James H. Hyslop's Quotation on Existence of Spirits

James H. Hyslop (1854-1920), Columbia University Professor of Logic and Ethics, author, and paranormal researcher, played a major role in psychic research during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In his 1918 book, Life After Death, Hyslop states, "I regard the existence of discarnate spirits as scientifically proved and I no longer refer to the skeptic as having any right to speak on the subject. Any man who does not accept the existence of discarnate spirits and the proof of it is either ignorant or a moral coward. I give him short shrift, and do not propose any longer to argue with him on the supposition that he knows anything about the subject.''

Contacting ~ Communicating with Spirits

I believe many spiritual experiences could be labeled peak experiences or mystical experiences. And that includes contact with spirit, whether spontaneous or by choice. Any contact or communication with spirits can be awe-inspiring, confirming, healing, unifying. Realizing that one is not alone and that there is a connection to the Divine is empowering. Accepting that we are all spiritual beings, whether in the physical body as a spiritual being, or on the other side as a spiritual being; we are all one and the same.

When we begin to acknowledge that we are connected to one another, to the Divine, we have laid the groundwork to sharpen our higher spiritual sense. We are powerful transmitters and receivers. If we learn to think of communication with spirit as an exchange of energy, a radio signal, or an open telephone line, it becomes a normal event, and there is nothing paranormal about it. I personally like Joseph Campbell's explanation of a peak experience as the moments in our lives when we experience our "relationship to the harmony of being."

Have you ever had a mystical or peak experience?
Did it result in positive changes or new understandings?
Have you had a mystical experience that changed your life or your view of life?
Have you experienced a holistic connection during the end of life of a loved one? Or during grief?
What spiritual experiences have you had, either large or small that resulted in healing?

~Linda

 

First Spiritual Temple, Boston, 1885

Founded by Marcellus Ayer

Marcellus Ayer (1839-1921), a teacher, and successful grocer, loved the concept of Spirit and spiritual communication and considered it a doorway into life’s most amazing mysteries and revelations. He considered Spiritualism a gift to Humanity; not limited to one group, nor limited to simple phenomena. It was a gift for all people, of all faiths and denominations.

In the early 1880’s Ayer received inspiration and messages about establishing a church. It was to be a place:

From which the voice of God and Spirit could speak to all people, from all religious and spiritual backgrounds.

From which both the religious and scientific implications of Spirit phenomena and communication could be examined, free from dogma and prejudice.

From which mediumship would not be used to prove one's religious beliefs.

In which the medium would never surpass the message.

He founded the church in 1883, and on April 9, 1884, the cornerstone for the building to be known as The First Spiritual Temple was laid at the corner of Exeter and Newbury Streets, in the Back Bay section of Boston, Massachusetts. It was a beautiful ceremony, with many people in attendance.

The First Spiritual Temple was dedicated and consecrated on September 26th, 27th, and 28th, 1885. Over 1,200 people filled the sanctuary and walked through the Temple's library, lecture hall, and multitude of classrooms. The church grew until about 1910. Soon after the building was converted into Boston's legendary Exeter Street Theatre.

Marcellus Ayer was an avid proponent of the Suffrage Movement and women's rights. He also devoted his energies to expounding health and hygiene. He was very much involved in pioneer psychical research and worked very closely with the renowned medium, Andrew Jackson Davis.

The church and the Ayer Institute is active today in Brookline, MA. The Ayer Institute is “Dedicated to Understanding The Journey of the Soul and the Gifts of the Spirit.”

~Linda

Life

“It is often said that one has but one life to live, but that is nonsense. For one who reads, there is no limit to the number of lives that may be lived, for fiction, biography and history offer an inexhaustible number of lives in all periods of time.” –Louis L’Amour, Author (1908-1988)

“I can find my biography in every fable that I read.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)

“We must be willing to get rid of the life we planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” ~Joseph Campbell (1904-1987)

“Even when you think you have your life all mapped out, things happen that shape your destiny in ways you might never have imagined.” ~Deepak Chopra

“I just found it interesting to talk to adults I admired, and to discover that the path they took was never all that clearly defined. It was comforting to me when I figured out that you don't have to know what you want to do with your life; you just have to take a few steps in one direction, and other opportunities will open up.” ~Anderson Cooper, CNN Television Reporter

“Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson