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What does it mean to be human? What is knowledge? What is freedom? Philosophy offers answers to these questions. However, are its rarefied arguments relevant to people today or merely abstractions? Aren't we really more occupied with daily survival and the unending problems that surround our human relationships?Nonetheless, most if not everyone looks for meaning in life. It is less than satisfying to think of ourselves as specks on a random planet in a solar system and part of a vast, clockwork universe. To dismiss consciousness as meaningless or merely a play of chance is to give up our efforts to find any true meaning in existence.Freedom through Love offers possibilities for dealing with some of these big questions and leads us to satisfying and convincing conclusions. Although based on Rudolf Steiner's "Philosophy of Freedom," Nick Thomas does not begin his book with complex philosophical arguments, but with themes that reflect the modern time. "Let us not start with abstract questions far from life, but from life itself," he suggests in his opening page. Thus, the search for meaning, truth, freedom, and love begins with the realities of our daily life--people and human relationships, which constitute the most difficult, though real, issues of contemporary society and life
Presenting far-reaching new therapeutic research, Peter Gruenewald examines the underlying spiritual aspects of constitutional treatment using medicines derived from the mineral kingdom. This constitutional approach is used in the treatment of chronic physical, neurological, developmental, emotional, behavioral, and mental conditions and illnesses, It centers on a system of nine minerals. Gruenewald traces these nine substances on their paths through the human organism and demonstrates their indications, effects, and interactions. He also develops a spiritual and alchemistic understanding of the actions of these substances, based on anthroposophic medical research.Gold, the sun metal, and carbon, the substance of organic life on Earth, occupy a central position in this study of the mineral system. The Philosopher's Stone is achieved through the "transformation of carbon" and the "creation of gold." The author shows how the important medicine Aurum (made from gold) relates to this process. He suggests that mineral therapy focused on the principle of transformation conceals future spiritual mysteries that relate to evolutionary laws inherent in the physical and higher bodies.
Today our world is increasingly characterized by feelings of movement and flux, speed and lack of time, upheaval and revolution. The authors of this book suggest that, in connection with this atmosphere of turmoil, people are beginning to have conscious and semi-conscious experiences of the etheric world; and yet this growing sensitivity to the etheric -- or life -- realm only intensifies the experiences of movement and upheaval. To counter these feelings we must take hold of our inner life and strengthen our "I" or ego.Featuring essays supplemented with a substantial amount of source material from Rudolf Steiner and other authors, this book introduces us to methods for strengthening our essential self. In particular, we can learn to practice the ability to add to every physical perception -- whether it be of a stone, plant, animal, or human being -- the etheric reality that belongs to it.
'Destiny Learning', a path of adult education conceived and developed by Coenraad van Houten (based on the work of Rudolf Steiner), is here expanded to show a threefold way of working with karma: understanding, transforming and ordering. This threefold approach opens new vistas for healing relationships and conflicts, for developing creative faculties for community building, and for taking initiatives based on freedom. The author widens and deepens his previous work on the theme, showing that learning from destiny, as well as awakening the forces of will, are ongoing processes. He offers practical advice that is directly applicable to everyday life. Although this book can be studied on its own, it is also a development and completion of themes from van Houten's earlier works, Practising Destiny and Awakening the Will. Crucial aspects of the threefold path of 'destiny learning' are here discussed and explained in greater detail. Anyone seeking to take their personal development in hand will find many nuggets of spiritual wisdom, based on a lifetime's work, in this short book.
How can one understand Rudolf Steiner's use of the word "we" in the last part of the Foundation Stone Meditation? "What we found from our hearts and direct from our heads with focused will." What is the meaning of "we" here? In the first part of this original and inspiring work, Paul Mackay takes this question as a point of departure, developing a unique approach to working with the seven rhythms of the Meditation. Based on personal experiences, he concludes that the rhythms express the members of the human makeup. We in the fifth rhythm has the quality of "spirit self." The second part of the book considers the same we from a karmic perspective, with reference to Steiners lectures on karmic relationships, events in the fourth and ninth centuries, the mystery of death and evil, and the restoration of karmic truth.
