Prince Ouran
In Bordeaux in 1862, a suffering spirit announced himself spontaneously as Ouran, formerly a Russian prince. He had rank, wealth, and power, but pride and cruelty ruined him.
The medium’s hand begins writing...
MediumWill you give us some details about your condition?
Prince OuranBlessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.
Prince OuranPray for me.
Prince OuranHappy are those who, in humility of heart, choose a modest place for their trials.
Prince OuranYou who are consumed by envy don't know what those you call the favorites of fortune are reduced to.
Prince OuranYou don't see the burning coals they heap on their own heads.
Prince OuranYou don't know what sacrifices riches demand from those who would use them for their progress in the spirit world.
Prince OuranMay the Lord allow me, the proud despot, to return and atone among those I crushed by my tyranny for the crimes pride made me commit.
Prince OuranPride. Repeat that word again and again, and never forget that pride is the source of all our sufferings.
Prince OuranYes, I abused the power and favor I enjoyed.
Prince OuranI was harsh and cruel to those below me.
Prince OuranI forced them to submit to all my whims and all my corrupt desires.
Prince OuranI had chosen rank, honors, and fortune, and I fell under the weight of a trial beyond my strength.
Kardec briefly notes that suffering spirits often say a trial was beyond their strength because pride still wants to excuse failure.
MediumYou are aware of your faults. That is the first step toward improvement.
Prince OuranThat awareness is another suffering for me.
Prince OuranFor many spirits, suffering is almost physical, because they're still under the influence of the material side of their last life and can't yet feel moral suffering clearly.
Prince OuranMy spirit is now free enough from matter, but my moral feeling has gained all the force people imagine physical pain to have.
MediumDo you see the end of your suffering?
Prince OuranI know it won't be eternal, but I don't yet see its end.
Prince OuranFor that, I have to go through another trial.
MediumDo you expect to begin again soon?
Prince OuranI still don't know.
MediumDo you remember anything of your earlier lives? I ask for the sake of instruction.
Prince OuranYes.
Prince OuranYour guides are here, and they know what's best for you.
Prince OuranI lived in the time of Marcus Aurelius. In that life too, I had power, and again I fell through pride, the cause of all our failures.
Prince OuranAfter wandering for many centuries, I decided to try a life of obscurity.
Prince OuranAs a poor student, I begged for my bread, but my natural pride was still with me.
Prince OuranMy spirit gained knowledge, but not virtue.
Prince OuranLearned and ambitious, I sold myself to whoever paid most for my services, serving every hatred and every revenge.
Prince OuranI felt my wickedness, but my thirst for honors and riches made me deaf to the voice of my conscience.
Prince OuranThe atonement for that life was long and terrible.
Prince OuranAt last I decided, in my last life, to face again the temptations of luxury and power.
Prince OuranThinking I was strong enough, I refused to listen to those who tried to warn me away from that attempt.
Prince OuranPride once again made me trust my own judgment instead of the advice of the protecting friends who never stop watching over us.
Prince OuranYou know the result of that last attempt.
Prince OuranAt last I understand my weakness and my foolishness, and I place my hope in the help of God.
Prince OuranI have laid my miserable pride at His feet, and I've begged Him to place on my shoulders the heaviest burden of humility. With His help, that burden will seem light.
Prince OuranPray with me and for me.
Prince OuranPray also for yourselves, that the demon of pride may never gain power over your minds.
Prince OuranBrothers in suffering, let my example enlighten you.
Prince OuranNever forget that pride is the enemy of happiness.
Prince OuranPride causes all the evils that strike the human race and follow it even into the spirit world.
The guide then explained that, even in suffering, this spirit's humility was sincere.
Mediums’ GuideYou felt some doubt about this spirit's sincerity because his words didn't seem to fit the backward state suggested by his suffering.
Mediums’ GuideBe at peace on that point. What he said is true.
Mediums’ GuideHowever great his suffering, he is advanced enough in intelligence to speak this way.
Mediums’ GuideWhat he lacked was humility, and without humility no spirit can rise toward God.
Mediums’ GuideHe has now gained that humility, and we hope that, if he remains faithful to his new resolutions, he will come out victorious from his next trial.
Mediums’ GuideOur heavenly Father is all justice and wisdom.
Mediums’ GuideHe takes into account every effort a person makes to overcome evil instincts.
Mediums’ GuideEvery victory over ourselves lifts us one more step on the ladder whose lower end is on Earth and whose upper end stands before God.
Mediums’ GuideClimb that ladder bravely.
Mediums’ GuideIts steps are easy to reach for the one whose will is truly engaged in the work.
Mediums’ GuideAlways look upward for courage, because unfortunate is the one who stops and turns his head.
Mediums’ GuideThe emptiness around him will confuse him, and he'll say, what is the use of going on? I've gained so little.
Mediums’ GuideNo, my dear friends, do not look away.
Mediums’ GuidePride is deep in the human heart, but make that very feeling serve to give you strength and courage for your ascent.
Mediums’ GuideUse your time to overcome your weaknesses, and keep climbing toward the summit of the eternal mountain.