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‘As soon as you start thinking about the living sphere, you have
to make the thought itself mobile. The thought must begin to gain
inner mobility through your own power.’ – Rudolf Steiner Rudolf
Steiner divides these absorbing, previously-untranslated lectures
into three sections, opening with ‘The Value of Thinking’.
Here, he discusses the quality of thinking itself, contrasting
‘dead physical cognition’, ‘living imaginative cognition’,
‘inspired cognition’, and the latter’s connection with
previous periods of human and planetary development. He clarifies
how ‘visionary clairvoyance’ can relate to individual
intelligence, and also speaks of the submergence of ideas – the
effects of sad or joyful experiences and feelings – into the
unconscious. These can be ‘life-promoting’ or
‘life-inhibiting’. In the second section he speaks about ‘The
Relationship between Spiritual Science and Natural Science’,
using a contemporary publication as a case study for how texts can
be fruitfully analysed. He characterizes the spiritual-scientific
method as allowing facts or personalities to speak for themselves,
rather than making personal judgements. Finally, he deliberates on
‘Episodic Observations about Space, Time, Movement’ – kinetic
formula and concepts such as the speed of light – introducing,
directly from his spiritual observations, notions such as ‘light
ether’. The lectures are supplemented with an introduction,
comprehensive notes, line drawings and an index.
'Suppose you have seen an event, have formed an idea about it, and
you say something that is not true - in other words, something that
is a lie. Then what flows from the object is correct and what flows
from you is false and this collision is a terrible explosion; and
each time you do this, you attach a gruesome being to your karma
which you cannot get rid of again until you have made good what you
lied about.' - Rudolf Steiner In a previously-untranslated volume
of lectures, Rudolf Steiner presents shattering insights regarding
the interaction of human and spiritual beings. He speaks, for
example, about how perfumes can give certain spirits access to
people on earth, or how phantoms, spectres and demons can be
created through human deficiencies - or even how the arts of
architecture, sculpture, painting and music allow 'good' or
'hideous' entities to enter our world. As he states: 'Learning
about the effects of spiritual beings is of much greater help than
moral preaching. A future humanity will know what it is creating
through lies, hypocrisy and slander.' The lectures are divided into
two broad thematic groups: the first relating to the inner path of
knowledge and its relation to the yearly festivals, and the second
focusing on the work of elemental beings in our everyday world. The
18 lectures are complemented with notes, an index and an
introduction by Christian von Arnim.
This course of lectures was given at a pivotal point in the
development of the anthroposophic movement. Just months before, an
act of arson had caused the destruction of the first Goetheanum,
and its darkened ruins appeared to reflect the fragmentations
within the Anthroposophical Society. Divisions were appearing
amongst members and friends, with individual energies increasingly
routed to external initiatives and practical projects. It became
apparent that a new impetus was needed. In this turbulent context,
Steiner delivers these lectures in a calm, lively and informal
style. In the last decades of the nineteenth century, he says, a
yearning for spiritual nourishment arose within Western culture,
and organizations such as the Theosophical Society gained in
popularity. Despite his direct involvement in these events, Steiner
describes in dispassionate tones how the spiritual movements behind
theosophy and anthroposophy were able to work together
harmoniously, before an unavoidable separation took place.
Steiner's expansive review of the anthroposophic movement is an
important narrative account of the developing Western spiritual
tradition and the history of the Mysteries. These lectures also
offer rare perceptions of the life and philosophy of Rudolf
Steiner. Those who identify with the movement he founded will
discover revelatory insights to its background and possibilities
for its future development within the broader evolution of
humankind.
Subjects include: Rediscovering the Goddess Natura Retracing our
Steps - Mediaeval Thought and the School of Chartres The Goddess
Natura in the Ancient Mysteries The Goddess in the Beginning - the
Birth of the Word Esoteric Christianity - the Virgin Sophia The
Search for the New Isis The Renewal of the Mysteries The Modern
Isis, the Divine Sophia
Rudolf Steiner's original contribution to human knowledge was based
on his ability to conduct 'spiritual research', the investigation
of metaphysical dimensions of existence. Samples of his work are to
be found in this introductory reader in which Beth Usher brings
together excerpts from Steiner's many talks and writings on
Eurythmy. The volume also features an editorial introduction,
commentary and notes. Chapters include: In the beginning, God
created out of movement; School eurythmy - a kind of spiritual
gymnastics; Eurythmy therapy - the word of the heavens is the being
of man; Silent soul: speaking soul; Eurythmy as a performing art;
and How eurythmy arises out of anthroposophy. It is complied with
an introduction, commentary and notes by Beth Usher.
In the Middle Ages, Astronomia - one of the Seven Liberal Arts -
was as much about astrology as astronomy. In fact the two
disciplines only parted company in the seventeenth century, as the
materialistic world-view gained greater prominence. Where once
human destiny was connected to stars and planets, and spiritual or
soul qualities were associated with the natural world, now the
cosmos was seen as consisting of gases, fire and dead rock. Rudolf
Steiner brings a new spiritual perspective to our study of the
heavens. Humanity, he says, is intimately connected to cosmic
beings, who in turn are related to planets and stars. There is
meaning in the cosmos. Although Steiner rejects the simplistic
notion of the planets determining our lives and behaviour, he makes
a clear connection between the heavenly bodies and human beings.
Whilst criticizing the superficial nature of much astrology,
Steiner shows that as individuals, and with the guidance of
spiritual beings, we choose an appropriate time of birth to match
the destiny we are to live. This enlightening anthology, expertly
collated by Margaret Jonas, features excerpts of Steiner's work on
the spiritual individualities of the planets, the determination of
human characteristics by the constellation at birth, the cultural
epochs and the passage of the equinox, cosmic influences on the
individual and humanity, life in the planetary spheres between
death and rebirth, solar and lunar eclipses, comets, and much more.
Subjects include: -Alchemy and the Rise of the Modern Mysteries
-The Loss of the Divine and the Alchemical Quest -Mysteries of the
Metals -The Standpoint of Human Wisdom Today -Alchemy and
Consciousness - the Transformation Alchemy and Archangels -The
Alchemy of Nature - Mercury, Sulphur, Salt -Beyond Nature
Consciousness - the Spiritual Goal
Christ will reappear but in a higher reality than the physical one
- in a reality which we will only see if we have first acquired a
sense and understanding of spiritual life. Inscribe in your hearts
what anthroposophy should be: a preparation for the great epoch of
humanity which lies ahead of us.' Rudolf Steiner's teachings of
Christ - and in particular what he refers to as the 'Christ
impulse' - are unique. Christ, he says, is an objective universal
force, existing independently of Christian churches and
confessions, and working for the whole of humanity. The impulse
that Christ brought to earth acts for the advancement of all
people, irrespective of religion, creed or race. Speaking in Berlin
whilst still a representative of the largely eastern-oriented
Theosophical Society, Rudolf Steiner presents multifaceted
perspectives on the Christ impulse, based on his independent
spiritual research: from the vast cycles of time preceding Christ's
incarnation and the preparation for his coming, to the actual
physical embodiment of Christ in Palestine, in Jesus of Nazareth,
some two thousand years ago. Steiner also describes how Christ will
influence the future development of the earth and humanity. In his
opening lecture, Rudolf Steiner discusses the nature of the
Bodhisattvas and their role in relation to Christ and human
evolution. The Bodhisattvas are the great teachers of humanity,
incarnating in human form during their passage through the various
cycles of cultural development, and are intimately involved in
preparing the work of the Christ impulse. In other lectures Steiner
addresses subjects as diverse as the Sermon on the Mount in
relation to the development of the faculty of conscience, and the
current duality of male and female (microcosm) and its
correspondence in the cosmos (macrocosm). The latter phenomenon is
related to initiation within the Germanic and Egyptian mysteries,
which reach their higher unity in Christian initiation. Among the
myriad other themes that emerge here are: the introduction of the
'I' (or self) in human development and its essential connection to
Christ; the preparation of the Christ impulse through the Jahveh
religion and the law of Moses; the meaning of the Ten Commandments;
and the new clairvoyance in relation to the appearance of Christ in
the etheric. 7 lectures, Berlin, Oct. - May 1909, CW 116
'Fundamentally, all of spiritual science ultimately aims to
understand human beings in their essence, in their tasks and
endeavours - in their necessary endeavours in the course of
development.' - Rudolf Steiner In the midst of the division and
destruction of the Great War, Rudolf Steiner speaks of the
spiritual unification of all human beings. Rather than preaching a
traditional morality, however, he states esoteric facts as he
perceives them, based on spiritual-scientific research. These
observations relate to the powerful universal impulse of Christ - a
healing spiritual force that works through the various nations and
races, irrespective of creed or colour - as a source of potential
unity. Rudolf Steiner describes this impulse as the central core of
human evolution. It allows for a conscious and newly-acquired
connection between all human beings, in the context of the
continuing diversification and fragmentation of the human race. The
central motif in these lectures relates to the appearance of Christ
on earth - knowledge of his historical incarnation, as well as
Christ's manifestation in the present and future periods of human
development. Rudolf Steiner creates an arc from the pre-Christian
mysteries through Gnosticism and the older studies of the early
