Esoteric Lessons. Dieser Artikel ist nicht verfügbar.Esoteric Lessons

This rich volume traces the esoteric work in the decade leading up to the reestablishment of the General Anthroposophical Society at the Christmas Conference (1923/19241 and the subsequent creation of the First Class, which replaced the Esoteric Section.

Part One contains thirty-nine lessons in just nineteen months, beginning in January 1913, five days after the Anthroposophical Society was founded, which allow us to sense the subtle though seismic shift of Anthroposophy as it becomes an autonomous earthly, spiritual reality outside the context of Theosophy. The task is meditation, with the initial focus to deepen the Rosicrucian path, and the emphasis is practical rather than theoretical; consequently, advice and many instructions arc given.

Part Two covers the period from 1920 to 1923, and clearly shows that the times demanded a different approach to the spiritual world. With the outbreak of World Wu- I, the esoteric lessons had ceased altogether (except for one totally private lesson given in the summer of 19181. From 1920 to 1923 only five esoteric lessons were given, but they include important meditations that indicate a new direction.

Part Three contains the two esoteric lessons given to the esoteric youth circleùmembers of the Youth Movementùin which there is something quite new and future-oriented: a new way of undertaking spiritual work in the service of the Archangel Michael. This section includes a moving account of the history and development of the esoteric Youth Movement.

The volume closes with the Threefold Mantra that foreshadowed a new approach for the First Class and was used by those in the Esoteric Section between 1920 and 1923.

Rudolf Steiner (b. Rudolf Joseph Lorenz Steiner, 1861-1925) was born in the small village of Kraljevec, Austro-Hungarian Empire (now in Croatia), where he grew up. As a young man, he lived in Weimar and Berlin, where he became a well-published scientific, literary, and philosophical scholar, known especially for his work with Goethe's scientific writings. Steiner termed his spiritual philosophy anthroposophy, meaning "wisdom of the human being." As an exceptionally developed seer, he based his work on direct knowledge and perception of spiritual dimensions. He initiated a modern, universal "spiritual science" that is accessible to anyone willing to exercise clear and unbiased thinking. From his spiritual investigations, Steiner provided suggestions for the renewal of numerous activities, including education (general and for special needs), agriculture, medicine, economics, architecture, science, philosophy, Christianity, and the arts. There are currently thousands of schools, clinics, farms, and initiatives in other fields that involve practical work based on the principles Steiner developed. His many published works feature his research into the spiritual nature of human beings, the evolution of the world and humanity, and methods for personal development. He wrote some thirty books and delivered more than six thousand lectures throughout much of Europe. In 1924, Steiner founded the General Anthroposophical Society, which today has branches around the world.

Christopher Bamford (1943-2022) was born in Cardiff, South Wales, and lived for a while in Hungary and then in Scotland. He studied as an undergraduate at Trinity University in Dublin and earned his master's degree at the Annenberg School for Communication, University of Pennsylvania. For nearly thirty years, he was Editor in Chief at SteinerBooks (Anthroposophic Press) and its imprints. A Fellow of the Lindisfarne Association, he lectured, taught, and wrote widely on Western spiritual and esoteric traditions. His books include a selection of his numerous introductions, Encountering Rudolf Steiner: Introductions to Essential Works (2022); Healing Madonnas: Exploring the Sequence of Madonna Images Created by Rudolf Steiner and Felix Peipers for Use in Therapy and Meditation (2017); An Endless Trace: The Passionate Pursuit of Wisdom in the West (2003); and The Voice of the Eagle: The Heart of Celtic Christianity (1990). He also translated and edited numerous books, including Homage to Pythagoras: Rediscovering Sacred Science (2001); The Noble Traveller: The Life and Writings of O. V. de L. Milosz (1984); and Celtic Christianity: Ecology and Holiness (1982). Essays by Mr. Bamford are included in The Best Spiritual Writing 2000 ("In the Presence of Death") and The Best American Spiritual Writing 2005 ("The Gift of the Call"). Christopher passed over the threshold on May 13, 2022, at his Mt. Washington, Massachusetts home.

Marsha Post was senior editor, translator, and Waldorf and adult education coordinator for SteinerBooks. While living in New York City, she was a leader in the Anthroposophical Society branch. She also served on the General Council of the Anthroposophical Society. Marsha crossed the threshold of death July 8, 2022.