Download or read book Materialism and the Task of Anthroposophy written by Rudolf Steiner and published by SteinerBooks. This book was released on 1987 with total page 372 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this history of human consciousness, Steiner explains that the world ended in A.D. 300, when it became impossible to find spirit in nature. Since then, we have been living in an increasingly spiritual world on a disintegrating, dying Earth. Although people have been asleep to the spiritual reality that surrounds us, Steiner shows a way out of today's blind materialism that takes us toward a new spiritual perception and knowledge, which is the only way that we will find the Christ in our time. In these exciting lectures, Steiner also talks about the true nature of numbers, they Mystery of the Grail, and the development of materialism. We need to let go of materialism now that it has fulfilled its task of making us true citizens of Earth. Through spiritual science, we must now be come citizens of the spiritual world.
Download or read book The Karma of Materialism written by Rudolf Steiner and published by Rudolf Steiner Press. This book was released on 1985 with total page 158 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Rudolf Steiner examines the effects of scientists' failure to examine thinking itself since the beginning of the so-called scientific revolution. This has led to a materialistic attitude in human culture that generates what Steiner calls "the karma of materialism." He explains that there is a lack of harmony between the human intellect, which involves the physical body and life forces, and the sense of morality, which involves the most recent aspect of our human constitution--our individuality, or I-being. Contents: Foreword by Owen Barfield Forgotten Aspects of Cultural Life False Analogies Rhythm in Breathing and Cognition Spiritual Courage versus Indolence Christ and the Present Reflections on the Times Luther (two lectures) Spiritual Science and Insight
Download or read book POLARITIES IN THE EVOLUTION OF HUMANITY written by Rudolf Steiner and published by Rudolf Steiner Press. This book was released on 2022-05-04 with total page 235 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 'The present age needs to understand that human beings must hold the balance between the two extremes, between the ahrimanic and the luciferic poles. People always tend to go in one direction... The Christ stands in the middle, holding the balance.'– Rudolf Steiner These eleven lectures were given in post-war Stuttgart against a backdrop of struggle and uncertainty – not only within society at large but also within the anthroposophical movement. Rudolf Steiner and his supporters were working to introduce 'threefold' social ideas and – given Steiner's public profile – were coming under increasing personal and sometimes physical attack. Steiner responds to this turbulent situation by revealing the spiritual background to the forces of decline working in contemporary civilization. He speaks of retrogressive powers – spiritual beings referred to as luciferic or ahrimanic – that work directly into human culture, manifesting, for example, in what he refers to as the 'initiation streams' of Western secret societies, the Church-allied impulse of Jesuitism and the Bolshevik force of Leninism. The spiritual agents of adversity also encourage polarised thinking and false opposites such as East verses West, materialism and mysticism, or knowledge and belief. Only the threefold principle – represented by Christ – allows us to create a balance in the midst of these existential conflicts. This freshly-reworked translation is complemented with notes, an index and an introduction by Matthew Barton.
Download or read book Karma of Materialism written by Rudolf Steiner and published by . This book was released on 1986-01-06 with total page 158 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book The Influences of Lucifer and Ahriman written by Rudolf Steiner and published by SteinerBooks. This book was released on 1993 with total page 100 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In these lectures, Steiner focuses on the vital task of developing the proper orientation toward a free spiritual life. With great compassion and understanding, he offers telling examples of how humanity must walk a conscious middle way between the two tempting powers of Lucifer and Ahriman. He describes the incarnation of Lucifer in the third millennium before the Christ event, out of which flowed not just the wisdom of paganism, but also the conscious intellect we enjoy today. Ahriman, on the other hand, is shown approaching human beings through such phenomena as materialism, nationalism, and literalism, all in preparation for his incarnation in the third millennium. Keep in mind, however, that these two powers do not work separately; rather, they are working increasingly together. Our task as human beings is to hold them in balance, continually permeating one with the other. Steiner tells us that "Lucifer and Ahriman must be regarded as two scales of a balance, and it is we who must hold the beam in equipoise. How can we train ourselves to do this? By permeating what takes ahrimanic form within us with a strongly luciferic element." To accomplish this task we need a new, more conscious inner life.
