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Books > Religion & Spirituality > Alternative belief systems > Syncretist & eclectic religions & belief systems > Post-renaissance syncretist / eclectic systems > Theosophy & Anthroposophy
During 1924, before his last address in September, Rudolf Steiner
gave over eighty lectures on the subject of karma to members of the
Anthroposophical Society. These profoundly esoteric lectures
examine the underlying laws inherent in reincarnation and karma,
and explore in detail the incarnations of specific historical
figures. In Rudolf Steiner's words, the study of karma is "...a
matter of penetrating into the most profound mysteries of
existence, for within the sphere of karma and the course it takes
lie those processes which are the basis of the other phenomena of
world existence..." A study of the karma of the anthroposophical
movement and society, the spiritual gates of the sun and moon, and
much more.
This text, outlining a new methodology for the study of human
nature, dates from 1910 and was found after Rudolf Steiner's death
among his unpublished papers. Steiner had dealt with the same theme
earlier in lectures. Asked for a written version, he tried to write
down what he had said, but found himself unable to do so-the
language would not completely relinquish the words. Nevertheless,
what he was able to put down remains a major intellectual and
spiritual accomplishment of the twentieth century. Steiner presents
anthroposophy, which lies between anthropology and theosophy, as a
way of studying the human being. Where anthropology studies the
human being on the basis of the senses-i.e. by observation within
the limits of the scientific method-theosophy recognizes the human
as a spiritual being on the basis of inner experience and seeks to
understand what it means to be human in a spiritual world. Between
these two approaches-basically those of science and religion-lies
anthroposophy, which seeks to study human beings as they present
themselves to physical observation, while at the same time seeking
to derive indications of the spiritual foundations of phenomena by
a process of phenomenological intensification. The results of such
phenomenological intensification, though fragmentary and
incomplete, are of enormous importance. They constitute the first
steps toward a truly cognitive psychology, one that demonstrates
the richness of the phenomenological approach to the human being as
a sensory organism. Starting from there, Steiner unfolds the seven
life processes, the nature of I-experience, the meaning of the
human form, and its complex relation to higher spiritual worlds.
This is a key work, whose time has truly arrived.
A medicine with huge potential for treating Alzheimers, stroke,
cancer and even Aids, the Christmas Rose (Black Hellebore) is in
the process of being rediscovered by doctors and medical
practitioners. Once admired by Hippocrates, Paracelsus and
Hahnemann but long forgotten, the Christmas Rose is proving
effective once again - both in trials and in clinical practice -
for healing the serious illnesses of the new millennium. It is also
being used to address many other conditions such as Attention
Deficit Disorder in children, delayed brain maturation, in
gynaecology and for joint disorders. Written by a practising
medical doctor, this book offers comprehensive treatment regimes
and numerous case studies demonstrating the successful use of this
important plant-based medicine. In placing the remedy in historical
context, Johannes Wilkens reviews its use by significant figures
over the centuries, from Adamus Lonicerus and the founders of
herbalism in the Middle Ages and Samuel Hahnemann and the more
recent development of homeopathy, through to Rudolf Steiner and the
emergence of anthroposophic medicine in the twentieth century.
Vividly illustrated with colour photographs, this pioneering work
outlines the critical role that the Christmas Rose can play in
treating the illnesses of our time.
Today we face an increasing number of challenges connected to our
environment - from climate change and extreme weather patterns to
deforestation, threats to animal species and ongoing crises in
farming. Hardly a day goes by without further alarming reports. How
are we to respond - particularly if we wish to take a broader,
spiritual view of these events? Today we face an increasing number
of challenges connected to our environment - from climate change
and extreme weather patterns to deforestation, threats to animal
species and ongoing crises in farming. Hardly a day goes by without
further alarming reports. How are we to respond - particularly if
we wish to take a broader, spiritual view of these events? In the
extracts compiled in this volume, presented here with commentary
and notes by Matthew Barton, Steiner speaks about human perception,
the earth, water, plants, animals, insects, agriculture and natural
catastrophes. Spiritual Ecology offers a wealth of original thought
and spiritual insight for anyone who cares about the future of the
earth and humanity.
Unlike other works on this theme, Sergei Prokofieff's short book is
not a straightforward introduction. Presupposing an acquaintance
with the basic principles of anthroposophy, it focuses instead on
the central Christological insights which form the core of Rudolf
Steiner's philosophy. "What is Anthroposophy?" is a personal work
in the sense that it reflects an individual's own endeavors to
build a connection to anthroposophy. As the author states in his
Preface: '...as soon as we comprehend anthroposophy as something
living, we are concerned not merely with defining it intellectually
but, rather, with developing a real relationship to it...' He
elaborates: 'The content [of this book] will probably reveal more
about the author and his relationship to anthroposophy than about
it itself, for its nature is basically beyond description and
consequently evades any purely intellectual definition.' This is a
valuable addition to the introductory literature on anthroposophy
from an established and well-respected author.
'Because I felt that he knew how things were, I said simply:"I will
stay with you." Then he said significant things to me that I was
not to repeat. A very ancient karma existing between him and myself
was renewed. It was not until many years later that I first
realised the significance of that meeting.' - Ita Wegman Ita Wegman
was one of Rudolf Steiner's most important co-workers,
collaborating with him principally in the field of Medicine -
co-authoring the key book Extending Practical Medicine and heading
the Medical Section of the School of Spiritual Science. In the
background to that external work, however, was an esoteric
connection. In this seminal work of karma research, the authors
attempt, sensitively and with responsibility, to shed light on that
spiritual and karmic history. Written for members of the
Anthroposophical Society, this book is a profound study of a series
of different incarnations linked to the figures of Ita Wegman and
Rudolf Steiner. Spread over six disparate lifetimes, they range
from Gilgamesh and Eabani (Enkidu) in Uruk, ancient Chaldea, to the
Goetheanum in Dornach, Switzerland, the twentieth-century setting
of the world centre of anthroposophy. Based on copious historical
research, verbal statements and not a little spiritual insight,
this rare and valuable work, reprinted here for the first time,
features many illustrations and facsimiles of documents and
personal letters.
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The Karma of Materialism
(Paperback)
Rudolf Steiner; Translated by Rita Stebbing; Introduction by Clifford Venho
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'All existence is spirit. Just as ice is water, so matter is also
spirit. Mineral, vegetable, animal or human - all are a condensed
form of spirit.' - Rudolf Steiner In the two lecture courses
featured in this volume, Rudolf Steiner presents a radical new
paradigm. Tackling the central dilemma of modern civilization - the
polarisation of science and spirituality - he seeks to broaden
natural science through a comprehensive spiritual science. Rather
than harking back to old spiritual forms or religions, Steiner's
approach is based on a conscious and systematic intensification of
thinking and perception. Rudolf Steiner approaches this
spiritual-scientific task from two perspectives. In Kassel,
Germany, he deepens insight into theosophy and Rosicrucianism,
showing their relationship to science and religion. Although
presented as an 'introduction', Steiner was never interested in
simply providing information - not even in the form of new
revelations - and his insights are from fresh angles and with new
illustrative examples. These lectures deepen and develop key
elements found in his fundamental works Occult Science, An Outline
and Theosophy. Also featured are the fascinating
question-and-answer sessions from the Kassel lectures. In Basel,
Switzerland, Rudolf Steiner discusses that most esoteric of the
accounts of the life of Christ: the Gospel of John. Whilst the
focus is on the gospel, basic tenets of spiritual science, human
existence and world evolution are considered, as is the concept of
karma and the true nature of Christianity. In both sets of lectures
Steiner dwells on the Prologue to the Gospel of John (given in his
own translation), which offers a meditative approach to gaining
insight into both the gospel and Christianity as a whole. Rather
than distancing us from life, each of the lectures in this volume
brings us closer to reality. As Rudolf Steiner states: 'Rosicrucian
theosophy...does not make us into eccentrics, outsiders, but into
friends of existence, for it doesn't look down on everyday life,
alienating us from our mission on earth; it brings us closer.'
Book Four of the Law of One is the last of the books in the Law of
One series. Book Four explores in great detail the archetypical
mind which is the framework provided by our Logos or sun body to
aid each of us in the evolution of mind, body, and spirit. Tarot,
astrology, and ritual magic are three paths offering the study of
the archetypical mind, and in Book Four a study of that rich
resource is undertaken using the tarot, also uncovered on the
nature and purpose of the veil that we experience between the
conscious and the unconscious minds and the process of "forgetting"
that occurs during each incarnation in our third-density
experience. In Book Four the path of the adept becomes more clear
as Ra elucidates the adept's use of experience to balance its
energy centres and penetrate the veil of forgetting.
What spiritual or esoteric practices took place within the
mysterious and often controversial Knights Templar? Whilst little
is known about this aspect of the Order's history, speculation and
wild rumours continue to persist. Having taken the three vows of
poverty, chastity and obedience, the members of the Templar Order
were required to live the life of other monastic orders. However,
their remarkable rise to a successful elite community - followed by
the insidious machinations and slander that led to their
spectacular fall and destruction - suggests that they were involved
in something more significant than straightforward medieval
religious practices. There have been many theories as to whether
their 'secret' involved material wealth and special treasure. But
could it have been connected to a science of initiation - the
knowledge, experience and understanding of spiritual dimensions
that can enlighten the pupil on an esoteric path? In The Templar
Spirit Margaret Jonas penetrates these questions, examining some of
the various claims and revealing something of the esoteric
practices and beliefs of the Order, including influences from other
religious traditions. She presents her own research into the
meaning of the mysterious 'head' that the Templars were accused of
worshipping, and examines the historical figures that lent their
wisdom and guidance to the founding of the Order.
Using an accessible question-and-answer format, this short but
focused book tackles themes relating to the etheric - or life -
realm. What is etheric technology? What are the impacts of
radioactivity and atomic energy? How should we read apocalyptic
symptoms in science and society? In a fascinating series of
discussions Nick Thomas examines a range of concepts, including:
the right and wrong ways to develop an etheric technology;
spiritual events in the etheric realm; how the physical world works
into the etheric world and vice versa; Rudolf Steiner's 'Strader
machine'; the nature of truth and lies; attacks by the adversaries
on forces of vitality; and humanity's crossing of the threshold to
the spiritual world. His explanations and ideas help to evoke a
living picture of a great struggle between forces of good and evil,
with the future of humanity and the Earth at stake.
In this third, enlarged edition of Lehrs' classic study, the reader
is led, step by step, to a spiritual-scientific method of
investigation. The author demonstrates how one can transcend the
boundaries of the physical-material world, to the metaphysical
origins of nature and the human being. This is a pioneering new
method of training both the mind and eye, as well as other human
senses, leading to a transformation from our modern 'onlooking'
consciousness to a new kind of 'participative' consciousness. The
beginnings of this method were formulated by Goethe (1749-1832)
more than 200 years ago, but his contemporaries offered little in
the way of fertile ground for his ideas. It was Rudolf Steiner
(1861-1925) who recognized the significance of 'Goetheanism' for
the future development not only of science, but of human culture in
general, and who developed Goethe's work in modern times. Man or
Matter contains the systematic results of the author's work using
the methods of Goethe and Steiner (the latter whom he knew
personally). With this unique study, he addresses himself to anyone
- with or without a specialized scientific training - who is
concerned with developing the human power of cognition in the
present time. This revised edition was edited by Nick Thomas and
Peter Bortoft.
This title contains a series of 8 lectures, given in Ojai,
California in 1955, from one of the 20th century's greatest
philosophers and teachers. Krishnamurti confronts the typical
grasping and confused mind which lies at the root of all violence
and suffering. Though offered over fifty years ago, the ideas in
these talks are fresh, relevant and offer an enduring message for
today as Krishnamurti discusses a world in which booming
productivity and scientific advancement should promise a happy
future, but don't.He points also to the ongoing escalation of war,
competition, envy and territoriality despite gains in education,
religious ecumenism and the technologies of self-improvement. He
asks his listeners to consider that all apparent progress is simply
another illusion. In their brilliantly clear essays, his focus is
singular, with no glib answers to eternal questions. To read this
book is to venture into the unexplored assumptions that govern our
lives. The workings of the mind are so simple and obvious in J
Krishnamurti's explanations, yet so enormously challenging to
confront. Like other classic texts, such as religious scriptures,
the words ring true. The issues addressed include: the nature of
violence; the problem of change; the conditioning of the mind; how
to achieve "peace"; the nature of worship and spiritual practice;
and how to really listen.
'...This will generate a struggle covering the face of the whole
earth. The one and only remedy for this nonsense being made of
human evolution will be the path that can lead humanity to the
spirit - the path of Michael, which finds its continuation in the
path of Christ.' - Rudolf Steiner Speaking in the aftermath of the
Great War, Rudolf Steiner presents a series of extraordinary
lectures on the power and mission of the Archangel Michael. He
paints on a broad canvas - in the context of cosmic and human
evolution - revealing Michael's tasks in the past, present and
future. Originally the countenance of Yahweh, Michael has
metamorphosed from a 'night spirit' to a 'day spirit'. As 'the
Countenance of Christ', Michael helps us find a balance between
'luciferic' and 'ahrimanic' tendencies. The old 'dualism' (such as
good versus evil), says Steiner, needs to be replaced by the
trinity of Lucifer-Christ-Ahriman. Filling our heart with the
Christ Impulse creates an equilibrium between the luciferic
influence that imbues our head and the ahrimanic influence at work
in our limbs. Rudolf Steiner describes how humanity faces three
dangers in the social sphere: spiritual life could flow into the
'pit of mendacity' ruled by Ahriman, individual rights might
descend into the 'pit of selfishness' (Lucifer), and economics into
cultural sickness and death (Asuras). In order to prevent
European-American culture from perishing, it will be necessary to
turn towards contemporary 'threefold' social ideas. Steiner also
speaks about the principle of metamorphosis in connection with
evolution and devolution, as evident in the design of the pillars
in the newly-built Goetheanum. Architectural styles are an
expression of human evolution, as can be seen in Greek temples,
gothic Cathedrals, the Grail temple and the building at Dornach.
Amidst many other themes, Rudolf Steiner addresses the problem of
natural necessity and freedom, and the abolition of the trichotomy
of body, soul and spirit at the Council of Constantinople in AD
869.
Among Rudolf Steiner's many initiatives that evoked visible,
sustained impulses, there was one that did not develop as planned -
his so-called 'endowment' of 1911. This was his attempt to create a
'Society for a Theosophical Art and Way of Life', that would work
'under the protectorate of Christian Rosenkreutz'. Rudolf Steiner
envisaged a grouping of individuals who were '...deeply moved by a
spiritual power like the one that lived earlier in Christianity'.
Through the forming of such a Society, he sought to enable a true
spiritual culture to arise on earth - a culture that would
'engender artists in every domain of life'. Virginia Sease's
reflections - a century after Rudolf Steiner's attempt - place a
special emphasis on three considerations. Firstly, that the
Endowment impulse allows us to experience the art of 'interpreting'
in the Rosicrucian way. Secondly, that the best initiative, even
one undertaken by a great individuality, is doomed to failure if
the participants are unable to overcome their personal ambitions.
And finally, that we may live with the fact that, despite the
passing of time, the seeds dormant in Rudolf Steiner's attempt
still have the possibility to come to fruition in the future.
Featuring over 90 of Rudolf Steiner's best-loved verses and
meditations, this volume collects a range of material on various
themes, such as working with spiritual beings, connecting with
loved ones who have passed over, developing selfhood, and
celebrating festivals and seasons. Countless people have worked
with these meditations over the decades and can testify to their
power, as well as the strength and comfort they offer the meditant.
Although various translations from the German exist for many of the
verses, George and Mary Adams's renderings can truly be said to be
'classic', and are the most widely used within the English-speaking
anthroposophical movement that has grown up around Steiner's work.
George Adams acted as Rudolf Steiner's personal interpreter when he
lectured in Britain, and thus developed an intuitive understanding
of Steiner's deepest impulses connected to esoteric work. Those who
know these verses will be delighted that they are available again,
while those who approach them for the first time will discover a
treasure of wisdom as well as abundant tools for personal
transformation. This edition also features the original German
texts where applicable.
