I read the book almost in one sitting. It got too late and I had to read the final pages the next day. I have been to Abadiânia since and met Heather, although at first I did not realize who she was. She seemed kind, wise, calm and loving.
What happens there, in the Casa de Don Ignacio is wonderful, enlightening and mysterious at once. There are hundreds, sometimes thousands of people visiting in a day. There is some confusion, different people will give you different instructions, but also some organization. It is good to have a guide. There is clearly a strong positive vibration in the place, but it is still Brazil. A couple had their bag taken away as they left their seat a few seconds to return the soup plate. The house is generously open to anyone, and a few bad seeds might enter.
The first time I was there (have been there 3 times so far) it was the big annual party of Don Ignacio. It had all the elements for a messy mass hysteria but something besides the workers of the house seemed to keep it all under control. I was amazed.
The healings are varied: some happen fast, some take years, some people come to be healed from one thing and is healed for something else, some healings are total, some are partial(but restoring functionality), some are emotional, some are physical, some happen together with traditional medicine, some are purely spiritual. Some people without faith are healed quickly, some with faith might be healed slowly, or vice-versa. Each story is unique. I imagine there might be also some people who are not healed ate all, but I have not met anyone yet who has not been positively affected by the forces from the casa.
João is really just a vehicle of communication and sometimes might get kind of tired of people wanting to take pictures with him or talk with him in need of extra attention. He does not seem to see himself as some sort of spiritual superstar. He is busy but seems nice, but people really should leave him alone.
What happens there is beyond him. Although he is the one who incorporates the spirits, he does not possess any type of power to solve problems and some people seem to have a hard time understanding this.
People arrive there with all sorts of ailments. Different entities, one at a time, incorporate in medium João and it is not always very clear who is there. The main idea is that you do not need to explain too much about your condition because the spirits can see through you. Depending on the entity and on your problem, you might just get a look, a nod and a prescription, or the entity might take more time and ask questions. It depends on the personality of each entity and who is there. But one thing is certain: your problem will be addressed, so relax and do as told.
Eventually, if you have questions or other issues go back another day and ask them.
There are no indoctrination attempts; they do not care what religion, if any, you belong to. As the medium is preparing himself and all the group of mediums inside the main room to attend to people, there are some folks who tell about their experiences in the front room.
Some generic messages and suggestions are given, such as how everyone should participate in their own healing and take care of their bodies and their emotions, but there is no judgment.
Some people are healed from cancer, go outside and light up a cigarette. Unwise, but I guess each one learns at its own pace.
The main recommendation is that you take care of yourself before you start to try to solve all of your family's and friend's problems. You have to be strong first.
Silence, relaxation and introspection also help. Getting there and waiting in the main hall should be like leaving your anxieties and need to chatter outside the gates. Meditation is the best mental posture, to empty your mind so the good stuff can enter.
It is ironic that the title of this book does what João does not want to be done: to consider him the healer, when he is just the vehicle of the spirits who heal.
But anyway, it is a great book, a good introduction of the house.
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required. Learn more
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Flip to back Flip to front
Follow the Author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
Customers who bought this item also bought
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on October 3, 2009
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on January 17, 2012
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on December 22, 2014
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on February 1, 2017
Top reviews from other countries
Colette Barton
It is beautiful and very powerful and brought up many emotions
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on July 16, 2014Amazon Customer
The love even bounces at you from this book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on October 4, 2017
