A History of the School of Spiritual Science

2006
A History of the School of Spiritual Science

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  • Author: Johannes Kiersch
  • Publisher: Temple Lodge Publishing
  • ISBN: 9781902636801
  • Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
  • Languages : en
  • Pages : 298

The School of Spiritual Science and its individual sections was initiated by Rudolf Steiner at the Christmas Conference (1923-1924). His intention, in his own words, was to present "the esoteric aspect." It was to have three classes, though only the First Class was instituted before Steiner's death in 1925. Recently, the written records on which the teaching of the First Class is based have been published in both German and English, which has given rise to a number of questions. Consequently, the council of the General Anthroposophical Society in Dornach, Switzerland, commissioned Johannes Kiersch to write a history of this unique organization. The result is an overview of the First Class and its development, from the early esotericism developed by Rudolf Steiner while still connected with the Theosophical Society, to the period following World War II. The author provides individual commentaries on the first "mediators" of the school, including Lili Kolisko, Harry Collison, and Count Polzer-Hoditz. The book also presents some thirty-seven original documents in an extensive appendix, which features personal notes, letters, and speeches connected with the Esoteric School. A History of the School of Spiritual Science presents a balanced history of the birth and development of the First Class and its struggles through the controversial splits and conflicts that followed Steiner's death. As Kiersch states, "The aim has been, above all, to come as close as possible to the sources and offer historical material for individuals to form their own opinion."

The School of Spiritual Science

2010
The School of Spiritual Science

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  • Author: Johannes Kühl
  • Publisher: Temple Lodge Publishing
  • ISBN: 1906999163
  • Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
  • Languages : en
  • Pages : 145

In 1924, Rudolf Steiner established the School of Spiritual Science within the framework of the newly reestablished Anthroposophical Society. This book represents a beginning attempt at describing the nature, intent, and methods of this pioneering school and its place in modern culture. It describes the school's three prerequisites for membership and studies its connection with the Anthroposophical Society and the anthroposophic movement. It also examines the role of its "First Class" in relation to Rudolf Steiner's original intentions and the responsibilities of its representatives. The bulk of the book involves descriptions of the various sections in the School of Spiritual Science, contributed by those who are currently their leaders. These descriptions indicate how the school connects with daily work in various areas of life, in keeping with an esotericism based on the idea that "life and its depths can be confronted in the most energetic way." Also featured is practical information, including a description of the process for becoming a member and an appendix containing significant statements by Rudolf Steiner. In keeping with the transparency that Steiner requested from the outset, this book is suitable for anyone interested in the School of Spiritual Science.

Occult Science

2013-10-10
Occult Science

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  • Author: Rudolf Steiner
  • Publisher: Rudolf Steiner Press
  • ISBN: 1855843854
  • Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
  • Languages : en
  • Pages : 425

Written in 1909 (CW 13) An authorized translation of this classic work, re-edited, beautifully typeset and designed, from a professional publisher dedicated to high-quality editions of Rudolf Steiner's books and lectures. The Anthroposophy of Rudolf Steiner is not a theoretical system, but the results of research based on direct observation. As Steiner's research was so vast and conducted over such a long period of time, no single book can be said to contain the whole of his spiritual teaching. However, of all his books Occult Science comes closest. Steiner even referred to it as "an epitome of anthroposophic Spiritual Science." The book systematically presents the fundamental facts concerning the nature and constitution of the human being and, chronologically, the history of the universe and humankind. Whereas the findings of natural science are derived from observations made through the senses, the findings of Spiritual Science, or Anthroposophy, are "occult" inasmuch as they arise from direct observation of realities hidden to ordinary perception. And yet these elements of humanity and the universe form the foundation of the sense world. A substantial part of Occult Science is taken up with a description of the preliminary training needed to make such spiritual observations. Given his energetic involvement in practical initiatives and extensive lecturing, Steiner had little time to write books. Of those he did write, four titles form an indispensable introduction to his later teaching: The Philosophy of Freedom (CW 4); Theosophy (CW 9); Knowledge of the Higher Worlds (CW 10); and Occult Science: An Outline (CW 13). Occult Science: An Outline is a translation from German of Die Geheimwissenschaft im Umriss (GA 13).

