Although many of the practical activities that arise from Rudolf Steiner's work are well publicized, the philosophy that stands behind them remains largely hidden. Thousands of parents send their children to Rudolf Steiner (Waldorf) schools around the world, while biodynamic farming (the Demeter brand) and anthroposophical medicine are gaining increasing recognition. Yet despite all this and much other visible work, few are aware of the richness of Rudolf Steiner's world view, anthroposophy. Steiner's original contribution to human knowledge was based on his ability to conduct 'spiritual research', the investigation of metaphysical dimensions of existence. With his scientific and philosophical training, he brought a new systematic discipline to the field, allowing for conscious methods and comprehensive results. Francis Edmunds' introduction - here revised and updated - covers the fundamental areas of Steiner's philosophy, beginning with a brief outline of his life. Edmunds describes anthroposophy as a 'way to higher knowledge', and outlines the threefold nature of the human being. He delves into the secrets of human evolution and history, the basic elements of child development, and many further aspects of Steiner's vast teaching. This is a warm and clear introduction to anthroposophy which will prove of value to anybody wishing to understand Steiner's work.

This Is A New Release Of The Original 1904 Edition.

This Is A New Release Of The Original 1915 Edition.

Beginning in January 1913, five days after the Anthroposophical Society was founded, this rich volume traces the esoteric work (and lack thereof) in the decade leading up to the reestablishment of the General Anthroposophical Society at the "Christmas Conference" (1923/1924) and the subsequent creation of the First Class, which replaced the Esoteric Section. Part One, the largest section (Jan. 2, 1913-July 14, 1914), containing thirty-nine lessons in nineteen months, allows us to sense the subtle, though seismic, shift as Anthroposophy gradually became an autonomous earthly, spiritual reality outside the context of Theosophy, with the initial focus to deepen the Rosicrucian path. The emphasis is more practical than theoretical. The task is meditation, without which the new, freestanding spiritual movement could not fulfill its mission. As a consequence, instructions and advice are given. Then, with the outbreak of World War I, the esoteric lessons cease. Part Two is much shorter and covers the period from 1918 to 1923, with only six lessons. Clearly, the time demanded a different approach to the spiritual world, and esoteric students were less prepared to work. Nevertheless, important meditations were given that indicated a new direction. Part Three contains the two esoteric lessons given to the esoteric youth circle-members of the Youth Movement who were serious about esoteric work and would become public exponents of Anthroposophy. Here is something quite new and future-oriented: a new way of undertaking spiritual work in the service of the Archangel Michael. Never before made public, the meditations and instructions are powerful and relevant. This section is preceded by a moving account of the history and development of the esoteric Youth Movement, in which Rudolf Steiner placed such hopes. The volume closes with the Threefold Mantra that foreshadowed a new approach for the First Class and was used by those in the Esoteric Section between 1920 and 1923. This volume is the English translation of Aus den Inhalten der esoterischen Stunden, Gedachtnisaufzeichnungen von Teilnehmern. Band.3, 1913 und 1914; 1920-1923 (GA 266)

Rudolf Steiner gave The Foundation Stone Meditation in 1924. This profound text is designed to help people in their meditative work to make a real, inner connection to the spiritual source of anthroposophy. Dr. Adrian Anderson has made a new, accurate translation of both the verse and the lecture that Steiner gave at this time. The power of the book is in its commentary on the many subtle and deep aspects of the verse.

Perhaps there are already 100,000 books written about religion, and you only want to read one to be fully informed. If so, then you have paused at the right place

Since the prehistoric dawn of humanity death has shadowed everyone's footsteps. Up until the current scientific era religion was the only defence, the comfort against oblivion offering a promise of new life or even immortality.

The Geologic Model of Religion is a neutral study of this defence from its ancient beginnings, drawing upon archaeology, anthropology and comparative religion to clearly explain one of the most complex subjects known. From the study a new model emerges which:

* Decomposes religion into its distinct worldview and afterlife paradigms...

* Categorizes evidence of belief systems held by the prehistoric hunter-gatherers, culminating in the ancient Temples of Rebirth such as Gobekli Tepe

* Concludes that spirituality began in the Fertile Crescent 11,000 years ago, spreading with the Neolithic revolution throughout the world

* Shows why judgment in afterlife was the keystone in the emerging edifice of civilization, and how it enabled hierarchies overcoming Dunbar's number which limited village sizes

* Overviews the interaction between science and religion and projects the ultimate fate of religion itself

From the Neanderthal to Homo sapiens, Ancient Egypt to China, this new analysis of religion ranges much further than perhaps 100,000 prior works.

Several lectures deal primarily with aspects of life after death. The first describes the three realms after earthly life: that of intense, surging sensation (sympathy and antipathy); that of the ebb and flow of will impulses that stream into the human sphere, affecting in increasingly wider circles human life on earth (karmic relationships, animal existence); and that of the spiritual hierarchies. The following lectures amplify this mission in different ways, explicitly and implicitly.

This Is A New Release Of The Original 1889 Edition.

This Is A New Release Of The Original 1890 Edition.

This Is A New Release Of The Original 1915 Edition.

Musical Anthropology is the title of a series of lectures by Dr Hans-Heinrich Engel, given in the late sixties and early seventies. The lectures were part of a research into Music therapy based on Rudolf Steiner's anthroposophy and were given in the context of the work with children with complex needs and learning disabilities in a number of residential communities in Northern Ireland, Switzerland and the Netherlands. Engel's approach to therapy was unique and intuitive, but at the same time based on his knowledge of and experience with anthroposophical medicine. The lectures give a fascinating description of the human organs and of the life processes, especially breathing. This book may stimulate those who wish to work therapeutically with the medium of music and are at the same time interested in the spiritual background of the human being as a basis for a deeper understanding of the effect of the elements of music.