Church Fathers, to Scholasticism and neo-Scholasticism. After
ancient faculties of clairvoyance had began to fade, he explains,
human beings could no longer see beyond the world of outer
appearances, and direct perceptions of Christ were therefore no
longer possible. And so the question arose as to how limitations on
human knowledge could be overcome - a question which remains
pertinent in our time. Steiner asserts that only a transformation
of thinking, enabling a living and conscious inner conceptual life,
can allow for a true understanding of the relationship between the
earthly Jesus and the cosmic Christ. Such living thinking leads in
turn to direct experience. Other topics in this volume include the
birth date of the 'two Jesus children'; the wisdom of Gnostic
teachings; the provenance of the Cross; the mysteries of the
Christmas festival; insights into ancient Christmas plays, and
reflections on individual consciousness of karma in the future
`I send you fondest thoughts on your birthday. On this day I will
think a lot of all the beautiful things which were, and are
contained in our work together, and which now always stand so
beautifully before my inner eye when I describe them. Let me assure
you that I write this description with love.' - Rudolf Steiner to
Marie Steiner, 13 March 1925 Containing all the correspondence
between Rudolf and Marie Steiner to be found in their respective
estates, this volume provides unique insight into the couple's
pivotal relationship. The years 1901-25 were a time of struggle, as
Rudolf Steiner - faithfully supported by the young Marie von Sivers
(later to become Marie Steiner in 1914) - endeavoured to build a
completely new spiritual movement on earth. Their letters cover
everything from the esoteric view of evolution and human
advancement to dealing with organizational details, challenging
personalities and, of course, their own relationship. In addition
to the correspondence, a number of documents have been inserted
chronologically throughout the text. The famous `notes' written by
Rudolf Steiner for Edouard Schure, for example, provide a unique
introduction to the volume, giving profound insights into the
development of the anthroposophical movement. Also included are the
many versions of Rudolf Steiner's will. Comprehensive notes are
provided, as well as an index of persons and an itinerary giving
dates of relevant lectures and eurythmy performances.
Rudolf Steiner, the often undervalued, multifaceted genius of
modern times, contributed much to the regeneration of culture. In
addition to his philosophical teachings, he provided ideas for the
development of many practical activities including education --
both general and special -- agriculture, medicine, economics,
architecture, science, religion, and the arts. Today there are
thousands of schools, clinics, farms, and many other organizations
based on his ideas.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. A natural seer from childhood, he cultivated
his spiritual vision to a high degree, enabling him to speak with
authority on previously veiled mysteries of life.Topics include: a
social basis for education; the spirit of the Waldorf school;
educational methods based on anthroposophy; children at play;
teaching through the insights of spiritual science; adolescents
after the fourteenth year; science, art, religion, and morality;
the spiritual basis of education; the role of caring in education;
the roots of education and the kingdom of childhood; address at a
parents' evening; and education within the broader social context.
With his philosophical and scientific training, Steiner brought a
new systematic discipline to the field of spiritual research,
allowing for fully conscious methods and comprehensive results. A
natural seer, he cultivated his spiritual vision to a high degree,
enabling him to speak with authority on previously veiled
mysteries.
The wisdom contained in this book is not derived via the usual
methods of scholarly and historical research, and neither is it
based on theory or speculation. Rudolf Steiner acquired his
original contribution to human knowledge from metaphysical
dimensions of reality which are hidden to most people - but visible
to anybody who is prepared to develop spiritual means of
perception. With his philosophical and scientific training, Steiner
brought a new systematic discipline to the field of spiritual
research, allowing for fully conscious methods and comprehensive
results. A natural seer, he cultivated his spiritual vision to a
high degree, enabling him to speak with authority on previously
veiled mysteries. Samples of his work is to be found in this book
of edited texts, which brings together excerpts from his many talks
and writings on the subject of Atlantis. This volume also features
an editorial introduction, commentary and notes by Dr Andrew
Welburn.
Founded in the early twelfth century, allegedly to protect pilgrims
to the Holy Land, the Knights Templar became famous for their
pioneer banking system, crusading zeal, and strict vows of
obedience, chastity and poverty. Having grown to some 15,000 men,
they came to be perceived as a threat by Philip the Fair, who in
1307 disbanded the group and tortured their leaders for
confessions. The French king accused the order of heresy, sodomy
and blasphemy. Recent works of fiction and popular histories have
created a resurgence of interest in the mysterious Knights Templar.