"It is a simple but essential principle: education aims at the
future, at a time that we as educators do not yet know and cannot
foresee. The challenges that will confront the children in the
future are not those of the past-of our past, of our life story and
our horizon. Times change, so do the realities of life, and in our
times they change quickly and dramatically. Education aims at the
future and that puts us as educators in a difficult situation: this
future is not-or is only to an extent-identical with our past, with
our life experiences. My youth, your youth: they are not identical
with the adolescent constitution and life reality toward which we
currently have to direct our educational efforts. Yet educate we
must, and educating means preparing for a future." -Peter Selg
(from the book) Schools reflect the state of society. If society is
materialistic, competitive, egoistic, technological, and without
concern for human values and long-term thinking, our schools will
tend to reflect those values. However, what if education were about
something else? What if education were about the future? What if
education were a about nurturing a new generation of human beings,
integrated in body, soul, and spirit and able to think for
themselves and have the capacity to love? Perhaps the world would
change. The Waldorf school, initiated and guided in 1919 by Rudolf
Steiner, was conceived with precisely such an end in view. In this
passionate, inspiring, and moving book, Peter Selg, speaks from a
deep knowledge of Anthroposophy and from his extensive experience
as a child psychiatrist. He returns to the original impulses behind
the first Waldorf school to show their continuing validity and how
they still respond to what we need. From this view, Waldorf
education is future-oriented, based on a holistic worldview and
cosmology that is humanistic, scientific, and spiritual, and
develops through a curriculum and a teacher-student relationship
based on love. Its focus is the miracle of the developing human
being. Recognizing the equal importance of thinking, feeling, and
willing, Waldorf education works through bodily movement and art,
as well as through intellect and mind. Waldorf Education is not a
theory but a living reality, and Selg brings this reality to life
before us through the biography of the first Waldorf school. Thus,
we learn to see it in a new way-in its essence, as a healing model
of what education might become if the primary relationship, the
inner core of a school, is the free relationship between teacher
and student. As Steiner wrote: "It is our task as teachers and
educators to stand in awe of the individuality of the student and
offer our help so that it can follow the laws of its own
development. We are merely called upon to remove any obstacles in
body or soul that might hinder the individuality from realizing its
potential freely." A verse given at the dedication of a building at
the Waldorf School in Stuttgart expresses the essence of Waldorf
Education in poetic form: May there reign here spirit-strength in
love; May there work here spirit-light in goodness; Born from
certainty of heart, And from steadfastness of soul, So that we may
bring to young human beings Bodily strength for work, inwardness of
soul, and clarity of spirit.
'Let us be courageous and not draw back in fear when realities of
the world of spirit that play into human life are unveiled. You
see, the future of humanity depends on us learning to live with the
world of spirit in the same way that we live with the physical
world here on earth.' - Rudolf Steiner In a wide-ranging series of
lectures, Rudolf Steiner demonstrates the integral nature of spirit
and matter and their manifold connections. Speaking to audiences in
London, Holland, Germany and Switzerland, Steiner explains how,
through a process of evolving consciousness, humanity lost its
knowledge and direct experience of the spiritual sources of
existence, but now needs to reconnect with them. Spirit is the
essence and power of life which, in Steiner's vivid image, 'strikes
a match in our whole being' when we allow it to inform us fully.
Our world cannot be understood only in physical terms but is
inseparable from the divine realities continually creating and
sustaining it. Reconnecting with the spirit calls upon us to heal
the fractures between everyday consciousness and the metaphysical
realms in which we are already embedded. In Steiner's descriptions,
there is no end to the numerous reconnections possible: between our
past, present and future; between the active, individualizing
principle of the 'I' and the physical human body it works upon and
shapes; between our physical actions and limb movements in one life
and the forming or sculpting of our head in a future one; and above
all, between the moral actions and insights we develop whilst alive
on earth and our developing 'eye' for spiritual reality in the life
after death, with all that this can mean for the future of human
evolution. Taking a truly holistic approach, Rudolf Steiner tackles
an eclectic series of subjects throughout these sixteen lectures -
all united by the common theme of rediscovering how spirit pervades
life. Apart from a focus on education in several lectures, he
discusses: experiences during sleep; the human spirit and soul
between death and a new birth; how spirit 'sculpts' the human
organism; Christ from the perspective of anthroposophy; the battle
for human nature between luciferic and ahrimanic beings; karma and
the creation of conditions for our return to a new life on earth;
human experience of the etheric cosmos; and the human being's
faculties of hearing, speaking, singing, walking, and thinking.
Together, these lectures offer a cornucopia of spiritual insights
and wisdom for the present day. 16 lectures, various cities, 1922,
CW 218
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