Download or read book The Karma of Anthroposophy written by Rudolf Steiner and published by Rudolf Steiner Press. This book was released on 2009 with total page 191 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "If such authentic souls, such honest anthroposophists can be found...then an upward movement and dynamic will arise. If such souls do not appear, then decadence will take its inexorable downward course.... Today humanity stands before a great crisis: either it will see all civilization collapsing into the abyss, or else spirituality will raise civilization up by the power of the Michael impetus, through which the Christ impetus works, thus continuing, enriching and sustaining it." During 1924, the last full year of Rudolf Steiner's life, he gave a series of urgent, sometimes impassioned, talks to members of the Anthroposophical Society about their karma and its relationship to contemporary culture, referring in particular to the vital task of renewing civilization and preserving it from the threat of decline. Steiner's words reveal a great gathering of forces to do spiritual battle for the soul of humanity. He presents a striking panorama in which anthroposophists are compelled to broaden their vision--to see true esoteric and exoteric anthroposophic work as a living yeast that can leaven all culture. To awaken members of the Anthroposophical Society to the significance of their task, Steiner could see that it was essential for them to understand the various karmic threads that form the fabric of the anthroposophic movement. Such recognition--of both difference and unity--offers strength of diversity, which easily leads to division if it remains unconscious and unrecognized. In the lectures and excerpts in The Karma of Anthroposophy, Rudolf Steiner speaks of an unprecedented convergence of two specific groups of souls with the anthroposophic movement: the Platonists and the Aristotelians. Thus, a conflict of approaches forms the karmic background, whereas today's task calls for unity based on love and knowledge--to work with the Archangel Michael and Christ in the face of Ahriman, materialism, and the possibility of social collapse and decadence. Given the challenges we face today, it is urgent for those who embrace spiritual science to study, absorb, and take to heart the substance of this critically important material.
Download or read book The Imagination of Pentecost written by Richard Leviton and published by SteinerBooks. This book was released on 1994 with total page 468 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Carlo Pietzner speaks, out of his own ego-directed, inner experiences, about several motifs inherent to inner striving: the problem of self in relationship to the world, the disintegration of the three soul forces, the transition from sense perception to spiritual perception, the reality of evil, the condition of loneliness, and more.
Download or read book The Life and Work of Rudolf Steiner written by Guenther Wachsmuth and published by SteinerBooks. This book was released on 1995-06 with total page 1037 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Zanoni, first published in 1842, was inspired by a dream. Sir Edward, a Rosicrucian, wrote this engaging, well-researched, novel about the eternal conflict between head and heart, between wisdom and love, played out by the Rosicrucians before the dramatic background of the French Revolution. He described his book Zanoni as "a truth for those who can comprehend it, and an extravagance for those who cannot." Following his introduction, the novel is divided into seven parts, whose titles indicate the sevenfold path of spiritual development. The fourth section, "The Dweller of the Threshold," is the book's centerpiece, revealing significant esoteric facts and experiences. A novelist, a dramatist, a scholar, an editor, and an active member of Parliament, Sir Edward was an extremely successful author whose writings were widely read throughout England and Europe. He poured into this esoteric work all of the ancient esoteric wisdom that he felt he could reveal to the public during an age buried deeply in materialism. This work remains one of the great, pioneering landmarks of esoteric writing.
Download or read book Angels written by George J. Marshall and published by McFarland. This book was released on 2008-05-23 with total page 486 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In the 1990s alone, more than 400 works on angels were published, adding to an already burgeoning genre. Throughout the centuries angels have been featured in, among others, theological works on scripture; studies in comparative religions; works on art, architecture and music; philological studies; philosophical, sociological, anthropological, archeological and psychological works; and even a psychoanalytical study of the implications that our understanding of angels has for our understanding of sexual differences. This bibliography lists 4,355 works alphabetically by author. Each entry contains a source for the reference, often a Library of Congress call number followed by the name of a university that holds the work. More than 750 of the entries are annotated. Extensive indexes to names, subjects and centuries provide further utility.