"Freedom for the spiritual-cultural life, equality and democracy for human rights, initiative and solidarity for the economic sphere!"Revolutions happen when society does not change and evolve. Stagnation and resistance create a situation in which a leap in development is required. In nature, living organisms suffering from inner blockages must heal or die. The same applies to the social organism--society--which occasionally requires drastic change to avoid complete collapse or violent revolution. With his frequently repeated phrase "We are the Revolution!" the artist and social activist Joseph Beuys was intimating that true transformation develops from within, in an artistic or creative way. People are the source of metamorphosis in the social realm. But in modern times a "we" is also required--an agreement with others. The individual connects with fellow human beings, in active cooperation, as a solid foundation for healthy forms of coexistence. In a series of clear and insightful essays, Ulrich Rösch builds on the "threefold" social thinking of Rudolf Steiner, Joseph Beuys and others, presenting ideas for change in the context of twenty-first-century life. Our world has become unified through the global division of labor and interdependence, which calls for fresh thinking and rejuvenated social forms. Rösch compares the spirituality and social action of Mahatma Gandhi and Rudolf Steiner; takes the living example of a biodynamic farm as a social organism; and studies the tangible situation of the production and worldwide sale of bananas as a symptom of inequitable commerce.
Prokofieff tackles two principal aspects. On the one hand, he describes how Steiner's Bologna lecture contained the essential foundations for a new "science of the human ego" (human "I"). On the other hand, Prokofieff states that Steiner was the first person to transform this theory into a practical path of knowledge, following it to its very conclusion. Thus, the words of Steiner's lecture were based entirely on personal experience. Together with a transcript of Steiner's full Bologna lecture, Prokofieff's lecture is reproduced here in an expanded version. In addition, this volume features Steiner's important "summaries of essential points," in which he develops and connects some of his key thoughts with further aspects of Anthroposophy, especially in relation to their Christological foundations.
Dedicated to the centenary of Rudolf Steiners first proclamation of Christs appearance in the etheric realm of the Earth, this book discusses various aspects of that event that had not previously been addressed adequately. Sergei Prokofieff points to three themes of primary importance, all of which are connected directly with the tasks of the Society that Rudolf Steiner founded: the preparation of humankind for the Second Coming; working with Christ as the Lord of Karma; recognizing in Anthroposophy the spiritual language through which questions can be posed to the etheric Christ today.
Building on the intensive research of his mentor Maria Thun and the teachings of Rudolf Steiner, Berg explains how the subtle influences from the cosmos work on the plant world, describing the differences among and the significance of root, leaf, blossom, and fruit days in the working calendar. Understanding these natural processes and the practical knowledge described in this book can lead to productive, chemical-free gardening, healthy plants, and abundant harvests.
Rudolf Steiner said that one could hear the words of the meditation sounding in ones heart. This process of hearing will acquire even more significance and reality in future, and can be of enormous help to anyone who opens themselves to it. It is against this background that Selg has written this introductory book: to promote awareness of the meditation, understanding of its historic place in the catastrophic twentieth century, and its critical but latent contribution to the future.
The author's reflections emphasize especially three considerations. First, that the Endowment impulse would allow us to experience the art of interpreting in the Rosicrucian way. Second, that the best initiativeeven one undertaken by a great individualityis doomed to failure if the participants are unable to overcome their personal ambitions. And third, that we may live with the fact that, despite the passage of time, the latent seeds in Rudolf Steiners attempt still have the possibility to reach fruition in the future.
Prokofieff developed this booklet from talks to members of the Anthroposophical Society. They became opportunities for many to question potential membership of the First Class in a more conscious way, and for some to take the decisive step of entering the Michael School.
It is not the author's concern to persuade the reader in an outward way to join the Anthroposophical Society. He is concerned with the communication of a few esoteric viewpoints and possible motives, so that the decision in this regard can develop in a fully aware and responsible manner, based on a solid inner cognitive foundation. For only when the decision in regard to membership in the Anthroposophical Societyfor whatever reason the individual might make itoccurs on such a basis, does it also have spiritual justification" (from the preface).
The authors of this penetrating study concluded that the karma and mission of Marie Steiner-von Sivers is vitally important to the present and future spiritual and cultural development of the West. They evaluate not only Marie's twenty-three-year partnership with Rudolf Steiner, but also her three previous incarnations--in the ancient Orphic Mysteries, as the Neoplatonist Hypatia, and as Albertus Magnus. The lives, deeds, cultural legacies, and thought of these various personalities are addressed through a series of lucid essays, interspersed with studies on the missions of both Rudolf and Marie Steiner. These are supplemented with short extracts from literature that reverberate with the word, helping to reveal the intimately intertwined karmic missions of Marie Steiner-von Sivers and Rudolf Steiner, her work companion and soul partner.
Based on the author's own experience of the supersensible being who stands behind the science of the spirit known as Anthroposophy. This book aims to show that the being Anthroposophia is not a poetic image or an abstract concept, but is an actual spiritual entity who works in the higher worlds for the good of earthly evolution.
