“Even as a tree has a single trunk, but many branches and leaves, there in one religion but any number of faiths.”
“The world is weary of hate. We see the fatigue overcoming the Western nations.”
Mohandas Gandhi Born Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi on Oct.2 1869 at Porandar on the Western coast of India. Married at age 13 to Kasturbai whilst still attending school. Mahatma Gandhi achieved much, but surely his most remarkable achievement was proving to the world that great change could be wrought through peaceful means. He brought freedom to a fifth of the world’s population and demonstrated that material possessions alone could not bring happiness or peace of mind. Gandhi challenged established belief systems, intolerance and ignorance, becoming a champion for peace and was affectionately dubbed Bapu or, Father of the Nation. Mahatma Gandhi founded no church or religion and yet lived completely by faith.
Born August 4th, 1901 in New Orleans, USA and died in his sleep on July 6th, 1971 at home in Queens, New York. Louis Armstrong was born into poverty and began singing on the streets at a very young age for spare change. From these humble beginnings he rose to transform Jazz with his unique voice and magnetic charisma. His musical colleagues named him ‘Satchelmouth’, however this was changed to Sachmo in recognition of his infectious, wide grin. He appeared in many Hollywood films, introduced scat singing and was a virtuoso trumpet player. Louis Armstrong was a major financial backer for Dr.Martin Luther King and other civil rights activists.
"The Hound of the Baskervilles” - Shelock Holmes Series
“ What does Spiritualism actually Teach and Stand for?”
Arthur Conan Doyle Born 22nd, May 1859 in Edinburgh Scotland to Irish parents and died on July 7th, 1930. Doyle studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh and often claimed his practice was so slow he had ample time to write. And write he did. He was perhaps best known for his classic crime fiction series, ‘Sherlock Holmes’. Arthur Conan Doyle, through his advocacy of justice, managed to free two condemned men. This led to the formation of a Court of Criminal Appeal; a forum for challenging injustice which still operates today. In his latter life, Doyle was heavily involved in Spiritualism, writing in great detail his thoughts and ‘evidence’ of psychic phenomena and the after-life.
“The Teaching of Silver Birch”
“The Silver Birch Book of Questions and Answers”
During a 61 year association with medium Maurice Barbanell (who died July 17th, 1981 and was founder of the ‘Psychic News’), Silver Birch answered countless questions on a huge range of topics. His teachings are recorded in numerous books, transcribed direct from audio of his séance appearances. Arguably the most revered Spiritual teacher of all time, Silver Birch offers insights, advice and inspiration surpassing anything before, and since. He has appeared to a psychic artist as a Native American Indian with a single feather; however this may well be a convenient persona to present to those of us here. Silver Birch stated he would not return after the death of Barbanell, but has visited once more through the Circle of the Silver Cord. This appears to perhaps reflect his dire concern for the state of the world right now. Silver Birch is a highly spiritually evolved being who honours us with his messages and presence.
Harry Houdini (1874 – 1926), whose real name was Ehrich Weiss (which was changed from Erich Weisz when he emigrated to america), was a Hungarian-American magician, escapologist, stunt performer, as well as an investigator and debunker of spiritualists. Houdini's magical training allowed him to expose frauds who had successfully fooled many scientists and academics. These activities cost Houdini the friendship of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, a firm believer in spiritualism. Houdini left his wife a secret code and she held yearly séances on Halloween for ten years after his death, but he never appeared. The tradition of holding a séance for Houdini continues to this day.
"On the Edge of the Etheric"
"The Curse of Ignorance"
Arthur Findlay (1883 - 1964) founded the world’s foremost College for the Advancement of Spiritualism and Psychic Sciences in his homeland, England. He was a businessman who bequeathed considerable estates in the interests of providing a place of learning for those students of Spiritualist Philosophy and Religious Practice. Findlay is arguably the foremost psychic historian of ‘our time’ and was voted Psychic Personality of the 20th Century by his peers. His observations and thoughts in ‘The Curse of Ignorance’ and ‘On the Edge of the Etheric’ remain highly regarded literature in psychic research.
ACM Hugh Dowding, (24 April 1882 - 15 February 1970) was a British officer in the Royal Air Force. He was the commander of RAF Fighter Command during the Battle of Britain. In his retirement Dowding became actively interested in spiritualism, both as a writer and speaker. He rejected conventional Christianity and joined the Theosophical Society which advocated belief in reincarnation.
"The Naked Civil Servant"
"How to Become a Virgin "
Quentin Crisp (25 December 1908 - 21 November 1999) who was born Denis Pratt, brought homosexuality to the general public's attention through his bold exhibitionism, despite the homophobic reaction and abuse he suffered in England. He was a life model for artists for 30 years and he explained in his autobiography that "it was like being a civil servant - except that you are naked." After his book "The Naked Civil Servant" came the TV series adaptation, the films, which then led to numerous other acting roles. Quentin moved to the US in 1981 and Sting wrote the song "Englishman in New York" about Quentin after visiting him in his New York apartment and hearing of his life as a homosexual in the UK. After many television shows and film roles Quentin died just before he was to embark on a nationwide revival of his hugely popular one-man show in England at the age of 90.