Download or read book The Mysteries of the Holy Grail written by Rudolf Steiner and published by Rudolf Steiner Press. This book was released on 2010 with total page 224 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: From the ancient British tales of King Arthur and his knights through the medieval Central European sagas of Parzival, and right up to today's blockbuster novels and films, the Grail has maintained an enigmatic presence in Western culture. It is thought to be many things: a lost and priceless treasure, the chalice cup of the Last Supper, the cup that caught Jesus Christ's blood from the cross on Golgotha, and even a secret royal bloodline. Basing his presentations on far-reaching spiritual research, Rudolf Steiner gave profoundly esoteric, multifaceted insights into the mysteries of the Holy Grail. Collected for the first time in a single volume together with commentary and notes, these passages offer vivid tableaux with a multiplicity of meanings: a story that speaks to the human soul with a depth and complexity that intellectual interpretations alone cannot begin to fathom. Just as Parzival had to encounter and engage with veils of illusion and valleys of shadow and doubt, Steiner presents us with a similarly challenging path. This book is more than a treasure of thought and insight; it invites the reader to embark on a personal quest toward developing the capacity and vision needed to grasp the elusive Grail itself. As editor Matthew Barton writes: "The vessel of the Grail gradually descends toward us and comes into focus as we raise ourselves individually to it by piercing through the illusions of materialism, acknowledging that we ourselves can ultimately become true vessels for the spirit."
Download or read book Speaking to the Stars written by Jonathan Hilton and published by SteinerBooks. This book was released on 2023-04-05 with total page 209 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A New Star Wisdom developed by Willi Sucher from the insights of Rudolf Steiner "...the great paradox is that the loss of direct spiritual perception of the gods was necessary in evolution so that human beings could fulfill their great task in world evolution. According to Rudolf Steiner, this task is that we become beings of freedom and of the love that is born out of that freedom. This means that the experience of separation from the divine, unique to humanity among all beings, has the possibility, not the predetermination, to establish something new in the cosmos: a rank of beings who freely choose to participate with the divine plan out of the love born from that freedom." (from the book) Based on the author's comprehensive video course on star wisdom (astrosophy), this book presents a thorough introduction to star wisdom as inaugurated by the spiritual philosopher Rudolf Steiner and the pioneer of astrosophy Willi Sucher, whose work and methods Jonathan Hilton has studied, practiced, and developed for many years. Beginning with the basics, Hilton takes the reader through an introductory course on astrosophy--from understanding and working with the zodiac and planetary spheres to actual chart construction and to the spiritual significance and deeper meaning behind practical astrosophy and its potential for one's own inner development. In the process, he also brings a historical perspective and carefully draws important distinctions between today's popular astrology and the esoteric basis for an approach to star wisdom as viewed and developed through spiritual science. Also included in this course on astrosophy are numerous statements from the works of Rudolf Steiner on our human relationship to the stars, zodiac, and cosmos. This is an essential guide for anyone who wants to begin a study of this discipline and spiritual path through the stars. Liberally illustrated with more than seventy color and black-and-white images.
Download or read book Michael and the Two horned Beast written by Bernard Nesfield-Cookson and published by Temple Lodge Publishing. This book was released on 1998 with total page 388 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In our materialistic and skeptical age, it can be difficult to take seriously the existence of real spiritual beings. Nevertheless, countless individuals -- from the historic founders of religions to those who have been through near-death experiences -- have spoken of beings of Light, such as Angels and Archangels, and 'evil' beings, spirits of darkness.The author, basing his work on Rudolf Steiner's teachings, presents an epic picture of the forces of 'good' and 'evil' -- a battle of cosmic dimensions in which we are all intimately involved. He clarifies the pivotal role of the Archangel Michael, the 'Guardian of Cosmic Intelligence, ' who fights to hold the balance between the key powers of evil in our time -- Lucifer and Ahriman -- and describes other members of the evil hierarchies. He also discusses the biblical Apocalypse of St. John, the Mexican Mysteries, and much else.This book is an essential guide to meeting the challenge of evil at the new millennium.