More than 100 years after its founding, the Anthroposophical Society faces serious questions--some of an existential nature--regarding its purpose and tasks today. On March 30, 2012, at the Society's Annual General Meeting in Dornach, Sergei Prokofieff and Peter Selg gave lectures in which they addressed difficult issues related to the General Anthroposophical Society and its global headquarters, the Goetheanum in Switzerland. Their lectures were met with a mixture of enthusiastic support and stern disapproval. They are reproduced here in full, together with supplementary material that helps broaden and deepen their themes, so that every interested individual has access to them.
As a naive and innocent young man, Parzival encounters a group of noble knights in the forest. Overcome by the leading knight's shining armour, he assumes that the man must be a God. This key turning point in Parzival's life inspires him to seek to become a knight himself, and immediately he embarks upon a quest to find King Arthur's court and ultimately the Holy Grail. Through his journeys Parzival is to learn many unexpected lessons, discovering qualities of empathy, humility, compassion and ultimately true and selfless love. Filled with spiritual wisdom and artistic beauty, Parzival is one of the greatest works of world literature. In this concise, accessible introduction to the central Gail story, Eileen Hutchins describes the key characters, including Parzival's father Gamuret and mother Herzeleide, and relates the tale in outline. Her classic study also features commentary on the book's historical background, essays on its significance today, and a comparison with other Grail Romances. Eschenbach is the first medieval poet to represent a character who has to win his way through trial and error, from ignorance to wisdom, and from fascination with the world of the senses to recognition of higher realms of experience. In this sense he is representative of modern man.' - from the Introduction
In 1828 a teenage boy was discovered on the streets of Nuremberg. Barely able to walk, he clutched a letter in his hand. This youth, Kaspar Hauser, who couldn't properly speak or write, was soon to become an international phenomenon known as "the Child of Europe." The story of Kaspar Hauser presents many mysteries. According to his account, the young boy spent most of his life confined in a darkened space. Unable to stand up, and with no knowledge of his captors, he was fed a diet of bread and water. Eventually released from this macabre prison, he survived an assassination attempt only to be stabbed to death in 1833. Why was a child kept in such squalid circumstances? Who were his parents? Who was responsible for such a cruel attack on childhood? Who murdered him? In this seminal work Peter Tradowsky addresses these questions through the insights of Anthroposophy. His analysis reveals some of the secrets of Kaspar Hauser's short life, and the occult significance of his incarnation, spiritual nature and individuality.
Mani, the founder of the spiritual movement that has come to be called "Manichaeism," established an influential teaching that spread swiftly across Asia, Africa, and parts of Europe, but was later brutally suppressed. Little was known about this "Gnostic" religion until archaeological findings in the twentieth century revealed important aspects of Mani's biography and philosophical thought.Many years before those physical discoveries, Rudolf Steiner provided key esoteric insights based on his personal spiritual-scientific research, into Mani's life and work. Richard Seddon assembles pieces of the academic and esoteric puzzle, offering a lively and colorful picture of Mani and Manichaeism. He gives a succinct outline of Mani's life, the fundamental aspects of his teachings, and a description of the future spiritual role of Manichaeism. Seddon creates an image of a great Christian initiate leading a movement with the critical task of transforming and ultimately redeeming evil.
In ancient times, people's experience of the divine was imbued with the feminine archetype. The world of spirit was seen to be populated by goddesses, and women were honored as priestesses and guardians of sacred rites. The later Greek and Roman civilizations, in contrast, were characterized by the principle of patriarchy, which still dominates our culture--despite the political and social emancipation of women in the West.This unique book goes way beyond the usual studies on gender. The authors maintain that, during ancient times, people experienced the divine as imbued with the archetypal feminine.The world of spirit was seen populated by goddesses, and this perception was reflected by honoring women as priestesses and guardians of sacred rites. The Greeks and Romans, on the other hand, were led largely by the principle of patriarchy. More recently, however, we have seen the political and social emancipation of women, but patriarchal thinking continues to dominate our Western culture.The Authors' survey of the feminine archetype attempts to illuminate the spiritual significance and meaning of the feminine principle today as well as its future destiny. By considering the mystery behind human and earthly evolution, they arrive at clear and accessible perspectives that can help to transform human life today, especially the culture of family.Beginning with Eve in tradition and legend, the authors comment on the Queen of Sheba, the image of the Virgin in esoteric Christianity, Isis-Sophia and the Great Mother, the birth of art from the primal feminine, and the importance of women for modern esotericism.
