 Approaches
to Anthroposophy
2 lectures by
Rudolf Steiner
These two lectures provide an excellent
introduction to some of the leading themes of Anthroposophy
or Spiritual Science.
In
Approaches to Anthroposophy,
Rudolf Steiner carefully corrects certain
misunderstandings or caricatures that had arisen regarding his
spiritual-scientific research and demonstrates how Anthroposophy
has nothing whatever to do with a nebulous mysticism or an
unhealthy spiritualism; nor is it simply a revival of ancient
esoteric teachings like Gnosticism or Theosophy.
Rather, it is a genuinely modern spiritual
teaching for western humanity that builds upon the achievements
of science and develops its exact methodology further into the
investigation of spiritual realities through the awakening of
higher organs of perception.
Anthroposophy’s relation to both natural
science and religious belief is dearly delineated and Steiner
shows how both one’s scientific endeavour and religious striving
can only be deepened by the insights of spiritual-scientific
research.
To approach Anthroposophy it is necessary, as
Steiner pointed out, ‘to concentrate one’s thoughts seriously’,
and perhaps re-evaluate some deeply ingrained beliefs, but he remained confident that the truth of its ideas would in
time overcome the prejudice and hostility that often attends the
arrival of any new impulse of cultural and spiritual renewal.
Trans: S. Blaxland
de Lange (2 lectures, Basel, Jan and Oct 1916, from GA35); 66pp
Rudolf Steiner Press
ISBN:
1 85584 151 7; paperback
To purchase this title, please click here:
Approaches to Anthroposophy - Rudolf
Steiner
Other
introductory works:
Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925) called his spiritual philosophy
'anthroposophy', which he defined as 'the consciousness of one's
humanity', and the disciplined methods of studying this he termed
‘spiritual science’. As a highly developed clairvoyant and
spiritual initiate, he spoke from
his direct cognition of the spiritual world. However, he did not see
his work as religious or sectarian, but rather sought to found a
universal 'science of the spirit'.
His
many published works (written books and lectures) - which include
his research into the spiritual nature of the human being, the
evolution of the world and humanity, and methods of personal
development - invite readers to develop their own spiritual
faculties. He also provided indications for the renewal of many
human activities, including education - both general and special -
agriculture, medicine, economics, architecture, science, philosophy,
religion and the arts. He wrote some 30 books and delivered over
6000 lectures across Europe, and in 1924 founded the General
Anthroposophical Society which today has branches throughout the
world.
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