The School of Spiritual Science

2024-04-25
The School of Spiritual Science

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  • Author: C. Kaliks et al.
  • Publisher: Temple Lodge Publishing
  • ISBN: 1915776163
  • Category : Religion
  • Languages : en
  • Pages : 120

In a thoroughly revised and updated second edition, this important volume describes the character, intentions and working methods of the pioneering School of Spiritual Science, as established by Rudolf Steiner within the framework of the re-founded Anthroposophical Society in 1924. It explains the School’s prerequisites for membership and examines the role of the First Class and its representatives’ responsibilities. The main body of the book features descriptions of the sections within the School of Spiritual Science, contributed by individuals responsible for leadership of those sections. They indicate how the School connects with daily work in various aspects of life – including medicine, agriculture, education, science and the arts – and how they relate to contemporary society. Also included are significant articles and lectures by Rudolf Steiner regarding his original intentions for the School, and practical information on the process of becoming a member. In keeping with the transparency that he called for, The School of Spiritual Science is available to anyone who wants to explore the work of this invaluable cultural institution.

Science and Spiritual Practices

2019-10-08
Science and Spiritual Practices

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  • Author: Rupert Sheldrake
  • Publisher: National Geographic Books
  • ISBN: 1640092641
  • Category : Religion
  • Languages : en
  • Pages : 0

"I have personally adopted many of the practices Rupert describes in his book and experienced more love, joy, empathy, gratitude, and equanimity as a result. We are all indebted to Rupert, who has tirelessly brought us deep insights from both science and spirituality.” ―Deepak Chopra The effects of spiritual practices are now being investigated scientifically as never before, and many studies have shown that religious and spiritual practices generally make people happier and healthier. In this pioneering book, Rupert Sheldrake shows how science helps validate seven practices on which many religions are built, and which are part of our common human heritage: meditation, gratitude, connecting with nature, relating to plants, rituals, singing and chanting, and pilgrimage and holy places. Sheldrake summarizes the latest scientific research on what happens when we take part in these practices, and suggests ways that readers can explore these fields for themselves. For those who are religious, Science and Spiritual Practices will illuminate the evolutionary origins of their own traditions and give a new appreciation of their power. For the nonreligious, this book will show how the core practices of spirituality are accessible to all. This is a book for anyone who suspects that in the drive toward radical secularism, something valuable has been left behind. Rupert Sheldrake compellingly argues that by opening ourselves to the spiritual dimension, we may find the strength to live more fulfilling lives.

Sexuality, Love and Partnership

2011
Sexuality, Love and Partnership

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  • Author: Rudolf Steiner
  • Publisher: Rudolf Steiner Press
  • ISBN: 1855842602
  • Category : Family & Relationships
  • Languages : en
  • Pages : 256

"Rudolf Steiner presents the human soul dilemma, split into male and female attributes...but offers a path of development that 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 sexualized society, surrounded by sexual imagery and content in almost every area of life. This condition presents us with many challenges. These include decreased clarity and increasing confusion about the distinction between love and sex; strife between men and women over their roles in society; and a persistent assault on childhood innocence. Despite the sensibilities of his time, 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, single-sexed beings to becoming beings of male and female genders. 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 the possibility that even the process of reproduction will be transformed. Steiner is refreshingly nonjudgmental and does not preach asceticism. He recognizes the all-too-human frailty with which people confront their personal lives, even in the case of such a great individual as Goethe. Sex is a necessary stage of human evolution, and the split nature of the human being is a fact of our time. 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.

The Michael School

2016
The Michael School

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  • Author: Peter Selg
  • Publisher: Steiner Books
  • ISBN: 9781621481553
  • Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
  • Languages : en
  • Pages : 0

When Rudolf Steiner embarked on the esoteric lessons of the First Class in the newly founded Esoteric School at the Goetheanum, he suggested that the School for Spiritual Science as an esoteric institution had, in the years preceding the Christmas Foundation Meeting of 1923, become estranged from its intrinsic task. This volume closely investigates those matters--to which Steiner referred only briefly--tracing the development of Rudolf Steiner's idea of the School in relation to the Michael community, which he first discussed at length in his lectures on karma, given in parallel to the First Class lessons. This book also describes Ita Wegman's path and her mission in connection with these undertakings. CONTENTS Foreword 1. The School of Spiritual Science 2. The Michael School and the First Class 3. Ita Wegman's Path Appendix: The Ritual of Admission into Joint Leadership of the Michael School The Relationship with the School: Teachers, physicians, and priests in 1924

On Philosophy, History, and Literature

2024-01-16
On Philosophy, History, and Literature

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  • Author: Rudolf Steiner
  • Publisher: SteinerBooks
  • ISBN: 1621483223
  • Category : Philosophy
  • Languages : en
  • Pages : 218