Following his major work on Rudolf Steiner's ten visits to Britain, Crispian Villeneuve studies Steiner's relationship to the British Isles during the approximately forty years before those visits. The theme of Steiner's early connection to British culture leads inevitably to the broader topic of his relationship to modern science. This in turn highlights the polarity and tension between the Goethean philosophic view that arises from Central Europe, and the "Baconian" perspective emanating from Western Europe.Interweaving these contrasting Baconian and Goethean worldviews, Villeneuve presents numerous primary texts--often culled from obscure sources and many previously unavailable in English--with commentary on Rudolf Steiner and the nineteenth century. We learn about Steiner's teachers, Karl Julius Schröer and Edmund Reitlinger, as well as English polymath William Whewell, perhaps the greatest admirer of Francis Bacon in recorded history, though he maintained numerous connections to Central Europe.Crispian Villeneuve offers genuinely new and valuable research into the early life and thought of one of the greatest cultural innovators of our time.
This book...will appeal to those who are in touch with their inner creative impulses, or are motivated but do not know how to begin. The aim is to make this spiritual path possible for every person. It can change the way one relates to life and work - at first simply by an attitude shift, as a questioning, caring human being, taking seriously the spiritual forces that manifest in all outer phenomena.' How do adults learn and develop? How can adult learning become a living, growing process? Based on the application of the 'seven life processes', Coenraad van Houten has successfully developed the methods of 'Vocational Learning' (Awakening the Will, 1999) and 'Destiny Learning' (Practising Destiny, 2000). Here, in the culmination of his research trilogy, he presents a new path of adult learning which he calls 'Creative Spiritual Research'. Based on the inner spiritual path of the individual, this is a method that relates to esoteric schooling, thresholds of consciousness and human creativity. Part One of Creative Spiritual Research features guidelines and exercises for individual practice, whilst Part Two focuses on the general schooling path as a preparation or precondition, opening the inner space needed for research as well as a questioning attitude.
"It is becoming more and more important to add truth to the plethora of distortion that surrounds the Knights Templar. The Order's spiritual legacy therefore needs voices that make conscious the impulse they carried, and to show how these impulses have reappeared and metamorphosed in later times, and how they continue to be of pressing relevance today in all spheres of life--from spirituality and the arts to politics and the worlds of banking, commerce, and business." (from the introduction)The beginning of the Templar Order is shrouded in mystery. Little is known about its foundation, inner workings, or its rapid growth. Such a lack of knowledge can lead to all sorts of speculation and, at times, bizarre theories. This book--the result of a conference on the theme at Emerson College in England--offers new, well-grounded perspectives that utilize both esoteric and exoteric sources. From varying perspectives, the contributors tackle key questions relating to the formation of the Templar Order, as well as its goals and intentions.The authors explore the spiritual and historical background of the Knights Templar, as well as the Order's significance today and its continuing impulse for the future. With its broad scope, this stimulating anthology encourages independent, open-minded enquiry and research.
Illuminating various dimensions of spiritual science, this work talks about, among other aspects, the relationship of the Foundation Stone Meditation to the being Anthroposophia, the spiritual hierarchies, human karma, the Rosicrucian, Michaelic and Grail streams, the Mystery of Golgotha, the two Jesus boys, and more.
With the world in turmoil, the greatest challenge facing us today, says Mario Betti, is the inner transformation of our entire being. This rebirth from within heralds a new form of consciousness--a creative imaginative faculty--that is also a reawakening of the mysterious Sophia, the feminine aspect of the Divinity. Imagination allows us to see the spiritual forces at work in the world, leading to the possibility of a comprehensive rebirth and renewal of culture.
Michaela Glockler speaks on themes relating to the esoteric path of spiritual development and its therapeutic task for the individual and community. Giving an account of the evolution of the ancient mysteries in relation to medicine, she discusses the application of inner work in outer action, reflecting on modern social and ethical issues such as organ transplantation and the termination of pregnancy. The author addresses primarily those in the healing professions, but this book will be of interest to anyone concerned with the new science of the spirit.
In a quest to discover the truth behind the twentieth century's disastrous record of conflict and war, the author considers two contradictory approaches to history: the so-called cock-up theory and conspiracy theories. Could there be truth to the often-dismissed concept of conspiracy in history: the manipulation of external events by groups and individuals mostly hidden from the public eye? In the work of philosopher and scientist Rudolf Steiner, Boardman finds convincing evidence of the existence of secretive circles in the West, which have plans for humanitys long-term future. Steiner indicated that such "brotherhoods" had prepared for world war in the twentieth century, and had instructed their members, using redrawn maps as a guide, on how Europe was to be changed. If these brotherhoods existed in Steiner's time, could they still be active today? Based on detailed research, Boardman concludes that such groups are directing world politics in our time. As backing for his theory, he studies a series of important articles and maps--ranging from an 1890 edition of the satirical journal Truth to more recent pieces from influential publications that speak for themselves. He concludes that vast plans are in progress for a New World Order to control and direct individuals and nations, and he calls us to be vigilant, awake and informed.
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