Download or read book Polarities in the Evolution of Mankind written by Rudolf Steiner and published by Steiner Books. This book was released on 1987-04-01 with total page 183 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Steiner unfolds here the spiritual background to many social questions around the theme of the polarities of West and East, materialism and mysticism, knowledge and belief. He makes visible the forces of decline active in modern civilization, and how these threes are trying to wrest human destiny from the active participation of human beings. He presents with profound poignancy how Christ is pouring a new spirit into human evolution.
Download or read book The Reappearance of Christ in the Etheric written by Rudolf Steiner and published by SteinerBooks. This book was released on 2022-03-01 with total page 247 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Since the coming of Gautama Buddha, Eastern mystics have spoken especially about a future condition when earth will be bathed in a moral etheric atmosphere. Ever since the time of the ancient rishis, they had hoped that this moral impulse would come to earth from Vishva Karman (or from Ahura Mazda, as Zarathustra proclaimed). Eastern mysticism foresaw that this moral atmosphere would come to earth from the being we call the Christ. Eastern mystics had set their hopes on the being of Christ." -- Rudolf Steiner (p. 125) The first chapter of the Acts of the Apostles describes Christ's Ascension: "and a cloud received him out of their sight." As the disciples were looking up, two angels appeared and said, "the same Jesus, taken up from you into heaven, shall come again in the same way as you have seen him go." Starting in 1910, Rudolf Steiner initiated a series of lectures announcing the advent of Christ's appearance in the sphere of the earth's etheric or life body. This he said would begin between 1930 and 1940, but at first, only a few people would be aware of it. In time, more and more people --regardless of their religious affiliation --would be infused by Christ's living presence. Such "Damascus experiences," bespeaking a new natural clairvoyance, Steiner said, would become increasingly common. The Christ will become a living comforter. Though it may seem strange now, it is nevertheless true that even large numbers of people sitting together and wondering what to do will see the etheric Christ. He will be there and confer with them; he will cast his word into their gathering. We are approaching these times when this positive, constructive element will take hold of human evolution." -- Rudolf Steiner (p. 122) The lectures collected here on the second coming of Christ also contain significant related issues, such as spiritual science and etheric vision, the etheric vision of the future, the Sermon on the Mount and the land of Shambhala, the etherization of the blood, the mysteries of comets and the moon, Buddhism and Pauline Christianity, and the three realms between death and rebirth.
Download or read book The Creative Power of Anthroposophical Christology written by Sergei O. Prokofieff and published by SteinerBooks. This book was released on 2011-10 with total page 387 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 18 Introductory essays, written 1884-1897 (CW 1) The holistic paradigm, Gaia, deep ecology, and new alchemy all have a hidden ancestor: Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832). At the youthful age of twenty-one, Steiner was chosen to edit Goethe's scientific writings for the principle Goethe edition of his time. Goethe's literary genius was universally acknowledged; it was Steiner's task to understand and comment on Goethe's scientific achievements. Steiner recognized the significance of Goethe's work with nature and his epistemology, and here began Steiner's own training in epistemology and spiritual science. This collection of Steiner's introductions to Goethe's works re-visions the meaning of knowledge and how we attain it. Goethe had discovered how thinking could be applied to organic nature and that this experience requires not just rational concepts but a whole new way of perceiving. In an age when science and technology have been linked to great catastrophes, many are looking for new ways to interact with nature. With a fundamental declaration of the interpenetration of our consciousness and the world around us, Steiner shows how Goethe's approach points the way to a more compassionate and intimate involvement with nature. Nature's Open Secret is a translation of Goethes Naturwissenschaftliche Schriften, Einleitungen, (1884-1897). Previous translations were titled Goethe the Scientist and Goethean Science. (GA 1).