Author's summary and summaries of 34 lectures, 1901-1905; with reports on Rudolf Steiner's activity in the "Giordano Bruno Association," 1902 (CW 51) "Steiner's approach was at first a surprise for the students, who had been schooled in Marxist thought and tended to view all spiritual matters as 'byproducts' of material, economic processes. For them, it was questionable whether the spiritual striving of individual human beings could really be a driving force in history. Steiner knew the soul disposition of his students and the 'inexpressibly tragic situation' that the proletariat's intense desire for knowledge had so far been 'satisfied only through the grossest form of materialism.' But the materialistic ideas that had been absorbed by the workers from popular scientific literature and from Marxist writings contained 'partial truths.'" (introduction) Wide-ranging, illuminating, and entirely unique in Rudolf Steiner's Collected Works, this volume consists of lectures given at the Worker Education School and at the Independent College in Berlin (along with a lengthy appendix on Steiner's activity in the Giordano Bruno Association). Concerning his teaching activities in the Worker School, Steiner later reflected in his autobiography, "I had to find a completely different way of expressing myself than I had become used to until then" (p. 193). This was due largely to his students' working-class background. Steiner's new approach involved allowing "idealism to arise from materialism." The result was the foundation for what he called "historical symptomatology"--that is, the study of the deeper causes behind history through their symptomatic expression in concrete historical events. This volume is therefore an exceptional resource for anyone interested in Steiner's approach to history. Steiner's lectures at the Independent College, which form part two of the volume, are concerned, on the one hand, with the philosophies of the medieval and early modern mystics--forming a companion to his book Mystics after Modernism (CW 7)--and, on the other, with the remarkable figure of Friedrich Schiller. Speaking on the occasion of the centenary of Schiller's death, Steiner's lectures are a brilliant homage to the great thinker and dramatist, brimming with insights into this extraordinary individual and the significance of his contributions for our time. The appendix contains unique documents outlining Steiner's work in the Giordano Bruno Association for a Unified Worldview. The lively exchange of ideas and Steiner's unique role within the Association are evident in the selected lectures and discussions. This book is a must-read for both long-time students of Steiner's work and newcomers seeking a fresh, enlivened, and enlivening approach to philosophy, history, and literature. On Philosophy, History, and Literature is a translation from German of Uber Philosophie, Geschichte, und Literatur. Darstellungen an der Arbeiterbildungsschule und der Freien Hochschule in Berlin, Zusammenstellung edition, Rudolf Steiner Verlag, Dornach, 1983 (GA 51).

Goetheanism

2024-10-28
Goetheanism

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  • Author: Rudolf Steiner
  • Publisher: Rudolf Steiner Press
  • ISBN: 1855846535
  • Category : Religion
  • Languages : en
  • Pages : 284

'There will be a resurrection – a resurrection that should not be imagined politically... but it will be a resurrection. Goetheanism still rests in the grave as far as external culture is concerned. But Goetheanism must rise again.' In the first winter following the Great War, Rudolf Steiner appealed to the spirit of Central Europe – which he characterized as Goetheanism – that had been languishing for decades. Only such a spiritual force could provide answers to the pressing social, national and international questions of the time. A new constellation of polar, hostile opposition had emerged after the war, with the East and Bolshevism on one side, and the victorious West and Americanism on the other. In the middle, with no apparent role or hope for the future, was the defeated Central Europe. But this 'centre', beseeched Steiner, should not become a vacuum. Rather, it needs to discover its true, world-historical task.In this context, with deep seriousness and urgency, Rudolf Steiner speaks of the work of Goetheanism, which begins with understanding the threefold human being and leads to threefolding the social organism. Steiner goes on to describe the decisive role of the consciousness soul in the present epoch, and how Schiller's Aesthetic Letters and Goethe's Fairy Tale relate to contemporary challenges. He discusses a multitude of seemingly diverse but interrelated themes, such as the migration of peoples in the past and present, the thinking of John of the Cross, and the modern path of spirit cognition. The first English publication of these lectures features an introduction by Christian von Arnim, notes and an index. Twelve lectures, Dornach, Jan.–Feb. 1919, GA 188

Crisis in the Anthroposophical Society

2013
Crisis in the Anthroposophical Society

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  • Author: Sergei O Prokofieff
  • Publisher: Temple Lodge Publishing
  • ISBN: 1906999430
  • Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
  • Languages : en
  • Pages : 137

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.