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 Reincarnation
and Karma
Two Fundamental Truths of Human Existence
5 lectures by Rudolf Steiner
Rudolf Steiner saw
it as his particular task to introduce detailed, scientific
knowledge of reincarnation and karma into the West. He believed that
a deepened understanding and experience of the reality of successive
earth lives is an essential ingredient of true spiritual knowledge
of one’s own being and of humanity. In contrast to most teachings on
this subject, he always gave concrete descriptions of the
metamorphoses undergone by individuals in the course of successive
incarnations. For this reason, too, he gave specific examples of the
working of karma, as well as practical exercises for experiencing
the reality of reincarnation.
In this set of lectures, which contains some of Steiner’s most
important teachings on the subject, Rudolf Steiner describes the
development of “feeling memory” of earlier incarnations, the
profound effect of a real understanding of reincarnation on our
moral lives, and gives several exercises which help develop a real
sense and understanding of karma and reincarnation.
Trans: various (5
lectures, Jan - Mar 1912, GA135); 101pp
Anthroposophic Press
ISBN:
0 88010 366 3; paperback
See also:
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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