of God. He prefers to call himself medium Joao and began his healing mission as a young man in central Brazil. He started the Casa in 1978 and before long was seeing hundreds and eventually thousands of people a day for healing. His magnificent work and generosity became known around the world and the Casa became an international spiritual center. Unfortunately for himself and those he sexually abused, Joao was convicted of rape and other crimes in 2018 and after serving time in prison is now under house arrest. He is no longer permitted to return to the Casa. As you might imagine, this has had a profound effect on the center.
As previously mentioned in my first letter from Brazil, I had not returned to the Casa since Joao’s conviction and was shocked at how much it had changed. As a result of his absence, the numbers of people visiting the Casa has dwindled from many hundreds or thousands of people a week to twenty people or so on any given day. Previously, Brazilians would arrive by the busload from various parts of the country, as well as foreigners from around the world. Many came seeking healing, some were curious, while others simply wanted to serve as volunteers. The center became so well known it was sometimes challenging to get a seat in the meditation rooms and the lines were long to see the entity that was incorporated in Joao’s body that would give guidance for the healing treatments. Many of the shops, restaurants and pousadas (where people stay) are closed and the section of the town of Abadiania where the center is located has a very different feel to it. The physical structure of the center and the schedule and protocol that is followed is similar as in the past. But without Joao’s presence and all the changes that have taken place, it feels somewhat like a different spiritual center. It is a good example of impermanence and how everything in our material world changes.
Initially upon arriving, I had judgement and anger of Joao and his unskillful actions that was so painful to many women and led to his imprisonment and the vast changes the Casa has undergone. Sitting in the main meeting hall I felt deep compassion for the women he had harmed and whose trust he betrayed. Some of the people I talked to at the Casa expressed sadness over what happened and the fact that Joao can no longer set foot on the Casa grounds and continue with his healing mission. What took place was devastating for many people and each person affected has to process their emotions and relationship to the Casa as seems appropriate for themselves, especially those who were sexually abused. For myself, it makes no sense to continue to hold onto judgment and anger. There is so much judgement and anger in the world today and our spiritual practice is an invitation to let go of it personally and universally.
Much of my practice recently has been compassion and forgiveness. Meditating alone in the meeting hall I felt my heart open in compassion to Joao, the women he has hurt and those who feel disillusioned and left behind. This has been a painful episode for many and yet I do believe it offers an opportunity for learning and healing. Years ago during one visit to the Casa I was sitting in the surgery room amongst many others feeling a profound love totally envelope me. Spirit said to me “This love is what God is and it is love that heals.” Remembering those words during this visit, I sat for what seemed like hours crying deeply, releasing pain and letting go. Forgiving not just Joao for the service to himself that caused so much pain to others, but also forgiveness for myself and any harm that I have caused others through my fear, anger, and greed in this lifetime. Forgiving others, forgiving ourselves, and asking for forgiveness is a powerful practice. Walking out of the meeting hall into the late afternoon I felt such lightness and ease, as though a burden I had been carrying was lifted from me. Truly, it is love that heals and this loving, healing, energy still pervades the Casa to this day. In a forthcoming letter from Brazil I will further describe how the Casa presently functions and my experiences during this recent visit.
With love, John