Numerous contradictory and fantastic claims are made about them,
adding to the enigma that already surrounds the warrior monks of
France. In this unique collection of lecture material and writings
from Rudolf Steiner, a new perspective emerges. Based on his
spiritual perceptions, Steiner speaks of the Templars' connection
to the esoteric tradition of St John, their relationship with the
Holy Grail, and their spiritual dedication to Christ. He describes
the secret order that existed within the Templars, and the strange
rituals they performed. He also throws light on the Templars'
attitude to the Roman Church, and the spiritual forces that
inspired their torture and confessions.
'Rudolf Steiner presents the human soul dilemma, split into male
and female attributes...but offers a path of development which will
eventually lead to overcoming these - what Jung called
'individuation', a merging with the true self or true ego of the
human being.' - from the Introduction We live in a sexualised
society, surrounded by sexual imagery and content in almost every
area of life. This presents us with many challenges, including an
increasing blurring and confusion between love and sex; strife
between men and women over their roles in society; and a consistent
assault on the innocence of childhood. Despite the sensibilities of
his time, Rudolf Steiner made a huge contribution to our
understanding of the complex theme of sexuality. In this
freshly-compiled anthology, Steiner describes the point in
evolution at which human beings split from being androgynous and
single-sexed to becoming male or female. He traces the changing
roles of the sexes in society, from the matriarchal past to today's
patriarchal dominance. The division of the sexes brings suffering,
but also the possibility of achieving higher stages of love. In the
distant future, humanity can evolve sexuality into a new form, with
even the possibility of reproduction being metamorphosed.
Refreshingly, Steiner is not judgmental and does not preach
asceticism. He recognises the 'all-too-human' frailty people
confront in their personal lives, even in the case of great
individuals such as Goethe. Sex is a necessary stage of human
evolution, and the split nature of the human being is a fact of our
age. Its healing will be gradual but, like Amfortas in the Grail
story - whose wounded groin was a metaphor for amorous misadventure
- we can all be healed through love and compassion.
Rudolf Steiner, the often undervalued, multifaceted genius of
modern times, contributed much to the regeneration of culture. In
addition to his philosophical teachings, he provided ideas for the
development of many practical activities including education --
both general and special -- agriculture, medicine, economics,
architecture, science, religion, and the arts. Today there are
thousands of schools, clinics, farms, and many other organizations
based on his ideas.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. A natural seer from childhood, he cultivated
his spiritual vision to a high degree, enabling him to speak with
authority on previously veiled mysteries of life.Topics include:
the evolving human being; cosmos as the source of life; plants and
the living earth; farms and the realms of nature; bringing the
chemical elements to life; soil and the world of spirit; supporting
and regulating life processes; spirits of the elements; nutrition
and vitality; responsibility for the future.
Although the fruits of Anthroposophy-Waldorf education, biodynamic
agriculture, Camphill, anthroposophic medicine, and so on-are
relatively well known and moderately successful, their relationship
to Anthroposophy and its vehicle for transmission, the General
Anthroposophical Society, and the School for Spiritual Science,
remains mysterious and unclear; sadly, the same is true of the
meaning and purpose of those institutions. Related to this is the
fact that, though these offshoots of Anthroposophy are well known,
eighty-five years after his death and eighty-seven years after the
re-formation of the Anthroposophical Society, what Rudolf Steiner
brought into the world, what entered the world through him and what
he sought to accomplish-that is, what spiritual science and
spiritual-scientific research are and how one practices them-remain
virtually unknown. In other words, something essential has been
forgotten. Written both in commemoration of the 150th anniversary
of Rudolf Steiner's birth and in the context of the long-standing,
episodically erupting, and ongoing confusion surrounding the
mission and task of the Anthroposophical Society, Peter Selg seeks
to recover what has perhaps been forgotten or overlooked in Rudolf
Steiner's own words and life. He does so by describing, clearly and
objectively, the historical background of Steiner's vision of the
"civilizational task" of Anthroposophy and how he had hoped it
might be accomplished. This book has two parts. First, the author
offers a lucid description of the development and gradual
sharpening-in the face of the crisis of Western culture epitomized
by World War I and its aftermath-of the vision of spiritual science
as a truly Michaelic task for the Michael Age. In part two, Peter
Selg takes up the events following Rudolf Steiner's death,
outlining deftly and subtly the struggles and developments that
ensued, commenting tactfully on the questions and perspectives that
arose and continue to arise. Rudolf Steiner's Intentions for the
Anthroposophical Society is a book for all those who care about the
reality and future of Anthroposophy.
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