Download or read book School Renewal written by Torin M. Finser and published by SteinerBooks. This book was released on 2001 with total page 186 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: As a result of today's crisis in education, people are beginning to realize that schools involve far more than providing children with knowledge and skills. Schools are communities and, like all communities, may be healthy or unhealthy. School Renewal addresses the problems and challenges of a school community. Through the use of fairy tales, myths, and the personal experience of Waldorf education, Torin Finser describes how both teachers and parents can come to grips with common problems such as burnout, interpersonal conflicts, and the traps of routine. Most important, the author stresses that an educational community must come to terms with the many unseen dimensions of each individual. He shows how these little-understood aspects of the mind can be cultivated and nourished to keep the school and education alive. School Renewal does not offer formulas and slapdash solutions. Rather, it encourages a whole new way of thinking about education and personal growth - for children and for the adults who care about them. "...if one wish could be granted me on behalf of school renewal, I would ask for significant improvement in the quality of sleep afforded to parents and teachers. No other change has the potential to do more good than simply eliminating the state of chronic exhaustion found by the end of the week in most schools." "Torin Finser understands what it's like to deeply care about the education of our children. His message will be a healing balm for those open to his wise and practical counsel. I want to rush out and buy a copy of this book for every teacher and parent I know." --Eric Utne, founder of Utne Reader "Extremely accessible, down to earth, and full of very important insights. I highly recommend this book." --Dave Alsop, Chairman, Association of Waldorf Schools of North America "Splendid ... not just teachers, but parents, students, and just plain stressed-out citizens would benefit from the wisdom, information, and insight Finser offers." --Joseph Chilton Pearce, author of Magical Child and Evolution's End "Wise guidance for those of us who want to be good stewards of our children and the schools that serve them." -- Parker J. Palmer, author of The Courage to Teach and Let Your Life Speak "An exciting and refreshing book for parents and teachers ... in his clear and concise writing, Torin has shown us how to bring common sense back to our schools." --Jim Grant, Executive Director, Staff Development for Educators "For Finser, school renewal is about self-development ... the suggestions offered here contribute to new ways of thinking about education and personal growth. Highly recommended for school administrators, teachers, community groups, and parents." --Library Journal "Shows that a healthy school community is one that is able to recognize and work with the problems that can mar even the most liberal and creative educational systems: burnout, stress, and interpersonal conflict." --NAPRA Review
Download or read book Nature Spirits and What They Say written by Verena Stael von Holstein and published by CLAIRVIEW BOOKS. This book was released on 2019-11-06 with total page 240 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: ‘I can perceive spiritual beings in my surroundings… I can communicate with higher spirit beings of either an elemental or non-elemental kind, when they are willing. I can perceive the human aura, as well as certain areas of the astral plane… I can see the aura of plants and animals. I can speak with the guardian beings of plants and animals, inasmuch as they’re interested...’ – Verena Staël von Holstein Verena has learned to see and speak to elemental and nature beings. What’s more, she is able to translate their language into human terminology and thought. In this remarkable book, seventeen nature spirits are interviewed through her, almost as if these beings were sitting in front of us. Through the conversations we learn what spirits of fire, air, water and stone have to say – as well as hearing from beings of glass, silver, salt, paper, and even spirits of our dwellings and homes! They speak about their work with nature and their regrettable lack of contact with human beings. They describe the secrets of the cosmos, and tell of humankind’s past and future. The nature beings have surprising views on the environment, on natural disasters, good and evil, love and redemption. The interviews throw up beautiful, but sometimes disturbing insights into our world. Nature Spirits and What They Say offers an enchanting view of the world of elemental beings – but it also calls on us to recognize the seriousness of the situations they describe. As Verena explains, humans owe a huge amount to nature spirits, and we need to discover new ways of approaching them with full consciousness. This valuable book gives us the means to do just that.
